Topical Encyclopedia
The term "ingrafted" is primarily associated with the Apostle Paul's teachings in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Romans. The concept is deeply rooted in the imagery of horticulture, where a branch is grafted into a tree to share in its nourishment and life. This metaphor is used to illustrate profound theological truths about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the plan of salvation.
Biblical Reference:The key passage that discusses the concept of being "ingrafted" is found in
Romans 11. Paul writes to the believers in Rome, addressing the dynamics between Jewish and Gentile Christians. In
Romans 11:17-24 , Paul explains:
"But if some branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them to share in the nourishment of the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.' That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either."
Theological Significance:1.
Unity in Diversity: The imagery of grafting highlights the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. Gentile believers, represented as wild olive branches, are grafted into the cultivated olive tree, symbolizing Israel. This signifies that both Jews and Gentiles are part of God's redemptive plan, sharing in the blessings and promises given to Abraham and his descendants.
2.
Faith and Humility: Paul emphasizes that the inclusion of the Gentiles is based on faith, not heritage or works. This serves as a reminder of the necessity of faith for salvation and the importance of humility. Believers are cautioned against arrogance, recognizing that their position is solely due to God's grace.
3.
God's Sovereignty and Mercy: The process of grafting illustrates God's sovereign choice and mercy. While some natural branches (unbelieving Jews) were broken off due to unbelief, God, in His mercy, grafts in the Gentiles. This demonstrates God's overarching plan to extend salvation to all humanity, fulfilling His promises to Israel while opening the door for Gentiles.
4.
Hope for Israel: The metaphor also holds a promise for Israel. Paul expresses hope that the natural branches can be grafted back into their own olive tree if they do not persist in unbelief. This underscores the ongoing opportunity for Jewish people to embrace the Messiah and be restored to their rightful place in God's covenant community.
Practical Implications:The concept of being "ingrafted" calls believers to a life of gratitude, humility, and unity. It challenges the church to embrace diversity within the body of Christ, recognizing that all believers, regardless of their background, are equal recipients of God's grace. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and the need to remain steadfast in belief, while continually seeking reconciliation and unity among all members of God's family.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Ingraft.
Library
Jericho Itself.
... I. "Theyingrafted, or folded, together, palm-trees every day." Here is need
of a long commentary, and they produce one, but very obscure....
The Word
... meekness. Receive with meekness theingrafted word.' James 1:21. Meekness...
By meekness the word preached comes to beingrafted. As a...
Method and Arrangement, or Subject of the Whole Work.
... III. So long as Christ is separated from us we have no benefit from him.
We must beingrafted in him like branches in the vine....
The Work of Regeneration.
... But this is sure: as soon as there is any action it will be according to the
new,ingrafted nature. And so it is here. The new,ingrafted...
The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in...
... that we are reconciled by his blood; that, placed under his protection, we are
delivered from the danger of finally perishing; that thusingrafted into him we...
Of Baptism.
... 5 Second thing in Baptism"viz. to teach that we areingrafted into Christ for
mortification and newness of life. 6. Third thing in Baptism"viz....
Growth in Grace
... (3.) Grace cannot but grow, from a believer's ingrafting into Christ. He who is
a scion,ingrafted into this noble, generous stock, cannot but grow....
Perseverance
... No wonder to see a bough fall from a tree that is only tied on. Hypocrites are only
tied on Christ by an external profession, they are notingrafted....
Summer Song.
... that shall wither never. And may Thy Spirit dwell in me, May Ia good branch
ever beIngrafted in the Saviour! In Thine own garden...
The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret...
... Accordingly, he is called our Head, and the first-born among many brethren, while,
on the other hand, we are said to beingrafted into him and clothed with him...
Thesaurus
Ingrafted (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Ingrafted (5 Occurrences).
... Romans 11:19 Thou wilt say then,
The branches were broken off, that I might be
ingrafted. (WBS).
...Ingraft (1 Occurrence)
... Ingraft (1 Occurrence). Romans 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief,
shall beingrafted: for God is able to ingraft them again....
Inhabit (29 Occurrences)
Resources
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