Topical Encyclopedia The term "compulsory" refers to something that is required or obligatory. In the context of the Bible, the concept of compulsory actions or requirements can be seen in various laws, commandments, and decrees given by God to His people. These requirements are often seen as expressions of God's will and are intended to guide the moral and spiritual conduct of believers.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses contains numerous compulsory requirements for the Israelites. These include moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. For example, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) are a set of compulsory moral laws given by God. The commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy is one such requirement: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). This commandment was not optional but a compulsory observance for the Israelites. The sacrificial system also included compulsory offerings. Leviticus 1-7 outlines various offerings that were required, such as the sin offering and the guilt offering, which were necessary for atonement and reconciliation with God. These offerings were not merely suggestions but were mandated by God as part of the covenant relationship with His people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of compulsory actions shifts from the ceremonial law to the moral and ethical teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law rather than mere external compliance. For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on the commandments, teaching that internal attitudes such as anger and lust are as significant as external actions (Matthew 5:21-30). The New Testament also contains compulsory elements for believers, such as the command to love God and neighbor. Jesus states, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37) and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). These commandments are not optional but are central to the Christian life. The Great Commission is another example of a compulsory directive given by Jesus to His disciples: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This command underscores the responsibility of believers to spread the Gospel. Apostolic Teachings The apostles also provided instructions that carried a sense of obligation for the early church. The Apostle Paul, for instance, instructed the believers in Thessalonica, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). These instructions are presented as essential practices for the Christian life. Paul also emphasized the importance of living a life worthy of the Gospel, urging believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1). This call to holiness and ethical living is a compulsory aspect of the Christian faith. Conclusion While the specific requirements of the Old Testament law are not binding on New Testament believers, the principles of obedience, love, and holiness remain compulsory. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide a framework for understanding what is required of believers in their relationship with God and others. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Mandatory; forced; required.2. (a.) Obligatory; enjoined by authority; necessary; due to compulsion. Library Whether a Compulsory Consent is Possible? Whether Compulsory Consent Invalidates a Marriage? Of Compulsory and Conditional Consent (Six Articles) Whether Compulsory Consent Makes a Marriage as Regards the Party ... Significance of Compulsory Service. A Liberal Education: and Where to Find It. Two Shepherds and Two Flocks Toleration The National Preacher. Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence. Thesaurus Compulsory (1 Occurrence)... 2. (a.) Obligatory; enjoined by authority; necessary; due to compulsion. Multi-Version Concordance Compulsory (1 Occurrence). Esther ... /c/compulsory.htm - 6k Compulsion (8 Occurrences) Nakedness (50 Occurrences) Naked (56 Occurrences) Force (250 Occurrences) Targum Taxing (3 Occurrences) Manslayer (20 Occurrences) Benevolence (2 Occurrences) Compute (3 Occurrences) Resources Does the Bible support eugenics? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Restored Church of God, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org What is Iglesia ni Cristo? | GotQuestions.org Compulsory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Compulsory (1 Occurrence)Esther 1:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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