Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "reasonably" in a biblical context often relates to the use of reason, wisdom, and discernment in understanding and applying God's Word and principles to life. While the term "reasonably" itself may not appear frequently in the Bible, the underlying principles of reason and wisdom are deeply embedded in Scripture.
Biblical Foundation of ReasonThe Bible encourages believers to use their minds and reason in their faith journey. In
Isaiah 1:18, God invites His people to reason together with Him: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." This passage highlights the importance of engaging the intellect in understanding God's redemptive plan.
Wisdom and UnderstandingProverbs is replete with exhortations to seek wisdom and understanding, which are closely related to reasoning.
Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." The pursuit of wisdom involves a reasonable approach to life, where one discerns right from wrong and makes decisions that align with God's will.
The Role of the Mind in FaithThe New Testament also emphasizes the role of the mind in the life of a believer.
Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a reasonable process of aligning one's thoughts with God's truth.
Discernment and Testing1 Thessalonians 5:21 encourages believers to "test all things; hold fast to what is good." This testing requires a reasonable approach, where one evaluates teachings, prophecies, and actions against the truth of Scripture. Discernment is a key aspect of living reasonably, ensuring that one's faith is grounded in truth.
Faith and ReasonWhile faith is often seen as distinct from reason, the Bible presents them as complementary.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." Reasonably engaging with faith involves understanding the evidence of God's work in the world and trusting in His promises, even when they transcend human understanding.
Practical ApplicationLiving reasonably as a Christian involves applying biblical principles to everyday life.
James 1:5 offers guidance: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Seeking God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture study is a reasonable approach to navigating life's challenges.
ConclusionThe Bible encourages a balanced approach where reason and faith coexist, guiding believers to live wisely and discerningly. By engaging the mind and seeking God's wisdom, Christians can live reasonably, reflecting God's truth in their thoughts and actions.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
adv.) In a reasonable manner.
2. (adv.) Moderately; tolerably.
Greek
3562. nounechos -- sensibly, discreetly... Adverb Transliteration: nounechos Phonetic Spelling: (noon-ekh-oce') Short Definition:
wisely, discreetly Definition: wisely, discreetly,
reasonably, sensibly.
...Library
That Deity Should be Born in Our Nature, Ought notReasonably to...
... IV."Apologetic Works. Chapter XXV. That Deity should be born in our
nature, ought notreasonably to present any strangeness?...
What is Written in the Revelation of John Regarding the Two...
... Chapter 7."What is Written in the Revelation of John Regarding the Two Resurrections,
and the Thousand Years, and What MayReasonably Be Held on These Points...
Argument. --But that God, the Son of God, Born of God the Father...
... Andreasonably, He is before all things, but after the Father, since all things
were made by Him, and He proceeded from Him of whose will all things were made....
Whether it is Lawful for a Bigamist to Receive a Dispensation?
... Therefore he cannot be granted a dispensation in this. Objection 4: Further,
what isreasonably done cannot bereasonably undone....
Argument. --That the Same Truth is Proved from the Sacred Writings...
... to the flesh, that by the assumption of flesh He might ascend thither as the Son
of man, whence the Son of God had descended as the Word,reasonably, while by...
Synopsis. --The Present Net Results of the Discussion of the...
... than when a scholar like John Milton began his History of England with the legend
of the voyage of "Brute the Trojan." One mayreasonably believe that Jesus...
Argument. --Moreover, He is Good, Always the Same, Immutable, one...
... For if "everything was very good," [5035] consequently, andreasonably, both those
things which were ordained have proved that He that ordained them is good...
Argument. --Again He Proves from the Gospel that Christ is God.
... Asreasonably in the way in which He is not of this world according to the divinity
of the Word, so He is of this world according to the frailty of the body...
The Word in the World Before Christ.
... is the first-born of God, and we have declared above that He is the Word of whom
every race of men were partakers; and those who livedreasonably [1863] are...
How Athanasius Acted when this Took Place.
... why did you withdraw without such authority, and desert your people?' Would not
the people themselves at the day of judgment havereasonably imputed to me this...
Thesaurus
Reasonably (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) In a reasonable manner. 2. (adv.) Moderately;
tolerably. Multi-Version Concordance
Reasonably (2 Occurrences).
...Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... At no periodreasonably to be assigned for the origin and incorporation of these
documents could they have been honestly accepted by any member of the...
Reasoned (20 Occurrences)
Immaculate
... In regard to these three passages it mayreasonably be contended that even if these
statements necessarily implied the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which...
Birth (357 Occurrences)
... At no periodreasonably to be assigned for the origin and incorporation of these
documents could they have been honestly accepted by any member of the...
Conception (6 Occurrences)
... In regard to these three passages it mayreasonably be contended that even if these
statements necessarily implied the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which...
Knavery (2 Occurrences)
... Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it had been some
wrongful act or piece of cunning knavery I mightreasonably have listened to...
Japheth (12 Occurrences)
... "Setting aside the cases where the ethnic names employed are of doubtful application,
it cannotreasonably be questioned that the author [of Genesis 10] has in...
Lacedaemonians
... This has beenreasonably objected to, and perhaps the most that can be said on this
point is that the belief in some relationship between the Jews and the...
Wrongful (2 Occurrences)
... Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it had been some
wrongful act or piece of cunning knavery I mightreasonably have listened to...
Resources
What are internalism and externalism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is natural theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the serenity prayer? | GotQuestions.orgReasonably: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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