Topical Encyclopedia Reproof, in the biblical context, refers to the act of correction or admonishment, often delivered by God to His people. It is an expression of divine love and concern, intended to guide believers back to the path of righteousness. The Bible consistently presents reproof as a necessary component of spiritual growth and maturity, emphasizing that it should be accompanied by an exhortation to repentance.Biblical Basis for Reproof and Repentance The Scriptures affirm that God's reproof is an integral part of His relationship with His people. In Proverbs 3:11-12 , it is written, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His reproof; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights." This passage highlights the loving nature of divine reproof, likening it to a father's care for his child. Reproof from God is not merely punitive but is designed to lead to repentance and restoration. In Revelation 3:19 , Jesus declares, "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent." Here, the call to repentance is directly linked to the act of reproof, underscoring the purpose of correction as a means to bring about a change of heart and behavior. Examples of Reproof Leading to Repentance Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God's reproof is followed by a call to repentance. The prophet Nathan's confrontation with King David after his sin with Bathsheba is a poignant example. In 2 Samuel 12:7-13, Nathan delivers God's reproof, leading David to acknowledge his sin and repent, saying, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). Similarly, the messages of the prophets often combined reproof with a call to repentance. The prophet Isaiah, for instance, conveyed God's reproof to the people of Israel, urging them to "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!" (Isaiah 1:16). This exhortation to repentance was intended to restore the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Role of Reproof in the New Testament Church In the New Testament, the role of reproof continues as a vital aspect of church life and discipline. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently combines reproof with exhortation. In 2 Timothy 4:2 , he instructs Timothy to "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." This directive emphasizes the balance of reproof with encouragement and the ultimate goal of repentance and spiritual growth. Paul's letter to the Corinthians also illustrates this principle. In 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 , he reflects on a previous letter of reproof, stating, "Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it... Now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance." Here, the sorrow induced by reproof is seen as a catalyst for genuine repentance and transformation. Conclusion Reproof from God, as depicted in the Bible, is a manifestation of His love and desire for His people to live in holiness and obedience. It is always intended to be accompanied by an exhortation to repentance, leading to spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with the Creator. Through reproof, believers are called to examine their lives, turn away from sin, and embrace the grace and forgiveness offered by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 12:20-25And Samuel said to the people, Fear not: you have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... On the Power of the Church in Administering Justice, or on ... Philippians iii. 18-21 A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Paul's Departure and Crown; Concerning Worship. The Foundation of the Church among the Jews Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ... Christian Behavior C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28 Resources What are the differences between Catholics and Protestants? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said to not cast your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6)? | GotQuestions.org What is doctrine? | GotQuestions.org Reproof: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship Reproof: Attention to a Proof of Prudence Reproof: Christ Gives, in Love Reproof: Contempt of, Leads to Remorse Reproof: Declared to Be: An Excellent Oil Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than the Praise of Fools Reproof: Declared to Be: More Profitable to Saints, than Stripes to a Fool Reproof: Despised by the Israelites Reproof: Despised by the Jewish Leaders Reproof: Despised by the People of Nazareth Reproof: Eventually Brings More Respect than Flattery Reproof: Faithfulness in a Prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Amos, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Uzziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Nebuchadnezzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahaziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Gehazi Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Hazael Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jehoram Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Ezra, of the Men of Judah and Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Hanani, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Isaiah, of Hezekiah Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Tribe of Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Two and One-Half Tribes Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehoash, of Jehoiada Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehu, of Jehoshaphat Reproof: Faithfulness in Jeremiah, of the Cities of Judah Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Scribes and Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Joab, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of Herod Antipas Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Jonathan, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Micaiah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Eleazar Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Korah Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Pharaoh Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Nathan, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in Nehemiah, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Oded, of the People of Samaria Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Barren Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness In of the King's Feast Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Two Sons Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Vineyard Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul and Silas, of the Magistrates of Philippi Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Ananias, the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Elymas (Bar-Jesus), the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Peter, of Simon, the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Samuel, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Shemaiah, of Rehoboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in The Prophet Gad, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in The Withering of the Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness in Zechariah, of the Princes of Judah Reproof: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children Reproof: God Gives, to the Wicked Reproof: Hatred of, a Proof of Brutishness Reproof: Hatred of, Leads to Destruction Reproof: Hypocrites not Qualified to Give Reproof: Leads to Understanding Reproof: Ministers are Empowered to Give Reproof: Ministers are Sent to Give Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority Reproof: Ministers should Give with Christian Love Reproof: Ministers should Give with Longsuffering Reproof: Ministers should Give: Fearlessly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Openly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Sharply, If Necessary Reproof: Ministers should Give: Unreservedly Reproof: On Account of Fearfulness Reproof: On Account of Hardness of Heart Reproof: On Account of Hypocrisy Reproof: On Account of Impenitence Reproof: On Account of not Understanding Reproof: On Account of Oppressing out Brethren Reproof: On Account of Reviling Christ Reproof: On Account of Sinful Practices Reproof: On Account of Unbelief Reproof: On Account of Unruly Conduct Reproof: On Account of Vain Boasting Reproof: Rejection of, Leads to Error Reproof: Saints should Delight in Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For Reproof: Saints should Love Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Receive Kindly Reproof: The Holy Spirit Gives Reproof: The Scriptures are Profitable For Reproof: They Who Give, are Hated by Scorners Reproof: when from God is Despised by the Wicked Reproof: when from God is for Correction Reproof: when from God: Pray That It be not be in Anger Reproof: when from God: should be Accompanied by Exhortation to Repentance Reproof: when from God: should not Discourage Saints Related Terms |
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