Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the affections of believers are to be primarily directed towards Jesus Christ, who claims the preeminent place in the hearts and lives of His followers. This principle is deeply rooted in Scripture and is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship.Scriptural Basis The call for Christ to hold the first place in the affections of believers is clearly articulated in the Gospels. In Matthew 10:37, Jesus states, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." This passage underscores the necessity of prioritizing love for Christ above even the most intimate familial relationships. Similarly, in Luke 14:26, Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship: "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple." The term "hate" in this context is understood as a hyperbolic expression, indicating that one's love for Christ should be so great that all other loves are secondary by comparison. Christ's Preeminence The apostle Paul further elaborates on the supremacy of Christ in the affections of believers. In Colossians 1:18, he writes, "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence." This passage highlights Christ's rightful place as the foremost in all things, including the hearts of His followers. Paul's own life exemplifies this principle. In Philippians 3:7-8, he declares, "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Here, Paul expresses the depth of his affection for Christ, valuing his relationship with the Savior above all earthly gains. The Role of Love in Obedience The love for Christ that claims the first place in a believer's affections is not merely an emotional response but is intrinsically linked to obedience. Jesus Himself states in John 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This connection between love and obedience is a recurring theme in Scripture, indicating that true affection for Christ manifests in a life that seeks to honor and follow His teachings. Transformation of Affections The transformation of affections is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Romans 5:5 affirms, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." This divine love enables believers to love Christ supremely and to align their desires and priorities with His will. Conclusion In summary, the call for Christ to claim the first place in the affections of believers is a central tenet of the Christian faith. It is a call to love Christ above all else, to prioritize Him in every aspect of life, and to demonstrate this love through obedience and devotion. This principle is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, and it is empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 10:37He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Nave's Topical Index Luke 14:26 Library The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood. The Sufferings of Christ Reconciled with the Goodness of God. Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ... The Sinfulness of Original Sin. The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It. Divine Support and Protection Victory Over the World through Faith The Journey to Jerusalem - Chronological Arrangement of the Last ... The Life of Christ. He Proceeds to Discuss the views Held by Eunomius Resources What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgSummaries of Christian theology brought to you by GotQuestions.org! | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints Affections: Carnal, should be Mortified Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate Affections: should be Set Upon Heavenly Things Affections: should be Set Upon the Commandments of God Affections: should be Set Upon the House and Worship of God Affections: should be Set Upon the People of God Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God Affections: should not Grow Cold The Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God The Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted The Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God The Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of The Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints The Affections: Carnal Affections should be Mortified The Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In The Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ The Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate The Affections: should be Set: Upon Heavenly Things The Affections: should be Set: Upon the Commandments of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the House and Worship of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the People of God The Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God The Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God The Affections: should not Grow Cold Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) |
    |