Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of "distinctions" often refers to the differences and separations established by God among His creation, His people, and His laws. These distinctions serve to maintain order, holiness, and identity among God's chosen people and within His creation.
Creation DistinctionsFrom the very beginning, God established distinctions in creation. In
Genesis 1, God separates light from darkness, day from night, and land from sea. These distinctions are foundational to the order of the universe.
Genesis 1:4 states, "God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." This separation underscores the divine order and purpose inherent in creation.
Distinctions Among PeopleThe Bible also highlights distinctions among people, particularly between the Israelites and other nations. God chose Israel to be a distinct and holy nation, set apart for His purposes. In
Leviticus 20:26, God commands, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own." This distinction is not based on merit but on God's sovereign choice and covenantal promises.
Moral and Ethical DistinctionsThe Law given to Moses includes numerous distinctions between clean and unclean, holy and profane. These laws were designed to teach the Israelites about purity and holiness.
Leviticus 11:47 states, "You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten." Such distinctions were intended to guide the Israelites in living lives that were pleasing to God and reflective of His holiness.
Gender DistinctionsThe Bible also affirms distinctions between male and female, as seen in the creation narrative.
Genesis 1:27 declares, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This distinction is foundational to the biblical understanding of gender roles and relationships, as further elaborated in passages like
Ephesians 5:22-33, which discusses the roles of husbands and wives.
Spiritual DistinctionsIn the New Testament, distinctions are made between those who are in Christ and those who are not. Believers are called to live differently from the world, reflecting their new identity in Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 emphasizes this distinction: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
Distinctions in the ChurchWithin the church, distinctions are made regarding spiritual gifts and roles. The Apostle Paul, in
1 Corinthians 12, discusses the diversity of gifts given by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that while there are different gifts, they all serve the same Lord and contribute to the unity and edification of the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 states, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people."
ConclusionThe biblical concept of distinctions underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the differences established by God. These distinctions serve to maintain order, holiness, and identity among God's people and within His creation.
Greek
1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge... to judge NASB Word Usage decide (1), discern (1), disputed (1), doubt (2), doubting
(2), doubts (2), judge (1), judged (1), made
distinctions (1), made
...Library
On the VariousDistinctions of the Will of God
... DISPUTATION XIX ON THE VARIOUSDISTINCTIONS OF THE WILL OF GOD. Though
the will of God be one and simple, yet it may be variously...
The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition;Distinctions.
... THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH I. DEFINITION;DISTINCTIONS. 1. OLD TESTAMENT. 2. NEW
TESTAMENT.... I. DEFINITIONS;DISTINCTIONS. 1. OLD TESTAMENT USE OF THE WORD....
FurtherDistinctions, and Crowning Glory, of the Pallium.
... Chapter VI."FurtherDistinctions, and Crowning Glory, of the Pallium. "With
speech,' says (my antagonist), you have tried to persuade...
Because Grace is that which Characterizes all God's Dealings with...
... GRACE is that which characterizes all God's dealings with His own during this
dispensation and grace, necessarily, eliminates alldistinctions of personal...
Scheme of Necessity Denies the Reality of MoralDistinctions.
... Chapter III. Scheme Of Necessity Denies The Reality Of MoralDistinctions.... Section
I. The views of Spinoza in relation to the reality of moraldistinctions....
Section 13, 14. Such a Doctrine Precludes all RealDistinctions of...
... Section 13, 14. Such a doctrine precludes all realdistinctions of personality in
the Divine Nature. Illustration of the Scripture doctrine from 2 Cor. vi....
The Work of the Holy Spirit Distinguished.
... Not that every believer needs to know thesedistinctions in all particulars. The
existence of faith does not depend upon intellectualdistinctions....
The Trinity
... Son and Spirit as three, then neither of the three are any thing but notions in
us, or manifestations of the Godhead, or nominaldistinctions, so related by...
Whether the Persons are Distinguished by the Relations?
... Further, that the relations, or the properties, make known thedistinctions of the
hypostases or persons as resulting therefrom; as also in creatures the...
The Second Rill Enlightens the Understanding
... things. For this light shows and proves in truth thedistinctions between
all the virtues; but this does not lie wholly in our power....
Thesaurus
Distinctions (15 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Distinctions (15 Occurrences).
... "I clearly see," he said,
"that God makes no
distinctions between one man and another; (WEY).
...Cud (9 Occurrences)
... In addition to thedistinctions between clean and unclean animals mentioned in the
Bible, the Talmud points out that the clean animals have no upper teeth...
Chew (5 Occurrences)
... In addition to thedistinctions between clean and unclean animals mentioned in the
Bible, the Talmud points out that the clean animals have no upper teeth...
Merely (30 Occurrences)
... For you know that in Heaven there is One who is your Master as well as theirs, and
that merely earthlydistinctions there are none with Him. (WEY)....
Rabbi (51 Occurrences)
... "Rabbi," they said, "we know that you are a truthful man and you do not fear any
one; for you do not recognize humandistinctions, but teach God's way truly....
Earthly (39 Occurrences)
... For you know that in Heaven there is One who is your Master as well as theirs, and
that merely earthlydistinctions there are none with Him. (WEY)....
Distinctly (8 Occurrences)
Distinction (14 Occurrences)
God's (602 Occurrences)
... "Rabbi," they said, "we know that you are a truthful man and you do not fear any
one; for you do not recognize humandistinctions, but teach God's way truly....
Logos
... HEBREW ANTICIPATION OF DOCTRINE 1. Word as Revelation of God 2. Suggestions of Personal
Distinctions in Deity 3. Theophanies 4. Wisdom 5. Targums III....
Resources
What are the dangers of postmodernism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is complementarianism? | GotQuestions.orgComplementarianism vs. egalitarianism'which view is biblically correct? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
