Topical Bible: Character of Saints: Taught by God

Bible > Topical > Character of Saints

◄ Character of Saints: Taught by God ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of saints being taught by God is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the believer and the Divine Teacher. This divine instruction is not merely academic but transformative, shaping the character and conduct of the saints.

Divine Instruction Promised

The promise of divine teaching is rooted in the Old Testament, where God declares His intention to instruct His people. In Isaiah 54:13, it is written, "All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace." This promise highlights the peace and well-being that result from being taught by God, indicating a holistic transformation that encompasses both knowledge and character.

Fulfillment in the New Covenant

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of this promise through the ministry of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In John 6:45, Jesus references the prophecy from Isaiah, saying, "It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me." Here, Jesus affirms that coming to Him is a result of divine teaching, underscoring the role of God as the ultimate instructor.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in teaching the saints. In John 14:26, Jesus assures His disciples, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit not only imparts knowledge but also brings to remembrance the teachings of Christ, ensuring that the believer is continually guided in truth.

Transformation Through Teaching

The teaching of God is transformative, leading to a renewal of the mind and character. In Romans 12:2, Paul exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation is a direct result of divine instruction, enabling the saints to live in accordance with God's will.

The Word as a Teaching Tool

The Scriptures themselves are a primary means through which God teaches His people. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." The Word of God serves as a comprehensive guide, equipping the saints for a life of godliness and service.

The Humble Learner

A key characteristic of those taught by God is humility. In James 1:21, believers are instructed, "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls." Humility is essential for receiving divine instruction, as it opens the heart to the transformative power of God's Word.

Evidences of Being Taught by God

The evidence of being taught by God is seen in the life and character of the believer. In 1 John 2:27, it is stated, "And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and is true and not a lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in Him." The anointing of the Holy Spirit ensures that the believer remains in Christ, reflecting His character and truth.

In summary, the character of saints as taught by God is a dynamic and ongoing process, facilitated by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the Scriptures. This divine instruction not only imparts knowledge but also transforms the believer, equipping them for a life that glorifies God.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 54:13
And all your children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of your children.
Nave's Topical Index

1 John 2:27
But the anointing which you have received of him stays in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... Assimilation to His character makes us own and have Him ... belongs, and can only belong
to, 'the saints.' So, then ... place,' as the great Puritan poet taught us, 'and ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

Messiah the Son of God
... the faith once delivered to the saints, have laboured ... only, are Christians indeed,
who are thus taught. ... are synonymous terms, expressive of the same character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvii messiah the son.htm

The Beatific vision
... all along; for wherever men have been taught what is ... in one, to make one perfectly
good character"and then you ... No wonder that the saints of old called it the ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon i the beatific vision.htm

The Life of God
... God's life, we must know God, and God's character, to know ... For if the saints' delight
was to do good on ... they helped poor sufferers, if they taught the ignorant ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon iii the life of.htm

The Great Commandment
... is no wonder if persons who have been taught in their ... Jesus Christ, or the Virgin
Mary, or the saints, or any ... more or less like that person in character and in ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xiv the great commandment.htm

Contents and Character of the Extant Works.
... a) The character of the ... to some to encourage undue honour to and invocation of saints
and martyrs ... I have stated the opinions taught by the majority of heresies ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/ix contents and character of the.htm

His Perfect Holiness.
... all, only the negative side of his character; which rises ... by their conduct.[31]31
The greatest saints of the ... both was and did that which he taught: he preached ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/his perfect holiness.htm

Perseverance Proved.
... This is the real character of all true saints. ... in true obedience is a characteristic
of all real saints. ... in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlix perseverance proved.htm

Prison Meditations Directed to the Heart of Suffering Saints and ...
... no craft, nor guile, nor hypocrisy about his character, but a ... he became one of the
most honoured of his saints. ... They were no fables that I taught, Devised by ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/prison meditations directed to the.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... Moreover, the doctrine as here taught is, that perseverance in holiness, in ... in their
view accords with the Bible description of the character of the saints. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm