Topical Bible: Power of Christ: Rests Upon Saints

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The concept of the power of Christ resting upon the saints is a profound theme within Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative and sustaining presence of Jesus Christ in the lives of believers. This power is not merely an abstract force but is intimately connected to the person and work of Christ, manifesting in the lives of those who follow Him.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a foundational understanding of this concept in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , where he writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Here, Paul articulates that the power of Christ is most evident in human weakness, suggesting that reliance on Christ's strength is essential for the believer's spiritual vitality.

The Nature of Christ's Power

The power of Christ is multifaceted, encompassing both spiritual and practical dimensions. It is the power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20) and is now at work within believers. This power enables Christians to live godly lives, resist sin, and engage in effective ministry. It is not a power that exalts the individual but rather glorifies Christ through the believer's life.

Empowerment for Ministry

The power of Christ resting upon the saints is also evident in the context of ministry and service. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus promises His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This empowerment is essential for the fulfillment of the Great Commission, enabling believers to bear witness to the gospel with boldness and effectiveness.

Sustaining Power in Trials

The power of Christ is particularly significant in sustaining believers through trials and tribulations. As Paul experienced, this power is perfected in weakness, providing strength and endurance in the face of adversity. Philippians 4:13 echoes this sentiment: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This assurance allows believers to face challenges with confidence, knowing that Christ's power is sufficient for every need.

Transformative Power

The transformative aspect of Christ's power is evident in the believer's sanctification process. Romans 8:11 states, "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells within you." This transformative power not only assures eternal life but also empowers believers to live in a manner that reflects Christ's character.

Conclusion

The power of Christ resting upon the saints is a dynamic and essential aspect of the Christian life. It is a source of strength, transformation, and empowerment, enabling believers to live out their faith with confidence and purpose. Through this power, the presence of Christ is made manifest in the world, drawing others to the hope and salvation found in Him.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Work of Christ.
... sleeps nor slumbers, that all-seeing eye rests upon us. ... it to the life of the Lord
Jesus Christ before His ... life, that perfect life, had any saving power in it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

The Cause and the Effect
... century had not as clear a knowledge of the great facts upon which our salvation
rests, nor of ... To be as dead and gone, by the power of the death of Christ. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxiv the cause and.htm

The Message and Its Practical Results
... But the sad experience of 'saints' is that they are not yet wholly delivered from
its power. ... and lapses, because it rests upon Christ's finished work of ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the message and its practical.htm

Faith in God and Christ
... stereoscope; and that the faith which flows to Jesus Christ rests upon God ... The God
whom men know outside of Jesus Christ is a poor ... It has little power to restrain ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/faith in god and christ.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... the Lord" for it: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath ... shall see, by-and-by, where absolving
power comes from ... but the full vigor of mystic influence rests not upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers ...
... and even prayers"for us; just as the Blood of Christ, shed for ... is given to it as
its reward; but the impetratory power of prayer rests upon the generosity ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/from the supplement to the.htm

Introduction
... at His second He shall come in power and glory. ... present bondage, when the Curse which
now rests upon all Nature ... all, then it shall be that Christ Himself shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/introduction.htm

Psalm LXXXVII.
... city rest, could stand by their own power, he adds ... disciples enter by the door, does
not Christ enter by ... as the support of bodily fabrics rests upon the ground ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvii.htm

"It is Finished"
... His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the ... This is not an act of
arbitrary power on the ... is "alienated from the life of God." Christ says, "All ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 79 it is finished.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom ... love unfeigned,
by the word of truth, by the power of God ... The Spirit of Christ rests upon him. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm