The concept of God as a friend to His saints is a profound privilege that underscores the intimate relationship between the Creator and His people. This friendship is not merely a casual acquaintance but a deep, covenantal bond characterized by love, trust, and mutual commitment.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous instances where God is depicted as a friend to His people. One of the most notable examples is found in the relationship between God and Abraham. In James 2:23 , it is written, "And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called a friend of God." This passage highlights the faith and righteousness that underpin the friendship between God and His saints.

Similarly, in Exodus 33:11 , the unique relationship between God and Moses is described: "Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." This verse illustrates the direct and personal communication that characterizes the friendship between God and His chosen leaders.

Characteristics of Divine Friendship

1. Intimacy and Communication: The friendship between God and His saints is marked by open and honest communication. As seen in the relationship with Moses, God speaks to His friends directly and personally. This privilege allows believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He listens and responds to their prayers (Hebrews 4:16).

2. Guidance and Wisdom: God, as a friend, provides guidance and wisdom to His saints. In Psalm 25:14 , it is written, "The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them." This verse emphasizes that God shares His plans and purposes with those who are in a covenantal relationship with Him, offering them insight and direction.

3. Love and Loyalty: The friendship of God is rooted in His steadfast love and loyalty. In John 15:13-15 , Jesus speaks of the ultimate expression of friendship: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you." This passage reveals the sacrificial nature of divine friendship and the elevation of believers from servants to friends.

4. Protection and Support: As a friend, God offers protection and support to His saints. In Psalm 121:5 , it is declared, "The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand." This assurance of divine protection is a testament to the faithful friendship God extends to His people.

Implications for Believers

The privilege of having God as a friend carries significant implications for the lives of believers. It calls for a response of faith, obedience, and reverence. Believers are encouraged to cultivate this friendship through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and a life of holiness. The friendship with God is both a gift and a responsibility, inviting believers to live in a manner worthy of such a divine relationship.2 Chronicles 20:7
Are not you our God, who did drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and gave it to the seed of Abraham your friend for ever?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which said, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Perseverance of Saints.
... they enjoyed these great and high privileges, and counted ... a reception of them, or
against having too early ... them as a body of professed saints, some generations ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... Christ, and entitles us to all these privileges at death ... Exodus 34:45, how shall
the saints glorified shine ... being always in God's presence, and having some beams ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest.
... Having confessed me before men, thee "will I also ... The last preparative for the saints'
rest is ... chapter, view those mansions, consider their privileges, and see ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ii the great preparatives.htm

"For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of ...
... OR, A DISCOVERY MADE OF THOSE GLORIOUS PRIVILEGES OFFERED UNTO ... that whereabout the
song of angels and saints will be ... But it is strange, that God having a Son so ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxvii for as many.htm

God's People Delivered.
... out,"warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted. ... immortal, and with
the risen saints are caught ... the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "having the harps ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... blot out"warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted ... immortal and
with the risen saints are caught ... the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "having the harps ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

The Unrivalled Friend
... had always walked worthily of the privileges we have ... born to sympathise with our
trials, having learned, as ... gives his choicest presence to his saints when they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the unrivalled friend.htm

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... us, he gave us all the rights and privileges which went ... Christ was always considered
as having you in him, and ... Know ye not that the saints shall judge the world ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the joint heirs and their.htm

God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... Do not attribute this illness to my having laboured too ... no new story when I tell
thee that saints shall wear ... have been left in the midst of privileges, if thou ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/gods barriers against mans sin.htm

Walking with God
... cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute ... by faith in Jesus Christ; our
having and keeping ... them as children's bread, and as their highest privileges. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

What is the biblical view of white privilege? | GotQuestions.org

If Jesus is God, why did He not know when He would return? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian see a psychologist / psychiatrist? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus