The concept of "undoes" in the Bible often relates to the idea of reversing actions, nullifying plans, or bringing to naught the works of individuals or nations. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, where God's sovereignty and ultimate authority are demonstrated in His ability to undo the plans of the wicked and establish His divine purposes.

Divine Intervention and Reversal

One of the clearest examples of God undoing the plans of men is found in the account of the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:4-9, humanity's attempt to build a tower to reach the heavens is thwarted by God, who confuses their language and scatters them across the earth. This act of divine intervention undoes their unified effort to make a name for themselves apart from God.

In the book of Job, we see another instance where God undoes the assumptions and accusations of Job's friends. Job 5:12 states, "He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success." Here, the undoing is not just of physical plans but also of the false wisdom and understanding that stand against God's truth.

Judgment and Redemption

The theme of undoing is also evident in the context of judgment and redemption. In Isaiah 29:15-16 , the prophet speaks against those who try to hide their plans from the Lord: "Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, 'Who sees us? Who will know?' You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay." This passage highlights God's ability to overturn human schemes and bring hidden deeds to light.

In the New Testament, the ultimate act of undoing is seen in the work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus undoes the power of sin and death. 1 John 3:8 declares, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work." This destruction is a profound undoing of the bondage that sin has over humanity, offering redemption and new life to all who believe.

Human Plans and Divine Sovereignty

Proverbs 19:21 encapsulates the tension between human plans and divine sovereignty: "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This verse underscores the biblical truth that while humans may devise their own plans, it is ultimately God's purpose that stands. The undoing of human intentions serves as a reminder of God's supreme authority and the futility of opposing His will.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The concept of undoing also carries moral and spiritual implications for believers. In James 4:13-15 , the apostle warns against boasting about future plans without acknowledging God's will: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'"

This passage encourages humility and dependence on God, recognizing that He has the power to undo our plans and redirect our paths according to His perfect will. The believer is called to submit to God's sovereignty, trusting that His plans are for our ultimate good and His glory.

Christ Undoes the Work of the Demiurge; Docetic Account of the ...
... Book VIII. Chapter III."Christ Undoes the Work of the Demiurge; Docetic Account
of the Baptism and Death of Jesus; Why He Lived for Thirty Years on Earth. ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter iii christ undoes the work.htm

The Ceaselessness of Prayer
... freest things that man can do. It we were free in sinning, how much more
free in the praying which undoes sin! If we were free to ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter v the ceaselessness of.htm

The Effects of this Fourth State of Prayer. Earnest Exhortations ...
... that its punishment is bliss. It undoes itself in the praises of God,
and I would gladly undo myself now. 3. Blessed be Thou, O ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xix the effects of.htm

Of the Profit and Worthiness of Prayer and Meditation
... Constant prayer helps mickle to get and hold to this stableness of mind;
for if it be grounded in mind it undoes the might of fiends. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xx of the profit.htm

John Chapter xiii. 36-38.
... the Head? But why linger over a multitude of reasons when the Lord Himself
undoes all the windings of human argumentation? For He ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxvi john chapter xiii.htm

The Grave of John, and Another Grave
... the sacrifice is being offered which is to expiate the sin of man, and bring peace
to myriads of penitents; here the last Adam at the tree undoes the deadly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xv the grave of john.htm

"We must Increase, but I must Decrease. "
... He is mightily tempted to disparage their power, and condemn them by faint praise;
or, if he praise, to add one biting comment which undoes the generosity and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ix we must increase but.htm

Indwelling Sin
... I am vile." I have found out that I have a something in my heart, which, when I
have bolted my doors, and think all is safe, creeps forth and undoes every bolt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/indwelling sin.htm

Why are Men Saved?
... fine conversion it is. Very frequently they convert themselves. But then
that which man did, man undoes. He who converts himself ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/why are men saved.htm

The Refutation of All Heresies
... Chapter III.--Christ Undoes the Work of the Demiurge; Docetic Account of the Baptism
and Death of Jesus; Why He Lived for Thirty Years on Earth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/

Undoes (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Undoes (2 Occurrences). Job 12:18 He undoes the
chains of kings, and puts his band on them; (BBE). Psalms ...
/u/undoes.htm - 6k

Undo (9 Occurrences)

/u/undo.htm - 9k

Undoing (7 Occurrences)

/u/undoing.htm - 8k

Witchcraft (8 Occurrences)
... of wizard. When this word is used by the people it denotes, he says, a
person who undoes the work of a witch. Shakespeare often ...
/w/witchcraft.htm - 23k

Witch (2 Occurrences)
... of wizard. When this word is used by the people it denotes, he says, a
person who undoes the work of a witch. Shakespeare often ...
/w/witch.htm - 24k

Designs (118 Occurrences)
... tongues. (BBE). Psalms 33:10 The Lord undoes the designs of the nations;
he makes the thoughts of the peoples without effect. (BBE). ...
/d/designs.htm - 35k

Chains (100 Occurrences)
... life in our prison chains. (BBE). Job 12:18 He undoes the chains of kings,
and puts his band on them; (BBE). Job 13:27 And you put ...
/c/chains.htm - 39k

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