Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of independence, while not explicitly outlined as a singular theme in the Bible, can be explored through various scriptural principles and narratives that emphasize personal responsibility, reliance on God, and the role of the individual within the community of believers.
Personal Responsibility and AccountabilityThe Bible underscores the importance of personal responsibility and accountability, which can be seen as a form of independence. In
Galatians 6:5, the Apostle Paul writes, "For each one should carry his own load." This verse highlights the expectation that individuals are to take responsibility for their own actions and duties. Similarly, in
Romans 14:12, Paul states, "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." This accountability before God suggests a level of independence in one's spiritual journey and moral decisions.
Reliance on GodWhile the Bible encourages personal responsibility, it also emphasizes the necessity of reliance on God rather than complete self-sufficiency.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage suggests that true independence is not about isolation or self-reliance but about trusting in God's guidance and wisdom.
Individual Role within the CommunityThe New Testament frequently addresses the role of the individual within the body of Christ, the Church. In
1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the Church, emphasizing that each member has a unique and important role. Verse 27 states, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This illustrates that while individuals have distinct roles and responsibilities, they are interdependent within the community of believers.
Examples of Independent ActionSeveral biblical figures demonstrate independent action in their faith and obedience to God. For instance, Daniel, in
Daniel 6, independently chooses to continue praying to God despite the king's decree, demonstrating personal conviction and faithfulness. Similarly, Esther, in the Book of Esther, independently decides to approach the king to save her people, saying, "If I perish, I perish" (
Esther 4:16). These examples highlight the courage and responsibility of individuals acting in accordance with their faith.
Independence and Free WillThe Bible also addresses the concept of free will, which is closely related to independence. In
Deuteronomy 30:19, God presents the Israelites with a choice: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live." This passage underscores the freedom and responsibility individuals have in making choices that align with God's will.
In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "independent," it provides a framework for understanding independence through personal responsibility, reliance on God, the role of the individual within the community, and the exercise of free will. These principles guide believers in living a life that honors God while acknowledging their unique roles and responsibilities.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent.
2. (a.) Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an independent property.
3. (a.) Not subject to bias or influence; not obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent mind.
4. (a.) Expressing or indicating the feeling of independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an independent air or manner.
5. (a.) Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.
6. (a.) Belonging or pertaining to, or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the Independents.
7. (a.) Not dependent upon another quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; -- said of quantities or functions.
8. (a.) Not bound by party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any party.
9. (n.) One who believes that an organized Christian church is complete in itself, competent to self-government, and independent of all ecclesiastical authority.
10. (n.) One who does not acknowledge an obligation to support a party's candidate under all circumstances; one who exercises liberty in voting.
Greek
166. aionios -- agelong, eternal... simultaneously of time, of time, and beyond time -- ie what gives time its everlasting
meaning for the believer through faith, yet is also time-
independent.
...4561. sarx -- flesh
... 2:20).]. 4561 () is generally negative, referring to making decisions (actions)
-- ie done (independent from inworking). Thus what...
842. autarkes -- self-sufficient, sufficient
... Phonetic Spelling: (ow-tar'-kace) Short Definition: self-sufficient, contented,
satisfied Definition: self-sufficient, contented, satisfied,independent....
5565. choris -- separately, separate from
... Word Origin adverb akin to cheros (bereaved) Definition separately, separate from
NASB Word Usage apart (10), besides (2),independent (2), itself (1...
Strong's Hebrew
7771a. shoa --independent, noble (in station)... 7771, 7771a. shoa. 7771b .
independent, noble (in station). Transliteration:
shoa Short Definition: generous. Word Origin from yasha
...7771. showa' --independent, noble (in station)
... showa'. 7771a .independent, noble (in station). Transliteration: showa' Phonetic
Spelling: (sho'-ah) Short Definition: bountiful. bountiful, crying, rich...
4178. morat -- peeled
... Word Origin the same as marat, qv. peeled From yarat; obstinate, ieIndependent --
peeled. see HEBREW yarat. 4177b, 4178. morat. 4179 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
TheIndependent and Happy Man.
... CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE. 403. " TheIndependent and Happy Man.
403. LM Sir H. Wotton. TheIndependent and Happy Man. 1...
Proposition iii: the oneIndependent Being must be Necessarily...
... Proposition III: The oneindependent Being must be necessarily existing.
III. That unchangeable andindependent Being, which has...
Proposition ii: There must have Existed from Eternity one...
... Proposition II: There must have existed from eternity oneindependent being. There
has existed from eternity, [3] some one unchangeable andindependent being....
Now the Person in Each Declares theIndependent Being and...
... Section VIII. Now the person in each declares theindependent being and subsistence.?
Now the person in each declares theindependent being and subsistence....
This Assurance, However, is not Produced by any Peculiar...
... Fifth Head of Doctrine Article 10 This assurance, however, is not produced
by any peculiar revelation contrary to orindependent of?...
Summary of the Creed, or Rule of Faith no Questions ever Raised...
... Raised About It by Believers. Heretics Encourage and Perpetuate Thought
Independent of Christ's Teaching. Now, with regard to this...
The True Doctrine. Creation Out of Nothing, of God's Lavish Bounty...
... Section 3. The true doctrine. Creation out of nothing, of God's lavish bounty of
being. Man created above the rest, but incapable ofindependent perseverance....
The Contents. The Introduction, Concerning the Causes of Atheism 1
... PROP. II. That there has existed from Eternity some one Immutable andIndependent
Being 10. Of the Absolute Impossibility of an eternal...
That the Self-Existent Being Can be but One.
... Again: To suppose two (or more) distinct beings existing of themselves, necessarily,
andindependent from each other, implies this plain contradiction; that...
The First Letter.
... p.74,]"to suppose two or more different natures existing of themselves, necessarily
andindependent from each other, implies this plain contradiction; that...
Thesaurus
Independent (1 Occurrence)... 1. (a.) Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on
others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly
independent.
...Greece (15 Occurrences)
... Greece was conquered by the Romans BC 146. After passing through various
changes it was erected into anindependent monarchy in 1831....
Lot (145 Occurrences)
... of Abraham; but that this does not represent a variant tradition is proved by reference
to 14:12 of the same chapter (ascribed to "anindependent source") and...
Volition
... carries in it the idea of "wish," "purpose," "volition." "Will" is also used as
an auxiliary of the future tense of other words, but theindependent verb is...
Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence)
... As the One infinitely perfect and absolute or self-existent Being, God is exalted
far above the possibility of change, because He isindependent, self-existent...
Unchangeable (4 Occurrences)
... As the One infinitely perfect and absolute or self-existent Being, God is exalted
far above the possibility of change, because He isindependent, self-existent...
Liberal (11 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Free by birth; hence, befitting a freeman or gentleman; refined; noble;
independent; free; not servile or mean; as, a liberal ancestry; a liberal spirit...
Individual (12 Occurrences)
... a human being; a person. 4. (n.) Anindependent, or partiallyindependent,
zooid of a compound animal. 5. (n.) The product of a...
Sovereign (209 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.)Independent of, and unlimited by, any other; possessing, or entitled to,
original authority or jurisdiction; as, a sovereign state; a sovereign...
Joseph (248 Occurrences)
... He will add," "And she called his name Joseph, saying, Yahweh add to me another
son"): I. THE JOSEPH STORY, A LITERARY QUESTION 1. AnIndependent Original or...
Resources
Who are the Independent Baptists, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the independent Christian Church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different forms of church polity? | GotQuestions.orgIndependent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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