Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, "ceasing" often refers to the act of stopping or coming to an end. This concept is significant in various contexts throughout Scripture, encompassing themes of rest, cessation of work, and the end of certain practices or behaviors.Sabbath Rest and Ceasing from Labor The idea of ceasing is prominently featured in the context of the Sabbath. In Genesis 2:2-3, God Himself sets the precedent for ceasing from labor: "By the seventh day God had completed His work that He had been doing, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This divine rest serves as a model for humanity, as seen in the Fourth Commandment, which instructs the Israelites to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy by ceasing from their labors (Exodus 20:8-11). Ceasing from Sin The New Testament encourages believers to cease from sin as part of their sanctification process. In 1 Peter 4:1-2, the apostle Peter writes, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin. Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God." Here, ceasing from sin is linked to living a life that aligns with God's will, emphasizing a transformation that occurs through Christ's example and suffering. Ceasing in Prayer The concept of ceasing is also addressed in the context of prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul exhorts believers to "pray without ceasing." This directive highlights the importance of maintaining a continual attitude of prayer and communion with God, rather than a literal, uninterrupted verbal prayer. It suggests a lifestyle of constant awareness and dependence on God, integrating prayer into every aspect of life. Ceasing of Prophecies and Tongues In 1 Corinthians 13:8, Paul speaks of the ceasing of certain spiritual gifts: "Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed." This passage is often interpreted to mean that certain gifts of the Spirit, such as prophecy and tongues, will cease when their purpose is fulfilled, particularly in the context of the coming of the perfect, which many understand as the return of Christ or the completion of God's revelation. Ceasing of Wars and Strife The Psalms also speak of God causing wars to cease. Psalm 46:9 declares, "He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire." This imagery portrays God's sovereignty and power to bring an end to conflict, offering hope for peace and divine intervention in times of turmoil. Ceasing in the Eschatological Context In the eschatological context, ceasing can refer to the end of the current age and the cessation of the world as it is known. Revelation 21:4 speaks of a future where certain things will cease: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This promise of a new creation where suffering ceases is a cornerstone of Christian hope. In summary, the concept of ceasing in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from the cessation of labor and sin to the end of spiritual gifts and the ultimate cessation of suffering in the eschatological future. Each instance underscores a deeper theological truth about God's purposes and the believer's journey toward holiness and eternal rest. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Cease.Greek 89. adialeiptos -- incessantly ... Word Origin adverb from adialeiptos Definition incessantly NASB Word Usage constantly (2), unceasingly (1), without ceasing (1). without ceasing. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/89.htm - 7k 1618. ektenes -- stretched, fig. zealous, earnest 180. akatapaustos -- incessant 88. adialeiptos -- incessant Strong's Hebrew 657. ephes -- a ceasing... 656, 657. ephes. 658 . a ceasing. Transliteration: ephes Phonetic Spelling: (eh'-fes) Short Definition: ends. Word Origin from aphes ... /hebrew/657.htm - 6k 2308. chadal -- to cease 2310. chadel -- forbearing, lacking 1826a. damam -- to be or grow dumb, silent or still Library "Pray Without Ceasing" Pray Without Ceasing Thirty-First Lesson. Pray Without Ceasing;' Pray Without Ceasing. November 10. "But Prayer was Made Without Ceasing, of the Church ... My God, Without Ceasing, I Will Tread the Threshold of Thy House January 21. "Pray Without Ceasing" (I. Thess. v. 17). Commandment Ninth. Prayer must be Made to God Without Ceasing, and ... M. Anonymous. Pray Without Ceasing. Helps to Intercession Thesaurus Ceasing (15 Occurrences)...Ceasing (15 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (KJV DBY WBS). ... /c/ceasing.htm - 10k Ceaseth (21 Occurrences) Worketh (49 Occurrences) Inspired (20 Occurrences) Instruct (34 Occurrences) Failing (12 Occurrences) Forgetfulness (1 Occurrence) Remembering (14 Occurrences) Refuses (21 Occurrences) Extinction (4 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to pray without ceasing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the gift of speaking in tongues? | GotQuestions.org What is the Jesus Prayer? | GotQuestions.org Ceasing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ceasing (15 Occurrences)Acts 5:42 Acts 12:5 Acts 20:1 Romans 1:9 Ephesians 1:16 1 Thessalonians 1:3 1 Thessalonians 2:13 1 Thessalonians 5:17 2 Timothy 1:3 1 Samuel 12:23 Esther 2:1 Psalms 35:15 Psalms 77:2 Jeremiah 14:17 Lamentations 3:49 Subtopics Related Terms |
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