Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Dissolution, in a biblical context, refers to the process of breaking down or disintegration, often associated with the end of the physical world or the body. It is a term that can be applied both to the physical decay of the human body after death and to the eschatological events concerning the end times, where the current heavens and earth are prophesied to be dissolved. Biblical References The concept of dissolution is notably present in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Peter. In 2 Peter 3:10-12 , the apostle describes the end times with vivid imagery: "But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be dissolved in the fire, and the earth and its works will not be found. Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be dissolved by fire and the elements will melt in the heat." This passage emphasizes the transient nature of the physical world and serves as a call to live a life of holiness and godliness in anticipation of the coming judgment and renewal. Theological Implications Theologically, dissolution underscores the temporality of the created order and the certainty of divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly life and the ultimate sovereignty of God over creation. The dissolution of the heavens and the earth is not merely an end but a precursor to the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, as promised in Revelation 21:1 : "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." Moral and Ethical Considerations The anticipation of dissolution and the subsequent renewal of creation calls believers to a life of moral integrity and spiritual vigilance. The knowledge that the current world is temporary should inspire Christians to focus on eternal values and to live in a manner that reflects their faith and hope in God's promises. As Peter exhorts, believers are to "conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness" (2 Peter 3:11), recognizing that their actions have eternal significance. Eschatological Perspective From an eschatological perspective, dissolution is part of the divine plan for the culmination of history. It is a necessary step in the transition from the present age to the age to come, where God's kingdom will be fully realized. The dissolution of the current world order is not to be feared but anticipated with hope, as it heralds the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Conclusion While the concept of dissolution may evoke a sense of finality, it is ultimately a message of hope and renewal for believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of the physical world and the enduring promise of God's new creation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of dissolving, or separating into component parts; separation.2. (n.) Change from a solid to a fluid state; solution by heat or moisture; liquefaction; melting. 3. (n.) Change of form by chemical agency; decomposition; resolution. 4. (n.) The dispersion of an assembly by terminating its sessions; the breaking up of a partnership. 5. (n.) The extinction of life in the human body; separation of the soul from the body; death. 6. (n.) The state of being dissolved, or of undergoing liquefaction. 7. (n.) The new product formed by dissolving a body; a solution. 8. (n.) Destruction of anything by the separation of its parts; ruin. 9. (n.) Corruption of morals; dissipation; dissoluteness. Greek 3080. lusis -- a loosing (by divorce) ... a loosing (by divorce). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: lusis Phonetic Spelling: (loo'-sis) Short Definition: dissolution, release Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3080.htm - 6k 2646. kataluma -- a lodging place Strong's Hebrew 4288. mechittah -- terror, destruction, ruin... From chathah; properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly) consternation -- destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. see HEBREW chathah. ... /hebrew/4288.htm - 6k Library The Creation and Dissolution of all Things. The Creation, Preservation, Dissolution, and Restoration of this ... Dissolution and Inherence According to the Manich??ans; this is ... The Dissolution of Our Tabernacle Consistent with the Resurrection ... The Creation, Preservation, Dissolution, and Restoration of this ... Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Nevertheless one who Regards Only the Dissolution of the Body is ... John and Daniel have Predicted the Dissolution and Desolation of ... But Neither Can the Cosmic Organism be God. For that Would Make ... Of the Weakness of Man. Thesaurus Dissolution (1 Occurrence)... parts; ruin. 9. (n.) Corruption of morals; dissipation; dissoluteness. Multi-Version Concordance Dissolution (1 Occurrence). 2 Peter ... /d/dissolution.htm - 7k Decay (18 Occurrences) Divorce (18 Occurrences) Dissolve (4 Occurrences) Leprosy (51 Occurrences) Incorruptible (8 Occurrences) Divorcement (7 Occurrences) Dissoluteness (4 Occurrences) Death (1610 Occurrences) Pre-destined (13 Occurrences) Resources What is the emerging / emergent church movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is post-modern Christianity? | GotQuestions.org What is the Serbian Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.org Dissolution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dissolution (1 Occurrence)2 Peter 3:11 Subtopics Related Terms Interpretations (2 Occurrences) |