What does it mean to be a friend of God according to the Bible?

The concept of being a "friend of God" is one of the most profound and intimate descriptions of the relationship between God and humans found in the Bible. This idea is not just a poetic metaphor but a transformative reality that speaks to the depth of God's love and the potential for closeness that He offers to each one of us. To understand what it means to be a friend of God, we must explore various biblical narratives, teachings, and the theological implications of such a relationship.

The phrase "friend of God" is explicitly used in reference to Abraham. In James 2:23, it says, "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend." This verse highlights two essential elements of being a friend of God: faith and righteousness. Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promises and his righteous living set him apart as someone who enjoyed a unique closeness with the Creator.

Faith is a cornerstone in the relationship between God and His friends. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust and reliance on God. Abraham's life was marked by actions that demonstrated his faith, such as his willingness to leave his homeland and his readiness to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 12:1-4, Genesis 22:1-19). These acts of obedience were expressions of his trust in God's character and promises.

Righteousness, closely linked with faith, is another key aspect of being a friend of God. Righteousness in the biblical sense involves living in a way that is aligned with God's will and character. It is about moral integrity, justice, and a heart that seeks to honor God in all things. Abraham's life, though not without faults, was fundamentally oriented towards God. His righteousness was not self-derived but was credited to him because of his faith (Romans 4:3). This indicates that a friend of God is someone who, through faith, is transformed and committed to living out God's commands.

Another significant example of a friend of God is Moses. In Exodus 33:11, it is written, "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." This description highlights the direct and personal communication that Moses had with God. Unlike the Israelites who experienced God through intermediaries, Moses enjoyed an intimate, direct relationship with God. This face-to-face interaction signifies a level of openness and mutual respect that is characteristic of true friendship.

Moses' friendship with God was also marked by intercession. In Exodus 32:11-14, when the Israelites sinned by making the golden calf, Moses pleaded with God to spare them. His willingness to stand in the gap for others, even at great personal cost, reflects a heart aligned with God's love and mercy. This aspect of intercession is a profound expression of friendship with God, showing that a friend of God is also a friend to God's people.

Jesus, in the New Testament, expands on the concept of being a friend of God. In John 15:13-15, He says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." Here, Jesus outlines the criteria and privileges of being His friend.

Firstly, Jesus emphasizes love and self-sacrifice. The ultimate expression of friendship is laying down one's life for others, which Jesus Himself exemplified through His crucifixion. This sacrificial love is the foundation of our friendship with God. It is a call to love others as Jesus loved us, selflessly and sacrificially.

Secondly, obedience to Jesus' commands is essential. Friendship with God involves a commitment to living according to His teachings. This obedience is not a burdensome legalism but a joyful response to His love. It is through obedience that we align our lives with God's purposes and reflect His character.

Thirdly, Jesus highlights the privilege of revelation. Unlike servants who are kept in the dark, friends are entrusted with knowledge and insight. Jesus shares with His friends the mysteries of God's kingdom, His plans, and His heart. This sharing of divine knowledge fosters a deeper intimacy and partnership in God's work.

The Apostle Paul also sheds light on this theme in his letters. In Romans 5:10-11, Paul writes, "For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." Here, Paul contrasts our former state as enemies of God with our new status as reconciled friends. This reconciliation is made possible through Jesus Christ, highlighting that our friendship with God is rooted in grace and redemption.

Furthermore, Paul speaks of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a mark of our friendship with God. In Galatians 4:6, he writes, "Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" The Holy Spirit enables us to experience a personal and intimate relationship with God, empowering us to live as His friends.

Christian literature also offers rich insights into the nature of friendship with God. For instance, A.W. Tozer in his book "The Pursuit of God" emphasizes the importance of seeking God with a fervent heart. Tozer writes, "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One." This pursuit of God, driven by a passionate desire to know Him, is at the heart of being His friend. It is about prioritizing our relationship with God above all else and finding our ultimate fulfillment in Him.

C.S. Lewis, in "The Four Loves," explores the different dimensions of love, including friendship. He describes friendship as a deep bond that is formed when individuals are united by a common vision or purpose. In the context of our relationship with God, this common vision is the pursuit of His kingdom and righteousness. Lewis writes, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" This shared pursuit of God and His purposes creates a profound sense of camaraderie and mutual support among God's friends.

In summary, being a friend of God according to the Bible involves a deep and personal relationship characterized by faith, righteousness, love, obedience, and revelation. It is a relationship that transforms us and aligns our lives with God's will. Through the examples of Abraham, Moses, and the teachings of Jesus, we see that friendship with God is both a profound privilege and a sacred responsibility. It calls us to live in a way that reflects God's character and to participate in His redemptive work in the world. As we seek to cultivate this friendship, we are invited into a journey of ever-deepening intimacy with the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all.