Topical Encyclopedia The concept of divine favor is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, and it finds its ultimate expression in the person of Jesus Christ. The favor of God, often synonymous with His grace and blessing, is uniquely and supremely manifested in His Son, Jesus. This favor is evident in various aspects of Christ's life and mission, as revealed in the Bible.Prophetic Announcements The favor of God upon Christ is first indicated in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. Isaiah 42:1 declares, "Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations." This passage highlights the delight and favor of God resting upon the Messiah, chosen to fulfill divine purposes. The Incarnation The favor of God is further demonstrated in the incarnation of Christ. The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:30-32 underscores this: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." The incarnation itself is an act of divine favor, as God bestows His grace upon humanity through the birth of His Son. Baptism and Divine Approval At the baptism of Jesus, the favor of God is publicly affirmed. Matthew 3:16-17 records, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" This divine proclamation confirms Jesus as the special object of God's favor, anointed by the Holy Spirit for His redemptive mission. Transfiguration The transfiguration of Christ further reveals the favor of God. In Matthew 17:5 , during this miraculous event, a voice from the cloud declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" The repetition of divine approval emphasizes the unique relationship between the Father and the Son, underscoring Christ's role as the favored one who reveals God's glory. The Resurrection and Exaltation The resurrection and exaltation of Jesus are the ultimate demonstrations of God's favor. Acts 2:32-33 states, "God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear." The resurrection is the Father's vindication of the Son, affirming His favor and the acceptance of His sacrificial work. Intercession and Eternal Favor Finally, the favor of God upon Christ is eternal, as He continues His intercessory work. Hebrews 7:25 affirms, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Christ's ongoing intercession is a testament to His favored status, as He mediates the blessings of God's grace to believers. In summary, the favor of God upon Christ is a central theme in the biblical narrative, highlighting His unique role in God's redemptive plan. From prophecy to incarnation, baptism to resurrection, and ongoing intercession, Jesus is the special object of divine favor, revealing the fullness of God's grace and truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In Regard to the Saints who Having Died in the Body Live in Christ ... On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel God's Sovereignty Defined The Priesthood of Christ Jealousy of John's Disciples. --Final Testimony of the Baptist. ... The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... The King in his Beauty Monitions of Christ to the Apostles in Regard to Prudence in their ... But Having Asserted that Our Religion is Supported by the Writings ... The Object of Missions, and Various Modes of Operation. Resources What is the favor of God, and how can I get it? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God have favorites? | GotQuestions.org Why are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Favour of God is the Source of Mercy The Favour of God is the Source of Spiritual Life The Favour of God: Christ the Special Object of The Favour of God: Disappointment of Enemies an Assured Evidence of The Favour of God: Domestic Blessings Traced To The Favour of God: Given in Answer to Prayer The Favour of God: Mercy and Truth Lead To The Favour of God: Plead, in Prayer The Favour of God: Saints: Encompassed By The Favour of God: Saints: Exalted In The Favour of God: Saints: Obtain The Favour of God: Saints: Preserved Through The Favour of God: Saints: Sometimes Tempted to Doubt The Favour of God: Saints: Strengthened By The Favour of God: Saints: Victorious Through The Favour of God: Spiritual Wisdom Leads To The Favour of God: The Virgin Mary The Favour of God: The Wicked: do not Obtain The Favour of God: The Wicked: Uninfluenced By The Favour of God: To be Acknowledged Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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