Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of preparation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting both divine and human actions. The term "prepares" is used to describe God's providential arrangements as well as the actions of individuals who ready themselves or others for future events or tasks. This entry explores the various contexts in which preparation is highlighted in the Scriptures.
Divine Preparation1.
Creation and Providence: From the very beginning, God is depicted as the ultimate preparer. In Genesis, God prepares the world for human habitation, setting the stage for His creation to thrive.
Psalm 65:9-10 illustrates God's ongoing provision: "You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The stream of God is full of water, for You prepare the earth; You provide the grain."
2.
Salvation History: God's preparation is central to the narrative of salvation. In the Old Testament, God prepares the way for the coming of the Messiah through the covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David.
Isaiah 40:3 prophesies, "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.'"
3.
Eternal Plans: The New Testament reveals God's preparation of eternal blessings for believers. Jesus assures His disciples in
John 14:2-3 , "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am."
Human Preparation1.
Spiritual Readiness: Believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives for God's purposes. In
1 Peter 3:15 , Christians are instructed, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you."
2.
Moral and Ethical Preparation: The Bible emphasizes the importance of moral preparation.
Proverbs 24:27 advises, "Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you can build your house," highlighting the need for prudent planning and ethical diligence.
3.
Preparation for Service: The preparation for ministry and service is a significant theme. Paul, in his letters, often speaks of being prepared for every good work. In
2 Timothy 2:21 , he writes, "So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work."
Preparation for the End TimesThe Bible also speaks of preparation in the context of eschatology. Believers are urged to be vigilant and ready for the return of Christ.
Matthew 24:44 states, "For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect." This call to readiness underscores the importance of living a life of faith and obedience in anticipation of the Lord's return.
In summary, the theme of preparation in the Bible encompasses God's sovereign plans and the human response to His call. Whether it is preparing the earth, the way for the Messiah, or the hearts of believers, preparation is integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
Strong's Hebrew
3559. kun -- to be firm... sure (1), makes his sure (1), makes ready (1), making my firm (1), ordained (1),
ordered (1), place (1), prepare (21), prepared (37),
prepares (5), provide (1
...Library
The Apostasy whichPrepares the Way for the Antichrist.
... Chapter Six The Signs of the Redeemer's Return 2. The Apostasy whichprepares
the way for the Antichrist. The question has often...
Whether Grace is Necessarily Given to WhoeverPrepares Himself for...
... OF THE CAUSE OF GRACE (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether grace is necessarily given to whoever
prepares himself for it, or to whoever does what he can?...
PeterPrepares the C??sareans for his Departure.
... Book III. Chapter LXXI."PeterPrepares the C??sareans for His Departure.
However, rubbing his forehead with his hand, he said: "Be...
Whether Grace is Bound to be Given to one whoPrepares Himself for...
... Article Three Whether Grace is Bound to be given to One WhoPrepares Himself
for Grace, or Who does what He can. Whether Grace is...
The Wonderful Skill with which OrigenPrepares Gregory and...
... Argument VII."The Wonderful Skill with Which OrigenPrepares Gregory
and Athenodorus for Philosophy. The Intellect of Each is...
These Four Repair to John on Account of his Interest; for this...
... Chapter XIII."These Four repair to John on account of his Interest; for this Reason,
Theophilus was enraged, andprepares himself to fight against John....
Whether Grace is Greater in one Man than in Another
... Such diversity is partly due to him whoprepares himself for grace, since he who
prepares himself the more receives the greater fullness of grace....
The Forerunner
... Heprepares a place for us by His death.... Heprepares a place for us by His
entrance into and His dwelling in the heavenly places....
What it is Not.
... Others advance the view that preparatory graceprepares not for the reception of
life, but for conversion.... Nothingprepares for such quickening....
Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
... As in the case of prayer, when Godprepares the heart to pray, heprepares his ear
to hear (Psalm 10:17); so in the case of spiritual hunger, when Godprepares...
Thesaurus
Prepares (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Prepares (9 Occurrences).
... Job 15:35 They conceive mischief,
and bring forth iniquity. Their heart
prepares deceit." (WEB NAS RSV).
...Preparer (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who, or that which,prepares, fits, or makes
ready. Multi-Version Concordance Preparer (1 Occurrence)....
Preparest (10 Occurrences)
Jacob (361 Occurrences)
... He now hears with dismay of the approach of his brother Esau with a band of 400
men to meet him. In great agony of mind heprepares for the worst....
Leviticus (1 Occurrence)
... THE SIGNIFICANCE 1. Positive (1) The Law Contains God's Will (2) The LawPrepares
for the Understanding of Christianity (3) The Law as a Tutor unto Christ 2...
Glorifies (3 Occurrences)
... Psalms 50:23 Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, andprepares
his way so that I will show God's salvation to him." (WEB)....
Fashions (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fashions (10 Occurrences). Job 15:35 They conceive mischief,
and bring forth iniquity. Their heartprepares deceit." (See NIV)....
Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences)
... A booth is constructed for shade; the motherprepares the meals and takes her
turn with the father and children at riding on the sledge....
Tamper (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who tamps; specifically, one whoprepares
for blasting, by filling the hole in which the charge is placed....
Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences)
... A booth is constructed for shade; the motherprepares the meals and takes her
turn with the father and children at riding on the sledge....
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