Topical Encyclopedia The term "destructive" in a biblical context often refers to actions, behaviors, or forces that cause harm, ruin, or devastation. Throughout the Bible, both physical and spiritual destruction are addressed, highlighting the consequences of sin, the wrath of God, and the destructive nature of evil.Old Testament References 1. Destructive Forces and God's Judgment: The Old Testament frequently depicts God using destructive forces as a means of judgment against sin and disobedience. In Genesis 6-9, the great flood serves as a prime example of divine destruction, where God decides to "destroy all flesh" (Genesis 6:13) due to the pervasive wickedness of humanity. Similarly, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 illustrates God's judgment upon cities steeped in sin. 2. Destructive Behavior: Proverbs often warns against destructive behavior, particularly the consequences of wickedness and folly. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them" . This highlights the self-destructive nature of sin and moral corruption. 3. Destructive Nations: Throughout the prophetic books, nations that act as instruments of God's judgment are described as destructive. For instance, in Habakkuk 1:6, God raises up the Chaldeans, "a ruthless and impetuous nation," to execute judgment, demonstrating how God can use even destructive powers to fulfill His purposes. New Testament References 1. Destructive Heresies: In the New Testament, the concept of destruction is often linked to false teachings and heresies. 2 Peter 2:1 warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves" . This passage underscores the spiritual destruction that false teachings can bring upon individuals and communities. 2. Destructive Nature of Sin: The New Testament continues to emphasize the destructive nature of sin. Romans 6:23 declares, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" . Here, the ultimate destruction is spiritual death, contrasted with the life-giving salvation offered through Jesus Christ. 3. Destructive Works of the Devil: The apostle John writes in 1 John 3:8, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work" . This highlights the mission of Christ to counteract and ultimately destroy the destructive influence of Satan and sin in the world. Theological Implications The concept of destruction in the Bible serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It also points to the hope of redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ, who came to save humanity from the ultimate destruction of sin and death. The Bible calls believers to live in righteousness, avoiding the destructive paths of sin and embracing the life-giving truth of the Gospel. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Causing destruction; tending to bring about ruin, death, or devastation; ruinous; fatal; productive of serious evil; mischievous; pernicious; -- often with of or to; as, intemperance is destructive of health; evil examples are destructive to the morals of youth.2. (n.) One who destroys; a radical reformer; a destructionist. Greek 600. apokathistemi -- to restore, give back ... returning back to the (ultimate) ideal; (figuratively) restore back to (the of the original standing); to , ie what was taken away by a destructive or life ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/600.htm - 8k 2272. hesuchios -- tranquil 3639. olethros -- destruction, death 684. apoleia -- destruction, loss Strong's Hebrew 1942. havvah -- desire, chasm, destruction... desire, chasm, destruction NASB Word Usage calamities (1), calamity (1), craving (1), deadly (1), desire (2), destruction (8), destructive (1), greed (1). ... /hebrew/1942.htm - 6k 2719. chereb -- a sword 3918. layish -- a lion 4889. mashchith -- ruin, destruction 1696. dabar -- to speak 7723. shav -- emptiness, vanity 8060. Shammay -- three men of Isr. Library Concerning the Assumptions of Destructive Criticism On Occasion of a Destructive Fire. How Pride is Equally Destructive of all virtues. How Pride which is So Destructive of all virtues Can Itself be ... Our Attitude Toward Destructive Criticism. Concerning the Assumptions of Destructive Criticism Figure, Image, Truth: Law, Grace, Glory; Man Created Immortal ... He Shows Further that this Teaching is Destructive of the ... Foreword. Should Reply be Made? Thesaurus Destructive (14 Occurrences)... death, or devastation; ruinous; fatal; productive of serious evil; mischievous; pernicious; -- often with of or to; as, intemperance is destructive of health ... /d/destructive.htm - 10k Mildew (26 Occurrences) Wolf (4 Occurrences) Knitted (9 Occurrences) Woof (9 Occurrences) Warp (9 Occurrences) Article (17 Occurrences) Sect (10 Occurrences) Earthquake (17 Occurrences) Woven (40 Occurrences) Resources Why is marital infidelity so destructive? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about codependency? | GotQuestions.org What are boundaries, and are they biblical? | GotQuestions.org Destructive: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Destructive (14 Occurrences)2 Peter 2:1 2 Peter 2:2 Exodus 12:13 Leviticus 13:51 Leviticus 13:52 Leviticus 14:44 Leviticus 14:55 Psalms 55:11 Psalms 91:3 Proverbs 17:4 Isaiah 28:2 Isaiah 35:9 Ezekiel 5:16 Ezekiel 13:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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