Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "advance" can be understood in various dimensions, including spiritual growth, the progress of the Gospel, and the forward movement of God's plans and purposes. The term itself may not frequently appear in English translations, but the underlying principles are woven throughout Scripture.Spiritual Growth and Maturity The idea of advancing in spiritual maturity is a central theme in the New Testament. Believers are encouraged to grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, expresses his desire to press on toward spiritual maturity: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12). This pursuit of spiritual advancement involves a continuous effort to deepen one's relationship with Christ and to live according to His teachings. Advancement of the Gospel The advancement of the Gospel is a key mission for the early church and remains a priority for Christians today. The Book of Acts records the rapid spread of the Gospel message from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit and the obedience of the apostles. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of how his imprisonment has actually served to advance the Gospel: "Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel" (Philippians 1:12). This demonstrates that God's purposes can be fulfilled even in challenging circumstances, and that the message of Christ continues to move forward despite opposition. God's Sovereign Plan The advancement of God's sovereign plan is evident throughout the biblical narrative. From the promise of a Savior in Genesis to the fulfillment of that promise in the New Testament, God's redemptive plan unfolds progressively. The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke of future events that would advance God's purposes, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah, whose reign would bring justice and peace: "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end" (Isaiah 9:7). This forward movement of God's plan assures believers of His ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Personal and Communal Advancement The Bible also addresses the advancement of individuals and communities in their walk with God. Believers are called to encourage one another and to build each other up in the faith. The writer of Hebrews exhorts the church to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24). This communal aspect of advancement highlights the importance of fellowship and mutual support in the Christian journey. In summary, the concept of advance in the Bible encompasses spiritual growth, the spread of the Gospel, the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, and the collective progress of the Christian community. These elements reflect a dynamic faith that is ever moving forward, rooted in the hope and assurance of God's promises. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To bring forward; to move towards the van or front; to make to go on.2. (v. t.) To raise; to elevate. 3. (v. t.) To raise to a higher rank; to promote. 4. (v. t.) To accelerate the growth or progress; to further; to forward; to help on; to aid; to heighten; as, to advance the ripening of fruit; to advance one's interests. 5. (v. t.) To bring to view or notice; to offer or propose; to show; as, to advance an argument. 6. (v. t.) To make earlier, as an event or date; to hasten. 7. (v. t.) To furnish, as money or other value, before it becomes due, or in aid of an enterprise; to supply beforehand; as, a merchant advances money on a contract or on goods consigned to him. 8. (v. t.) To raise to a higher point; to enhance; to raise in rate; as, to advance the price of goods. 9. (v. t.) To extol; to laud. 10. (v. i.) To move or go forward; to proceed; as, he advanced to greet me. 11. (v. i.) To increase or make progress in any respect; as, to advance in knowledge, in stature, in years, in price. 12. (v. i.) To rise in rank, office, or consequence; to be preferred or promoted. 13. (n.) The act of advancing or moving forward or upward; progress. 14. (v.) Improvement or progression, physically, mentally, morally, or socially; as, an advance in health, knowledge, or religion; an advance in rank or office. 15. (n.) An addition to the price; rise in price or value; as, an advance on the prime cost of goods. 16. (n.) The first step towards the attainment of a result; approach made to gain favor, to form an acquaintance, to adjust a difference, etc.; an overture; a tender; an offer; -- usually in the plural. 17. (n.) A furnishing of something before an equivalent is received (as money or goods), towards a capital or stock, or on loan; payment beforehand; the money or goods thus furnished; money or value supplied beforehand. 18. (a.) Before in place, or beforehand in time; -- used for advanced; as, an advance guard, or that before the main guard or body of an army; advance payment, or that made before it is due; advance proofs, advance sheets, pages of a forthcoming volume, received in advance of the time of publication. Greek 4298. prokopto -- to cut forward (a way), advance ... to cut forward (a way), advance. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: prokopto Phonetic Spelling: (prok-op'-to) Short Definition: I advance, make progress ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4298.htm - 7k 728. arrabon -- an earnest (a part payment in advance for security ... 4390. protrecho -- to run forward, ie run in advance 4274. prodromos -- a running forward, going in advance 5562. choreo -- to make room, advance, hold 4302. prolego -- to say beforehand, ie to predict 4260. probaino -- to go forward 357. analogizomai -- to consider 5432. phroureo -- to guard 4275b. proeipon -- to say before Strong's Hebrew 5710a. adah -- to pass on, advance... adah. 5710b . to pass on, advance. Transliteration: adah Short Definition: passed. ... root Definition to pass on, advance NASB Word Usage passed (1), takes off (1 ... /hebrew/5710a.htm - 5k 6743b. tsaleach -- to advance, prosper 833. ashar -- to go straight, go on, advance 6275. atheq -- to move, proceed, advance 5710. adah -- to pass on, advance 6213. asah -- do, make 5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take 1431. gadal -- to grow up, become great 6744. tselach -- to prosper 5703. ad -- perpetuity Library An Advance in the Exhortation. Whether the Beatified Angels Advance in Beatitude? The British Advance, 1801-1856. The Advance of Xerxes into Greece. An Advance Step in the Royal Programme I Will not by the Noise of Bloody Wars and the Dethroning of Kings ... No One, However, Has ever Made Such an Unblushing Advance in the ... Instructions for those who have Attained to the Prayer of Quiet. ... Fellow-Followers Building in Silence Thesaurus Advance (33 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To accelerate the growth or progress; to further; to forward; to help on; to aid; to heighten; as, to advance the ripening of fruit; to advance one's ... /a/advance.htm - 17k Forward (252 Occurrences) March (41 Occurrences) Forwardness (2 Occurrences) Further (121 Occurrences) Advancement (3 Occurrences) Forestall (2 Occurrences) Progress (9 Occurrences) Crawl (5 Occurrences) Strike (168 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about having a living will? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual theology? | GotQuestions.org Is artificial intelligence (AI) biblically possible? | GotQuestions.org Advance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Advance (33 Occurrences)Matthew 24:25 Mark 13:23 Romans 9:23 Romans 13:12 1 Corinthians 8:8 2 Corinthians 9:5 2 Corinthians 13:2 Galatians 3:8 Ephesians 2:10 Philippians 1:12 1 Thessalonians 3:4 2 Timothy 2:16 2 Timothy 3:9 Hebrews 6:1 Hebrews 6:3 2 John 1:9 Deuteronomy 1:7 Joshua 6:7 Judges 4:15 Judges 9:33 Job 19:12 Psalms 18:29 Psalms 27:2 Proverbs 30:27 Jeremiah 12:2 Jeremiah 46:3 Jeremiah 46:9 Jeremiah 49:28 Jeremiah 49:31 Ezekiel 38:9 Daniel 11:13 Joel 3:12 Habakkuk 1:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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