In biblical literature, the term "scheme" often refers to a plan or strategy, typically one that is deceitful or malevolent in nature. The concept of schemes is frequently associated with the actions of the wicked or the adversary, Satan, who is described as employing various schemes to lead people away from God.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of schemes, often highlighting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. In the Psalms, the psalmist frequently laments the schemes of the wicked, seeking God's protection and justice. For instance, Psalm 37:12 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them." Here, the schemes are portrayed as part of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, with the wicked plotting against those who follow God's ways.

The book of Proverbs also warns against engaging in deceitful schemes. Proverbs 12:2 says, "A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil." This highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of scheming, emphasizing that God disapproves of deceitful plans and will ultimately bring them to judgment.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of schemes is often associated with spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns believers to be vigilant against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 instructs, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage underscores the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on God's strength to withstand the deceptive strategies of the enemy.

The New Testament also addresses the schemes of false teachers and those who would lead believers astray. In 2 Corinthians 2:11 , Paul writes, "in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." This highlights the importance of discernment and awareness in the Christian life, recognizing that schemes can come in the form of false teachings and deceptive practices that threaten the integrity of the faith.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, schemes are often seen as manifestations of the fallen human condition and the influence of evil in the world. They represent the antithesis of God's truth and righteousness, serving as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. Believers are called to trust in God's wisdom and protection, seeking His guidance to navigate the challenges posed by deceitful schemes.

The Bible consistently encourages believers to pursue integrity and righteousness, avoiding the temptation to engage in or fall victim to schemes. By adhering to God's commandments and seeking His will, believers can resist the allure of deceit and remain steadfast in their faith.1. (n.) A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.

2. (n.) A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme.

3. (n.) Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.

4. (n.) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.

5. (v. t.) To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.

6. (v. i.) To form a scheme or schemes.

2150. eusebeia -- piety
... godliness, holiness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme -- godliness,
holiness. see GREEK eusebes. (eusebeia) -- 5 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2150.htm - 7k6098. etsah -- counsel, advice
... advice (11), consultation (2), counsel (52), counselor* (1), counselors* (1), counsels
(1), designs (1), plan (8), plans (2), purpose (6), scheme (1), schemes ...
/hebrew/6098.htm - 6k

2803. chashab -- to think, account
... 5), plans (4), plotted (1), pondered (1), purposed (3), reckoned (10), regard (1),
regarded (8), regards (1), require an accounting (1), scheme (1), schemed (1 ...
/hebrew/2803.htm - 6k

4284. machashabah -- thought, device
... 3), devised (1), intentions* (1), invented (1), inventive (1), plan (2), plans
(14), plot (1), plots (1), plotting (1), purposes (3), scheme (2), schemes (4 ...
/hebrew/4284.htm - 6k

2154. zimmah -- a plan, device, wickedness
... 1), crime (1), devising (1), evil intent (1), immorality (2), lewd (3), lewdly
(1), lewdness (13), lustful crime (1), plans (1), wicked scheme (1), wicked ...
/hebrew/2154.htm - 6k

The Scheme of Necessity Denies that Man is Responsible for the ...
... Chapter I. The Scheme Of Necessity Denies That Man Is Responsible For The
Existence Of Sin. Ye, who live, Do so each cause refer ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter i the scheme of.htm

My Sentiments on the Preceding Scheme of Predestination.
... 2. MY SENTIMENTS ON THE PRECEDING SCHEME OF PREDESTINATION. But, for my
own part, to speak my sentiments with freedom, and yet with ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/2 my sentiments on the.htm

Scheme of Necessity Denies the Reality of Moral Distinctions.
... Scheme Of Necessity Denies The Reality Of Moral Distinctions. ... It is shown by Spinoza,
that all moral distinctions vanish before the iron scheme of necessity. ...
/.../chapter iii scheme of necessity.htm

The Scheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin.
... Chapter II. The Scheme Of Necessity Makes God The Author Of Sin. I told
ye then he should prevail, and speed On his bad errand; man ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii the scheme of.htm

The New Testament Checked the Imaginative Creation of Events in ...
... THE ORIGIN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 7. The New Testament checked the imaginative creation
of events in the scheme of Salvation, whether freely or according to ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 7 the new testament.htm

The Moral World not Constituted According to the Scheme of ...
... Chapter IV. The Moral World Not Constituted According To The Scheme Of Necessity. ...
Section I. The scheme of necessity is based on a false psychology. ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter iv the moral world.htm

The Knowledge of God to be Obtained from the Scripture. The Plan ...
... Chapter 7. "The Knowledge of God to Be Obtained from the Scripture. The Plan
and Principal Mysteries of the Divine Scheme of Redemption. 11. ...
/.../chapter 7 name knowledge of.htm

The Lambeth Conference and the Union of Churches in South India. ...
... Churches are real ministries of the Word and the sacraments' and prayed that the
Lambeth Conference 'do all in its power to facilitate the scheme of Church ...
/.../iii the lambeth conference and.htm

Index.
... Disobedience to moral law, 180. Divine efficiency scheme, 293. Duty and obligation,
66. E. ... Moral order and obligation, 64. Moral suasion scheme, 298. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/index 2.htm

Judges
... This does not exhaust the list of judges, but it exhausts the list of those
whose stories are used to illustrate the Deuteronomic scheme. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/judges.htm

Scheme (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form
a scheme. ... 5. (vt) To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot. ...
/s/scheme.htm - 9k

Plot (53 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) Any scheme, stratagem, secret design, or plan, of a complicated nature,
adapted to the accomplishment of some purpose, usually a treacherous and ...
/p/plot.htm - 22k

Project (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which is projected or designed; something intended or devised; a
scheme; a design; a plan. ... 8. (vi) To form a project; to scheme. ...
/p/project.htm - 9k

Intrigue (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A complicated plot or scheme to accomplish a purpose
by secret means. 2. (vi) To carry on a secret and illicit love or amour. ...
/i/intrigue.htm - 7k

Design (84 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) To create or produce, as a work of art; to form a plan or scheme of; to
form in idea; to invent; to project; to lay out in the mind; as, a man designs ...
/d/design.htm - 33k

Devise (41 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To formulate by thought; to contrive; to invent;
to scheme; as, to devise a plan of defense, or an argument. ...
/d/devise.htm - 19k

Device (17 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention;
a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice. ...
/d/device.htm - 14k

Lay (524 Occurrences)
... 24. (vt) To present or offer; as, to lay an indictment in a particular county; to
lay a scheme before one. 25. ... See Lathe, 3. 39. (n.) A plan; a scheme. 40. ...
/l/lay.htm - 41k

Times (1875 Occurrences)
... From a formal point of view the representation resembles the Jewish chiliastic scheme,
but with a twofold substantial difference: (a) the chiliastic scheme...
/t/times.htm - 11k

Dispensation (8 Occurrences)
... (Gr. oikonomia, "management, " "economy"). (1.) The method or scheme according to
which God carries out his purposes towards men is called a dispensation. ...
/d/dispensation.htm - 11k

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