Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of Christian theology, the term "reverts" is not explicitly found in the Bible. However, the concept can be understood through the lens of individuals who return to the faith after a period of apostasy or backsliding. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that relate to the idea of returning to God, repentance, and restoration.
Biblical Examples of Reversion1.
The Prodigal Son: One of the most illustrative parables concerning reversion is the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in
Luke 15:11-32. The younger son, after squandering his inheritance in a distant land, comes to his senses and decides to return to his father. His father, seeing him from a distance, runs to embrace him, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive and restore those who return to Him. This parable highlights the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the joy of restoration.
2.
Peter's Denial and Restoration: The Apostle Peter's denial of Jesus and subsequent restoration is another powerful example. After denying Christ three times (
Matthew 26:69-75), Peter wept bitterly, indicating his remorse. Following the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter by asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" and commissioning him to "Feed My sheep" (
John 21:15-17). This narrative underscores the possibility of restoration after failure.
3.
Israel's Repeated Return to God: Throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel frequently turned away from God, only to return after experiencing the consequences of their actions. The Book of Judges, for instance, records a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. In
2 Chronicles 7:14 , God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of reversion is closely tied to the doctrines of repentance and grace. Repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and returning to God. In the New Testament, the Greek word "metanoia" is often translated as repentance, emphasizing a transformative change.
Acts 3:19 exhorts believers, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."
Grace plays a crucial role in the process of reversion.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores that reversion and restoration are not based on human merit but on God's unmerited favor.
Pastoral ConsiderationsFrom a pastoral perspective, the church is called to welcome and support those who revert to the faith.
Galatians 6:1 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness." The community of believers plays a vital role in encouraging and nurturing those who return, providing accountability, and fostering spiritual growth.
ConclusionWhile the term "reverts" may not be explicitly mentioned in Scripture, the Bible is replete with narratives and teachings that illustrate the possibility and hope of returning to God. Through repentance and grace, individuals who have strayed can find forgiveness and restoration, reflecting the boundless love and mercy of God.
Strong's Hebrew
3318. yatsa -- to go or come out... 3), promised* (1), publicly (2), pull (1), pursuit (1), put away (2), put forth
(1), reach (1), released (1), reported (1), revert (3),
reverts (2), risen (1
...Library
Letter xviii. To Pope Damasus.
... Not only does he cite the several Greek versions of Isaiah in support of
his argument, but he alsoreverts to the Hebrew original....
Whether Restitution must Always be Made to the Person from whom a...
... Objection 5: Further, it is useless to restore a thing whichreverts to the
restorer by being restored. Now if a prelate has unjustly...
Disputation Begun.
... On the second day, after some personal discussion, Simon asserts that Christ's teaching
differs from that of Peter; the argumentreverts to the shape and...
Whether any Gifts Should be Assigned as Dowry to the Blessed?
... an adequate support for his wife and children, and yet the dowry remains inalienable
from the bride, so that if the marriage union be severed itreverts to her...
Our Spiritual Ancestry
... ruled by material laws. In Epictetus manreverts from the problem of the
universe to the problem of the soul. The beauty of the...
God's Curse on Sin.
... in proportion to your care; but leave it to itself and the weeds choke it, and the
very fruit degenerates; your rose becomes a dog-rose"itreverts, as men say...
The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is...
... the Scripture like any other book." (p.377.) To this favourite tune, (although he
plays many intricate variations on it,) he invariablyreverts in the end [144...
But Some Treat the Holy Trinity in an Awful Manner...
... is He who speaks, and that the Son is the Word that abides in the Father, and becomes
manifest at the time of the creation, [297] and thereafterreverts to God...
Letters Announcing Peace
... It is noteworthy that the instant the end for which she has long been straining
is achieved, her loyal and aspiring spiritreverts to her old dreams, and...
The Second Day in Passion-Week - the Barren Fig-Tree - the...
... hewn down. Our mind almost instinctivelyreverts to the Parable of the
Barren Fig-tree, which He had so lately spoken. [5085] To...
Thesaurus
Reverts (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Reverts (2 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:33 The Levites
may redeem the house that was sold, and the city of
...Revert (6 Occurrences)
... 7. (vi) To change back, as from a soluble to an insoluble state or the reverse;
thus, phosphoric acid in certain fertilizersreverts....
Zophar (4 Occurrences)
... Even from this promise, however, hereverts to the fearful peril of the wicked
(11:20); and in his 2nd speech, outdoing the others, he presses their lurid...
Reviewed (1 Occurrence)
Pastoral
... intolerable verbiage of Hermas, and of the nameless platitudes of the Didache, and,
after this promenade in the first decade of the 2nd century,reverts to our...
Epistles (2 Occurrences)
... intolerable verbiage of Hermas, and of the nameless platitudes of the Didache, and,
after this promenade in the first decade of the 2nd century,reverts to our...
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