Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "compels" in the Bible often relates to the idea of urging, forcing, or driving someone to take a particular action. This term can be understood in various contexts, including divine compulsion, moral obligation, and human coercion. The Berean Standard Bible provides several instances where this concept is illustrated, reflecting both positive and negative connotations.Divine Compulsion In the Scriptures, God sometimes compels individuals to fulfill His divine purposes. This form of compulsion is not coercive in a negative sense but is rather an irresistible call to align with God's will. For example, the Apostle Paul speaks of being compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, despite knowing the hardships that awaited him. In Acts 20:22 , Paul states, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there." Here, the compulsion is a divine urging that aligns with God's sovereign plan. Moral Obligation The concept of compulsion can also be seen in the moral obligations that believers have towards one another and towards God. In 2 Corinthians 5:14 , Paul writes, "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died." The love of Christ acts as a compelling force that drives believers to live sacrificially and to spread the message of the Gospel. This compulsion is rooted in gratitude and a deep sense of duty to respond to the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Human Coercion Conversely, the Bible also addresses negative forms of compulsion, where individuals are forced against their will. In Matthew 5:41 , Jesus teaches, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus instructs His followers on how to respond to unjust demands. The Roman practice of compelling individuals to carry a soldier's load for a mile is used here to illustrate the principle of going beyond what is required, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and grace. Compulsion in Evangelism The urgency of evangelism is another area where compulsion is evident. In Luke 14:23 , Jesus tells the parable of the great banquet, where the master instructs his servant, "Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full." This compulsion is not about forceful conversion but rather an earnest and persuasive invitation to partake in the blessings of God's kingdom. It underscores the importance of actively seeking out the lost and inviting them to experience the grace of God. Conclusion The theme of compulsion in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from divine guidance and moral obligation to human coercion and the urgency of evangelism. Each context provides insight into how believers are to understand and respond to the various forces that drive human action, always seeking to align with God's will and demonstrate His love to others. Library He Compels to the Perpetration of Horrible Turpitudes. In the Meantime, the Emperor Compels those Deputies of Our Party ... He Prays that all May be Christians, but Compels None. Sanctification The Heresy of the Protestant Reformers and the Jansenists Not a Few Things, Too, are Closed against us and Obscured by ... How Far Christians Ought to be from Boasting, if they have done ... Of the Error of Human Judgments when the Truth is Hidden. Of Indulgence and Pure Volition. The Question Illustrated. The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Thesaurus Compels (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Compels (5 Occurrences). Matthew 5:41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (WEB). 2 Corinthians ... /c/compels.htm - 7k Compensate (4 Occurrences) Forces (123 Occurrences) Driver (4 Occurrences) Mile (2 Occurrences) Prophets (270 Occurrences) Bewail (9 Occurrences) Corner (60 Occurrences) Compel (10 Occurrences) Condemn (43 Occurrences) Resources Why should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Pharaoh so resistant to Moses' pleas to “let my people go”? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian missions? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Compels (5 Occurrences)Matthew 5:41 2 Corinthians 5:14 Exodus 3:19 Job 32:18 Proverbs 7:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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