Topical Encyclopedia
The term "abolishes" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of doing away with or nullifying something, particularly in relation to laws, covenants, or practices. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is used to describe the transition from old covenants to new ones, as well as the fulfillment of the law through Jesus Christ.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of abolishing is often associated with the removal of idolatrous practices and the establishment of a new order under God's guidance. For example, various kings of Israel and Judah are noted for abolishing high places and idols in an effort to restore true worship of Yahweh. The prophets also speak of a future time when God will abolish the sins and transgressions of His people, leading to a renewed relationship with Him.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of abolishing takes on a more theological dimension, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. The term is frequently used to describe the work of Jesus Christ in relation to the Law of Moses and the old covenant.
1.
Abolishing the Law: In
Ephesians 2:15, Paul writes, "by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace." Here, the term "abolishing" refers to the nullification of the ceremonial and judicial aspects of the Mosaic Law, which separated Jews and Gentiles. Through His death and resurrection, Christ fulfilled the law, creating a new covenant that unites all believers.
2.
Abolishing Death: Another significant use of the term is found in
2 Timothy 1:10, which states, "And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel." In this context, "abolished" signifies the defeat of death's power through the resurrection of Jesus, offering eternal life to believers.
3.
Abolishing the Old Covenant:
Hebrews 8:13 discusses the obsolescence of the old covenant, stating, "By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear." The term "obsolete" here is akin to abolishing, indicating that the old covenant is no longer in effect due to the establishment of the new covenant through Christ.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of abolishing in the Bible underscores the transformative work of Jesus Christ. It highlights the transition from the old covenant, based on the law and sacrifices, to the new covenant, characterized by grace and faith in Christ. This transition is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law and the establishment of a new relationship between God and humanity through Jesus. The abolishment of the old ways paves the way for a new creation, where believers are united in Christ and freed from the bondage of sin and death.
Library
The Emperor ConstantineAbolishes Paganism and Erects Many...
... SCHOLASTICUS. Book I. Chapter XVIII."The Emperor Constantineabolishes Paganism
and erects many Churches in Different Places. After...
God's Inheritance and Ours
... of it in our earthly relationships,"that the one way by which a human spirit can
possess a spirit is by the sweet mutual love whichabolishes 'mine' and...
Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... 3458]526, [3459]528; presents of, at his vicennalia, [3460]526; builds churches
at Constantinople, [3461]532; at Nicomedia, [3462]532;abolishes idolatry at...
General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History.
... prohibited, [2889]244; property restored to Christians, [2890]244; conquers Goths
and Sarmatians, enjoins observance of Lord's Day,abolishes crucifixion, [2891...
The Ecclesiastical History of Scholasticus
... Church. Chapter XVIII.--The Emperor Constantineabolishes Paganism and erects
many Churches in Different Places. Chapter XIX. --In...
Our Relations to the Departed
... But I proceed to remark, if the Christian religion thus transforms death, or, in
other words,abolishes the idea of its being annihilation, or an end, then it...
Besides These Men, There is Still Another Class, -- Inventors of...
... that debase and dishonor it; sanctifies human society, by leading it to the knowledge
and worship of God;"they love it because itabolishes Custom House...
Of Stations.
... from the example of military life"for we withal are God's military [8870] "of course
no gladness or sadness chanting to the campabolishes the "stations...
Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the...
... 6. Impiety of the Mass continued.4. It robs us of the benefit of Christ's death.
7. Impiety of the Mass continued.5. Itabolishes the Lord's Supper....
Christianity and the Family.
... Itabolishes polygamy, and makes monogamy the proper form of marriage; it condemns
concubinage with all forms of unchastity and impurity....
Thesaurus
Abolishes (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Abolishes (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 10:9 then he
has said, "Behold, I have come to do your will." He takes
...Abolished (12 Occurrences)
Abolishing (1 Occurrence)
Inspiration (4 Occurrences)
... Covenant. His perfect sacrifice, "once for all," supersedes andabolishes
the typical sacrifices of the old economy (Hebrews 9-10)....
Isaiah (64 Occurrences)
... He alsoabolishes violent death, that is to say, war (compare 2:4) and its sad
accompaniment, "tears," so that "the earth" (ie the land of Judah) is no longer...
Bible
... Covenant. His perfect sacrifice, "once for all," supersedes andabolishes
the typical sacrifices of the old economy (Hebrews 9-10)....
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