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The concept of Divine influence in Christianity

According to Christianity, divine influence refers to the spiritual effect of God's presence on humanity, promoting transformation and renewal. It encapsulates the guidance and authority from God that shapes the moral and spiritual capacities of individuals, enabling them to align with divine qualities. This active influence from the Holy Spirit is essential for believers to recognize and accept truths, such as the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Christ. Divine influence is both a transformative force and necessary for living a righteous life.

Synonyms: Spiritual guidance, Heavenly influence, Divine guidance, Supernatural force, Sacred inspiration, Inspiration, Guidance, Providence, Illumination, Blessing, Spiritual enlightenment, Heavenly guidance, Spiritual influence, Supernatural influence, Intervention

In Dutch: Goddelijke invloed; In Finnish: Jumalallinen vaikutus; In Spanish: Influencia divina; In German: Göttlicher Einfluss; In Malay: Pengaruh ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomligt inflytande; In French: Influence divine

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Divine influence'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This refers to the positive effects of God's presence, and a man's potential to waste it.[1] (2) The text mentions that the continual operation of a divine influence is molding men into its own likeness, and it is the essence of the Holy Spirit's work, which is a divine power.[2] (3) Divine influences are the influences from Heaven which are bestowed through the Spirit of the Lord, which the oil in the parable represents, as described.[3] (4) Divine influence is a necessity for the servants to do the work that has been given to them, and it is consistent with what we hold of the necessity of divine influence.[4] (5) The assistance or guidance provided by a divine presence that impacts a person’s moral and spiritual capacity.[5]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) Divine influence is required to truly believe and acknowledge the truth in the words, 'Jesus is the Christ,' without it, one cannot believe.[6] (2) The guiding force from God that affects the thoughts and writings of individuals, ensuring they convey essential truths.[7] (3) The supernatural force attributed to Mary's conception of Jesus.[8] (4) The guidance and authority from God that shapes the actions and outcomes of the Israelites and their leaders.[9]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) The Holy Spirit is represented as a Person, not as a mere, and the distinctions in the Godhead are emphasized by this distinction.[10]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The spiritual guidance or presence that impacts individuals and their ability to live morally.[11] (2) The presumed guidance from God that inspired the prophets and their prophecies.[12] (3) The possibility of a higher power's impact on personal traits, abilities, and the nature of one's soul.[13] (4) The spiritual power and guidance imparted to believers through faith.[14] (5) The power or authority attributed to divine beings, which is asserted to be distinct from mortal origins.[15]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) God's active engagement or lack thereof in the moral decisions of creatures, which can either restrain or allow them to act according to their nature.[16]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) It is not tolerable that one, who has not become altogether Godlike in his whole character, and proved to be in harmony with this and judgment, should become Leader to others, in the altogether divine.[17]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The Divine influence is mentioned as the action that gives being to creatures, and the text suggests that its cessation would lead to the end of existence.[18]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Plural form: Divine influences.