Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context The concept of "fulfilling" in the Bible often pertains to the completion or realization of God's promises, prophecies, and commandments. It signifies the bringing to fruition of divine intentions and the manifestation of God's will in the world. The term is frequently associated with the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, as well as the fulfillment of individual roles and purposes within God's plan. Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, fulfilling is closely linked to the realization of God's promises to His people. For instance, the promise to Abraham regarding his descendants and the land (Genesis 12:1-3) is seen as fulfilled in various stages throughout Israel's history. The concept is also evident in the fulfillment of prophecies, such as those concerning the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 7:14, which prophesies the birth of Immanuel, is later referenced in the New Testament as fulfilled in Jesus Christ. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the theme of fulfilling is central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declares in Matthew 5:17, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." This statement underscores the belief that Jesus is the culmination of the Old Testament prophecies and the embodiment of the Law's ultimate purpose. The Gospels frequently highlight instances where Jesus' actions and experiences fulfill specific prophecies. For example, Matthew 1:22-23 notes, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')." Theological Significance Theologically, fulfilling is significant as it demonstrates God's faithfulness and sovereignty. It reassures believers that God's word is reliable and that His plans are unchangeable. The fulfillment of prophecy in the life and work of Jesus Christ is seen as a testament to His divine nature and mission. It also serves as a foundation for Christian hope, as believers trust that God's promises for the future will likewise be fulfilled. Practical Implications For Christians, the concept of fulfilling extends beyond prophecy to encompass the living out of God's commandments and purposes in their lives. Believers are called to fulfill the law of love, as stated in Galatians 5:14, "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" This fulfillment is not merely a legalistic adherence but a heartfelt embodiment of God's love and righteousness. Related Concepts · Prophecy: The foretelling of events that are fulfilled in the biblical narrative, particularly concerning the Messiah. · Covenant: The agreements between God and His people, which include promises that are fulfilled over time. · Law: The commandments given by God, which find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Key Verses · Matthew 5:17 : "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." · Galatians 5:14 : "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" · Matthew 1:22-23 : "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')." The concept of fulfilling in the Bible is a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His word and His people, providing assurance and direction for believers throughout history. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fulfill.Greek 4138. pleroma -- fullness, a filling up ... patch (2). fullness, fulfilling, full,. From pleroo; repletion or completion, ie (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4138.htm - 7k 5046. teleios -- having reached its end, ie complete, by ext. ... 5055. teleo -- to bring to an end, complete, fulfill Strong's Hebrew 4394. millu -- setting, installation... From male'; a fulfilling (only in plural), ie (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice ... /hebrew/4394.htm - 6k 6213a. asah -- do, make Library The "Destroying" and "Fulfilling" of the Law. Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law. O Sion, Haste, Thy Mission High Fulfilling Love Worketh no Ill to his Neighbor; Therefore Love is the ... The Manner in which Man Conducted Himself for Fulfilling the First ... Love Thy Neighbour The Law of Christian Life the Fulfilment of the Old Law. The Greatest Thing in the World Drummond -- the Greatest Thing in the World Thesaurus Fulfilling (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Fulfilling (14 Occurrences). Luke 21:22 For those are the days of vengeance and of fulfilling all that is written. (WEY). ... /f/fulfilling.htm - 10k Fulfillment (19 Occurrences) Fullness (31 Occurrences) Course (87 Occurrences) Hail (42 Occurrences) Vapors (4 Occurrences) Vapour (6 Occurrences) Vapours (5 Occurrences) Vow (49 Occurrences) Vapor (6 Occurrences) Resources What is deontological ethics / deontology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church? | GotQuestions.org Why didn't Jesus marry? | GotQuestions.org Fulfilling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fulfilling (14 Occurrences)Luke 21:22 John 1:23 Acts 13:25 Romans 2:27 Romans 9:31 Romans 13:10 Ephesians 2:3 James 2:8 2 Peter 3:9 Numbers 3:8 1 Kings 2:27 Psalms 148:8 Ecclesiastes 5:4 Daniel 9:2 Subtopics Related Terms |