Topical Encyclopedia
Definition:The term "abrogate" refers to the formal abolition or annulment of a law, right, or agreement. In biblical contexts, it often pertains to the cessation or fulfillment of certain laws or covenants.
Biblical Context:The concept of abrogation is significant in understanding the transition from the Old Covenant, established through the Mosaic Law, to the New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus Christ. This transition is a central theme in the New Testament, where the ceremonial and civil laws of the Old Testament are seen as fulfilled and thus no longer binding on believers in the same way.
Key Scriptures:1.
Matthew 5:17-18 : "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
· In this passage, Jesus clarifies that His mission is not to abrogate the Law but to fulfill it. The fulfillment implies that the purpose of the Law is realized in Him, leading to a new understanding and application under the New Covenant.
2.
Hebrews 8:13 : "By calling this covenant 'new,' He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear."
· The writer of Hebrews explains that the New Covenant, established through Christ, renders the Old Covenant obsolete. This does not mean the Old Covenant is without value, but its role as a binding legal system is abrogated in light of the new relationship established through Jesus.
3.
Galatians 3:24-25 : "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."
· Paul describes the Law as a guardian or tutor that leads to Christ. Once faith in Christ is established, the function of the Law as a guardian is abrogated, emphasizing the believer's new standing through faith.
4.
Colossians 2:14 : "having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross."
· This verse highlights the abrogation of the legal demands of the Law through Christ's sacrificial death. The "decrees" that were against humanity are nullified, symbolizing the removal of the Law's condemning power.
Theological Implications:The abrogation of the Old Covenant laws through Christ's fulfillment and the establishment of the New Covenant is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology. It underscores the shift from a system of law to one of grace, where salvation and righteousness are obtained through faith in Jesus Christ rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law. This transition is pivotal in understanding the nature of Christian liberty and the believer's relationship to the Law.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To abolish or repeal by an authoritative act; as, to abrogate a law; to abolish by the authority of the maker or his successor; to repeal; -- applied to the repeal of laws, decrees, ordinances, the abolition of customs, etc.
2. (v. t.) To put an end to; to do away with.
Greek
2673. katargeo -- to render inoperative, abolish... idle , (" inoperative"); ie being of ( without force, completely brought ); done
away with, cause to and therefore abolish; make invalid,
abrogate (bring to
...114. atheteo -- to do away with what has been laid down, set aside
... faith (); remove out of an appointed (proper) place, ie reject as invalid; refuse
to respect (even "despise"); to cancel, disannul,abrogate (passive, "be set...
Library
Christ did notAbrogate the Natural Precepts of the Law, but...
... Against Heresies: Book IV Chapter XIII."Christ did notabrogate the natural
precepts of the law, but rather fulfilled and extended them....
Of the Errors of Philosophers, and the Variableness of Law.
... cap. 22, 16.]. [1138] Abrogo is to repeal orabrogate wholly; "derogo," toabrogate
in part, or modify; "obrogo," to supersede by another law....
The Sermon on the Mount.
... To destroy the law would be more than toabrogate it, for it was both a system of
statutes designed for the ends of government, and a system of types...
Even if the Permission had Been Given by St. Paul in the Sense...
... The New Law abrogated divorce"it had (somewhat) toabrogate; the New Prophecy
(abrogates) second marriage, (which is) no less a divorce of the former...
Article xxviii: of Ecclesiastical Power.
... Let it not break into the office of another; Let it not transfer the kingdoms of
this world; let it notabrogate the laws of civil rulers; let it not abolish...
Law and Grace
... gospel: others put the gospel instead of the law; some modify the law and the gospel,
and preach neither law nor gospel: and others entirelyabrogate the law...
Wish You to Know, Most Pious Father, that in These Days There Has...
... but to fulfil it." [1869] The man, however, averred that He did not utter this saying
at all; for he held that when we find that He didabrogate [1870] that...
How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the...
... And let every one that loves me be of my sentiments in these dispositions,
which none that hath an affection for me willabrogate....
St. Paul Preached no New God, when He Announced the Repeal of Some...
... Now if it was with the view of preaching a new god that he was eager toabrogate
the law of the old God, how is it that he prescribes no rule about [2564] the...
Of the Last Times.
... He will appoint new laws,abrogate old ones; he will make the state his
own, and will change the name and seat of the government....
Thesaurus
Abrogate (1 Occurrence)... 1. (vt) To abolish or repeal by an authoritative act; as, to
abrogate a law; to
abolish by the authority of the maker or his successor; to repeal; -- applied
...Moment (71 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:17 "Do not for a moment suppose that I have come toabrogate the Law or
the Prophets: I have not come toabrogate them but to give them their...
Completion (40 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:17 "Do not for a moment suppose that I have come toabrogate the Law or
the Prophets: I have not come toabrogate them but to give them their...
Suppose (47 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:17 "Do not for a moment suppose that I have come toabrogate the Law or
the Prophets: I have not come toabrogate them but to give them their...
Abrogated (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofAbrogate. Multi-Version Concordance
Abrogated (1 Occurrence). Matthew 15:6 he shall be absolved...
Abroad (120 Occurrences)
Sermon (1 Occurrence)
... life. Thus Jesus does notabrogate any law but interprets its precepts in
terms that call for a deeper and more perfect fulfillment....
Malchiel (3 Occurrences)
... life. Thus Jesus does notabrogate any law but interprets its precepts in
terms that call for a deeper and more perfect fulfillment....
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law, but did not abolish it? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Qur'an replace the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible support eugenics? | GotQuestions.orgAbrogate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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