Topical Bible: The Power of Christ: Saints: Helped By

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The power of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, manifesting in various ways throughout the Scriptures. This power is not only a testament to His divine nature but also a source of strength and assistance to the saints—those who are set apart for God's purposes. The New Testament provides numerous accounts of how the power of Christ aids and empowers believers, enabling them to fulfill their divine calling and endure trials.

Miraculous Assistance

One of the most evident demonstrations of Christ's power is through miracles. In the Gospels, Jesus performs numerous miracles that directly aid His followers. For instance, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His authority over nature and providing safety for His disciples: "Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm" (Matthew 8:26). This act not only showcases His divine power but also reassures the saints of His protective presence.

Empowerment for Ministry

The power of Christ is also evident in the empowerment of the saints for ministry. In the Book of Acts, the apostles are filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to preach the Gospel with boldness and perform miracles in Jesus' name. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise: "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 a direct result of Christ's ascension and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit, equipping the saints for their mission.

Strength in Weakness

The power of Christ is often made perfect in the weakness of His followers. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" and how Christ's power is sufficient in his weakness: "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" (2 Corinthians 12:9). This passage highlights the paradoxical nature of Christ's power, which is most evident when human strength is lacking.

Deliverance from Persecution

Throughout the New Testament, the saints experience deliverance from persecution through the power of Christ. In Acts 12, Peter is miraculously freed from prison by an angel of the Lord, an event that underscores the protective power of Christ over His followers. The narrative states, "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists" (Acts 12:7). This deliverance serves as a testament to Christ's ongoing care and intervention in the lives of His saints.

Victory Over Sin and Death

The ultimate demonstration of Christ's power is His victory over sin and death, which provides the foundation for the saints' hope and assurance. Through His death and resurrection, Christ conquers the grave, offering eternal life to all who believe. As Paul writes in Romans 6:9-10 , "We know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God." This victory empowers the saints to live in the freedom and newness of life that Christ's resurrection affords.

Intercession and Advocacy

Finally, the power of Christ is evident in His ongoing intercession and advocacy for the saints. Hebrews 7:25 affirms, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Christ's role as the eternal High Priest ensures that the saints have continual access to the Father, with Christ Himself advocating on their behalf. This intercessory power provides comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that they are never alone in their spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ's Kingly Office
... Some are apt to reproach the saints for their piety; but they serve the Lord Christ,
he who has this ... Christ has Jus vitae et necis, the power of life and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 christs kingly office.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... name is "THE WORD OF GOD." With what glorious power our Lord Jesus Christ uplifted
the ... himself; and he shall in due time perfect his saints, and present ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
... Without Him, apart from Him, they would not be saints at all. ... 'That I might know
Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter xii the collection for.htm

Whether the Saints in Heaven Pray for Us?
... as stated above ([3024]AA[7],8), the greater the charity of the saints in heaven ...
Wherefore it is said of Christ (Heb.7:25): "Going to God by His own power . . ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the saints in heaven.htm

Wilt Thou be Made Whole?
... possible, but has been proved and seen in God's saints from of ... we will fix our eye
on the mighty, living, loving Christ, who speaks in power, "Rise and ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter viii wilt thou be.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... Why, just look at these saints:"a drivelling set of crying ... I only wish that a like
power may attend it ... Christ has loved you and pardoned your sins; and will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers ...
... of any deficiency on the part of the Divine Power that It ... by their merits which,
standing as the Saints do in the ... for us; just as the Blood of Christ, shed for ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/from the supplement to the.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... Similarly does Paul speak concerning the righteousness of all the Jews and pious
saints who are not ... Another force intervenes, the power of Christ the Lord ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

The Obscure Apostles
... 'This honour have all the saints.' Christ is the ... fill it to the utmost of our
power"careless of ... The forgotten work and its workers are remembered by Christ. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the obscure apostles.htm

Paul and his Requests for Prayer
... all boldness as always, so now also Christ shall be ... glorious by the prayers of the
saints at Philippi ... point of mighty projecting and propelling power, and yet ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xv paul and his requests.htm