Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:In biblical terms, "reception" refers to the act of receiving or accepting something or someone. This concept is significant in various contexts, including the reception of God's word, the acceptance of Jesus Christ, and the welcoming of fellow believers. Reception is often associated with faith, hospitality, and the openness of one's heart to divine truths and fellow humans.
Reception of God's Word:The reception of God's word is a central theme in the Bible. It involves not only hearing but also accepting and acting upon the teachings of Scripture. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus illustrates different types of reception of the word of God. In
Matthew 13:23 , Jesus explains, "But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold." This passage emphasizes the importance of a receptive heart that understands and applies God's word, leading to spiritual fruitfulness.
Reception of Jesus Christ:The reception of Jesus Christ is fundamental to Christian faith.
John 1:12 states, "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." This verse highlights the transformative power of receiving Christ, which grants believers the status of God's children. The act of receiving Jesus is synonymous with believing in Him and accepting His lordship and salvation.
Hospitality and Reception of Others:Hospitality is a tangible expression of reception in the Bible. Believers are encouraged to welcome others, reflecting God's love and grace.
Hebrews 13:2 advises, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This exhortation underscores the spiritual significance of receiving others with kindness and generosity.
Reception of the Holy Spirit:The reception of the Holy Spirit is a pivotal event in the life of a believer.
Acts 2:38 records Peter's words, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit's reception empowers believers for service, guides them in truth, and assures them of their salvation.
Challenges to Reception:The Bible acknowledges that not all reception is positive. Some individuals and groups resist or reject God's message. In
John 12:48 , Jesus warns, "There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day." This highlights the consequences of rejecting divine truth and the importance of a willing and open heart.
Conclusion:The concept of reception in the Bible encompasses the acceptance of God's word, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and fellow believers. It is a multifaceted theme that calls for an open heart, readiness to act on divine truths, and a welcoming spirit towards others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of receiving; receipt; admission; as, the reception of food into the stomach; the reception of a letter; the reception of sensation or ideas; reception of evidence.
2. (n.) The state of being received.
3. (n.) The act or manner of receiving, esp. of receiving visitors; entertainment; hence, an occasion or ceremony of receiving guests; as, a hearty reception; an elaborate reception.
4. (n.) Acceptance, as of an opinion or doctrine.
5. (n.) A retaking; a recovery.
Greek
1403. doche -- areception, a banquet... a
reception, a banquet. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: doche Phonetic
Spelling: (dokh-ay') Short Definition: a
reception, party Definition: a
...1529. eisodos -- an entrance, a means or place of entering
... Origin from eis and hodos Definition an entrance, a means or place of entering NASB
Word Usage coming (1), coming* (1), enter (1), entrance (1),reception (1)....
529. apantesis -- a meeting
... an'-tay-sis) Short Definition: the act of meeting, to meet Definition: the act of
meeting, to meet (a phrase seemingly almost technical for thereception of a...
594. apodoche -- acceptance, approval
... apodoche Phonetic Spelling: (ap-od-okh-ay') Short Definition: acceptance, appreciation,
approbation Definition: (properly:reception, welcome, of guests...
1209. dechomai -- to receive
... 1209 ("warmly receptive, welcoming") means receive with " what is offered" (Vine,
Unger, White, , 7), ie " with appropriatereception" (Thayer)....
Strong's Hebrew
4727. miqqach -- a taking, receiving... Word Origin from laqach Definition a taking, receiving NASB Word Usage taking (1).
taking. From laqach;
reception -- taking. see HEBREW laqach. 4726, 4727.
...Library
On theReception of the Lapsed to Penitence.
... I."A Commentary on the Beginning of Ecclesiastes. VII."On theReception of
the Lapsed to Penitence. But now we are doing the opposite....
Reception Christ Met With.
... II.RECEPTION CHRIST MET WITH. JOHN i.1-18. In describing the... dwelt among
us. Thisreception forms the great tragedy of human history....
Whether a Vow is Solemnized by theReception of Holy Orders, and...
... SERVICE BY PROMISE (Q ) Whether a vow is solemnized by thereception of holy
orders, and by the profession of a certain rule? Objection...
Reception of Christians.
... The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles
to the Nations. Chapter XII. "Reception of Christians....
Music forReception Etc.
... No. 215 MUSIC FORRECEPTION ETC. MUSIC FORRECEPTION ETC. Veni Sponsa Christi.
for two part chorus Nicola A. Montani. Lento. Veni sponsa...
Of theirReception by the Notary Marianus; the Distribution of...
... Book IV. Chapter XLIV."Of theirReception by the Notary Marianus; the
Distribution of Money to the Poor; and Offerings to the Church....
Excursus on theReception of the Seventh Council.
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Excursus on theReception of the Seventh Council.
Thereception of the Seventh Council in the East was practically universal....
OurReception at Hwochow
... CHAPTER VI OURRECEPTION AT HWOCHOW.... I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek
to be worthy to be known.""Confucian Analects. OURRECEPTION AT HWOCHOW....
Reception into Church Fellowship. --I.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CL.Reception into Church Fellowship."I. 8.6.8.6
James Montgomery.Reception into Church Fellowship."I....
Ceremony Music Motets forReception, Profession Etc.
... No. 217 CEREMONY MUSIC Motets forReception, Profession etc. CEREMONY MUSIC
Motets forReception, Profession etc. Regnum Mundi. for...
Thesaurus
Reception (5 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The act of receiving; receipt; admission; as, the
reception of food into
the stomach; the
reception of a letter; the
reception of sensation or ideas
...Receipt (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of receiving;reception. 2. (n.)Reception,
as an act of hospitality. 3. (n.) Capability of receiving; capacity....
Entertain (8 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To give hospitablereception and maintenance to; to receive at
one's board, or into one's house; to receive as a guest....
Entertainment (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of receiving as host, or of amusing, admitting, or cherishing;
hospitablereception; also,reception or treatment, in general....
Baptismal (1 Occurrence)
... to be that salvation is immediately dependent on faith, which, as a fruit of the
operation of the Spirit of God in the soul, already, in itsreception of Christ...
Acceptation (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Acceptance;reception; favorablereception
or regard; state of being acceptable. 2. (n.) The meaning...
Acceptance (24 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of accepting; a receiving what is offered, with approbation,
satisfaction, or acquiescence; esp., favorablereception; approval; as, the...
Pastoral
... The external evidence is all in favor of thereception of these epistles., which
were known not only to Clement and Polycarp, but also to Irenaeus, Tertullian...
Welcome (31 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Salutation to a newcomer. 5. (n.) Kindreception of a guest or newcomer;
as, we entered the house and found a ready welcome....
Inn (7 Occurrences)
... It is the word used of the "upper room" where the Last Supper was held (Mark
14:14 Luke 22:11, "guest-chamber"), and of the place ofreception in Bethlehem...
Resources
How should a Christian wedding be different from a non-Christian wedding? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Apostolic Reformation? | GotQuestions.orgAre the seven Catholic sacraments biblical? | GotQuestions.orgReception: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
