Topical Encyclopedia Choosing, in the biblical context, refers to the act of making decisions or selections, often with spiritual or moral implications. The concept of choosing is deeply embedded in the narrative of Scripture, reflecting both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.Divine Choosing The Bible frequently speaks of God's sovereign choice. God's election is a central theme, particularly in the context of Israel and the Church. In Deuteronomy 7:6, God declares His choice of Israel: "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." This divine choosing is not based on merit but on God's love and faithfulness to His promises. In the New Testament, the concept of divine election extends to the Church. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." Here, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that believers are chosen by God for a purpose, underscoring the grace inherent in divine selection. Human Choosing While God's sovereign choice is paramount, human choice is also significant in the biblical narrative. The Bible presents numerous instances where individuals are called to make choices that reflect their faith and obedience to God. In the Old Testament, Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve: "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). This call to decision underscores the importance of personal commitment to God. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently calls individuals to make choices regarding discipleship. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." This invitation to follow Christ involves a deliberate choice to prioritize Him above all else. Wisdom in Choosing The Bible also provides guidance on making wise choices. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage highlights the importance of relying on God's wisdom rather than human understanding in decision-making. James 1:5 further encourages believers to seek divine wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This promise assures believers that God is willing to provide the necessary wisdom for making righteous choices. Consequences of Choosing The Bible is clear that choices have consequences, both temporal and eternal. Galatians 6:7-8 warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This principle of sowing and reaping underscores the moral responsibility associated with human choices. In conclusion, the biblical concept of choosing encompasses both divine election and human responsibility. It calls for wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to align one's choices with God's will, recognizing the profound impact these decisions have on one's spiritual journey. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Choose.Greek 1589. ekloge -- a (divine) selection ... a (divine) selection. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: ekloge Phonetic Spelling: (ek-log-ay') Short Definition: a choosing out, selecting, choice ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1589.htm - 7k 138. haireo -- to take, choose 4400. procheirizo -- to put into the hand, to take into one's hand ... 1365. distazo -- twenty thousand 25. agapao -- to love Strong's Hebrew 977. bachar -- to choose... root Definition to choose NASB Word Usage choice (6), choicest (2), choose (40), chooses (22), choosing (1), chose (21), chosen (67), desired (2), men (1 ... /hebrew/977.htm - 6k Library Choosing the Tens Choosing the Better Part. Jesus Choosing his Friends. Concerning the Choosing of a Day for Marriage, or for Planting, or ... Choosing the Better Part. Choosing the Heritage of God's People. By Choosing a Man May be Turned and Converted into Love Choosing Her Course He did Wrong, when Mentioning the Doctrines of Salvation, in ... Whether it is More Grievous to Sin through Certain Malice than ... Thesaurus Choosing (6 Occurrences)...Choosing (6 Occurrences). Luke 14:7 And he spake a simile unto those called, marking how they were choosing out the first couches, saying unto them, (YLT). ... /c/choosing.htm - 8k Choose (116 Occurrences) Chosen (197 Occurrences) Election (6 Occurrences) Volition Will (64996 Occurrences) Choice (113 Occurrences) Rome (12 Occurrences) Chooseth (19 Occurrences) Chop (5 Occurrences) Resources Is it wrong for a Christian family to use hospice? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God choose me? | GotQuestions.org What is metempsychosis? | GotQuestions.org Choosing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Choosing (6 Occurrences)Luke 14:7 Romans 9:22 Hebrews 11:25 2 Peter 1:10 1 Kings 12:33 Job 9:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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