Definition and Nature:
Pretension, in a biblical context, refers to the act of claiming or asserting something, often with an air of superiority or unwarranted self-importance. It is characterized by a display of arrogance or a false front, where individuals present themselves in a manner that is not genuine or humble. Pretension can manifest in various forms, including spiritual, social, or intellectual arrogance.

Biblical References and Insights:

1. Spiritual Pretension:
The Bible frequently addresses the issue of spiritual pretension, particularly among religious leaders and individuals who outwardly display piety but lack genuine faith and humility. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocritical behavior, as seen in Matthew 23:5-7 : "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of 'Rabbi' by which they are addressed."

2. Warnings Against Pretension:
The apostle Paul warns against pretension in his epistles, emphasizing the importance of humility and sincerity. In Romans 12:3 , Paul advises, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you." This verse underscores the need for self-awareness and modesty in one's self-assessment.

3. Consequences of Pretension:
Pretension can lead to spiritual downfall and alienation from God. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The scripture highlights that God resists those who are proud and pretentious, while extending grace to those who are humble and sincere.

4. Examples of Pretension in Scripture:
The Bible provides several examples of individuals who exhibited pretension and faced consequences. One notable example is King Saul, who, in his insecurity and desire for approval, disobeyed God's commands and sought to maintain his image before the people (1 Samuel 15:24-26). His pretension ultimately led to his rejection as king.

5. Encouragement for Authenticity:
Scripture encourages believers to live authentically and avoid pretension. In 1 Peter 5:5-6 , it is written, "Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you." This passage calls for humility and submission, promising that God will exalt those who are genuine and humble in due time.

Theological Implications:
Pretension is antithetical to the Christian virtues of humility, sincerity, and truthfulness. It reflects a heart that is not fully surrendered to God and is often rooted in pride and self-deception. The Bible consistently calls believers to examine their motives and to live in a manner that is pleasing to God, free from the trappings of pretension.1. (n.) A bold claim, whether true or false; a presumptuous assertion; a right alleged or assumed; a holding out the appearance of possessing a certain character; as, pretensions to scholarship.

2. (n.) The act of pretending, or laying claim; the act of asserting right or title.

No House of any Pretension to be Called a Palace is in the Least ...
... Chapter 28 No house of any pretension to be called a palace is in the
least worthy? No house of any pretension to be called a ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 28 no house of.htm

Greatness in the Kingdom
... and little children does not lie in any sentimental illusions about the innocence
of childhood, but in its dependence, in its absence of pretension, in its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/greatness in the kingdom.htm

The Two Sons.
... They are not, indeed, submissive in heart and life to the will of God; but they
do not tell a lie about the matter; they make no pretension. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/x the two sons.htm

The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
... For one who was a wicked man, a man who made a pretension of religion, a man who
judged others, and who ought to have been condemned himself. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the wicked mans life funeral.htm

At the Back of the North Wind
... with him as usual.? Chapter 28 No house of any pretension to be called
a palace is in the least worthy? Chapter 29 The children ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/at the back of the north wind/

The Bible
... of God. An examination of the other epistles of the New Testament will show
the same high and unqualified pretension. The apostles ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... "I make some pretension to religion myself," he said; and quoted the Old Testament
freely in support of war. Our terms were, submission or the guard-house. ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... Under the second article, he discanted largely on the pretension of Mahomet, and
of their great influence and extent; and also of the particular tone given to ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... that the most industrious of modern accumulators of evidence should not have been
aware that by such extravagances he marred his pretension to critical ...
/.../chapter xii causes of corruption.htm

Against the Modern Free-Thinkers.
... Their pretension to be Free-thinkers is no other than rakes have to be free-livers,
and savages to be free-men; that is, they can think whatever they have a ...
/.../sect ix against the modern.htm

Pretension (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The act of pretending, or laying claim; the act of asserting right or
title. Multi-Version Concordance Pretension (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/pretension.htm - 7k

Pretense (9 Occurrences)

/p/pretense.htm - 9k

Recede (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To withdraw a claim or pretension; to desist; to relinquish what had been
proposed or asserted; as, to recede from a demand or proposition. ...
/r/recede.htm - 7k

Discreet (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Free from pretension; showing discernment; using judicious words that respect
privacy; as, a discreet letter, especially in avoiding error or evil, and ...
/d/discreet.htm - 9k

Dissimulation (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act of dissembling; a hiding under a false
appearance; concealment by feigning; false pretension; hypocrisy. ...
/d/dissimulation.htm - 7k

Mansion (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The house of the lord of a manor; a manor house; hence: Any house of
considerable size or pretension. 3. (n.) A twelfth part of the heavens; a house. ...
/m/mansion.htm - 7k

Pretence (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Alt. of Pretenceless. 2. (n.) The act
of laying claim; the claim laid; assumption; pretension. ...
/p/pretence.htm - 8k

Punishments (31 Occurrences)
... 14, 16, 23 1 Kings 21:10 Matthew 26:65, 66); (3) Sabbath-breaking (Exodus 31:14;
Exodus 35:2 Numbers 15:32-36); (4) witchcraft and false pretension to prophecy ...
/p/punishments.htm - 36k

Pretensions (2 Occurrences)

/p/pretensions.htm - 6k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... simple. 7. (superl.) Not highly cultivated; unsophisticated; free from show
or pretension; simple; natural; homely; common. 8. (superl ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

Does the Bible call Christians to defend the faith / argue for the faith? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Pretension: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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