Topical Encyclopedia The term "conclude" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of bringing something to an end or reaching a decision or judgment. It is a concept that can be found throughout Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments, and is integral to understanding various biblical narratives and teachings.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of concluding is often associated with the completion of covenants, judgments, or prophetic declarations. For example, the conclusion of a covenant between God and His people is a significant theme. In Genesis 17:2, God says to Abraham, "I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly." This establishment or conclusion of a covenant signifies a binding agreement that has reached its fulfillment. The concept of concluding is also evident in the judgments pronounced by God through His prophets. In the book of Isaiah, God concludes His judgment upon the nations, bringing to completion His divine will and purpose. Isaiah 10:23 states, "For the Lord GOD of Hosts will carry out the destruction decreed upon the whole land." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "conclude" is often used in the context of reaching a decision or understanding, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term in his epistles to convey the idea of reaching a theological or doctrinal conclusion. For instance, in Romans 3:28, Paul writes, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." Here, Paul concludes his argument about justification by faith, summarizing the core message of the Gospel that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, not by adherence to the law. The concept of concluding is also present in the teachings of Jesus. In the parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15:11-32, the account concludes with the father's forgiveness and acceptance of his repentant son, illustrating the theme of redemption and reconciliation. Theological Implications The act of concluding in the Bible often carries significant theological implications. It reflects God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His divine plan. The conclusion of covenants, prophecies, and teachings underscores the reliability and faithfulness of God in bringing His purposes to completion. Moreover, the concept of concluding is closely tied to the idea of judgment and redemption. The Bible teaches that history will ultimately conclude with the return of Christ and the final judgment, as described in Revelation 20:11-15. This eschatological conclusion emphasizes the hope and assurance believers have in the ultimate victory of God over sin and death. Practical Application For believers, the biblical concept of concluding serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and faithfulness. Just as God concludes His promises and plans, Christians are called to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will bring to completion the good work He has begun in them (Philippians 1:6). In daily life, the principle of concluding can also be applied to decision-making and spiritual discernment. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and guidance in reaching conclusions that align with His will and purpose, as exemplified in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." In summary, the concept of concluding in the Bible encompasses the fulfillment of God's promises, the finality of His judgments, and the assurance of His eternal plan. It calls believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to live with the hope of His ultimate redemption and restoration. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To shut up; to enclose.2. (v. t.) To include; to comprehend; to shut up together; to embrace. 3. (v. t.) To reach as an end of reasoning; to infer, as from premises; to close, as an argument, by inferring; -- sometimes followed by a dependent clause. 4. (v. t.) To make a final determination or judgment concerning; to judge; to decide. 5. (v. t.) To bring to an end; to close; to finish. 6. (v. t.) To bring about as a result; to effect; to make; as, to conclude a bargain. 7. (v. t.) To shut off; to restrain; to limit; to stop; to bar; -- generally in the passive; as, the defendant is concluded by his own plea; a judgment concludes the introduction of further evidence argument. 8. (v. i.) To come to a termination; to make an end; to close; to end; to terminate. 9. (v. i.) To form a final judgment; to reach a decision. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CONCLUDEkon-klood' (sumbibazo): Used only in Acts 16:10, where the King James Version has "assuredly gathering," i.e. "inferring." Where the King James Version has "conclude," the Revised Version (British and American) more accurately renders "reckon" (Romans 3:28); "giving judgment" (Acts 21:25); "shut up" (Romans 11:32 Galatians 3:22). Greek 3049. logizomai -- to reckon, to consider ... Spelling: (log-id'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I reckon, count, decide Definition: I reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3049.htm - 8k 611. apokrinomai -- to answer 4822. sumbibazo -- to join together, hence to consider, by ext. to ... 4302. prolego -- to say beforehand, ie to predict 5055. teleo -- to bring to an end, complete, fulfill 4788. sugkleio -- to shut together, ie enclose 2919. krino -- to judge, decide Library From all this we May Conclude, that the End Arrived at by the Two. ... How Dost Thou Conclude Thy Prayer? In the Following Way, Also, we May Conclude that they who came Out ... Pious Parents, under Such a Dispensation, May Conclude it is Well ... The Fundamentals of the Christian Religion The Fourth Letter. Things Pertaining to the Kingdom. Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods. Argument. --In Fine, Notwithstanding the Said Heretics have ... Of the Trinity and a Christian Thesaurus Conclude (1 Occurrence)... 5. (vt) To bring to an end; to close; to finish. 6. (vt) To bring about as a result; to effect; to make; as, to conclude a bargain. ...CONCLUDE. ... /c/conclude.htm - 8k Collect (24 Occurrences) Concluded (11 Occurrences) Parthians (1 Occurrence) Zealots Zered (3 Occurrences) Zealot (4 Occurrences) Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences) Nergal-sharezer (2 Occurrences) Og (22 Occurrences) Resources Why are there so many atheists? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians use the preferred pronouns of transgender individuals when referring to them? | GotQuestions.org What is a prolegomena? | GotQuestions.org Conclude: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Conclude (1 Occurrence)Romans 3:28 Subtopics Related Terms |