Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Overview:Transition refers to the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another. In the biblical context, transitions are significant moments where individuals, groups, or nations undergo change, often under divine guidance or command. These transitions can be physical, spiritual, or situational, and they frequently mark pivotal points in biblical narratives.
Biblical Examples of Transition:1.
Creation to Fall: The transition from the state of innocence in the Garden of Eden to the fallen state of humanity is one of the most significant transitions in the Bible.
Genesis 3 describes how Adam and Eve's disobedience led to a fundamental change in their relationship with God and the world. This transition introduced sin and death into human experience.
2.
Exodus and Wilderness Journey: The transition of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land is a central theme in the Old Testament. This journey, beginning with the Exodus, is marked by a series of transitions, including the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20). These events signify a transformation from bondage to nationhood under God's covenant.
3.
Leadership Transitions: The Bible records several key leadership transitions, such as the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua. In
Deuteronomy 31:7-8 , Moses encourages Joshua, saying, "Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged."
4.
Monarchy to Exile: The transition from the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon to the divided kingdoms and eventual exile is a significant historical and spiritual transition. The fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 25) marked a period of judgment and transformation, leading to a renewed focus on covenant faithfulness.
5.
Old Covenant to New Covenant: The coming of Jesus Christ represents the ultimate transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, ushering in a new era of grace and truth.
Hebrews 8:13 states, "By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear."
6.
Death to Eternal Life: The transition from death to eternal life is a core promise of the Christian faith. Jesus' resurrection is the firstfruits of this transition, offering believers the hope of their own resurrection and eternal life. In
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 , Paul writes, "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."
Spiritual Implications:Transitions in the Bible often involve a call to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. They require obedience, courage, and faith, as individuals and communities navigate the uncertainties and challenges of change. Biblical transitions remind believers of God's unchanging nature and His purpose in guiding His people through every season of life.
Topical Bible Verses
2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Topicalbible.orgActs 17:30-31
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:
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Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
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Greek
3568. nun -- now, the present... A primary particle of present time; "now" (as adverb of date, a
transition or emphasis);
also as noun or adjective present or immediate -- henceforth
...Strong's Hebrew
5674. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on... A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any
transition (literal or
figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to
...Library
Transition from the Natural to the Supernatural in the Miracles.
... Section 97.Transition from the Natural to the Supernatural in the Miracles.... There
are always intermediate agencies and points oftransition....
A Period ofTransition
... THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN CONNECTICUT CHAPTER VA PERIOD OF
TRANSITION. Alas for piety, alas for the ancient faith!...
TheTransition from the Institutes of the Monks to the Struggle...
... Prolegomena. Chapter I. Thetransition from the Institutes of the monks
to the struggle against the eight principal faults. This...
The Two Covenants: theTransition
... Chapter VIII. The Two Covenants: theTransition.... THEtransition from the Old Covenant
to the New was not slow or gradual, but by a tremendous crisis....
The Changes of the Heavenly Bodies, Proof that they are not Divine...
... Book II. Chapter VI."The Changes of the Heavenly Bodies, Proof that They are Not
Divine.Transition from the Physical to the Mythic Class of Gods....
First Part of the Subject, Touching the Constitution of the...
... Chapter XIII."First Part of the Subject, Touching the Constitution of the Pleroma,
Briefly RecapitulatedTransition to the Other Part, Which is Like a Play...
Parables of the Mustard-Seed, and of the LeavenTransition to the...
... Chapter XXX."Parables of the Mustard-Seed, and of the LeavenTransition to the Solemn
Exclusion Which Will Ensue When the Master of the House Has Shut the...
Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the...
... The Dissolution Of The Imperial State Church And TheTransition To The Middle Ages:
From The Beginning Of The Sixth Century To The Latter Part Of The Eighth....
Twenty-Third Proposition of Arminius
... For it is necessary that anytransition from one decree to the other must
be in harmony with its own execution. But thetransition...
The Old House and the New
... would more literally and accurately be rendered 'willing to go from home, from the
body, and to go home, to the Lord.' The moment oftransition of course leads...
Resources
Should a Christian mortgage a home? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is utilitarianism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we have eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11)? | GotQuestions.orgTransient: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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