Topical Encyclopedia
The title "God Blessed for Ever" ascribed to Christ emphasizes His divine nature and eternal sovereignty. This title is rooted in the acknowledgment of Christ's deity and His role within the Godhead, affirming His eternal existence and the blessings that flow from His divine authority.
Scriptural FoundationThe primary scriptural reference for this title is found in the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans. In
Romans 9:5 , Paul writes, "Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever blessed! Amen." This passage is a profound declaration of Christ's divine nature, affirming that He is not only of human descent but also God over all, eternally blessed.
Theological Significance1.
Divine Nature: The title "God Blessed for Ever" underscores the belief in Christ's full divinity. It affirms that Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a prophet but is indeed God incarnate. This is consistent with the doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that Jesus is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, co-equal and co-eternal.
2.
Eternal Sovereignty: The phrase "forever blessed" highlights the eternal nature of Christ's reign and His unchanging divine attributes. It reflects the belief that Christ's authority and blessings are not temporal but everlasting, extending beyond the confines of time and space.
3.
Source of Blessing: As "God Blessed for Ever," Christ is the ultimate source of all spiritual blessings.
Ephesians 1:3 states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms." This indicates that through Christ, believers receive the fullness of God's blessings.
4.
Worship and Adoration: The recognition of Christ as "God Blessed for Ever" calls for worship and adoration. It invites believers to acknowledge His divine majesty and to offer praise for His eternal goodness and grace. This title serves as a reminder of the reverence due to Christ as the eternal God.
Historical and Doctrinal ContextThroughout church history, the affirmation of Christ as "God Blessed for Ever" has been a cornerstone of orthodox Christian belief. The early church councils, such as the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, affirmed the full divinity of Christ against various heresies that sought to diminish His divine status. This title has been upheld in creeds and confessions as a testament to the unchanging truth of Christ's divine nature.
In summary, the title "God Blessed for Ever" encapsulates the profound truth of Christ's divinity, eternal sovereignty, and the boundless blessings He imparts to believers. It is a declaration of faith that acknowledges Jesus Christ as the eternal God, worthy of all honor and praise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to the hearts of those ... Just
for a few moments think of some of the familiar titles and names of that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
Subject Continued. Third Proof of the Son's Eternity, viz. From ...
... on the other hand, O ye enemies of Christ, is not ... 15, note), they said that such
titles marked, not only ... the instance of Godhead only have the names Father and ...
/.../chapter vi subject continued third proof.htm
Discourse IV.
... Amen [3276] .' And since Christ is God from God, and ... does not subsist who owns, or
rather who is, these titles. If then He does not subsist, the names are idle ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/discourse iv.htm
To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence ... the Church, however, constantly used
the names of the ... and protesting, the Apostle conjoins the Christ with God ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm
Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ...
... but she is honoured with the highest titles on account ... yet in another place he uses
both names at once saying "Of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cli letter or address of.htm
"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... Certainly that word Jehovah holds forth more to angels than all the inculcated names
and titles of God to us ... "How long shall I be with you?" saith Christ. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm
Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour. ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people written upon his breast-plate. ... (5.) Christ being exalted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm
On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred
these two titles on two ... my beloved, are the true testimonies concerning Christ. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm
Effectual Calling
... God blots out His people's sins, but not their names. ... worldly grandeur, his ease,
plenty, and titles of honour ... drawn into the upper region, as high as Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm
Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... is love in his looks; the titles of Redeemer ... are now our different judgments,
reproachful names, divided spirits ... If they that heard Christ speak on earth were ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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