Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of "staining" is often used metaphorically to describe the effects of sin, impurity, or moral corruption. The imagery of staining is employed to convey the idea of defilement and the need for purification or cleansing. This entry explores the various contexts in which staining appears in the Bible, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the notion of staining is frequently associated with sin and its consequences. Isaiah 1:18 provides a vivid illustration: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Here, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of scarlet and crimson stains to depict the deep-seated nature of sin, contrasting it with the purity and cleansing that God offers. The concept of staining is also linked to ceremonial impurity. In Leviticus, various laws address the issue of ritual cleanliness, emphasizing the need to avoid defilement. Leviticus 13:47-59 discusses the treatment of garments stained by mildew, symbolizing the broader principle of maintaining purity and holiness in the community. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the theme of staining continues to be associated with sin and moral defilement. James 1:27 states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This passage underscores the importance of living a life that is free from the corrupting influences of the world, highlighting the call to holiness and service. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of moral staining in Ephesians 5:25-27 , where he writes about Christ's love for the church: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." This passage emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which purifies believers and prepares them for a holy relationship with God. Symbolism and Theological Implications The symbolism of staining in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the need for divine intervention to achieve true purity. The imagery of stains being washed away or garments being made white is a recurring motif that points to the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ. This theme is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, where believers are cleansed from sin and made righteous through faith in Christ. The theological implications of staining extend to the call for believers to live lives that reflect their purified status. The exhortation to remain unstained by the world is a call to holiness, urging Christians to resist the moral and spiritual corruption that surrounds them. This pursuit of purity is not merely an individual endeavor but is also reflected in the communal life of the church, which is called to be a holy and blameless bride for Christ. In summary, the biblical concept of staining serves as a metaphor for sin and impurity, highlighting the need for cleansing and the transformative power of God's grace. Through the sacrificial work of Christ, believers are offered the promise of purification and the hope of living lives that are unstained by the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Stain.Greek 3436. molusmos -- defilement ... defilement. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: molusmos Phonetic Spelling: (mol-oos-mos') Short Definition: staining, defilement, pollution ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3436.htm - 6k Library St. Ambrose Explains that He is not Speaking against Marriage... This is the Chief Passage which those who were Sent from the East ... The Scheme of Necessity Denies that Man is Responsible for the ... Evil Thoughts. On Clothes. The Broad Inner Horizon. Philip and St. Jerome That the Christian Should be Such. Knowing, My Beloved Marcianus, Your Desire to Walk in Godliness... Again, Would You Further See the Fall of the Universal Church... Thesaurus Staining (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Stain. Multi-Version Concordance Staining (1 Occurrence). James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire. ... /s/staining.htm - 6k Stained (6 Occurrences) Lutheran Doctrine (52 Occurrences) Dishonorable (1 Occurrence) Color (18 Occurrences) Stainless (1 Occurrence) Baptism (76 Occurrences) Resources Why does God call Jacob a worm in Isaiah 41:14? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do I face the consequences of Adam's sin when I did not eat the fruit? | GotQuestions.org Staining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Staining (1 Occurrence)James 3:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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