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◄ Being Ashamed►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Being ashamed is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the human experience of guilt, regret, and the recognition of sin. The concept of shame is often associated with the awareness of wrongdoing and the subsequent desire for repentance and reconciliation with God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "ashamed" is "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), which conveys a sense of disgrace or humiliation. The first instance of shame is found in the account of Adam and Eve. After disobeying God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they became aware of their nakedness and hid from God, indicating their shame (Genesis 3:7-10). This narrative sets the stage for understanding shame as a consequence of sin and separation from God.

The prophets frequently addressed the theme of shame in relation to Israel's unfaithfulness. For example, inJeremiah 3:25, the prophet laments, "Let us lie down in our shame, and let our disgrace cover us. For we have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God." Here, shame is linked to the collective acknowledgment of sin and the need for repentance.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "αἰσχύνω" (aischynō) is used to describe being ashamed. The concept is often related to the fear of public disgrace or the denial of Christ. Jesus Himself addresses the issue of shame inMark 8:38, stating, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels."

The Apostle Paul frequently discusses the theme of shame in his epistles. InRomans 1:16, he declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of boldly proclaiming the gospel without fear of shame, as it is the means of salvation.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, being ashamed is intricately connected to the human conscience and the moral law written on the heart (Romans 2:15). It serves as an internal witness to the reality of sin and the need for divine forgiveness. The experience of shame can lead individuals to seek God's mercy and grace, as seen in the psalms of lament and confession, such asPsalm 25:2-3: "O my God, in You I trust; let me not be put to shame. Let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for You will be put to shame; those who are treacherous without cause will be put to shame."

Redemption from Shame

The Bible offers hope and redemption from shame through the work of Jesus Christ.Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to look to Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Christ's atoning sacrifice provides the means by which believers can be cleansed from sin and freed from the burden of shame.

InRomans 10:11, Paul reassures believers, "As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.'" This promise underscores the transformative power of faith in Christ, which removes the stigma of shame and restores the believer to a right relationship with God.

Practical Application

For Christians, the call to live unashamedly for Christ involves both personal integrity and public witness. Believers are encouraged to confess their sins, seek God's forgiveness, and live in a manner that honors Him. The experience of shame, when rightly understood, can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on God's grace.

Topical Bible Verses

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Topicalbible.org

Mark 8:38
Whoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Topicalbible.org

2 Timothy 1:8
Be not you therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be you partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Topicalbible.org

Greek

1870. epaischunomai -- to beashamed (of)
... because they placed their confidence or support ("believed the big lie"); to be
ashamed ( humiliated). In sum, 1870 ("dishonor") refers tobeing, bringing on...

422. anepaischuntos -- not to be put to shame
... 422 (from 1 "not" and 1870, "ashamed") -- properly, notashamed, because having
discharged... only in 2 Tim 2:15, refers to the (positive) result ofbeing a of...

Library

Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown from Several Incidents...
... The Confession of St. Peter.Being Ashamed of Christ. This Shame is Only
Possible of the True Christ. Marcionite Pretensions Absurd....

True Hearing
... The everlasting and paternal wisdom saith, "Whoso heareth Me is notashamed."
If he isashamed of anything he isashamed ofbeing ashamed....

Scripture the Criterion by which Truth and Heresy are...
... Neither, then, do they want to turn to the truth,being ashamed to abandon the claims
of self-love; nor are they able to manage their opinions, by doing...

Matt. Ix. 9
... And why talk I of His notbeing ashamed of a publican? since even with regard
to a harlot woman, so far frombeing ashamed to call...

Christ Clothed with the True Substance of Human Nature.
... Had he said at first that believers are of God, where could there have been any
ground forbeing ashamed of persons possessing such dignity?...

2 Timothy ii. 14-Nov
... Everywhere this "notbeing ashamed"! And why is he ever so careful to guard
him against shame? Because it was natural for many to...

Avoid the Deadly Errors of the Docet??.
... been "enemies of the cross of Christ," [813] but rather of those who "killed the
Lord of glory." [814] But now, by denying the cross, andbeing ashamed of the...

1 Thessalonians v. 19-22
... it. For if we areashamed of those of whom Christ is notashamed, we are
ashamed of Christ,being ashamed of His friends. Let thy...

Psalm VI.
... be made manifest. For at present so far are the ungodly frombeing ashamed,
that they do not cease to insult us. And for the most...

Matt. xxviii. 11-14.
... Wherefore Peter also, so far frombeing ashamed of poverty, even glories in it,
saying, "Silver and gold have I none; but what I have give I thee." [3171] And...