Topical Encyclopedia Thanksgiving, as a profound expression of gratitude, is a central theme in Christian worship and life. The act of giving thanks is not merely a social or cultural practice but is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's grace and provision. In the Christian faith, thanksgiving is to be offered through Jesus Christ, who is the mediator between God and humanity.The New Testament emphasizes the importance of offering thanksgiving through Christ. In the Epistle to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul instructs believers, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17). This passage underscores the necessity of directing all acts of gratitude through Jesus, acknowledging His role as the conduit of divine grace. Furthermore, the Epistle to the Hebrews highlights the sacrificial nature of thanksgiving, which is to be offered continually through Christ. "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name" (Hebrews 13:15). Here, thanksgiving is likened to a sacrifice, a spiritual offering that is pleasing to God when presented through His Son. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, also connects thanksgiving with the work of Christ, urging believers to "always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20). This directive not only highlights the comprehensive nature of thanksgiving—encompassing all circumstances—but also reinforces the necessity of doing so in the name of Christ, who is the foundation of the believer's relationship with God. In the context of prayer and supplication, thanksgiving is again linked to Christ. Philippians 4:6-7 states, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage illustrates that thanksgiving, when offered through Christ, is integral to the believer's prayer life and is accompanied by divine peace. The role of Christ in thanksgiving is further illuminated by His own example. During the Last Supper, Jesus gave thanks before breaking the bread and sharing the cup, as recorded in the Gospels (e.g., Luke 22:19). This act of thanksgiving, preceding His ultimate sacrifice, serves as a model for believers to follow, demonstrating that gratitude is to be expressed even in the face of suffering and sacrifice. In summary, thanksgiving in the Christian tradition is not an isolated act but is intrinsically linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through Him, believers are able to offer genuine gratitude to God, recognizing Christ as the mediator who enables and sanctifies their expressions of thanks. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:17 Hebrews 13:15 Library Whether Since Christ's Passion the Legal Ceremonies Can be ... Book 3 Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. Formalities of Prayer: Conclusion The Connection of the Seventh Chapter with the Sixth Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... On the Sacrifice of the Mass The Work of Christ. Resources What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.orgWhy doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Thanksgiving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Thanksgiving of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting Thanksgiving: Christ Set an Example of Thanksgiving: Expressed in Psalms Thanksgiving: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public Thanksgiving: Saints: Abound in the Faith With Thanksgiving: Saints: Come Before God With Thanksgiving: Saints: Exhorted To Thanksgiving: Saints: Habitually offer Thanksgiving: Saints: Magnify God By Thanksgiving: Saints: Offer Sacrifices of Thanksgiving: Saints: Resolved to offer Thanksgiving: Saints: should Enter God's Gate With Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Praise Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Prayer Thanksgiving: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for all Men Thanksgiving: should be offered for all Things Thanksgiving: should be offered for Appointment to the Ministry Thanksgiving: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign Thanksgiving: should be offered for Deliverance Through Christ from In-Dwelling Sin Thanksgiving: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Conversion of Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Gift of Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Wants Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave Thanksgiving: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service Thanksgiving: should be offered for Wisdom and Might Thanksgiving: should be offered in Behalf of Ministers Thanksgiving: should be offered in Everything Thanksgiving: should be offered in Private Worship Thanksgiving: should be offered in Public Worship Thanksgiving: should be offered in the Name of Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: Always Thanksgiving: should be offered: At the Remembrance of God's Holiness Thanksgiving: should be offered: Before Taking Food Thanksgiving: should be offered: Through Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: To Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: To God Thanksgiving: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings Thanksgiving: The Heavenly Host Engaged In Thanksgiving: The Wicked Averse To Related Terms Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) |
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