Desisting, in a biblical context, refers to the act of ceasing or abstaining from a particular action or behavior. This concept is often associated with repentance, obedience, and the pursuit of righteousness as outlined in Scripture. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to desist from sinful behaviors and to turn towards God.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the concept of desisting is frequently linked with the call to repentance and the turning away from sin. The prophets often urged the people of Israel to desist from their idolatrous practices and return to the worship of Yahweh. For instance, in the book of Isaiah, the prophet calls the people to cease their evil deeds: "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!" (Isaiah 1:16). This call to desist from evil is a recurring theme throughout the prophetic writings.

The book of Ezekiel also emphasizes the importance of desisting from wickedness. God, through the prophet Ezekiel, implores the house of Israel to turn from their transgressions: "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall" (Ezekiel 18:30). Here, desisting from sin is directly connected to repentance and the avoidance of judgment.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the call to desist from sin is central to the message of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus Himself preached repentance and the turning away from sin as essential to entering the Kingdom of God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery, "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This directive to desist from sin underscores the transformative power of Christ's forgiveness and the expectation of a changed life.

The apostle Paul also addresses the concept of desisting in his epistles. In his letter to the Romans, Paul exhorts believers to desist from conforming to the patterns of this world: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). This call to desist from worldly behaviors is a call to live a life that is pleasing to God.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul further instructs believers to desist from their former way of life: "You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires" (Ephesians 4:22). Here, desisting is part of the process of sanctification, where believers are encouraged to put off their old selves and embrace a new life in Christ.

Theological Implications

Theologically, desisting is closely tied to the concepts of repentance and sanctification. It involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and to pursue holiness. This act of desisting is not merely a human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to overcome sin and live in accordance with God's will.

Desisting from sin is also an expression of obedience to God's commandments. It reflects a heart that is aligned with God's purposes and a life that seeks to honor Him. The call to desist from sin is a call to live a life that bears witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Practical Application

For believers, desisting from sin involves both an inward and outward transformation. It requires a change of heart and mind, as well as a change in behavior. Practically, this may involve avoiding situations that lead to temptation, seeking accountability within the Christian community, and continually seeking God's guidance through prayer and Scripture.

The concept of desisting is a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle that believers face and the need for continual reliance on God's grace and strength. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to desist from sin and to live lives that reflect the character of Christ.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Desist.6213a. asah -- do, make
... 7), commits and does (1), committed (35), committed and practices (1), committing
(6), construct (3), deal (30), deals (1), dealt (22), desisting (1), destroy ...
/hebrew/6213a.htm - 8k

The Opposite Opinion is Injurious to Grace and Hurtful to Good ...
... For, in this place, no mention is made of his spontaneous yielding or surrender,
of desisting from the combat, or the casting away of his weapons, which we ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/i the opposite opinion is.htm

Whether the Parts of Fortitude are Suitably Assigned?
... Constancy may also pertain to perseverance, so that one may be called persevering
through not desisting on account of delays, and constant through not ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the parts of fortitude.htm

The Uproar in Ephesus.
... Then only should this indefatigable missionary have thought of desisting from his
work, when the whole world was converted, and all the Churches were ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiii the uproar in.htm

Declaring the Nature of Internal Recollection, and Instructing the ...
... Wherefore the Soul is to persevere, and wrestle with the difficulties that it will
find in internal Recollection, without desisting, until the Son of internal ...
/.../chap xi declaring the nature.htm

Recapitulation of Former Exhortations. ...
... So that, although we may seem to be desisting from the topic of consolation, we
shall again light upon the same subject by means of Scriptural exposition. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vii recapitulation of former.htm

John iii. 22
... came after him. Now how would a man who acted thus by desisting have made
the disciples of Christ seem worthy of reverence? On the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxix john iii 22.htm

How the Holy Pope Gregory Sent Augustine, with Other Monks, to ...
... Forasmuch as it had been better not to begin a good work, than to think of desisting
from one which has been begun, it behoves you, my beloved sons, to fulfil ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxiii how the holy.htm

Whether Charity is Prior to Hope
... For just as a man is led to love God through desisting from sin for fear of being
punished by him (Tract.9 in Joan.), so also does hope engender charity, since ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article eight whether charity is.htm

Of Severian and Antiochus: their Disagreement from John.
... and a Cypriot by descent. And thus both parties desisting from their strife
with each other had peace. [865] Now as this detention ...
/.../chapter xi of severian and antiochus .htm

Whether a Vow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will?
... the plough. Consequently, if he look back by desisting from his good purpose,
he is not fit for the kingdom of God. Therefore by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a vow consists in.htm

Desisting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Desist. Multi-Version
Concordance Desisting (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 58:13 If you keep ...
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Desisteth (1 Occurrence)

/d/desisteth.htm - 6k

Desolate (189 Occurrences)

/d/desolate.htm - 38k

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