Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the preciousness of Christ to God is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the unique and unparalleled relationship between the Father and the Son. This preciousness is rooted in Christ's divine nature, His obedience, His sacrificial work, and His role in the divine plan of redemption.Divine Sonship and Beloved Status Christ's preciousness to God is first and foremost evident in His identity as the beloved Son. At the baptism of Jesus, God the Father declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This declaration is repeated at the Transfiguration, underscoring the Father's deep love and approval of the Son (Matthew 17:5). The term "beloved" signifies a unique and cherished relationship, indicating the Son's intrinsic value and worth to the Father. Obedience and Fulfillment of the Father's Will The preciousness of Christ is also demonstrated through His perfect obedience to the Father's will. In John 8:29 , Jesus states, "The One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him." This unwavering obedience, even unto death, is a testament to His preciousness. Philippians 2:8 describes how Christ "humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This obedience is not only a fulfillment of the Father's will but also a demonstration of His love and commitment to the divine plan of salvation. Sacrificial Work and Atonement Christ's sacrificial work on the cross is central to His preciousness to God. In Ephesians 5:2 , Paul writes, "And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." The imagery of a "fragrant offering" conveys the idea of a sacrifice that is pleasing and acceptable to God. The atoning work of Christ is the culmination of His mission, and it is through this sacrifice that He becomes the mediator between God and humanity, further emphasizing His invaluable role in the divine economy. Exaltation and Glorification The preciousness of Christ is also reflected in His exaltation and glorification by the Father. After His resurrection, God highly exalted Him and bestowed upon Him the name above every name (Philippians 2:9). This exaltation is a recognition of His unique status and the fulfillment of His redemptive work. In Hebrews 1:3 , it is stated that "after He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." This position of honor and authority signifies the Father's acknowledgment of the Son's preciousness and His completed work. The Cornerstone and Foundation Christ is also described as the cornerstone, chosen and precious to God. In 1 Peter 2:4 , believers are encouraged to come to Christ, "a living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight." This metaphor of the cornerstone signifies Christ's foundational role in the spiritual edifice of the Church. As the cornerstone, He is essential and irreplaceable, underscoring His preciousness in the divine plan. Intercessory Role Finally, Christ's ongoing intercessory role highlights His preciousness to God. In Romans 8:34 , it is affirmed that "Christ Jesus, who died, more than that, who was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." His intercession is a continuous expression of His love and commitment to the redeemed, further illustrating His invaluable role in the relationship between God and humanity. In summary, the preciousness of Christ to God is a multifaceted theme that encompasses His divine sonship, obedience, sacrificial work, exaltation, foundational role, and intercessory ministry. Each aspect reveals the depth of the Father's love and the unique value of the Son in the divine plan of redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 3:17And see a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 2:4 Library David's Choristers Christ Foreseeing the Cross Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer Christ --Our Substitute Like Precious Faith Altogether Lovely The Hidden Treasure. The Precious Ointment. The Greatest of These is Love. Christ's Relations Resources What was the tent of meeting? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven candlesticks / lampstands of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Preciousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Preciousness of Christ: As the Corner-Stone of the Church Preciousness of Christ: As the Source of all Grace Preciousness of Christ: Illustrated Preciousness of Christ: On Account of His: Atonement Preciousness of Christ: On Account of His: Care and Tenderness Preciousness of Christ: On Account of His: Excellence and Grace Preciousness of Christ: On Account of His: Goodness and Beauty Preciousness of Christ: On Account of His: Name Preciousness of Christ: On Account of His: Promises Preciousness of Christ: On Account of His: Words Preciousness of Christ: To God Preciousness of Christ: To Saints Preciousness of Christ: Unsearchable Related Terms |