Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptFinality refers to the state or quality of being final or conclusive. In a biblical context, it often pertains to the ultimate completion or fulfillment of God's plans and purposes. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the definitive nature of God's actions, judgments, and promises.
Biblical References1.
Creation and God's Sovereignty The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God's final word brings the universe into existence.
Genesis 1:31 states, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." This declaration marks the completion of creation, underscoring God's sovereign authority and the finality of His creative work.
2.
The Law and Prophets The giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai represents a definitive moment in Israel's history. The Law served as a final standard for righteousness and covenant relationship with God.
Deuteronomy 4:2 warns, "You shall not add to the word that I am commanding you, nor take away from it," emphasizing the completeness and finality of God's commandments.
3.
The Cross and Redemption The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the ultimate act of finality in the redemption narrative. Jesus' declaration, "It is finished" (
John 19:30), signifies the completion of His atoning work on the cross. This moment marks the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the final victory over sin and death.
4.
The Resurrection and Eternal Life The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event that assures believers of the finality of victory over death.
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 proclaims, "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" This passage affirms the ultimate triumph and the promise of eternal life for those in Christ.
5.
Judgment and the End Times The Bible speaks of a final judgment where God will decisively separate the righteous from the wicked.
Revelation 20:12 describes this scene: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened." This event underscores the finality of God's justice and the consummation of history.
6.
The New Heaven and New Earth The book of Revelation concludes with the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, symbolizing the final restoration of creation.
Revelation 21:5 declares, "Behold, I make all things new." This promise of renewal and eternal peace reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Theological ImplicationsFinality in Scripture reveals the unchanging nature of God's word and His ultimate authority over creation. It assures believers of the certainty of God's promises and the fulfillment of His divine purposes. The concept of finality also calls for a response of faith and obedience, as individuals are invited to participate in God's eternal plan through Jesus Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The state of being finished, or complete; a final or conclusive arrangement; a settlement.
2. (n.) The relation of end or purpose to its means.
Greek
5598. O -- the last letter of the Gr. alphabet... alphabet NASB Word Usage Omega (3). Omega. The last letter of the Greek alphabet,
ie (figuratively) the
finality -- Omega. (omega) -- 3 Occurrences.
...Strong's Hebrew
6783. tsemithuth -- completion,finality... 6782, 6783. tsemithuth. 6784 . completion,
finality. Transliteration: tsemithuth
Phonetic Spelling: (tsem-ee-thooth') Short Definition: permanently.
...Library
The Epistle to the Hebrews
... The elements of Christianity include preaching on eternal' judgment (6:2), ie, a
judgment which has the character offinality, from which there is no appeal...
Christian Standing and Christian Progress
... Christian exultation"Christian confidence""Not in the flesh"""In Jesus Christ""The
prize in view"Nofinality in the progress""Not already perfect...
Though He were Dead
... We called him at last "Finality John," for he was always coming to an ultimatum,
and taking for his motto "Rest, and be thankful." Into that style Christian...
The Art of Talking
... The best type of talker is slow to express positive opinions, is sparing in
criticism, and studiously avoids a tone or word offinality....
Cadman -- a New Day for Missions
... Moreover, can we rest the absolutism andfinality of Jesus upon anything less than
the last complete outpouring of His soul unto voluntary death for men's...
Mount Zion.
... In the later exhortations he adds the notion of the blood of the covenant, and insists,
not merely on the greatness, but also on thefinality, of the revelation...
Index.
... 145. Federalist theology, 126.Finality of Christ's work, 167. First-begotten,
Christ the, 26. Flesh, use of the word, 152. Forensic...
Jesus' Knowledge of Truth
... summing up all commandments in one,"Thou shalt love (Matthew 22:37-40); and at the
same time insisted as no other prophet had done on thefinality of conduct...
It is a Sure Foundation for Our Faith.
... Because God's Word says so, and I want nothing more. The Bible gives forth no uncertain
sound. It speaks with absolute assurance, dogmatism, andfinality....
Concluding Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy
... scepticism, when he declines to tie himself to a system, when he says that he has
outgrown definitions, when he says that he disbelieves infinality, when, in...
Thesaurus
Finality (1 Occurrence)... a settlement. 2. (n.) The relation of end or purpose to its means.
Multi-Version Concordance
Finality (1 Occurrence). Romans 9:28
...Punishment (417 Occurrences)
... The meaning "eternal" is confirmed by the use of equivalent expressions and of forms
of speech which convey in the strongest manner the idea offinality....
Final (16 Occurrences)
Everlasting (192 Occurrences)
... The meaning "eternal" is confirmed by the use of equivalent expressions and of forms
of speech which convey in the strongest manner the idea offinality....
Finally (29 Occurrences)
Authority (326 Occurrences)
... All its writers disclaimfinality and look forward to a fuller revelation of the
mind of God in a day of Yahweh or a new covenant or a Messiah....
Christianity
... of our day has no more difficulty than had the apostles in holding and establishing
what Principal Forsyth fitly calls "the superhistoricfinality of Christ...
Religion (23 Occurrences)
... All its writers disclaimfinality and look forward to a fuller revelation of the
mind of God in a day of Yahweh or a new covenant or a Messiah....
Holy (1097 Occurrences)
... 3.Finality of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: The question is often raised whether
or not the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred once for all or is repeated...
Spirit (706 Occurrences)
... 3.Finality of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: The question is often raised whether
or not the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred once for all or is repeated...
Resources
What happens after death? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I be prepared to die? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to shake the dust off your feet? | GotQuestions.orgFinality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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