The term "engraft" is often associated with the process of grafting, a horticultural technique where a branch or bud is inserted into another plant so that they grow together. In a biblical context, engrafting is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual integration and unity of believers with Christ and among each other. This concept is most prominently discussed in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 11:17-24: The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to explain the relationship between Israel and Gentile believers. He describes how some of the natural branches (unbelieving Israelites) were broken off, and wild olive shoots (Gentile believers) were grafted in among the remaining branches. This engrafting allows Gentiles to share in the rich root of the olive tree, symbolizing the blessings and promises of God. Paul warns the Gentiles not to boast over the natural branches, reminding them that they do not support the root, but the root supports them. This passage emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of their ethnic background.

· Romans 11:17 : "But if some branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,"

2. James 1:21: The concept of engrafting is also found in the Epistle of James, where believers are encouraged to receive the "engrafted word" with meekness. This word, which is able to save their souls, is the message of the Gospel that takes root in the hearts of believers, transforming their lives and guiding them in righteousness.

· James 1:21 : "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls."

Theological Significance:

The metaphor of engrafting highlights several key theological themes:

· Unity in Christ: Engrafting illustrates the unity of all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic and cultural barriers. It underscores the idea that both Jews and Gentiles are part of God's redemptive plan and are equally valued in His sight.

· Spiritual Nourishment: Just as a grafted branch draws sustenance from the rootstock, believers draw spiritual nourishment from their relationship with Christ. This connection is vital for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

· Transformation and Renewal: The engrafted word, as mentioned in James, signifies the transformative power of the Gospel. When the word of God takes root in a believer's heart, it leads to a life of holiness and obedience.

· Humility and Dependence: The imagery of engrafting serves as a reminder of the believer's dependence on God. Just as a grafted branch cannot survive without the root, believers must remain connected to Christ to thrive spiritually.

In summary, the concept of engrafting in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the inclusion of all believers into the family of God, the transformative power of the Gospel, and the essential unity and dependence of believers on Christ.(v. t.) See Ingraft.ENGRAFT

en-graft' (James 1:21 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) IMPLANT).

On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way," Etc.
... He engrafteth charity, and that most genuine charity, without confusion, without
inflation, without elation, without deceit; this doth He engraft, who saith ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcii on the same.htm

The Christ of the Demiurge, Sent into the World by the virgin not ...
... I now adduce [6856] (what they say) concerning Christ, upon whom some of them engraft
Jesus with so much licence, that they foist into Him a spiritual seed ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter xxvii the christ of the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 16, "He that Rejecteth You ...
... May He then engraft my word in your heart; for I have taken upon me to say, "Live
well, that ye may not die ill." See, for faith is in your hearts, and Christ ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lii on the words.htm

That Divine Love Makes the virtues Immeasurably More Agreeable to ...
... stock, all the roses that spring from it will smell of musk: cleave then your heart
by holy penitence, and put the love of God in the cleft; then engraft on it ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii that divine love.htm

A General Means for Applying Our Works to God's Service.
... Yet true it is also that if one engraft a vine upon an olive, it not only more
perfectly communicates its taste but also makes it share in its sap; so do you ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter viii a general means.htm

Second Nature.
... For they who from their childhood learn letters by means of such fables, while their
soul is yet pliant, engraft the impious deeds of those who are called gods ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xviii second nature.htm

Introduction to 'epinoia
... "The universal Guardian thought it right to engraft these names in our minds by
a law of His creation." "These utterances are from above." The importance of ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/introduction to epinoia.htm

Worldly Business no Plea for the Neglect of Religion
... But to subdue our corrupt passions, to root out ill habits, to engraft the heavenly
graces of God's most holy Spirit in their room; and, in one word, to fill ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/worldly business no plea for.htm

Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we ...
... learning, acuteness, and robust good sense, you will have no difficulty in determining
the quality and character of a dogma which could engraft such fruits on ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter iv you reply to.htm

Liturgy of St. Dionysius, Bishop of the Athenians .
... Thy holy Church, those, who from James, Apostle, Bishop and Martyr, to this present
day, have pleased, and do please Thee." (Raising his voice) "Engraft in us ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/liturgy of st dionysius bishop.htm

Engraft
... (vt) See Ingraft. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ENGRAFT. en-graft' (James
1:21 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) IMPLANT). ...
/e/engraft.htm - 6k

Engrafted (1 Occurrence)

/e/engrafted.htm - 6k

English

/e/english.htm - 38k

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