The concept of "instantly" or "instant" in the Bible often conveys the idea of immediacy, urgency, or the suddenness of an event or action. This notion is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both divine intervention and human response.

Divine Intervention:

In the Bible, God's actions are frequently described as occurring instantly, underscoring His omnipotence and sovereign will. For example, in the creation narrative, God's spoken word brings the universe into existence with immediate effect. The psalmist reflects on this power, stating, "For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm" (Psalm 33:9). This instant creation highlights God's authority over time and matter.

Similarly, the miracles of Jesus often occur instantly, demonstrating His divine authority. In the healing of the leper, "Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'be clean!' And immediately the leprosy was cleansed" (Matthew 8:3). This immediate healing signifies the power and compassion of Christ, affirming His identity as the Son of God.

Human Response:

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of an instant response to God's call. In the New Testament, the disciples' immediate reaction to Jesus' invitation is noteworthy. When Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, "At once they left their nets and followed Him" (Matthew 4:20). This prompt obedience reflects a heart ready to submit to God's will without hesitation.

The urgency of repentance and faith is another area where the concept of "instantly" is significant. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often stresses the immediacy of salvation. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, he writes, "For He says, 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation" . This passage underscores the necessity of responding to God's grace without delay.

Judgment and Consequences:

The Bible also records instances where judgment or consequences occur instantly, serving as a sobering reminder of God's justice. In the account of Ananias and Sapphira, their deceit results in immediate judgment: "As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died" (Acts 5:5). This swift judgment serves as a warning against hypocrisy and the seriousness of sin within the early church.

Prayer and Petition:

The concept of instant prayer is evident in the lives of biblical figures who turn to God in moments of crisis. Nehemiah, upon hearing of Jerusalem's desolation, offers an immediate prayer to God before speaking to the king (Nehemiah 2:4-5). This instant petition reflects a life attuned to God's presence and reliant on His guidance.

In summary, the theme of "instantly" or "instant" in the Bible highlights the immediacy of God's actions, the urgency of human response, and the swift nature of divine judgment. It calls believers to recognize the power of God, the importance of prompt obedience, and the reality of living in readiness for His purposes.Instantly Instant

in the Authorized Version, means urgent, urgently or fervently, as will be seen from the following passages: (Luke 7:4; 23:23; Acts 26:7; Romans 12:12)

6621. petha -- suddenness
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition suddenness NASB Word Usage instant
(1), instantly (2), suddenly (3), very (1). at an instant, suddenly, very. ...
/hebrew/6621.htm - 6k

7281. rega -- a moment
... Word Origin from raga Definition a moment NASB Word Usage instant (1), instantly
(2), moment (14), momentary* (1), suddenly (3), while (1). ...
/hebrew/7281.htm - 6k

Whether the Angel Obtained Beatitude Immediately after one Act of ...
... Objection 1: It would seem that the angel did not possess beatitude instantly after
one act ... 2: Further, an angel could act at once, and in an instant, from the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the angel obtained beatitude.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... pace""instant in prayer," and then to keep it up"continuing instant in prayer. ... The
whole church, like the twelve tribes, is instantly serving God day and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

Whether this Change is Wrought Instantaneously?
... a power which is infinite, to which it belongs to operate in an instant. ... of the agent,
which possesses infinite power: wherefore it can instantly dispose the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether this change is wrought.htm

Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is Achieved ...
... The divine power can therefore adapt any created matter whatsoever instantly to
its ... justification of the ungodly is therefore achieved by God in an instant. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article seven whether the justification.htm

In Sanctuary
... Father, your presence is instantly needed in the Great Church! Eutropius has taken
refuge in the sacrarium!'. ... There is not an instant to be lost!'. ...
/.../chapter xxvii in sanctuary.htm

That Heavenly Love is Lost in a Moment.
... we come to despise God, but we have no sooner done it than instantly, in a ... no longer
exercise the actions of life in it: even so, the very instant the heart is ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv that heavenly love.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... On my displaying my books their curiosity was instantly aroused, and every person
had ... so that between twenty and thirty copies were sold almost in an instant. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 56.htm

A New Pretender
... There was instant silence. ... "Is it"the woman from Ascalon?" he asked, his suspicion
lighting instantly upon the wife whom he had expected to meet. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xiii a new pretender.htm

The Shepherd of Pella
... But almost the next instant Momus drew up his mount so suddenly that Laodice was ...
The woman rode up and instantly the mute stepped between her and his young ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter iii the shepherd of.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... AND DEAR SIR,"I addressed a letter to you on the 14th instant, which I ... however, who
was at a short distance, having exhibited one, it was instantly torn from ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 49.htm

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