Topical Bible: Gifts from God: Spiritual: Christ, the Saviour

Bible > Topical > Gifts from God

◄ Gifts from God: Spiritual: Christ, the Saviour ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of Christ as the Saviour is central to Christian theology and is considered one of the most profound gifts from God to humanity. This gift is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was sent into the world to redeem mankind from sin and to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a comprehensive account of Jesus Christ as the Saviour. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is described as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This imagery underscores the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission, echoing the Old Testament sacrificial system where a lamb was offered for atonement.

The Apostle Paul elaborates on this gift in his epistles, emphasizing that salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights the unmerited favor bestowed upon believers, underscoring that salvation is not earned but given freely by God.

The Incarnation and Atonement

The incarnation of Christ is a pivotal aspect of His role as Saviour. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the birth of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (Matthew 1:23). The name "Immanuel," meaning "God with us," signifies God's presence among His people through Jesus.

The atoning work of Christ is central to His role as Saviour. The Apostle Peter writes, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24). This sacrificial act on the cross is seen as the ultimate expression of God's love and justice, providing a means for humanity's reconciliation with God.

Resurrection and Eternal Life

The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 , Paul declares, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." The resurrection is viewed as the assurance of eternal life for believers, a promise that extends beyond physical death.

The Role of Faith

Faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour is essential for receiving the gift of salvation. In Romans 10:9 , Paul states, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This confession and belief are seen as the response to God's gift, enabling individuals to partake in the salvation offered through Christ.

Christ as the Mediator

Christ's role as the mediator between God and humanity is another aspect of His salvific work. In 1 Timothy 2:5 , it is written, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." This mediation is understood as Christ's ongoing intercession for believers, ensuring their access to the Father and sustaining their spiritual life.

Conclusion

The gift of Christ as the Saviour is a profound expression of God's love and grace, offering redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life to all who believe. Through His incarnation, atonement, resurrection, and ongoing mediation, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate spiritual gift from God to humanity.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 42:6
I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 55:4
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
Nave's Topical Index

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Nave's Topical Index

John 4:10
Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that said to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked of him, and he would have given you living water.
Nave's Topical Index

John 6:32,33
Then Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts.
... those who have not received them; such gifts, we mean ... there is no man who has believed
in God through Christ ... 3563] that has not received some spiritual gift: for ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the diversity of.htm

The Next Stage Occurs in the Creation of Man by the Eternal Word ...
... Eternal Word Spiritual as Well as Physical Gifts to Man ... the eternity of the Son of
God, whom he ... here calls Adam's "higher delights," even spiritual blessings in ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter iv the next stage occurs.htm

Building up the Boy's Spiritual Life
... enjoys, respects, and honors all of God's gifts, whether it be ... mind, social relations,
or material or spiritual things. ... acceptance of the Son of God as Saviour ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xviii building up the boys.htm

From the Gifts of Divine Grace which we Receive through Christ He ...
... Chapter V. From the gifts of Divine grace which we ... the grace of Christ is contained
the whole grace of God. ... as it is certainly wanting in spiritual wisdom and ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter v from the gifts.htm

The Gifts of the Present Christ
... He has been unveiling spiritual blessings, which may seem recondite ... us that all these
lofty and ineffable gifts of which ... we set to our seals that God is true.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the gifts of the present.htm

Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... likingly warm; and the mind, mirthed with gifts, waxes hot. ... of love, so that no filth
of spiritual foulness may ... in continual thought she is with God, she casts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... who appoints all offices, and the Spirit who confers all gifts, be true God. No
creature is able to impart spiritual offices and gifts; that is impossible ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

God's Purpose for his Church
... the court of Holy life, filled with varied gifts and endowed ... whole being flows forth
the tide of spiritual life. God chose Israel to reveal His character to men ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 1 gods purpose for.htm

A Knowledge of God
... In the varied gifts of God in nature we see ... to grasp the deep meaning of the word
of God. ... Bible, comparing scripture with scripture and spiritual things with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 10 a knowledge of.htm

How Christ Appeared to Brother John of Alvernia
... was adorned and enriched with spiritural gifts; he was ... But as God takes especial
care of his children ... Beloved, or recover those sweet spiritual sensations to ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xlix how christ appeared.htm