Permanence

In the biblical context, permanence often relates to the eternal nature of God, His promises, and His kingdom. The Scriptures emphasize the unchanging and everlasting character of God. In Malachi 3:6 , God declares, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." This verse underscores the permanence of God's nature and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

The concept of permanence is also evident in the promises of God. In Isaiah 40:8 , it is written, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This highlights the enduring nature of God's word and His promises, which remain steadfast despite the transient nature of the world.

The New Testament further affirms the permanence of God's kingdom. In Hebrews 12:28 , believers are encouraged with the words, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." The kingdom of God is described as unshakable, emphasizing its eternal and unchanging nature.

Ownership

Ownership in the Bible is primarily understood in terms of God's sovereignty and His ultimate authority over all creation. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse establishes God's ownership of the entire earth and everything within it, affirming His supreme authority and control.

Human ownership, as depicted in the Bible, is seen as stewardship rather than absolute possession. In Genesis 1:28 , God commands humanity, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." This mandate indicates that humans are entrusted with the responsibility to manage and care for God's creation, acting as stewards under His ultimate ownership.

The New Testament reinforces the idea of stewardship in passages such as 1 Peter 4:10 , which states, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." Believers are called to use their resources and abilities in service to others, recognizing that all they possess is ultimately God's.

Furthermore, the concept of ownership extends to the believer's life. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage emphasizes that believers belong to God, having been redeemed by Christ, and are called to live in a manner that honors Him.

In summary, the Bible presents permanence as an attribute of God's nature, His promises, and His kingdom, while ownership is primarily attributed to God, with humans serving as stewards of His creation and their own lives.