The concept of alienation in the Bible often refers to the separation or estrangement of individuals or groups from God, from one another, or from their intended purpose. This separation is typically a result of sin, disobedience, or a failure to adhere to God's commandments. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the consequences and remedies for alienation.

Alienation from God

The primary form of alienation discussed in the Bible is the separation between humanity and God due to sin. This estrangement began with Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, leading to a broken relationship with God. Isaiah 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." This verse highlights the direct link between sin and alienation from God.

The New Testament further elaborates on this theme, emphasizing that reconciliation with God is made possible through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:12-13 explains, "remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Here, the apostle Paul underscores the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice in overcoming alienation.

Alienation Among People

Alienation is not only vertical (between humanity and God) but also horizontal (among people). The Bible addresses the division and estrangement that can occur within human relationships. In Ephesians 4:31-32 , Paul advises, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage encourages believers to overcome alienation through forgiveness and love, reflecting the reconciliation they have received from God.

Alienation from Purpose

The Bible also speaks to the alienation of individuals from their God-given purpose. When people turn away from God's will, they often find themselves lost and without direction. Ecclesiastes 1:14 reflects this sense of futility: "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." This verse captures the emptiness that results from living apart from God's design.

Remedy for Alienation

The remedy for alienation, according to the Bible, is reconciliation through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5:10 declares, "For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" This reconciliation restores the broken relationship with God and provides the foundation for healing alienation in human relationships and fulfilling one's divine purpose.

In summary, the Bible presents alienation as a significant spiritual and relational issue resulting from sin. Through Christ, believers are offered a path to reconciliation, restoring their relationship with God, with others, and with their intended purpose.

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists.
... a "fellow-presbyter," and raises his prophetic warning against the hierarchical
spirit which so easily takes hold of church dignitaries and alienates them from ...
/.../section 60 apostles prophets evangelists.htm

The one Sin Common to all Men.
... which infants are unable to enter (as they themselves allow), unless they have received
the grace of Christ before they die, but also alienates from salvation ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 15 xii the one sin.htm

Some Instances of God's Amazing Judgments.
... infants without baptism,"although He certainly might provide the grace of this laver
if He willed, since in His power are all things,"He alienates from His ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 18 some instances of gods.htm

Parallels from the Prophets to Illustrate Christ's Teaching in the ...
... No one pilfers or plunders his own property, but he [4673] rather acts the part
of one who swoops down on the things of another, and alienates man from his Lord ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxix parallels from the prophets.htm

The Prayer of Stephen.
... in fact, it is his duty to crush the other by all lawful means; and so cripples
him in his work, and prejudices others against him and alienates them from him ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxiii the prayer of stephen.htm

Thou Shalt not Covet Thy Neighbor's House. Thou Shalt not Covet ...
... But it is not a rare thing with us that one estranges or alienates another's
man-servant or maid-servant, or entices them away by flattering words. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not covet thy.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... For, as many of our own are not with us, whose life alienates them from the common
body, so, many of those without are on our side, whose character anticipates ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

John i. 11
... [213] Because nothing so alienates men from the lovingkindness of God, and gives
them over to the fire of the pit, [214] as the tyranny of pride. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily ix john i 11.htm

John xx. 24, 25
... day. For mighty is the sovereignty of love, [2606] it alienates the soul
from all things else, and chains to the desired object. If ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxvii john xx 24.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... granite statue. Its mournful expression is not pleasing to the spectator,
and at the first view alienates his sympathy. The face ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Alienates (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Alienates (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 17:9 He who
keeps a sin covered is looking for love; but he who keeps ...
/a/alienates.htm - 6k

Alienated (11 Occurrences)

/a/alienated.htm - 9k

Alienation (2 Occurrences)

/a/alienation.htm - 7k

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