Topical Bible: Character of Christ: Faithful

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The faithfulness of Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting His unwavering commitment to the will of the Father and His steadfastness in fulfilling His redemptive mission. This attribute is not only foundational to His character but also serves as a model for believers.

Scriptural Basis

The faithfulness of Christ is affirmed in several passages throughout the New Testament. In Revelation 19:11, Christ is described as "Faithful and True," highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, assures believers that "the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." This assurance is rooted in the character of Christ, who embodies faithfulness in His dealings with humanity.

Faithfulness in Ministry

Christ's faithfulness is evident in His earthly ministry. He consistently fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah, demonstrating His commitment to God's plan of salvation. In John 6:38, Jesus declares, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me." This statement underscores His dedication to the divine mission entrusted to Him.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus remained faithful despite opposition, temptation, and suffering. In the wilderness, He resisted the temptations of Satan by adhering to the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). His faithfulness is further exemplified in His prayer at Gethsemane, where He submits to the Father's will, saying, "Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39).

Faithfulness in Sacrifice

The ultimate demonstration of Christ's faithfulness is seen in His sacrificial death on the cross. Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to look to Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith," who "for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame." His willingness to endure suffering and death for the sake of humanity's redemption is the pinnacle of His faithfulness.

Faithfulness in Intercession

Christ's faithfulness continues in His role as our High Priest. Hebrews 2:17 states, "Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people." His ongoing intercession for believers is a testament to His enduring faithfulness.

Faithfulness in Promises

The promises of Christ are reliable because of His faithful nature. In John 14:2-3, He assures His disciples of His return, saying, "I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also." His faithfulness guarantees the fulfillment of His promises, providing hope and assurance to believers.

Implications for Believers

The faithfulness of Christ serves as both a foundation for trust and a model for Christian living. Believers are called to emulate His faithfulness in their own lives, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:2: "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." Christ's example encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in His promises and relying on His strength to persevere through trials.

In summary, the faithfulness of Christ is a profound aspect of His character, demonstrated through His ministry, sacrifice, intercession, and promises. It is a source of comfort and inspiration for believers, calling them to a life of faithfulness in response to His unwavering commitment to them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 11:5
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 5:24
Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In Christ and in Ephesus
... there were saints in Ephesus, and faithful ones, too ... were growing the pure white
lilies of Christian character. That is the glory of Christianity and of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-four in christ and.htm

Saints and Faithful
... is the foundation of the loftiest elevation and attainment of the Christian character. ...
the object upon which our faith fixes, 'Faithful in Christ Jesus.' We ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

The Gains of the Faithful Steward
... saying that we make character, and that character determines our ... The central thought
of Christ's gospel is that God ... said, 'If ye have not been faithful in that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the gains of the faithful.htm

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken?
... We believe "the faithful and true Witness," and reject the critics who dishonor
his character. 6. After Christ's resurrection he walked and communed with the ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/iv were christ and the.htm

Consecration and Preservation.
... be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He
that calleth you, Who also will do ... and whether we think of the character of the ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ii consecration and preservation.htm

Christ Our Lesson and Our Teacher
... in practice the unworldly virtues of the Christian character. ... in what sense have
I heard Christ?' It is ... poor affair to fling away our faithful protest against ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/christ our lesson and our.htm

Life and Character of John
... Does not the character of John belong to this order? ... to be with Christ was life,
to reject Christ was death ... Lord, as time went on, a more faithful patience, but ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 41 life and character.htm

Christ --Perfect through Sufferings
... if Christ had not suffered he could not have been a faithful high-priest ... that holiness
is best of all promoted by an investigation of Christ's character, and a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christperfect through sufferings.htm

A Pressed Man Yielding to Christ
... He said to himself, "This man is undoubtedly a faithful person, or God ... people in
general, and thinking of the holy and lovely character of Christ, has in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a pressed man yielding to.htm

"One Thing Thou Lackest"
... were entrusted to him that he might prove himself a faithful steward; he was to ... He
wins souls to Christ, because he is a representative of His character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 57 one thing thou.htm