Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Vessels of Mercy

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Vessels of Mercy" is a profound biblical metaphor that describes the saints, or the people of God, as recipients of His abundant grace and compassion. This imagery is rooted in the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, where he contrasts "vessels of wrath" with "vessels of mercy." The concept underscores the divine sovereignty and grace bestowed upon believers, highlighting their role and purpose within God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for "Vessels of Mercy" is found in Romans 9:22-23 : "What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory?" Here, Paul articulates the distinction between those destined for judgment and those chosen to display God's glory through His mercy.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Election and Sovereignty: The concept of "Vessels of Mercy" emphasizes God's sovereign choice in salvation. It reflects the doctrine of election, where God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, selects individuals to be recipients of His grace. This selection is not based on human merit but solely on God's gracious will.

2. Purpose and Glory: The saints, as vessels of mercy, are intended to manifest the "riches of His glory." This indicates that their lives are to be a testament to God's grace, serving as instruments through which His character and purposes are revealed to the world.

3. Transformation and Sanctification: Being a vessel of mercy implies a transformative process. Believers are not only chosen but are also being sanctified, molded by God's Spirit to reflect His holiness and love. This transformation is a continuous journey towards becoming more like Christ.

4. Contrast with Vessels of Wrath: The juxtaposition with "vessels of wrath" serves to highlight the depth of God's mercy. While the vessels of wrath are associated with judgment, the vessels of mercy are associated with grace and redemption, underscoring the stark difference between those who reject God and those who embrace His salvation.

Practical Implications

1. Humility and Gratitude: Recognizing oneself as a vessel of mercy should lead to profound humility and gratitude. Believers are reminded that their status is not earned but is a gift from God, prompting a life of thankfulness and worship.

2. Mission and Witness: As vessels of mercy, Christians are called to be active participants in God's mission. Their lives should be a witness to His mercy, drawing others to the hope and salvation found in Christ.

3. Community and Unity: Understanding the communal aspect of being vessels of mercy fosters unity among believers. It encourages mutual support and love within the body of Christ, as all are recipients of the same divine mercy.

Conclusion

The title "Vessels of Mercy" encapsulates the essence of the Christian identity as recipients of God's grace, chosen to reflect His glory and participate in His redemptive work. This profound metaphor invites believers to live lives marked by humility, gratitude, and a commitment to God's purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 9:23
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had before prepared to glory,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour ... 6); the excellent of the earth' (Psalm
16:3); vessels of honour ... As Christ bears the saints' names upon his breast, so they ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The Lord's Supper
... What names and titles in Scripture are ... Take, eat.' This expression of eating denotes
four things; (1) The near mystic union between Christ and his saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... this book as one of the Divine titles of the ... a good precedent for leaving their other
names, Zoon and ... The "prayers of the saints" are the prayers referred to ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
... Gods, and was an idolater; or by the three titles he was ... be everywhere, if we read
the acts and names of the ... of wrath; and, as they depart, the saints will say ...
/.../the principal works of st jerome/the dialogue against the luciferians.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... law,""he refrains still from mentioning the names of the ... grace, and so the number
of the saints has always ... come down to us under the separate titles of On ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... as they could, to wit, to drink of the blood of saints, and of ... the matters and things
of worship of Antichrist; it dwells in the titles and names that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... piety are said to inscribe their names among the ... Those magnificent titles, as when
the temple is called ... of cutting himself off from the communion of saints. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... troubles, [440]173; addresses God by various titles, why, [441 ... of temptations,
[463]324; called by such names as would ... cast out by bones of the saints, [476]403 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... upon Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour ... think to tread them
down; but the saints have a ... God to glorify his mercy on the vessels of mercy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm