Topical Encyclopedia Overview:The term "Hagia" is not directly found in the Bible as a standalone word but is often associated with the Greek word "hagios," meaning "holy" or "sacred." This term is foundational in understanding the nature of God, His people, and the places and objects set apart for His purposes. The concept of holiness is central to the biblical narrative, reflecting God's character and His call for His people to be set apart. Biblical Context: The concept of holiness is woven throughout the Scriptures, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, holiness is primarily associated with God Himself, His name, and His dwelling place. For example, in Leviticus 19:2, God commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This call to holiness is a recurring theme, emphasizing the distinctiveness and purity required of God's people. In the New Testament, the term "hagios" is frequently used to describe the saints, or believers, who are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness. The Apostle Paul often addresses believers as "saints" in his epistles, indicating their status as holy ones set apart for God's purposes. For instance, in Romans 1:7, Paul writes, "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Theological Significance: Holiness is a defining attribute of God, and it is His holiness that sets Him apart from all creation. The holiness of God is both awe-inspiring and fearsome, as seen in Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim call out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration underscores the absolute purity and otherness of God. For believers, holiness is both a gift and a calling. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are made holy and are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is a call to reflect God's character in every aspect of life. Practical Implications: The call to holiness has practical implications for the life of a believer. It involves a commitment to moral purity, ethical behavior, and a life set apart for God's service. Holiness is not merely an external adherence to rules but a transformation of the heart and mind, as Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2, urging believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Holiness also involves a communal aspect, as the church is called to be a holy community, reflecting God's character to the world. In Ephesians 2:21, Paul describes the church as a holy temple in the Lord, "In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord." Conclusion: While the specific term "Hagia" may not appear in the biblical text, the concept of holiness is central to understanding God's nature and His expectations for His people. Holiness is both a divine attribute and a calling for believers, shaping their identity and mission in the world. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAGIAha'-gi-a. Library The Holy Things are not to be Sent into Other Dioceses at the ... Trallianois Ignatios Prefatory Note The Brightest and the Fairest, Let us do those Things that Please God, and Flee from those He ... Philadelpheusin Ignatios Concerning the Martyrdom of James, the Brother of the Lord, from ... God Cannot be Embraced in Words or by the Mind. Hebrews ix. 5-Jan That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ... Thesaurus HagiaHagia. Haggoyim, Hagia. Hagiographa . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAGIA. ha'-gi-a. See AGIA. Haggoyim, Hagia. Hagiographa . Reference Bible. /h/hagia.htm - 6k Agia Holies (23 Occurrences) Hagiographa Haggoyim (3 Occurrences) Jerusalem (782 Occurrences) Holy (1097 Occurrences) Resources What does the word bible mean? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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