Abolishes
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The term "abolishes" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of doing away with or nullifying something, particularly in relation to laws, covenants, or practices. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is used to describe the transition from old covenants to new ones, as well as the fulfillment of the law through Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of abolishing is often associated with the removal of idolatrous practices and the establishment of a new order under God's guidance. For example, various kings of Israel and Judah are noted for abolishing high places and idols in an effort to restore true worship of Yahweh. The prophets also speak of a future time when God will abolish the sins and transgressions of His people, leading to a renewed relationship with Him.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of abolishing takes on a more theological dimension, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. The term is frequently used to describe the work of Jesus Christ in relation to the Law of Moses and the old covenant.

1. Abolishing the Law: In Ephesians 2:15, Paul writes, "by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace." Here, the term "abolishing" refers to the nullification of the ceremonial and judicial aspects of the Mosaic Law, which separated Jews and Gentiles. Through His death and resurrection, Christ fulfilled the law, creating a new covenant that unites all believers.

2. Abolishing Death: Another significant use of the term is found in 2 Timothy 1:10, which states, "And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel." In this context, "abolished" signifies the defeat of death's power through the resurrection of Jesus, offering eternal life to believers.

3. Abolishing the Old Covenant: Hebrews 8:13 discusses the obsolescence of the old covenant, stating, "By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear." The term "obsolete" here is akin to abolishing, indicating that the old covenant is no longer in effect due to the establishment of the new covenant through Christ.

Theological Implications

The concept of abolishing in the Bible underscores the transformative work of Jesus Christ. It highlights the transition from the old covenant, based on the law and sacrifices, to the new covenant, characterized by grace and faith in Christ. This transition is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law and the establishment of a new relationship between God and humanity through Jesus. The abolishment of the old ways paves the way for a new creation, where believers are united in Christ and freed from the bondage of sin and death.
Library

The Emperor Constantine Abolishes Paganism and Erects Many ...
... SCHOLASTICUS. Book I. Chapter XVIII."The Emperor Constantine abolishes Paganism
and erects many Churches in Different Places. After ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor constantine abolishes.htm

God's Inheritance and Ours
... of it in our earthly relationships,"that the one way by which a human spirit can
possess a spirit is by the sweet mutual love which abolishes 'mine' and ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/gods inheritance and ours.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... 3458]526, [3459]528; presents of, at his vicennalia, [3460]526; builds churches
at Constantinople, [3461]532; at Nicomedia, [3462]532; abolishes idolatry at ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History.
... prohibited, [2889]244; property restored to Christians, [2890]244; conquers Goths
and Sarmatians, enjoins observance of Lord's Day, abolishes crucifixion, [2891 ...
/.../general index to sozomens ecclesiastical.htm

The Ecclesiastical History of Scholasticus
... Church. Chapter XVIII.--The Emperor Constantine abolishes Paganism and erects
many Churches in Different Places. Chapter XIX. --In ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/scholasticus/the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/

Our Relations to the Departed
... But I proceed to remark, if the Christian religion thus transforms death, or, in
other words, abolishes the idea of its being annihilation, or an end, then it ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/our relations to the departed.htm

Besides These Men, There is Still Another Class, -- Inventors of ...
... that debase and dishonor it; sanctifies human society, by leading it to the knowledge
and worship of God;"they love it because it abolishes Custom House ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/ix besides these men there.htm

Of Stations.
... from the example of military life"for we withal are God's military [8870] "of course
no gladness or sadness chanting to the camp abolishes the "stations ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xix of stations.htm

Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ...
... 6. Impiety of the Mass continued.4. It robs us of the benefit of Christ's death.
7. Impiety of the Mass continued.5. It abolishes the Lord's Supper. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 of the popish.htm

Christianity and the Family.
... It abolishes polygamy, and makes monogamy the proper form of marriage; it condemns
concubinage with all forms of unchastity and impurity. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 47 christianity and the.htm

Thesaurus
Abolishes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Abolishes (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 10:9 then he
has said, "Behold, I have come to do your will." He takes ...
/a/abolishes.htm - 6k

Abolished (12 Occurrences)

/a/abolished.htm - 10k

Abolishing (1 Occurrence)

/a/abolishing.htm - 6k

Inspiration (4 Occurrences)
... Covenant. His perfect sacrifice, "once for all," supersedes and abolishes
the typical sacrifices of the old economy (Hebrews 9-10). ...
/i/inspiration.htm - 57k

Isaiah (64 Occurrences)
... He also abolishes violent death, that is to say, war (compare 2:4) and its sad
accompaniment, "tears," so that "the earth" (ie the land of Judah) is no longer ...
/i/isaiah.htm - 66k

Bible
... Covenant. His perfect sacrifice, "once for all," supersedes and abolishes
the typical sacrifices of the old economy (Hebrews 9-10). ...
/b/bible.htm - 101k

Resources
What is trajectory hermeneutics? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that hell is referred to as a lake of fire? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Abolishes (1 Occurrence)

Hebrews 10:9
then he has said, "Behold, I have come to do your will." He takes away the first, that he may establish the second,
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Abolishes

Related Terms

Abolishes (1 Occurrence)

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Abolished
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