Topical Encyclopedia Prohibition, in a biblical context, refers to the act of forbidding certain behaviors, practices, or substances, often for moral, spiritual, or communal reasons. While the term "prohibition" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is evident throughout Scripture, where God provides commandments and laws to guide the conduct of His people.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, God establishes various prohibitions as part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites. These laws are designed to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation and to maintain their covenant relationship with God. Key prohibitions include the Ten Commandments, which outline fundamental moral imperatives such as the prohibition against idolatry, murder, theft, and bearing false witness (Exodus 20:1-17). Dietary laws also play a significant role in Old Testament prohibitions. Leviticus 11 details clean and unclean animals, instructing the Israelites on what they may and may not consume. These dietary restrictions serve both health and symbolic purposes, reinforcing the distinctiveness of God's people. Prohibition of Idolatry One of the most emphasized prohibitions in the Bible is against idolatry. The first two commandments explicitly forbid the worship of other gods and the creation of idols (Exodus 20:3-4). This prohibition is reiterated throughout the Old Testament, as idolatry is seen as a direct affront to God's sovereignty and a recurring temptation for the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:7-9; Isaiah 44:9-20). Prohibition of Sexual Immorality The Bible also contains clear prohibitions against sexual immorality. Leviticus 18 outlines various unlawful sexual relations, emphasizing the importance of sexual purity. The New Testament reaffirms these prohibitions, with the Apostle Paul instructing believers to flee from sexual immorality and to honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continue to uphold the moral prohibitions of the Old Testament while emphasizing the spirit of the law over mere legalistic adherence. Jesus teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God and love one's neighbor, which encapsulate the essence of the law (Matthew 22:37-40). The New Testament also addresses the issue of food and drink. While the Mosaic dietary laws are no longer binding on Christians, the apostles provide guidance on matters of conscience and community harmony. For instance, Paul advises believers to avoid causing others to stumble by their eating or drinking habits (Romans 14:13-21). Prohibition of Drunkenness Drunkenness is explicitly prohibited in the New Testament. Ephesians 5:18 warns, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This prohibition underscores the importance of self-control and the dangers of excess, encouraging believers to seek fulfillment in the Holy Spirit rather than in worldly indulgences. Prohibition and Christian Liberty While the Bible contains numerous prohibitions, it also speaks to the concept of Christian liberty. Believers are called to live in freedom, but this freedom is not a license to sin. Galatians 5:13 states, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This balance between liberty and prohibition reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which empowers believers to live righteously through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In summary, biblical prohibitions serve as divine instructions for living a life that honors God and reflects His holiness. They are integral to understanding the moral and spiritual framework within which believers are called to operate, emphasizing obedience, purity, and love as central tenets of the Christian faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A declaration or injunction forbidding some action; interdict.2. (n.) Specifically, the forbidding by law of the sale of alcoholic liquors as beverages. Library Of the Prohibition of Adultery in the Decalogue. How, Upon Antiochus's Prohibition to the Jews to Make Use of the ... Prohibition of Sacrifices, of Mystic Rites, Combats of Gladiators ... She, on the Prohibition of Ambrose, Abstains from Honouring the ... Concerning Loans Prohibition of Usury and the Usurious Spirit. The ... Of the Literary Labors of the Two Apollinares and the Emperor's ... Intrigues of Licinius against the Bishops, and his Prohibition of ... An Objection, as to How an Unlawful Intermingling with the ... That it is Effrontery to Impute the Present Troubles to Christ and ... Whether it is Right to Distinguish Other Moral Precepts of the Law ... Thesaurus Prohibition (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) Specifically, the forbidding by law of the sale of alcoholic liquors as beverages. Multi-Version Concordance Prohibition (1 Occurrence). ... /p/prohibition.htm - 7k Leaven (24 Occurrences) Barber Nazirite (10 Occurrences) Ten (234 Occurrences) Interdict (6 Occurrences) Divorce (18 Occurrences) Blood (435 Occurrences) Commandments (181 Occurrences) Trade (33 Occurrences) Resources Do women have to remain silent in church? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to kill spiders or step on bugs? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall have no other gods before me" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Prohibition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Prohibition (1 Occurrence)Romans 7:3 Subtopics Miscegenation: Reasons for Prohibition Prohibition: To Priests "On Duty" Related Terms |
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