Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept:Wholeness in the biblical context refers to a state of completeness, integrity, and harmony within oneself and in relation to God and others. It encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being. The concept of wholeness is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's original design for creation and His redemptive plan for humanity. Old Testament Foundations: The Hebrew word often associated with wholeness is "shalom," which is commonly translated as "peace." However, shalom signifies more than the absence of conflict; it denotes a state of completeness and soundness. In Genesis 1:31, God declares His creation "very good," indicating a state of wholeness and harmony. The fall of man in Genesis 3 disrupted this wholeness, introducing sin and brokenness into the world. The Law and the Prophets frequently address the theme of wholeness. Leviticus 19:2 calls the Israelites to be holy as God is holy, implying a life of integrity and completeness in obedience to God's commands. The prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 53:5, speaks of the coming Messiah who would bring healing and restoration: "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." New Testament Fulfillment: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies and offers wholeness. His ministry was marked by healing and restoration, both physically and spiritually. In Matthew 9:22, Jesus tells the woman with the issue of blood, "Take courage, daughter, your faith has healed you," highlighting the connection between faith and wholeness. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the concept of wholeness in his epistles. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, he writes, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse underscores the holistic nature of salvation and sanctification, encompassing every aspect of a believer's being. Spiritual Wholeness: Spiritual wholeness is achieved through reconciliation with God, made possible by the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace, or shalom, restores the broken relationship between humanity and God, offering believers a new identity and purpose. Relational Wholeness: The Bible emphasizes the importance of relational wholeness, urging believers to live in harmony with one another. Ephesians 4:3 encourages Christians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Forgiveness, love, and humility are key components of maintaining relational wholeness, as seen in Colossians 3:13-14: "Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." Practical Implications: Wholeness is not merely an abstract concept but has practical implications for daily living. Believers are called to pursue wholeness in every area of life, reflecting God's character and purposes. This pursuit involves spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, as well as ethical living and service to others. In summary, wholeness in the biblical sense is a comprehensive state of well-being that encompasses spiritual, physical, emotional, and relational dimensions. It is both a gift from God and a pursuit for believers, rooted in the redemptive work of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Topical Bible Verses 2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Topicalbible.org John 14:12 Romans 12:1 Greek 3647. holokleria -- completeness, soundness ... perfect soundness. From holokleros; integrity, ie Physical wholeness -- perfect soundness. see GREEK holokleros. (oloklerian) -- 1 Occurrence. 3646, 3647. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3647.htm - 6k 1018. brabeuo -- to act as umpire 3648. holokleros -- complete, entire Strong's Hebrew 724. arukah -- healing, restoration... Or rarukah {ar-oo-kaw'}; feminine passive participle of 'arak (in the sense of restoring to soundness); wholeness (literally or figuratively) -- health, made up ... /hebrew/724.htm - 6k Library On the Negative Spirit Whether God Can be Loved Wholly No Man is Assisted Unless He Does Himself Also Work. Our Course is ... Whether Every Religious is Bound to Keep all the Counsels? Foreword Prayer Takes in the Whole Man What is Sanctification? Book viii. On the Various Meanings of Words and Names Concerning the Undifferencing and the Differentiation in Divinity ... Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;' Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the good Shepherd?” | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians view Disney? | GotQuestions.org Is Christian rap music appropriate? | GotQuestions.org Wholesome: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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