Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian tradition, the title "Life" as applied to Jesus Christ holds profound theological significance, reflecting His divine nature and His role in the salvation of humanity. This title is deeply rooted in Scripture and is central to understanding the identity and mission of Christ.
Biblical ReferencesThe Gospel of John prominently features the concept of Jesus as "Life." In
John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement underscores the exclusivity and necessity of Christ as the source of spiritual life and the only path to reconciliation with God.
John 1:4 further affirms, "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men." Here, life is not merely biological existence but a divine quality that illuminates and transforms humanity. Jesus, as the incarnate Word, embodies the life that is both creative and redemptive.
In
John 11:25 , Jesus proclaims, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies." This declaration was made in the context of raising Lazarus from the dead, illustrating Jesus' power over death and His promise of eternal life to believers.
Theological SignificanceThe title "Life" emphasizes Jesus' role as the giver of eternal life. In
John 10:10 , Jesus states, "I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." This abundant life is not limited to the afterlife but begins in the present, transforming the believer's existence through a relationship with Christ.
The Apostle Paul echoes this theme in his epistles. In
Colossians 3:4 , he writes, "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." Here, Christ is identified as the very essence of the believer's life, both now and in the eschatological future.
Christ as the Source of LifeThe title "Life" also highlights Jesus' role in creation and sustenance. As the preexistent Word, He is the agent through whom all things were made (
John 1:3). This creative power is intrinsically linked to His ability to impart spiritual life, as seen in His miracles and teachings.
In the sacrament of the Eucharist, believers partake in the life of Christ. In
John 6:35 , Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This metaphorical language points to the sustenance and satisfaction found in a relationship with Him.
ConclusionThe title "Life" ascribed to Jesus Christ encapsulates His divine nature, His redemptive mission, and His ongoing presence in the lives of believers. Through Him, Christians experience a transformative and eternal life that begins in the present and extends into eternity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 14:6Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.
Torrey's Topical TextbookColossians 3:4
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 John 1:2
(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show to you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;)
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... What gentle
characters,. What titles he assumes! ... Nor will he bear those names in vain. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm
The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... LM The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... But when for
works of peace he comes,. What winning titles he assumes! ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm
The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... Book 1. Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. ... 5 But
when for works of peace he comes, What winning titles he assumes! ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm
On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... And the same: you are dead and your life
is hidden with Christ in God. [Mat.8:22; Apoc.14:13; Col.3:3]. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm
The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... Though there is a countless number of names which can be ... the title Logos (Word),
and repeat that Christ alone is ... as in the case of the other titles, search out ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm
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
The Names Son of God and Son of Man.
... Both of the names which he applied to himself"Son of God ... (further illustrated in
Christ's last words ... not among the more usual or best known titles of Messiah ...
/.../section 58 the names son.htm
More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm
The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ...
... Here it will be proper to point out the titles which the ... full vigor of life, he hence
obtains the names of "Oil ... our minds are intent on the Spirit, Christ is in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 the benefits of.htm
Verbal Inspiration
... Such titles are the Most High, the Almighty, the God ... others as Jesus, Jesus Christ,
Christ Jesus, Lord Jesus Christ. ... same is true of the various names given to ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm
Resources
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