Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceAcknowledgment, in a biblical context, refers to the act of recognizing and affirming the truth, presence, or authority of God, His works, and His commandments. It is an essential aspect of faith and worship, reflecting a believer's understanding and acceptance of God's sovereignty and grace. Acknowledgment is not merely intellectual assent but involves a heartfelt response that influences one's actions and attitudes.
Biblical BasisThe concept of acknowledgment is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's role in creation, salvation, and daily life. In
Proverbs 3:6, believers are instructed, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This verse highlights the promise of divine guidance when one acknowledges God's authority and seeks His will.
Acknowledgment of GodAcknowledging God involves recognizing His attributes, such as His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.
Psalm 100:3 declares, "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." This acknowledgment is foundational to worship and obedience, as it affirms God's rightful place as Creator and Sustainer.
Acknowledgment of ChristIn the New Testament, acknowledgment extends to Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior. In
Philippians 2:11, it is stated, "and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This confession is a form of acknowledgment that is central to Christian faith, affirming Jesus' divinity and redemptive work.
Acknowledgment of SinAcknowledgment also involves recognizing one's own sinfulness and need for repentance. In 1
John 1:9, believers are assured, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This acknowledgment is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with God and experiencing His forgiveness and cleansing.
Acknowledgment in Worship and PrayerAcknowledgment is a key component of worship and prayer, where believers express gratitude and reverence for God's goodness and mercy.
Psalm 95:6-7 invites worshipers, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." This act of worship is an acknowledgment of God's care and provision.
Acknowledgment in Daily LifeIn daily life, acknowledgment of God involves living in a manner that reflects His values and commands.
Colossians 3:17 instructs, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." This verse underscores the importance of acknowledging God in every aspect of life, ensuring that one's actions align with His will.
Consequences of Failing to Acknowledge GodScripture warns of the consequences of failing to acknowledge God.
Romans 1:21 describes the downfall of those who, "although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." This passage illustrates the spiritual decline that results from neglecting to acknowledge God's rightful place in one's life.
ConclusionAcknowledgment is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, encompassing the recognition of God's authority, the confession of Christ as Lord, the admission of personal sin, and the expression of gratitude in worship and daily living. Through acknowledgment, believers align themselves with God's purposes and experience His guidance and blessings.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) An expression of appreciation or recognition; an admission, avowal or confession.
2. (n.) The act of owning or recognized in a particular character or relationship; recognition as regards the existence, authority, truth, or genuineness.
3. (n.) The owning of a benefit received; courteous recognition; expression of thanks.
4. (n.) Something given or done in return for a favor, message, etc.
5. (n.) A declaration or avowal of one's own act, to give it legal validity; as, the acknowledgment of a deed before a proper officer. Also, the certificate of the officer attesting such declaration.
Greek
1868. epainos -- praise... 1868 (from 1909 , ", fitting," which intensifies 136 , "praise") -- properly, ()
praise, ie
acknowledgment (appropriate commendation, recognition
...3671. homologia -- an agreement, confession
... confession, profession. From the same as homologeo;acknowledgment -- con-
(pro-)fession, professed. see GREEK homologeo. (omologian) -- 3 Occurrences....
594. apodoche -- acceptance, approval
... Cognate: 594 (from 588 , " receive") -- full-; the ready,acknowledgment that goes
with welcoming the behind the statement (note the ). See 588 ()....
Library
Acknowledgment that Divine Providence Chooses Our Lot.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CXLVI.Acknowledgment that Divine Providence chooses our Lot....
James Montgomery.Acknowledgment that Divine Providence chooses our Lot....
HisAcknowledgment that the Divine Being is Single' is Only Verbal...
... Book I. Section 19. Hisacknowledgment that the Divine Being is single'
is only verbal. "Each Being has, in fact and in conception...
Acknowledgment of their Excellence.
... Chapter I."Acknowledgment of their excellence. I know that ye possess
an unblameable and sincere mind in patience, and that not...
Acknowledgment of Her Excellence and Wisdom.
... Chapter I."Acknowledgment of her excellence and wisdom. Sight indeed
is better than writing, inasmuch as, being one [1375] of...
Acknowledgment of their Kindness.
... Chapter X."Acknowledgment of their kindness. Ye have done well in receiving
Philo and Rheus Agathopus as servants [1040] of Christ...
The Heart Given to God inAcknowledgment of his Blessings.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCCXVIII. The Heart given to God inacknowledgment of His Blessings....
The Heart given to God inacknowledgment of His Blessings. PART I....
The Sophistry which He Employs to Prove OurAcknowledgment that He...
... The sophistry which he employs to prove ouracknowledgment that he had been tried,
and that the confession of his faith had not been unimpeached, is feeble....
Constantine Gives Glory to God, Makes GratefulAcknowledgment of...
... Book II. Chapter LV."Constantine gives Glory to God, makes GratefulAcknowledgment
of the Sign of the Cross, and prays for the Churches and People....
On the Repentance by which Men Answer to the Divine Vocation
... comprising its nature. V. That which is tantamount to an antecedent is
the knowledge oracknowledgment of sin. This consists of...
Whether There ever was a Roman Republic Answering to the...
... For the people, according to his definition, is an assemblage associated by a
commonacknowledgment of right and by a community of interests....
Thesaurus
Acknowledgment (6 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) A declaration or avowal of one's own act, to give it legal validity;
as, the
acknowledgment of a deed before a proper officer.
...Confession (22 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.)Acknowledgment; avowal, especially in a matter
pertaining to one's self; the admission of a debt, obligation, or crime....
Tributary (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Paying tribute to another, either from compulsion, as anacknowledgment
of submission, or to secure protection, or for the purpose of purchasing peace....
Praise (487 Occurrences)
... Praise may be bestowed upon unworthy objects or from improper motives, but true
praise consists in a sincereacknowledgment of a real conviction of worth....
Bilhan (3 Occurrences)
... which is the equivalent of the contemporary Hebrew legal term sheTar, "writing."
This "writing," in the usage of the times, was anacknowledgment of the taking...
Acknowledging (7 Occurrences)
Offices (14 Occurrences)
... By theacknowledgment of even those who have denied His Divine nature and redemptive
work, He has been recognized as the Supreme Moral Teacher of the world....
Homage (51 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Special honor or respect; a symbolicalacknowledgment made by a feudal tenant
to, and in the presence of, his lord, on receiving investiture of fee, or...
Obligation (17 Occurrences)
... In a larger sense, it is anacknowledgment of a duty to pay a certain sum or do
a certain things. Multi-Version Concordance Obligation (17 Occurrences)....
Operative (2 Occurrences)
... Philemon 1:6 in such sort that thy participation in the faith should become operative
in theacknowledgment of every good thing which is in us towards Christ...
Resources
What does the Bible say about knowledge? | GotQuestions.orgAccording to the Bible, to whom are we to be submissive, and why? | GotQuestions.orgDo women have to remain silent in church? | GotQuestions.orgAcknowledgment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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