Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical theology, the term "devolving" is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept can be explored through the lens of the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the decline or deterioration of spiritual, moral, or societal conditions. The Bible provides numerous examples where individuals, communities, or nations experience a downward spiral due to disobedience to God's commandments, idolatry, or moral corruption.The Fall of Man The earliest instance of devolution in the Bible is the Fall of Man in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil resulted in a spiritual and moral decline. This act of rebellion introduced sin into the world, leading to a separation from God and the eventual deterioration of human nature. Genesis 3:17-19 describes the consequences: "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." The Antediluvian World The period before the Flood, known as the antediluvian world, is another example of devolution. Genesis 6:5 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." The moral decay of humanity led to God's judgment through the Flood, sparing only Noah and his family due to Noah's righteousness. Israel's Cycle of Apostasy Throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel experienced cycles of faithfulness and apostasy. The Book of Judges illustrates this pattern vividly. Judges 2:11-12 notes, "And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They followed after other gods, the gods of the peoples around them, and they bowed down to them, provoking the LORD to anger." This cycle of devolution often led to oppression by surrounding nations until Israel repented and God raised up judges to deliver them. The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah The divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah also experienced devolution due to idolatry and disobedience. The northern kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC, and the southern kingdom of Judah was exiled to Babylon in 586 BC. 2 Kings 17:7-8 explains, "All this happened because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel." The New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of devolution can be seen in the warnings against falling away from the faith. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame." Moral Decline in the Last Days The New Testament also speaks of a moral and spiritual decline in the last days. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes this devolution: "But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!" The biblical narrative consistently highlights the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting devolution in spiritual, moral, and societal conditions. Through these examples, Scripture calls believers to remain faithful and obedient to God's commandments, avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual decline. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Devolve.Library Return to Benares. The Kinsman Redeemer In what Manner the Nations in the Interior of India were ... Death of Valentinian. Obstinancy of Theophilus. Enmity Between the Egyptians and the ... The Stater in the Fish. (Matt. , xvii. , 27. ) The Epistle of Constantine Concerning the Preparation of Copies of ... Wesley's Forgiveness Epistle xviii. To Romanus, Guardian (Defensorem). The Right to a Normal Home Life Thesaurus Devolving (1 Occurrence)...Devolving (1 Occurrence). Colossians 4:17 And tell Archippus to discharge carefully the duties devolving upon him as a servant of the Lord. (WEY). ... /d/devolving.htm - 6k Devote (36 Occurrences) Jethro (10 Occurrences) Duties (46 Occurrences) Discharge (30 Occurrences) Devoid (4 Occurrences) Pastoral Carefully (76 Occurrences) Epistles (2 Occurrences) Resources Can monotheism be proven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Celtic Christianity? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about authority? | GotQuestions.org Devolving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Devolving (1 Occurrence)Colossians 4:17 Subtopics Related Terms Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) |
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