Topical Encyclopedia
The love of God is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the nature and character of God as revealed in the Scriptures. It is both an attribute of God and a guiding principle for the lives of believers. The love of God is not merely an abstract concept but a transformative force that calls for a response from the saints, who are exhorted to abide in it.
Biblical FoundationThe love of God is foundational to the Christian faith, as seen in numerous passages throughout the Bible. In 1
John 4:8, it is declared, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This verse underscores the essence of God's nature as love itself. The love of God is most profoundly demonstrated in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for humanity's sins.
John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Abiding in God's LoveTo abide in the love of God means to remain in a close, intimate relationship with Him, characterized by obedience, trust, and devotion. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples on the importance of abiding in His love. In
John 15:9-10 , He said, "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love."
Abiding in God's love involves a conscious decision to live according to His commandments and to cultivate a life that reflects His love to others. It is an active, ongoing process that requires the believer to draw near to God through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to abide in God's love.
Romans 5:5 affirms, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers the saints to experience and express the love of God in their daily lives.
Manifestation of God's LoveThe love of God, when truly abided in, manifests in the life of the believer through acts of love, kindness, and service to others. 1
John 4:11 exhorts, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." This love is not self-seeking but sacrificial, mirroring the love of Christ. It is patient, kind, and enduring, as described in
1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Challenges and EncouragementWhile abiding in God's love is a high calling, it is not without challenges. The world, the flesh, and the devil often seek to draw believers away from this divine love. However, the Scriptures provide encouragement and assurance.
Romans 8:38-39 offers a powerful reminder: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In summary, the love of God is a profound and enduring reality that believers are called to abide in. It is a love that transforms, sustains, and compels the saints to live lives that honor God and reflect His love to the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jude 1:21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
That the Righteous Shall ever Abide with Christ Our Lord we have ...
... which God bestows on them that love Him, says ... in the heavenly places." Whence, since
God's saints have these ... of the firmament in the kingdom of God." For who ...
/.../46 that the righteous shall.htm
Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... II CHAPTER VI OF DIVERS GIFTS OF GOD'S CHOSEN: AND HOW SAINTS COME TO ... by God's help
she shall cast out all lettings to love and shall be glad in God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm
God.
... the sinner, but rather inclineth his heart to love and be ... It is worth your noting,
that to call God by his relative title was rare among the saints in Old ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/i god.htm
The Charity of God
... of God, part of God's essence and being; and not only God's saints, but God ... so: to
give and forgive because God does so; to love all because God loves all ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxiv the charity of.htm
Of Another Kind of Perverted Men
... virtues and with goodly behaviour, as do the saints; and should ... Then we shall meet
God by means of all His ... then we shall be touched by sensible love, and shall ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxvii of another kind.htm
Perseverance
... parallel with eternity. (2.) See here that which may excite in the saints
everlasting love and gratitude to God. What can make ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm
Love in the Blessed Ones.
... in, or depart from, the hearts of the saints, all their ... are what they are by His
indwelling, and Love can celebrate ... And what is this, but that "God is all in ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv love in the blessed.htm
The Epistle of Saint Jude.
... devil for his own not only kings and dignities, but God also and the saints, as
may ... our salvation stands on the foundation of faith and love; they cannot ...
/.../the epistle of saint jude.htm
The Advocate Promised.
... into the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit," and God "gives the ...
The saints prepared for his presence by faith, love and obedience ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the advocate promised.htm
What is the Difference Between Wisdom and Knowledge. The Worship ...
... which will be the highest reward of the saints; yet where ... what is the worship of
Him except the love of Him ... says, "Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 14 what is the difference.htm
Resources
What are the different types of love mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is finding true love so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about falling in love? | GotQuestions.orgLove: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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