Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "scheme" often refers to a plan or strategy, typically one that is deceitful or malevolent in nature. The concept of schemes is frequently associated with the actions of the wicked or the adversary, Satan, who is described as employing various schemes to lead people away from God.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament provides numerous examples of schemes, often highlighting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. In the Psalms, the psalmist frequently laments the schemes of the wicked, seeking God's protection and justice. For instance,
Psalm 37:12 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them." Here, the schemes are portrayed as part of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, with the wicked plotting against those who follow God's ways.
The book of Proverbs also warns against engaging in deceitful schemes.
Proverbs 12:2 says, "A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil." This highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of scheming, emphasizing that God disapproves of deceitful plans and will ultimately bring them to judgment.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of schemes is often associated with spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns believers to be vigilant against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 instructs, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage underscores the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on God's strength to withstand the deceptive strategies of the enemy.
The New Testament also addresses the schemes of false teachers and those who would lead believers astray. In
2 Corinthians 2:11 , Paul writes, "in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." This highlights the importance of discernment and awareness in the Christian life, recognizing that schemes can come in the form of false teachings and deceptive practices that threaten the integrity of the faith.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, schemes are often seen as manifestations of the fallen human condition and the influence of evil in the world. They represent the antithesis of God's truth and righteousness, serving as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. Believers are called to trust in God's wisdom and protection, seeking His guidance to navigate the challenges posed by deceitful schemes.
The Bible consistently encourages believers to pursue integrity and righteousness, avoiding the temptation to engage in or fall victim to schemes. By adhering to God's commandments and seeking His will, believers can resist the allure of deceit and remain steadfast in their faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
2. (n.) A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme.
3. (n.) Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.
4. (n.) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
5. (v. t.) To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.
6. (v. i.) To form a scheme or schemes.
Greek
2150. eusebeia -- piety... godliness, holiness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel
scheme -- godliness,
holiness. see GREEK eusebes. (eusebeia) -- 5 Occurrences.
...Strong's Hebrew
6098. etsah -- counsel, advice... advice (11), consultation (2), counsel (52), counselor* (1), counselors* (1), counsels
(1), designs (1), plan (8), plans (2), purpose (6),
scheme (1), schemes
...2803. chashab -- to think, account
... 5), plans (4), plotted (1), pondered (1), purposed (3), reckoned (10), regard (1),
regarded (8), regards (1), require an accounting (1),scheme (1), schemed (1...
4284. machashabah -- thought, device
... 3), devised (1), intentions* (1), invented (1), inventive (1), plan (2), plans
(14), plot (1), plots (1), plotting (1), purposes (3),scheme (2), schemes (4...
2154. zimmah -- a plan, device, wickedness
... 1), crime (1), devising (1), evil intent (1), immorality (2), lewd (3), lewdly
(1), lewdness (13), lustful crime (1), plans (1), wickedscheme (1), wicked...
Library
TheScheme of Necessity Denies that Man is Responsible for the...
... Chapter I. TheScheme Of Necessity Denies That Man Is Responsible For The
Existence Of Sin. Ye, who live, Do so each cause refer...
My Sentiments on the PrecedingScheme of Predestination.
... 2. MY SENTIMENTS ON THE PRECEDINGSCHEME OF PREDESTINATION. But, for my
own part, to speak my sentiments with freedom, and yet with...
Scheme of Necessity Denies the Reality of Moral Distinctions.
...Scheme Of Necessity Denies The Reality Of Moral Distinctions.... It is shown by Spinoza,
that all moral distinctions vanish before the ironscheme of necessity....
TheScheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin.
... Chapter II. TheScheme Of Necessity Makes God The Author Of Sin. I told
ye then he should prevail, and speed On his bad errand; man...
The New Testament Checked the Imaginative Creation of Events in...
... THE ORIGIN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 7. The New Testament checked the imaginative creation
of events in thescheme of Salvation, whether freely or according to...
The Moral World not Constituted According to theScheme of...
... Chapter IV. The Moral World Not Constituted According To TheScheme Of Necessity....
Section I. Thescheme of necessity is based on a false psychology....
The Knowledge of God to be Obtained from the Scripture. The Plan...
... Chapter 7. "The Knowledge of God to Be Obtained from the Scripture. The Plan
and Principal Mysteries of the DivineScheme of Redemption. 11....
The Lambeth Conference and the Union of Churches in South India....
... Churches are real ministries of the Word and the sacraments' and prayed that the
Lambeth Conference 'do all in its power to facilitate thescheme of Church...
Index.
... Disobedience to moral law, 180. Divine efficiencyscheme, 293. Duty and obligation,
66. E.... Moral order and obligation, 64. Moral suasionscheme, 298....
Judges
... This does not exhaust the list of judges, but it exhausts the list of those
whose stories are used to illustrate the Deuteronomicscheme....
Thesaurus
Scheme (10 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form
a
scheme.
... 5. (vt) To make a
scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.
...Plot (53 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) Anyscheme, stratagem, secret design, or plan, of a complicated nature,
adapted to the accomplishment of some purpose, usually a treacherous and...
Project (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which is projected or designed; something intended or devised; a
scheme; a design; a plan.... 8. (vi) To form a project; toscheme....
Intrigue (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A complicated plot orscheme to accomplish a purpose
by secret means. 2. (vi) To carry on a secret and illicit love or amour....
Design (84 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) To create or produce, as a work of art; to form a plan orscheme of; to
form in idea; to invent; to project; to lay out in the mind; as, a man designs...
Devise (41 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To formulate by thought; to contrive; to invent;
toscheme; as, to devise a plan of defense, or an argument....
Device (17 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention;
a project; ascheme; often, ascheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice....
Lay (524 Occurrences)
... 24. (vt) To present or offer; as, to lay an indictment in a particular county; to
lay ascheme before one. 25.... See Lathe, 3. 39. (n.) A plan; ascheme. 40....
Times (1875 Occurrences)
... From a formal point of view the representation resembles the Jewish chiliasticscheme,
but with a twofold substantial difference: (a) the chiliasticscheme...
Dispensation (8 Occurrences)
... (Gr. oikonomia, "management, " "economy"). (1.) The method orscheme according to
which God carries out his purposes towards men is called a dispensation....
Resources
What does the Bible say about multi-level marketing (MLM)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should a Christ-centered life look like? | GotQuestions.orgIs Scientology Christian or a cult? | GotQuestions.orgScheme: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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