Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextDissolution, in a biblical context, refers to the process of breaking down or disintegration, often associated with the end of the physical world or the body. It is a term that can be applied both to the physical decay of the human body after death and to the eschatological events concerning the end times, where the current heavens and earth are prophesied to be dissolved.
Biblical ReferencesThe concept of dissolution is notably present in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Peter. In
2 Peter 3:10-12 , the apostle describes the end times with vivid imagery: "But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be dissolved in the fire, and the earth and its works will not be found. Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be dissolved by fire and the elements will melt in the heat."
This passage emphasizes the transient nature of the physical world and serves as a call to live a life of holiness and godliness in anticipation of the coming judgment and renewal.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, dissolution underscores the temporality of the created order and the certainty of divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly life and the ultimate sovereignty of God over creation. The dissolution of the heavens and the earth is not merely an end but a precursor to the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, as promised in
Revelation 21:1 : "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more."
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsThe anticipation of dissolution and the subsequent renewal of creation calls believers to a life of moral integrity and spiritual vigilance. The knowledge that the current world is temporary should inspire Christians to focus on eternal values and to live in a manner that reflects their faith and hope in God's promises. As Peter exhorts, believers are to "conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness" (
2 Peter 3:11), recognizing that their actions have eternal significance.
Eschatological PerspectiveFrom an eschatological perspective, dissolution is part of the divine plan for the culmination of history. It is a necessary step in the transition from the present age to the age to come, where God's kingdom will be fully realized. The dissolution of the current world order is not to be feared but anticipated with hope, as it heralds the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
ConclusionWhile the concept of dissolution may evoke a sense of finality, it is ultimately a message of hope and renewal for believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of the physical world and the enduring promise of God's new creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of dissolving, or separating into component parts; separation.
2. (n.) Change from a solid to a fluid state; solution by heat or moisture; liquefaction; melting.
3. (n.) Change of form by chemical agency; decomposition; resolution.
4. (n.) The dispersion of an assembly by terminating its sessions; the breaking up of a partnership.
5. (n.) The extinction of life in the human body; separation of the soul from the body; death.
6. (n.) The state of being dissolved, or of undergoing liquefaction.
7. (n.) The new product formed by dissolving a body; a solution.
8. (n.) Destruction of anything by the separation of its parts; ruin.
9. (n.) Corruption of morals; dissipation; dissoluteness.
Greek
3080. lusis -- a loosing (by divorce)... a loosing (by divorce). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: lusis Phonetic
Spelling: (loo'-sis) Short Definition:
dissolution, release Definition
...2646. kataluma -- a lodging place
... guest chamber, inn. From kataluo; properly, adissolution (breaking up of a journey),
ie (by implication) a lodging-place -- guestchamber, inn....
Strong's Hebrew
4288. mechittah -- terror, destruction, ruin... From chathah; properly, a
dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly)
consternation -- destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. see HEBREW chathah.
...Library
The Creation andDissolution of all Things.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN II. The Creation andDissolution of all Things. 8.8.8.8
James Montgomery. The Creation andDissolution of all Things....
The Creation, Preservation,Dissolution, and Restoration of this...
... Hymns. Book 2. Composed on Divine Subjects. Hymn 2:13. The creation,
preservation,dissolution, and restoration of this world. 1...
Dissolution and Inherence According to the Manich??ans; this is...
... Chapter XVIII."Dissolution and Inherence According to the Manich??ans; This is Well
Put, Ad Hominem, with Respect to Manes, Who is Himself in Matter....
TheDissolution of Our Tabernacle Consistent with the Resurrection...
... Chapter XLI."TheDissolution of Our Tabernacle Consistent with the
Resurrection of Our Bodies. It is still the same sentiment...
The Creation, Preservation,Dissolution, and Restoration of this...
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 13 The creation, preservation,dissolution, and restoration
of this world. LM The creation, preservation,dissolution...
Period iii. TheDissolution of the Imperial State Church and the...
... TheDissolution Of The Imperial State Church And The Transition To The Middle Ages:
From The Beginning Of The Sixth Century To The Latter Part Of The Eighth....
Nevertheless one who Regards Only theDissolution of the Body is...
... IV."Apologetic Works. Chapter VIII. Nevertheless one who regards only the
dissolution of the body is greatly disturbed? Nevertheless...
John and Daniel have Predicted theDissolution and Desolation of...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter XXVI."John and Daniel have predicted thedissolution
and desolation of the Roman Empire, which shall precede the end of the...
But Neither Can the Cosmic Organism be God. For that Would Make...
... Section 28. But neither can the cosmic organism be God. For that would make God
consist of dissimilar parts, and subject Him to possibledissolution....
Of the Weakness of Man.
... that the animal which He had made, of its own accord passed to death, that it might
be capable of receiving death itself, which is thedissolution of nature...
Thesaurus
Dissolution (1 Occurrence)... parts; ruin. 9. (n.) Corruption of morals; dissipation; dissoluteness.
Multi-Version Concordance
Dissolution (1 Occurrence). 2 Peter
...Decay (18 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To pass gradually from a sound, prosperous, or perfect state, to one of
imperfection, adversity, ordissolution; to waste away; to decline; to fail; to...
Divorce (18 Occurrences)
... Thedissolution of the marriage tie was regulated by the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy
24:1-4). The Jews, after the Captivity, were reguired to dismiss the foreign...
Dissolve (4 Occurrences)
Leprosy (51 Occurrences)
... sign of the innermost spiritual corruption; a meet emblem in its small beginnings,
its gradual spread, its internal disfigurement, itsdissolution little by...
Incorruptible (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not corruptible; incapable of corruption,
decay, ordissolution; as, gold is incorruptible. 2. (a...
Divorcement (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.)Dissolution of the marriage tie; divorce; separation.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BILL OF DIVORCEMENT. di-vors'-ment....
Dissoluteness (4 Occurrences)
Death (1610 Occurrences)
... (3.) It is thedissolution of "our earthly house of this tabernacle" (2 Corinthians
5:1); the "putting off this tabernacle" (2 Peter 1:13, 14)....
Pre-destined (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:11 Since all these things are thus pre-destined todissolution, what sort
of men ought you to be found to be in all holy living and godly conduct...
Resources
What is the emerging / emergent church movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is post-modern Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Serbian Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.orgDissolution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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