The New Testament uses numerous names and titles to describe the
followers of Jesus Christ. Each of these
names teaches us about who we are in Christ.
Here are a few to ponder:
Christians (first used at Antioch: Acts 11:26);
Disciples (Acts 6:2);
Brethren (Galatians 5:13);
Friends (3 John 1:14);
Little flock (Luke 12:32);
The body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27);
Little children (1 John 2:1);
The elect (Colossians 3:12);
Believers (1 Timothy 4:12);
Those “of this way” (Acts 9:2);
The sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:5);
The beloved (1 John 4:7);
The called of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:6);
Living stones (1 Peter 2:5);
The Israel of God (Galatians 6:16).
This list is certainly not exhaustive. As you read the Scriptures in daily or family
devotions this week, look for more descriptions of believers and meditate on
the significance of those names.
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
"The Israel of God" has some very heavy eschatalogical implications! I appreciate you sharing this. Good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYes, I definitely do not take the dispensational view that this title applies to ethnic Israel but to believers as true Israelites (cf. Rom 2:28-29; 9:6) and the spiritual seed of Abraham (Gal 2:28-29) whether Jews or Gentiles.
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