Topical Bible: The Power of Christ: Saints: Made Willingly By

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The transformative power of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing His ability to change lives and make believers into saints. This transformation is not merely an external change but a profound internal renewal that aligns the believer's will with the will of God. The power of Christ is both the means and the motivation by which individuals are made willingly into saints, set apart for God's purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides numerous accounts and teachings that illustrate how the power of Christ works within believers to sanctify and empower them for holy living. In Philippians 2:13, the Apostle Paul writes, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose" . This verse underscores the divine initiative in the believer's transformation, highlighting that it is God who instills both the desire and the ability to live according to His will.

Transformation Through the Holy Spirit

The role of the Holy Spirit is crucial in the process of sanctification. In Romans 8:9, Paul states, "You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you" . The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh and to live in accordance with God's commands. This empowerment is a testament to the power of Christ, who promised the Holy Spirit as a helper and guide for His followers (John 14:16-17).

Willingness and Obedience

The power of Christ not only enables believers to live holy lives but also transforms their desires, making them willing participants in God's work. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" . This new creation is characterized by a renewed mind and heart, eager to follow Christ's example and teachings.

The willingness of the saints is further illustrated in the life of the Apostle Paul, who, after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, became a fervent advocate for the Gospel. His transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle exemplifies the profound change that the power of Christ can effect in a person's life.

Living as Saints

The call to live as saints is a call to reflect the character of Christ in every aspect of life. In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received" . This exhortation is a reminder that the power of Christ not only initiates the believer's transformation but also sustains it, enabling them to live out their calling with integrity and purpose.

The power of Christ is thus both a gift and a responsibility, as believers are called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in their sanctification. This cooperation is marked by a willing submission to God's will, a desire to grow in holiness, and a commitment to serve others in love.

Conclusion

The power of Christ is the driving force behind the transformation of believers into saints. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live holy lives, willingly aligning their desires with God's purposes. This transformation is a testament to the profound impact of Christ's power in the lives of those who follow Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 110:3
Your people shall be willing in the day of your power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: you have the dew of your youth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ as Light; How He, and How his Disciples are the Light of ...
... Christ, again, the light of the world, is the true light as ... of men, and I conceive
that a higher power of light ... And if the boasting of the saints is in their ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 christ as light how.htm

Christ's Kingly Office
... Some are apt to reproach the saints for their piety ... free grace who were once under
the power and tyranny of Satan, and now of slaves Christ has made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 christs kingly office.htm

How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
... the old path and the good way, Jeremiah 6:16; all the saints have the ... 5. Not only
hath Christ purchased this grace of faith, and all other ... "All power in heaven ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iv how christ is.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... Satan hath power here to tempt us in the wilderness, but he ... must be hated of all
men for Christ's sake; then, Christ will be admired in his saints that were ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Christ Exalted
... come down from the cross," will have power enough, in ... Satan shall be condemned, and
when the saints shall judge ... all be under the feet of Christ, "then shall be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

Twenty-Ninth Day. Holiness and Chastisement.
... It is only in Christ that we have the power to love and rejoice in the will
of God. In Him we have the power. ... 0 ye chastened saints! ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-ninth day holiness and chastisement.htm

That the Example of Certain Saints who Seem to have Exercised ...
... common little people, have no such power over our ... similar words did not please Jesus
Christ, when said ... Those great saints were immediately inspired by God, and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi that the example.htm

Book 3
... there is no faith; nor can the saints themselves either hear ... which has been delivered
to us by Christ the Lord ... The power of God is likewise conspicuous in this ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 3.htm

Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross
... Which of the saints in the world hath been without the cross and ... This is not the
virtue of man, but the grace of Christ which hath such power and energy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xii of the royal.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