Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Friends of God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Friends of God" is a profound designation found within the Holy Scriptures, reflecting a deep and intimate relationship between the saints and the Divine. This title underscores the personal and relational aspect of faith, highlighting the closeness and communion that believers can experience with God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of being a "friend of God" is most explicitly articulated in the life of Abraham. In the Book of James, it is written, "And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called a friend of God" (James 2:23). This passage emphasizes that Abraham's faith and obedience established a unique relationship with God, characterized by trust and mutual respect.

Similarly, in the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah refers to Abraham as God's friend: "But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend" (Isaiah 41:8). This designation is not merely honorary but signifies a covenantal bond, where Abraham's faithfulness is met with God's promises and blessings.

Jesus and His Disciples

The New Testament expands on this theme through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus elevates His disciples to the status of friends: "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). Here, friendship with God is marked by revelation and shared knowledge, indicating a deeper level of intimacy and understanding.

Jesus further clarifies the nature of this friendship by linking it to love and obedience: "You are My friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:14). This statement reveals that friendship with God involves a commitment to His will and a life lived in accordance with His commandments.

Characteristics of God's Friends

The title "Friends of God" implies certain characteristics and responsibilities. Friends of God are those who:

1. Exhibit Faith and Trust: Like Abraham, they believe in God's promises and trust in His faithfulness.
2. Obey God's Commands: As Jesus taught, friendship with God is demonstrated through obedience to His word.
3. Seek Intimacy with God: They desire a close relationship with God, characterized by prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture.
4. Reflect God's Love: They embody the love of God in their interactions with others, fulfilling the command to love one another as Christ loved us.

Theological Significance

The designation of saints as "Friends of God" carries profound theological implications. It speaks to the accessibility of God and His desire for a personal relationship with His people. This title challenges believers to move beyond a transactional view of faith to one that is relational and transformative. It invites Christians to experience the fullness of life in Christ, marked by love, joy, and fellowship with the Creator.

In summary, the title "Friends of God" is a testament to the possibility of a deep, abiding relationship with the Divine, characterized by faith, obedience, and love. It is a call to live in communion with God, reflecting His character and purposes in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 20:7
Are not you our God, who did drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and gave it to the seed of Abraham your friend for ever?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which said, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... What gentle characters,. What titles he assumes! ... Nor will he bear those names in
vain. Immense compassion reigns. ... Then shall the saints completely prove. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... works of peace he comes, What winning titles he assumes! ... brother he appears, And
well fulfils the names he wears ... the rebels from his friends, And saints in full ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... But when for works of peace he comes,. What winning titles he assumes! ... And well
fulfils the names he wears. ... And saints in full fruition prove. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... to prove that fellowship he calls them by endearing names, by the highest titles
which they ... is in this sense that Paul calls these Roman saints "beloved of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

As the 148Th Psalm. The Same.
... Redeemer comes, What gentle characters, What titles he assumes! ... of men" Nor will
he bear Those names in vain ... and friends: Then shall the saints Completely prove ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 144444444 as the 148th.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... glory in heaven, he is not unmindful of
his saints on earth ... Our high priest has all the names and wants of his people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

Vanity of Human Glory.
... has been the happiness of many saints who have ... and skill, and perseverance, with
its proud titles of honour ... Your names will be written in Heaven, with those of ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xii vanity of human.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... at this mighty city, thus connecting their names, no longer ... Hence came the profane
judges of the Saints, and the new ... [3375] Hospitable, etc., titles given to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

City of God
... Certain Peculiar Cases the Examples of the Saints are Not ... Which the Pagans Have Called
by the Names of Their ... as Beings Entirely Good and the Friends of Virtue. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/