Topical Bible: Character: Revealed in Countenance

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The concept of character being revealed in one's countenance is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the face often serves as a window to the soul, reflecting inner thoughts, emotions, and moral standing. The countenance, or facial expression, is frequently used in Scripture to convey the state of a person's heart and their relationship with God.

Biblical Examples:

1. Cain's Countenance: In Genesis 4:5-6, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates how countenance can reveal inner turmoil and sin. After God favored Abel's offering over Cain's, it is written, "So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell." The fallen countenance of Cain indicated his jealousy and anger, which eventually led to the first murder recorded in Scripture.

2. Moses' Radiant Face: In Exodus 34:29-35, Moses' face shone after speaking with God on Mount Sinai. This radiance was a physical manifestation of his close communion with God, revealing a character transformed by divine presence. The Israelites were afraid to come near him, and Moses had to wear a veil over his face, signifying the profound impact of God's glory on his countenance.

3. Hannah's Changed Countenance: In 1 Samuel 1:18, after praying fervently for a child and receiving assurance from Eli the priest, Hannah's countenance changed. The verse states, "Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast." Her uplifted countenance reflected her renewed hope and faith in God's promise.

4. The Wicked and the Upright: Proverbs often contrasts the countenance of the wicked with that of the righteous. Proverbs 15:13 states, "A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit." This proverb highlights how inner joy and righteousness are reflected outwardly, while inner sorrow and wickedness can mar one's appearance.

5. Jesus' Transfiguration: In the New Testament, the transfiguration of Jesus is a profound example of divine character revealed in countenance. Matthew 17:2 describes, "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This event revealed Jesus' divine nature and glory to His disciples, affirming His identity as the Son of God.

6. Stephen's Angelic Face: In Acts 6:15, as Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin, it is noted, "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel." Stephen's countenance, even in the face of persecution, reflected his steadfast faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit within him.

Theological Implications:

The Bible teaches that the countenance is not merely a reflection of one's emotional state but also an indicator of spiritual health and moral character. A person's relationship with God, their inner virtues, and their spiritual struggles can often be discerned through their facial expressions. This understanding calls believers to cultivate a heart aligned with God's will, knowing that their inner life will inevitably be revealed outwardly.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to seek a transformation of the heart through a relationship with Christ, allowing His love and righteousness to shine through their countenance. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 states, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This transformation is a testament to the power of God's work within, manifesting in a countenance that reflects His glory and grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 3:9
The show of their countenance does witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe to their soul! for they have rewarded evil to themselves.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

John the Beloved
... He revealed to his fellow men that which he ... his own soul, representing in his character
the attributes ... shone with a Christlike radiance from his countenance. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 53 john the beloved.htm

The Test of Discipleship
... The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds ... God, yet they realize that
their character is imperfect ... praise Him who is the health of our countenance. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

His General Character as a Theologian.
... "The supernatural character of the ... of the Reformation, but it receives no countenance
from Gregory. ... in the theatre at Alexandria, but once revealed during the ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter ii his general character as.htm

The Work of Grace a Unit.
... of personal salvation, in its normal character, began only ... of God which shall be
revealed in the ... very neglect, this hiding of His countenance works together as ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ii the work of grace.htm

John Chapter xv. 23
... of any one, therefore, is not conveyed to us in his bodily countenance, but only
lies open to our apprehension when his life and character are revealed. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xc john chapter xv.htm

Waiting and Singing
... only the recognition of His character as revealed, but it ... all the power and blessing
of that character for myself. ... Him for the help of His countenance,' we see ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/waiting and singing.htm

As a Child
... In the sunlight of His Father's countenance, Jesus "increased ... firm as a rock, His
life revealed the grace ... beheld the impress of perfection upon His character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 7 as a child.htm

"The Light of Life"
... eyes rested upon the loving, peaceful countenance of Jesus. ... The knowledge of God
was revealed more perfectly ... Their character was tested, their destiny determined ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 51 the light of.htm

At Capernaum
... spoken, touched some cherished idol, He marked the change of countenance, the cold ...
Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 26 at capernaum.htm

Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord (Continued)
... for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto ... elements entered more largely into
His character than into ... he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/ix prayer incidents in the.htm