F.E. Marsh :: 284. Names of Believers

IT is a most profitable study to note the names that are given to believers, for as the names of God denote His character and claims, so the names of believers denote their calling in Christ and what their character should be before Him.

A Ambassadors

to represent God in the world. “We are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20).

B Branches in Christ, the Vine,

for the Spirit of God to manifest His fruitfulness through them. “I am the Vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:5).

C Citizens of heaven

in a strange land, which they are travelling through. “Fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19).

D Disciples

following Christ,their Master, and listening to Christ, their Teacher. “Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27).

E Elect ones of God

for His use and glory. “Elect of God, holy and beloved” (Col. 3:12).

F Friends of Christ,

to have fellowship with Him and lovingly to do as He bids. “Ye are My friends if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).

G Garden

enclosed as His own propertyfor His delight and satisfaction. “A garden enclosed is My sister, My spouse” (Song of Solomon 4:12).

H Heirs of God,

joint heirs with Christ, to enjoy what they have with Him. “Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ . . . . that we may be also glorified together” (Rom. 8:17).

I Instruments

to be fitted and used at His disposal. “Sanctified and meet for the Master’s use” (2 Tim 2:21).

J Jewels

that are precious and priceless to Him. “They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels” (Mal. 3:17).

K Kings.

Made so by His grace to reign with Christ in His kingdom. “Made us kings and priests unto God and His Father” (Revelation 1:6).

L Lights

to reprove sin by their holiness, to represent Christ by their harmony with His will and Word. “Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine,” &c. (Matt. 5:14, 16).

M Members of Christ’s body

as to their union with Him, and hence members one of another. “For we are members of His body” (Eph. 5:30). “We are members one of another” (Eph. 4:25).

N New Creatures in Christ Jesus,

as reminding them of the new position they enjoy in Him, and the new practice they are to exemplify by Him. “If any man be in Christ he is a new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17).

O Offerers to Him

of themselves-spirit, soul, and body; their praise and prayers. “That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

P Pilgrims and strangers,

hence they have nothing in common with the world, nor wish to. “I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts” (1 Peter 2:11).

R Redeemed ones,

as those who have been purchased and liberated. “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things.….but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18).

S Stewards,

in their responsibility to God. “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13).

T Temple of God,

being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16).

U Undefiled

as to what the Lord calls them, because He sees them in Christ (Song of Solomon 4:7).

V Vessels of mercy,

as partakers of His grace. “That He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy” (Romans 9:23).

W Worshippers,

as to their adoration and admiration of the Lord in His greatness and goodness. “O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness” (Psalm 107:8).