Topical Bible: Edification: All to be Done To

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Topical Encyclopedia

Edification, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the building up or strengthening of the faith and character of believers. It is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the growth and maturity of the church and its members. The term is derived from the Latin "aedificare," meaning "to build," and is used metaphorically to describe spiritual growth and development.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of edification is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses the importance of edification within the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:26 , Paul writes, "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." This passage highlights the communal aspect of edification, where each member contributes to the spiritual growth of the whole body.

Purpose and Practice

Edification serves several purposes within the Christian community. It encourages believers to grow in their knowledge of God, strengthens their faith, and equips them for service. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." Here, the roles within the church are seen as gifts intended to edify and prepare believers for ministry.

The practice of edification involves various activities, including teaching, preaching, fellowship, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Colossians 3:16 encourages believers, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." This verse underscores the importance of Scripture and worship in the process of edification.

Community and Unity

Edification is closely linked to the unity and harmony of the church. Romans 14:19 exhorts believers, "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." The pursuit of peace and mutual edification fosters a supportive and loving community where believers can grow together in faith.

The Apostle Paul also warns against actions that hinder edification. In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 , he writes, "‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is edifying. No one should seek his own good, but the good of others." This passage highlights the importance of considering the impact of one's actions on the spiritual well-being of others.

Role of Love

Love is the foundation of all edifying actions within the church. In 1 Corinthians 8:1 , Paul states, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." This emphasizes that while knowledge is important, it is love that truly edifies and strengthens the community. Love motivates believers to serve one another selflessly and to seek the best for others.

Conclusion

Edification is a vital aspect of the Christian life, focusing on the spiritual growth and maturity of believers. Through teaching, fellowship, and the exercise of spiritual gifts, the church is built up in love and unity, reflecting the character of Christ to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 12:19
Again, think you that we excuse ourselves to you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Pleasing all Men
... to their edification. 6. Once more. Take all proper opportunities of declaring to
others the affection which you really feel for them. This may be done with ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 100 on pleasing all.htm

Avoid Words of Contention and Causes of Animosity: Flee Also from ...
... proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for the edification of faith,
that ... Take heed that all the good actions you perform are done for the ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xvii avoid words of.htm

Whether the Gift of Tongues is More Excellent than the Grace of ...
... The Apostle proves this in three ways (1 Cor.14); first, because prophecy is more
profitable to the edification of the Church, for ... All this is done in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the gift of tongues.htm

Article xxviii: of Ecclesiastical Power.
... 2 Cor.13, 10, that the power given him was to edification not to ... and tranquillity,
so far that one do not offend another, that all things be done in the ...
/.../the augsburg confession of faith/article xxviii of ecclesiastical power.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... present in spirit, have judged already, concerning him that hath done this deed ... such
Diata`xeis as are requisite for the edification of all Christs Churches ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

His First Residence in Germany.
... afternoon, to read, sing, and pray for the edification one of ... a soul to save or to
lose, and all souls are of ... help of this sort when it can be done through one ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

Our Lord's Model Prayer
... God's will done on earth makes earth like Heaven ... All these things He had laid down
in this law of ... that children find their instruction, edification and comfort ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/x our lords model prayer.htm

On the Ecclesiastical Ministrations of the New Testament and on ...
... The government of the church is used for this end, that, in the whole church, all
things may be done decently, in order, and to edification; and that each of ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lix on the ecclesiastical.htm

The Third Wall.
... That God has given us authority for edification and not ... by a plague, as they sometimes
boast has happened: all this is to be held as having been done by the ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/the third wall.htm

The Note of Edification.
... There is much work to be done here"spade work we ... have life eternal "let him go and
sell all that he ... So then it comes to this:"That the edification of the ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iv the note of.htm