Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "distinctions" often refers to the differences and separations established by God among His creation, His people, and His laws. These distinctions serve to maintain order, holiness, and identity among God's chosen people and within His creation.Creation Distinctions From the very beginning, God established distinctions in creation. In Genesis 1, God separates light from darkness, day from night, and land from sea. These distinctions are foundational to the order of the universe. Genesis 1:4 states, "God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." This separation underscores the divine order and purpose inherent in creation. Distinctions Among People The Bible also highlights distinctions among people, particularly between the Israelites and other nations. God chose Israel to be a distinct and holy nation, set apart for His purposes. In Leviticus 20:26, God commands, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own." This distinction is not based on merit but on God's sovereign choice and covenantal promises. Moral and Ethical Distinctions The Law given to Moses includes numerous distinctions between clean and unclean, holy and profane. These laws were designed to teach the Israelites about purity and holiness. Leviticus 11:47 states, "You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten." Such distinctions were intended to guide the Israelites in living lives that were pleasing to God and reflective of His holiness. Gender Distinctions The Bible also affirms distinctions between male and female, as seen in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:27 declares, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This distinction is foundational to the biblical understanding of gender roles and relationships, as further elaborated in passages like Ephesians 5:22-33, which discusses the roles of husbands and wives. Spiritual Distinctions In the New Testament, distinctions are made between those who are in Christ and those who are not. Believers are called to live differently from the world, reflecting their new identity in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 emphasizes this distinction: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Distinctions in the Church Within the church, distinctions are made regarding spiritual gifts and roles. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12, discusses the diversity of gifts given by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that while there are different gifts, they all serve the same Lord and contribute to the unity and edification of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 states, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people." Conclusion The biblical concept of distinctions underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the differences established by God. These distinctions serve to maintain order, holiness, and identity among God's people and within His creation. Greek 1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge ... to judge NASB Word Usage decide (1), discern (1), disputed (1), doubt (2), doubting (2), doubts (2), judge (1), judged (1), made distinctions (1), made ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1252.htm - 9k Library On the Various Distinctions of the Will of God The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions. Further Distinctions, and Crowning Glory, of the Pallium. Because Grace is that which Characterizes all God's Dealings with ... Scheme of Necessity Denies the Reality of Moral Distinctions. Section 13, 14. Such a Doctrine Precludes all Real Distinctions of ... The Work of the Holy Spirit Distinguished. The Trinity Whether the Persons are Distinguished by the Relations? The Second Rill Enlightens the Understanding Thesaurus Distinctions (15 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Distinctions (15 Occurrences). ... "I clearly see," he said, "that God makes no distinctions between one man and another; (WEY). ... /d/distinctions.htm - 10k Cud (9 Occurrences) Chew (5 Occurrences) Merely (30 Occurrences) Rabbi (51 Occurrences) Earthly (39 Occurrences) Distinctly (8 Occurrences) Distinction (14 Occurrences) God's (602 Occurrences) Logos Resources What are the dangers of postmodernism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is complementarianism? | GotQuestions.org Complementarianism vs. egalitarianism'which view is biblically correct? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Distinctions (15 Occurrences)Mark 12:14 Luke 20:21 Acts 10:34 Romans 2:11 Romans 2:18 1 Corinthians 12:4 1 Corinthians 12:5 1 Corinthians 12:6 Galatians 2:6 Galatians 3:28 Ephesians 6:9 Colossians 3:25 James 2:1 James 2:4 James 2:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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