Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical theology, the concept of "repealed" refers to the abrogation or annulment of certain laws, commandments, or practices that were once in effect under the Old Covenant but are no longer binding under the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. This concept is significant in understanding the transition from the Mosaic Law to the grace and truth brought by Christ.
Old Covenant Laws and PracticesUnder the Old Covenant, the Israelites were given a comprehensive set of laws through Moses, which included moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations. These laws were intended to set Israel apart as God's chosen people and to guide them in righteousness. Key components included the Ten Commandments, dietary laws, sacrificial systems, and various ceremonial observances.
Transition to the New CovenantThe New Testament reveals that with the coming of Jesus Christ, certain aspects of the Old Covenant were fulfilled and thus repealed. Jesus Himself stated, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (
Matthew 5:17). This fulfillment implies that while the moral principles of the law remain, the ceremonial and sacrificial aspects have been completed in Christ.
Key Scriptural References1.
The Law as a Tutor: The Apostle Paul explains that the law served as a guardian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith (
Galatians 3:24-25). With faith in Christ, believers are no longer under the law's tutelage.
2.
Abolition of Ceremonial Laws: In
Ephesians 2:15, Paul writes that Christ "set aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations." This indicates the ceremonial laws, which separated Jews and Gentiles, were repealed to create one new humanity in Christ.
3.
The End of Sacrificial System: The Book of Hebrews emphasizes that the sacrificial system was a shadow of the good things to come, with Christ's sacrifice being once for all (
Hebrews 10:1-10). The repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant are no longer necessary.
4.
Dietary Laws and Cleanliness: In
Acts 10:15, Peter receives a vision where God declares, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision signifies the repeal of dietary restrictions, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel.
Implications for BelieversThe repeal of certain Old Covenant laws underscores the freedom believers have in Christ. The New Covenant, characterized by grace, calls for a life led by the Spirit rather than adherence to the letter of the law. This freedom, however, is not a license for sin but a call to live in righteousness and love, fulfilling the law's true intent through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (
Romans 8:2-4).
ConclusionThe concept of "repealed" in biblical theology highlights the transformative work of Christ in establishing a New Covenant. While the moral imperatives of the law endure, the ceremonial and sacrificial aspects have been fulfilled in Christ, offering believers a new way to relate to God through faith and grace.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Repeal.
Strong's Hebrew
5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on... over (1), passing through (2), past (6), perish (1), proceed (1), proceeded (1),
proceeding (2), put away (2), remove (1), removed (2),
repealed (1), rolled (1
...Library
The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth
... it. The second step is their equipment. The special commands here given
wererepealed by Jesus when He gave His last commands. In...
Non-Resistants.
... the law of retaliation, which law constituted the great fundamental principle in
the Jewish civil government, and when, in express terms, herepealed that law...
The Conversion of Cornelius.
... to declare, that under the new dispensation the precepts concerning meats had ceased
to be obligatory, but to show, that these beingrepealed, the separation...
Paragraphs from Notable Speeches
... I say we must necessarily undo these violent, oppressive acts. They must herepealed....
I will consent to be taken for an idiot if they are not finallyrepealed....
Introduction
... heart. This law has never beenrepealed, and in the very nature of things,
cannot be.... Israelites. This Law has not beenrepealed....
Fourth Commandment
... I have talked with men who have said that it has been abrogated, but they have never
been able to point to any place in the Bible where Godrepealed it....
The Sixth Commandment
... fence about it, to preserve it. He made a statute which has never to this
day beenrepealed. Whose sheddeth man's blood, by man...
Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... In the South the established churches were practically dead before the laws
establishing them wererepealed and the endowments disposed of....
The Christians are not the Only Contemners of the Gods Contempt of...
... Everywhere, in your public pursuits and private duties, antiquity isrepealed; all
the authority of your forefathers your own authority has superseded....
Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450.
... thy neighbour's goods'? If God has notrepealed these commands, they ought
still to be obeyed to-day in Prague and Tabor. I have...
Thesaurus
Repealed (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Repeal. Multi-Version Concordance
Repealed (3 Occurrences). Esther 1:19 If it please the
...Repeat (10 Occurrences)
Repays (5 Occurrences)
Baptism (76 Occurrences)
... The ancient practice, orginally appointed by God himself, must remain a law
of his kingdom tillrepealed by the same divine authority....
Resources
Why is Queen Mary I of England known as Bloody Mary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the continuity vs. discontinuity debate in theology? Does God still have a plan for Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church? | GotQuestions.orgRepealed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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