Edification: Described
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Topical Encyclopedia
Edification, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual building up of individuals and the church community. The term is derived from the Latin "aedificare," meaning "to build," and is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the process of spiritual growth and strengthening of believers.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of edification is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:26, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of edification in the context of church gatherings: "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up" (BSB). Here, Paul underscores that all activities within the church should aim to edify the body of Christ.

Spiritual Gifts and Edification

The New Testament teaches that spiritual gifts are given for the purpose of edification. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul writes, "And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" (BSB). This passage highlights that the diverse gifts within the church are intended to foster growth and maturity among believers.

The Role of Love in Edification

Love is central to the process of edification. In 1 Corinthians 8:1, Paul states, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (BSB). This verse contrasts mere knowledge with love, suggesting that true edification is rooted in love, which seeks the well-being and growth of others. Love motivates believers to use their gifts selflessly for the benefit of the church.

Edification through Scripture

Scripture plays a crucial role in the edification of believers. In Acts 20:32, Paul commends the Ephesian elders to God and "to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified" (BSB). The Word of God is a primary means by which believers are instructed, encouraged, and strengthened in their faith.

Community and Edification

The communal aspect of edification is evident throughout the New Testament. Believers are called to encourage and build one another up. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul exhorts the church, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing" (BSB). This mutual edification fosters unity and growth within the body of Christ.

Edification and Personal Responsibility

While the church community plays a significant role in edification, individual believers are also responsible for their own spiritual growth. In Jude 1:20-21, believers are urged to "build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life" (BSB). This passage highlights the personal responsibility of believers to engage in practices that promote their spiritual development.

Conclusion

Edification is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the spiritual, moral, and intellectual growth of believers. It is a communal and individual responsibility, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the exercise of spiritual gifts within the church. Through love and mutual encouragement, believers are built up in their faith, contributing to the unity and maturity of the body of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ephesians 4:12-16
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Need for this History, and Its Value for Edification.
... X."Of the Need for this History, and its Value for Edification. ... a direct hit at
Lactantius here, as having, through "enmity," described actions intrinsically ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter x of the need for.htm

The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it ...
... the direction of the Gospel without a throb of joy and wonder not to be described,
at having ... In every mere catalogue of names, be resolved to find edification. ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon i the study of.htm

The Reader Reminded How Much He Needs the Assistance of the Spirit ...
... OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO FORM HIM TO THE TEMPER DESCRIBED ABOVE, AND WHAT ... shall flow,"
as it were, "rivers of living water," for the edification and refreshment ...
/.../chapter xv the reader reminded.htm

Whether Prophecy Pertains to Knowledge?
... on (1:Cor.14:12): "Seek to abound unto the edification of the ... viii, 7), "prophets"
may be described as "proefatores [foretellers], because they tell from afar ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prophecy pertains to knowledge.htm

The Spiritual Gifts.
... and in the Corinthian congregation, as a means of edification for believers ... most
useful, most needful, and most enduring of all, described and extolled by St. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 45 the spiritual gifts.htm

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... of spirit we are of."3. Accordingly the Christian temper is described, by some ... are
yet a stranger to real religion, but at your farther edification, if, by ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm

Introduction
... as to the sense in which alone Tauler can be described as "a ... she selected only three,
her principle of selection being rather edification than authenticity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/introduction.htm

Succession of Philosophers in Greece.
... of the truth, and is not ashamed, [1953] when discoursing for the edification of
some ... But no one is described as his teacher, nor is any one mentioned as the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv succession of philosophers in.htm

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... 11:17), he may have reference simply to the chaotic state described in Gen ... is,
Ecclesiastical book, designates it as a book that was read for edification in the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Of Christian Liberty.
... Their character described. ... of observing them, we are also to remember that, by the
kindness of God, the use of them is made subservient to edification. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of christian liberty.htm

Resources
Why is edification important in the life of a Christian? | GotQuestions.org

What is praying in tongues? Is praying in tongues a prayer language between a believer and God? | GotQuestions.org

What is holy laughter? | GotQuestions.org

Edification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Edification

Edification is the Object of Ministerial Authority

Edification is the Object of Ministerial Gifts

Edification is the Object of The Church's Union in Christ

Edification is the Object of The Ministerial office

Edification: All to be Done To

Edification: Described

Edification: Exhortation To

Edification: Foolish Questions Opposed To

Edification: Love Leads To

Edification: Mutual, Commanded

Edification: The Gospel, the Instrument of

Edification: The Peace of the Church Favours

Edification: Use Self-Denial to Promote, in Others

Related Terms

Edify (5 Occurrences)

Edified (3 Occurrences)

Prophesying (58 Occurrences)

Gift (148 Occurrences)

Gifts (144 Occurrences)

Destruction (734 Occurrences)

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)

Needful (17 Occurrences)

Neighbour (139 Occurrences)

Upbuilding (3 Occurrences)

General (9 Occurrences)

Ezra (28 Occurrences)

Encouragement (25 Occurrences)

Edicts (1 Occurrence)

Exhortation (16 Occurrences)

Desirous (31 Occurrences)

Midrash

Prophesieth (13 Occurrences)

Prophesies (17 Occurrences)

Consolation (23 Occurrences)

Apocryphal

Sirach

Sharpness (2 Occurrences)

Comfort (130 Occurrences)

Speaketh (367 Occurrences)

Speaks (109 Occurrences)

Tongues (67 Occurrences)

Ashamed (131 Occurrences)

Philemon (2 Occurrences)

Assembled (186 Occurrences)

Education (4 Occurrences)

Teaching (372 Occurrences)

Teacher (103 Occurrences)

Teach (172 Occurrences)

Job (60 Occurrences)

History (57 Occurrences)

Shame (412 Occurrences)

Acts (271 Occurrences)

Lest (282 Occurrences)

Wish (141 Occurrences)

Ministry (44 Occurrences)

I-iii

Israel (27466 Occurrences)

Introduction (3 Occurrences)

Spirits (129 Occurrences)

Worship (332 Occurrences)

Judges (117 Occurrences)

Bible

Vulgate

Prophecy (37 Occurrences)

Backslide

View (86 Occurrences)

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

Anem (1 Occurrence)

Edification: All to be Done To
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