Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, one of the profound privileges granted to the saints—those set apart by God—is the assurance that God Himself is their portion. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects the intimate relationship between God and His people, where He is not only their Creator and Redeemer but also their ultimate inheritance and satisfaction.Biblical Foundation The idea of God being the portion of His people is richly illustrated in the Old Testament. In the Book of Psalms, David declares, "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure" (Psalm 16:5). This verse highlights the personal and secure relationship that believers have with God, emphasizing that He is their chosen inheritance, surpassing all earthly possessions. Similarly, in Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah finds hope amidst despair by affirming, "The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him" (Lamentations 3:24). Here, the portion signifies a source of hope and sustenance, especially in times of trial and suffering. Spiritual Significance Having God as one's portion implies a deep, abiding relationship with Him. It suggests that God is the ultimate source of fulfillment, joy, and contentment for the believer. This privilege is not merely about receiving blessings from God but about possessing God Himself as the greatest treasure. In Psalm 73:26, the psalmist Asaph confesses, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" . This acknowledgment underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of God as the believer's portion, providing strength and stability even when physical and emotional resources are depleted. Covenantal Relationship The concept of God as the portion of His people is also tied to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. In Deuteronomy 32:9, it is written, "For the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance" . This reciprocal relationship indicates that just as God is the portion of His people, they are His treasured possession. This covenantal bond is fulfilled and expanded in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who establishes a new covenant with His followers, making them heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Practical Implications For the saints, having God as their portion means living a life oriented towards Him, finding satisfaction and identity in His presence. It calls for a life of worship, trust, and reliance on God, recognizing that He is sufficient for all needs. This privilege encourages believers to seek God above all else, as Jesus taught, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). In conclusion, the privilege of having God as their portion is a profound aspect of the believer's identity and relationship with God. It assures them of His constant presence, provision, and eternal inheritance, inviting them to live in the fullness of His grace and love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 73:26My flesh and my heart fails: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 3:24 Library The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion "But Ye are not in the Flesh, but in the Spirit, if So be that the ... Footnotes: Fellowship with God A Believer's Privilege at Death The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable ... The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... They Shall be Called the Children of God A Solemn Deprival Christ the Redeemer Resources What is the biblical view of white privilege? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is God, why did He not know when He would return? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian see a psychologist / psychiatrist? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Privileges of Saints: Abiding in Christ Privileges of Saints: Access to God by Christ Privileges of Saints: All Things Working Together for Their Good Privileges of Saints: Being of the Household of God Privileges of Saints: Calling Upon God in Trouble Privileges of Saints: Committing Themselves to God Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Deliverer Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Father Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Friend Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Glory Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Guide Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Habitation Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Helper Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Keeper Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: King Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Law-Giver Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Light Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Portion Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Redeemer Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Refuge Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Salvation Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Shield Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Strength Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Tower Privileges of Saints: Having: Christ for Their Intercessor Privileges of Saints: Having: Christ for Their Shepherd Privileges of Saints: Having: The Promises of God Privileges of Saints: Interceding for Others Privileges of Saints: Membership With the Church of the First-Born Privileges of Saints: Partaking of the Divine Nature Privileges of Saints: Profiting by Chastisement Privileges of Saints: Secure During Public Calamities Privileges of Saints: Suffering for Christ Privileges of Saints: The Possession of all Things Privileges of Saints: Their Names Written in the Book Life Privileges of Saints: Union in God and Christ Related Terms First-begotten (2 Occurrences) |