Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "heathens" is often used to refer to nations or peoples who do not worship the God of Israel and are outside the covenant community of Israel. The term is synonymous with "Gentiles" or "nations" and is used throughout the Scriptures to describe those who follow pagan practices and worship false gods.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "heathen" is "goyim," which means "nations." The Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart from the surrounding nations. The heathens were often characterized by their idolatry and immoral practices, which were in direct opposition to the laws and commandments given by God to Israel. For instance, in Leviticus 18:24-25 , God warns the Israelites, "Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants." The Israelites were repeatedly cautioned against adopting the customs and religious practices of the heathens. In Deuteronomy 12:30-31 , God instructs, "Be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, ‘How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.’ You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "ethnos" is often translated as "Gentiles" or "nations," and it carries a similar connotation to the Old Testament usage of "heathens." The New Testament reflects a shift in the understanding of God's plan for the nations. While the term "heathen" still denotes those outside the covenant community, the gospel message is extended to all nations, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that "all nations on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 22:18). Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations," indicating the inclusivity of the gospel message. The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, emphasizes that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to both Jews and Gentiles. In Romans 1:16 , Paul declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." Heathens and the Church The early church grappled with the inclusion of Gentiles, or heathens, into the Christian community. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed the question of whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish law. The council concluded that Gentiles were not required to follow the entirety of the Mosaic Law, affirming that salvation is through grace and faith in Jesus Christ alone. The Apostle Peter, in his vision and subsequent encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, recognized that God shows no favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right (Acts 10:34-35). This pivotal moment marked a significant shift in the early church's understanding of the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. Moral and Spiritual Implications Throughout Scripture, the term "heathen" is often associated with moral and spiritual darkness. The heathens are depicted as living in ignorance of God's truth and engaging in practices contrary to His will. Ephesians 4:17-18 warns believers, "So I tell you this, and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts." Believers are called to be a light to the nations, living lives that reflect the holiness and righteousness of God. The church is tasked with proclaiming the gospel to all peoples, inviting them to turn from their ways and embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Heathen.Library Whether the Unbelief of Pagans or Heathens is Graver than Other ... Of the Cruelty of the Heathens against the Christians. How came the Learned Heathens by their Pride and Vanity... Repentance More Competent to Heathens than to Christians. Heathens and Heretics Alike in their Vilification of the Flesh and ... The Heathens with Christ. (John, xii. , 20, Seq. ) Examples of Heathens Urged as Commendatory of Widowhood and ... The Heathens Charge Justice with Impiety in Following God. Argument: Although the Heathens Acknowledge their Kings to be ... The Heathens Made Gods Like Themselves, Whence Springs all ... Thesaurus Heathens (1 Occurrence)...Heathens (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 12:2 You know that when you were heathens you went astray after dumb idols, wherever you happened to be led. (WEY). ... /h/heathens.htm - 6k Wherever (107 Occurrences) Astray (116 Occurrences) Heating (4 Occurrences) Heathenism (2 Occurrences) Ebionites Ebionism Resources What does the Bible say about interracial marriage? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Wahhabism? What is Wahhabi Islam? | GotQuestions.org Heathens: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Heathens (1 Occurrence)1 Corinthians 12:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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