Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Family of Saints" within Christian theology emphasizes the spiritual kinship among believers, who are called to live in holiness and unity as members of the body of Christ. This spiritual family is to be duly regulated by principles found in Scripture, ensuring that relationships within the family reflect the character and teachings of Jesus Christ.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides a framework for understanding the family of saints, emphasizing the importance of order, love, and mutual edification. In Ephesians 2:19-22 , Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord." This passage highlights the unity and structure of the spiritual family, with Christ as the cornerstone. The family of saints is not a loose association but a well-ordered household, reflecting the divine order established by God. Principles of Regulation 1. Love and Unity: The family of saints is called to love one another deeply, as Christ loved the church. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Love is the binding force that maintains unity and harmony within the family. 2. Mutual Edification: Believers are encouraged to build one another up in faith. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." The family of saints is to be a source of spiritual growth and encouragement, helping each member to mature in Christ. 3. Submission and Respect: Order within the family of saints is maintained through mutual submission and respect. Ephesians 5:21 instructs, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This submission is not about hierarchy but about honoring one another and recognizing the gifts and roles each member brings to the family. 4. Discipline and Correction: The family of saints must also practice discipline and correction to maintain holiness. Hebrews 12:10-11 states, "Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a peaceful harvest of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Discipline is a necessary aspect of regulation, ensuring that the family remains aligned with God's will. 5. Prayer and Worship: The family of saints is to be devoted to prayer and worship, seeking God's guidance and strength. Acts 2:42 describes the early church: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Regular prayer and worship are vital for maintaining the spiritual health and unity of the family. Role of Leadership Leadership within the family of saints is crucial for maintaining order and guiding the community in righteousness. Elders and pastors are tasked with shepherding the flock, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3 : "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." Leaders are to serve as examples, guiding the family with humility and integrity, ensuring that the community remains faithful to the teachings of Christ. Conclusion The family of saints, as depicted in Scripture, is a divinely ordered community bound by love, mutual edification, and a commitment to holiness. Through adherence to biblical principles, the family is duly regulated, reflecting the character of Christ and serving as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 31:27She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness. Nave's Topical Index 1 Timothy 3:4,5,12 Library Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Letter Lx. To Heliodorus. The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ... The New Crusade --Serampore and the Brotherhood Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He ... Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Chapter iv Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; Resources Are family devotions important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.org Should there be hierarchy in the family? | GotQuestions.org Family: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Family of Saints: Be Duly Regulated Family of Saints: Deceivers and Liars should be Removed From Family of Saints: Live in Mutual Forbearance Family of Saints: Live in Unity Family of Saints: Punishment of Irreligious Family of Saints: Rejoice Together Before God Family of Saints: should be Taught God's Word Family of Saints: Warned Against Departing from God Family of Saints: Worship God Together Family: Good: Jailor of Philippi Family: Good: Lazarus of Bethany Family: Infelicity in David and Michal Family: Infelicity in Elkanah, on Account of Bigamic Feuds Family: Infelicity in Moses and Zipporah Family: Infelicity In of Abraham, on Account of Hagar Family: Infelicity In of Isaac, on Account of the Disagreement Between Jacob and Esau Family: Infelicity In of Jacob, the Bigamic Jealousy Between Leah and Rachel Family: Persian, Domestic Customs Related Terms |