Topical Encyclopedia The sun, as a central element of creation, holds significant theological and symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It is a testament to God's sovereign power and His impartial benevolence towards all of humanity. The sun's daily rising and setting serve as a reminder of God's consistent and sustaining presence in the world.Biblical Reference The concept of God causing the sun to rise on both the evil and the good is explicitly mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the nature of God's love and the call for His followers to emulate this divine love. Matthew 5:45 states, "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Theological Significance 1. Divine Impartiality: The sun's rising on both the evil and the good illustrates God's impartiality. It underscores the idea that God's grace and provision are extended to all people, regardless of their moral standing. This reflects the universal scope of God's love and the common grace that He bestows upon all creation. 2. Common Grace: The concept of common grace is central to understanding this passage. Common grace refers to the blessings that God gives to all humanity, irrespective of their spiritual state. The sun, as a source of light and life, is a primary example of this grace. It sustains life, provides warmth, and enables growth, benefiting both the righteous and the unrighteous. 3. Moral and Ethical Implications: Jesus uses the example of the sun to teach about the moral and ethical implications for His followers. Just as God shows kindness to all, believers are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This radical love is a reflection of God's character and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. 4. Symbol of God's Faithfulness: The regularity of the sun's rising and setting is a symbol of God's faithfulness and reliability. It serves as a daily reminder of His covenantal promises and His unwavering commitment to His creation. The sun's constancy mirrors the steadfast love of God, who remains faithful even when humanity is unfaithful. 5. Creation and Order: The sun is a fundamental part of God's created order. In Genesis 1:16-18 , it is described as one of the "two great lights" created by God to govern the day and the night. The sun's role in marking time and seasons is a testament to the order and structure that God has established in the universe. Practical Reflections For believers, the sun's rising on both the evil and the good serves as a call to reflect God's love and grace in their own lives. It challenges Christians to transcend natural inclinations towards partiality and to embrace a love that mirrors the divine. This teaching encourages a life of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, rooted in the understanding of God's universal grace. In summary, the sun's role in the biblical narrative is multifaceted, symbolizing God's impartiality, faithfulness, and the common grace extended to all humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical call to love others as God loves, reflecting His character in a world in need of His light. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:45That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library From Deliberation on the Evil and on the Good Part it Results that ... The Disciple, -- Sometimes this Question is Asked, "Since God is ... Of the Advantages and Disadvantages which Often Indiscriminately ... Why all Things Work for Good Faustus Denies that Manich??ans Believe in Two Gods. Hyle no God. ... Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ... Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ... Philosophy Conveys Only an Imperfect Knowledge of God. Concerning "Existence" and Also Concerning "Exemplars. " The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... Resources Will the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to not let the sun go down on your anger? | GotQuestions.org Sun: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sun: Kings of Judah Dedicate Horses To Sun: Miracles Concerning: Darkening of Sun: Shadow of Went Back on the Sun-Dial of Ahaz Tanning: General Scriptures Concerning The Sun of the Glory of Christ The Sun: (Before or in Sight of) of Public Ignominy The Sun: (Darkened) of Severe Calamities The Sun: (Going Down at Noon) of Premature Destruction The Sun: (Its Brightness) of the Future Glory of Saints The Sun: (Its Clearness) of the Purity of the Church The Sun: (Its Power) of the Triumph of Saints The Sun: (No More Going Down) of Perpetual Blessedness The Sun: Called the Greater Light The Sun: Clearness of Its Light Alluded To The Sun: Compared to a Bridegroom Coming Forth from his Chamber The Sun: Compared to a Strong Man Rejoicing to Run a Race The Sun: Diffuses Light and Heat to all the Earth The Sun: God: Appointed to Divide Seasons The Sun: God: Appointed to Rule the Day The Sun: God: Causes to Know Its Time of Setting The Sun: God: Causes, to Rise Both on Evil and Good The Sun: God: Exercises Sovereign Power Over The Sun: God: Placed in the Firmament The Sun: Indicates the Hours of the Day by the Shadow on the Dial The Sun: Made to Praise and Glorify God The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Darkened at the Crucifixion The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Shadow Put Back on the Dial The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Standing Still for a Whole Day in the Valley of Ajalon The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Day With the Rising of The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Evening With the Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Consecrated Chariots and Horses, As Symbols of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the East by Rising of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the West by Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the Whole Earth By, from Rising of, to Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Forbidden to Worship The Sun: The Jews: Made Images of The Sun: The Power and Brilliancy of Its Rising Alluded To The Sun: The Rays of Change the Colour of the Skin The Sun: The Rays of Frequently Destructive to Human Life The Sun: The Rays of Pleasant to Man The Sun: The Rays of Produce and Ripen Fruits The Sun: The Rays of Soften and Melt some Substances The Sun: The Rays of Wither and Burn up the Herbs of the Field The Sun: Worshippers of, Turned Their Faces Towards the East 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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