Topical Bible: Natural Life: Obedience to Parents, Tends to Prolong

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The concept of obedience to parents as a means to prolong one's natural life is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. This principle is primarily derived from the Ten Commandments and is reiterated throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's parents as a divine mandate with tangible benefits.

Biblical Foundation

The foundational text for this principle is found in the Ten Commandments, specifically in Exodus 20:12 : "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment is unique among the Ten Commandments as it includes a promise of longevity and well-being in the land provided by God.

Similarly, Deuteronomy 5:16 reiterates this command: "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you." The repetition of this commandment in Deuteronomy underscores its significance and the direct correlation between obedience to parents and the promise of a prolonged life.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament reaffirms this principle, highlighting its continued relevance for believers. In Ephesians 6:1-3 , the Apostle Paul writes: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" Paul emphasizes that this commandment is not only a moral obligation but also a divine promise that extends to the Christian community.

Colossians 3:20 further supports this teaching: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." The apostolic instruction underscores the spiritual dimension of obedience, linking it to divine favor and blessing.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the command to honor and obey one's parents is seen as a reflection of the broader biblical theme of submission to authority, which is ultimately rooted in submission to God. Obedience to parents is viewed as a training ground for developing a heart of submission and respect for God's authority.

The promise of prolonged life is understood not merely in terms of physical longevity but also in terms of a life marked by divine favor and blessing. The biblical worldview posits that living in accordance with God's commandments leads to a harmonious and fulfilling life, both spiritually and materially.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the principle of obedience to parents is seen as foundational for the stability and health of the family unit, which is the cornerstone of society. By fostering respect and obedience within the family, individuals learn to live in harmony with others and to respect societal laws and norms.

The biblical promise of prolonged life through obedience to parents serves as a motivation for children and young people to cultivate virtues such as respect, humility, and responsibility. It also serves as a reminder to parents of their role in guiding and nurturing their children in the ways of the Lord, ensuring that the promise of blessing is realized in their lives.

In summary, the biblical teaching that obedience to parents tends to prolong natural life is a principle that underscores the importance of family, authority, and divine blessing. It is a timeless truth that continues to hold relevance for believers seeking to live in accordance with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long on the land which the LORD your God gives you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 4:10
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of your life shall be many.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... for there is a natural bond which unites the sexes in ... at all events, if I fail in
obedience to the ... and Menites, men who are like brothers in life and character ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... to Christ such a close human and natural relationship, but ... is indicated by faith
and by obedience to God ... the raiment," and therefore God who gave life and made ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... everything dedicated to God ought to be natural and free ... punished in different ways,
and learning obedience from the ... all by inability to eat, her life was for ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

Examination of the Treatise
... Then we see that justice, rewarding obedience, which was its ... were to be his descendants
by natural propagation, all ... no predestination of men unto life, and no ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/examination of the treatise.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... True, to reason, this kind of language tends to cast ... the Lord breathed into him the
breath of life"to wit ... the whole; or man, the spirit and natural power, by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm