Topical Encyclopedia In biblical symbolism, the lion often represents strength, power, and ferocity. However, when viewed through the lens of spiritual transformation, the lion can also symbolize the natural man subdued by divine grace. This concept is rooted in the transformative power of God's grace to tame the inherent wildness and rebelliousness of human nature.Biblical Symbolism of the Lion The lion is frequently mentioned in Scripture, often as a symbol of both danger and majesty. In 1 Peter 5:8, the devil is likened to a "roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," illustrating the lion's association with threat and destruction. Conversely, in Revelation 5:5, Jesus is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," highlighting the lion's representation of rightful authority and power. The Natural Man The "natural man" in biblical terms refers to the unregenerate human nature, characterized by sin and opposition to God's will. This nature is described in Romans 8:7 as being "hostile to God," unable to submit to His law. The natural man, like a wild lion, is driven by base instincts and desires, often leading to spiritual and moral chaos. Subdued by Grace The transformative power of grace is a central theme in Christian theology. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, which not only forgives sin but also empowers believers to live in accordance with His will. In Ephesians 2:8-9, it is written, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." The taming of the lion as a metaphor for the subduing of the natural man is beautifully illustrated in the prophecy of Isaiah 11:6-9, where it is foretold that in the Messianic age, "The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them." This imagery suggests a profound transformation where natural enmity and ferocity are replaced by peace and harmony, a result of divine intervention and grace. Practical Implications The taming of the natural man by grace is not merely a theological concept but has practical implications for the believer's life. It involves a continual process of sanctification, where the believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, learns to subdue sinful desires and cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." In conclusion, the image of the tamed lion serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformative work of grace in the life of a believer. It is a testament to the power of God to subdue the wildness of the natural man, bringing about a new creation in Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers anticipate the full realization of God's kingdom, where peace and righteousness will reign eternally. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 11:7And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 65:25 Library Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved. Human Inability The Creation of Terrestrial Animals. A New Order of Priests and Levites The Hymns of Isaac Watts The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: The Holy War, An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Who/what is the Lion of the tribe of Judah? | GotQuestions.orgHow should we understand the Lion and the Lamb passage? | GotQuestions.org What are the Christian themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? | GotQuestions.org Lion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lion used for the Torture of Criminals Lion: An Unnamed Person Killed By Lion: Disobedient Prophet Killed By Lion: Instincts of, in Taking Prey Lion: Samson's Riddle Concerning Lion: Sent As Judgment Upon the Samaritans Lion: The Bases in the Temple Ornamented by Mouldings of Lion: Twelve Statues of, on the Stairs Leading to Solomon's Throne The Lion of Boldness of Saints The Lion of Cruel and Powerful Enemies The Lion of God in Executing Judgments The Lion of God in Protecting his Church The Lion of Imaginary Fears of the Slothful The Lion of the Tribe of Judah The Lion: (Roaring of) a King's Wrath The Lion: (Tamed) the Natural Man Subdued by Grace The Lion: A Swarm of Bees Found in the Carcass of, by Samson The Lion: Attacks and Destroys Men The Lion: Attacks the Sheepfolds The Lion: Conceals Itself by Day The Lion: Criminals often Thrown To The Lion: Disobedient Prophet Slain By The Lion: Fearless Even of Man The Lion: God's Power Exhibited in Restraining The Lion: Greatness of Its Teeth Alluded To The Lion: Hunting of, Alluded To The Lion: Majestic in Movement The Lion: Often Carries Its Prey to Its Den The Lion: Often Perishes for Lack of Food The Lion: Roars when Seeking Prey The Lion: Superior in Strength The Lion: Universal Terror Caused by Roaring of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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