Topical Bible: Holy Boldness: Produced by Faithfulness to God

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Nature

Holy Boldness refers to the courage and confidence that believers exhibit as a result of their unwavering faithfulness to God. This boldness is not rooted in human strength or arrogance but is a divine empowerment that enables believers to speak and act in alignment with God's will, often in the face of opposition or danger. It is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work within a believer, emboldening them to proclaim the truth of the Gospel and to stand firm in their convictions.

Biblical Examples

1. Peter and John: In Acts 4, Peter and John exemplify holy boldness when they are brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus. Despite threats and imprisonment, they declare, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). Their courage astonishes the religious leaders, who recognize that these men had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

2. Paul: The Apostle Paul frequently demonstrated holy boldness throughout his ministry. In Ephesians 6:19-20, he requests prayer for boldness to proclaim the Gospel: "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should" .

3. Esther: Although not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, Esther's account in the Old Testament is a profound example of holy boldness. Her willingness to approach King Xerxes uninvited, risking her life to save her people, reflects a deep faith in God's providence and protection (Esther 4:16).

Theological Significance

Holy Boldness is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. It is a fruit of a deep and abiding relationship with God, cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience. This boldness is not reckless but is characterized by wisdom and discernment, aligning with God's purposes and timing.

Scriptural Basis

The foundation of holy boldness is found in several key scriptural passages:

· Proverbs 28:1: "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion" . This verse highlights the inherent confidence that comes from living a righteous life in accordance with God's will.

· 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline" . This passage underscores the divine origin of the boldness that believers possess, contrasting it with fear.

· Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" . This verse encourages believers to approach God with boldness, assured of His mercy and grace.

Practical Implications

Holy Boldness empowers believers to:

· Proclaim the Gospel: With courage and clarity, believers are called to share the message of salvation, regardless of societal pressures or personal risk.

· Stand for Truth: In a world often hostile to biblical values, holy boldness enables Christians to uphold and defend the truth of Scripture.

· Persevere in Trials: When faced with persecution or hardship, holy boldness provides the strength to endure and remain faithful to God.

Conclusion

Holy Boldness is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a commitment to His mission. It is a gift from the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live out their faith with courage and conviction.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Wilderness State
... his love, and a liberty of approaching him with holy boldness. ... 7. The same effect
may be produced by giving place ... peace of God, and joy in the Holy Ghost, are ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 46 the wilderness state.htm

The Life that Can Pray
... liberty to draw nigh with greater boldness, and expect ... but the wood that the branch
has produced"true, honest ... sap of the Heavenly Vine, the Holy Spirit, that ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter v the life that.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... The impression produced by our author's splendid roll of the ... on his march towards
Rome, said to a holy monk, who ... incite us to draw near with boldness unto the ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... were past"when his Pilgrim, produced by the ... decking of children, learning of compliments,
boldness in women ... and principal graces which the Holy Ghost worketh ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... There can be no real happiness without spiritual life"holy obedience to ... grace, as
exhibited in this treatise, have ever produced glory to God, on earth ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Letter cxxxvii. (AD 412. )
... once in the world's history, with as much boldness as if ... foretold, by which the doctrine
of the holy religion is ... a good and honest life is not produced in any ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxvii a d 412.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... blindness, such vain confidence, and groundless boldness in their ... nor can any of
thy most holy duties, nor ... it, of want of wisdom and faithfulness to himself ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

The Life of Mr. John Knox.
... his intention, which he did, with such boldness and success ... The queen being present,
produced a letter, wrote by him ... in whom more gifts of the Holy Ghost for ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... blindness, such vain confidence, and groundless boldness in their ... nor can any of
thy most holy duties, nor ... it, of want of wisdom, and faithfulness to himself ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... and because it worked by love, and thus produced holiness ... so shed abroad in my soul
by the Holy Ghost, that ... heart, and come to God with all the boldness that an ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm