Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical theology, "affirmatives" refer to the positive declarations, promises, and assurances found within the Scriptures. These affirmations are integral to understanding God's character, His promises to His people, and the principles by which believers are called to live. The Bible is replete with affirmatives that provide comfort, guidance, and encouragement to the faithful.Divine Promises One of the most significant aspects of affirmatives in the Bible is the promises made by God to His people. These promises are often unconditional and reflect God's faithfulness and love. For instance, in Genesis 12:2-3, God makes a covenant with Abraham, saying, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This promise not only affirms God's plan for Abraham but also sets the stage for the unfolding of salvation history. Assurance of Salvation The New Testament is rich with affirmatives concerning salvation and eternal life. In John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses, Jesus affirms, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the core of the Gospel message, offering assurance to believers of their salvation through faith in Christ. God's Presence and Support The Bible frequently affirms God's continual presence and support for His people. In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses encourages the Israelites with the words, "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise is reiterated in the New Testament in Hebrews 13:5, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's commitment to His followers. Moral and Ethical Affirmatives Scripture also contains affirmatives related to moral and ethical living. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 are a series of affirmations by Jesus that describe the blessedness of those who embody the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. For example, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). These affirmatives serve as guiding principles for Christian conduct and character. Affirmatives of Hope and Encouragement The Bible offers numerous affirmatives of hope and encouragement, particularly in times of trial and suffering. Romans 8:28 provides reassurance with the words, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Such affirmatives remind believers of God's sovereign control and His ability to bring good out of difficult circumstances. Affirmatives of Identity and Purpose Believers are also affirmed in their identity and purpose in Christ. In 1 Peter 2:9, the apostle Peter declares, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This affirmation underscores the special status and mission of Christians as God's representatives on earth. Conclusion While the Bible contains many affirmatives, these examples highlight the overarching themes of God's promises, presence, and purpose for His people. These affirmatives serve as a foundation for faith, providing believers with confidence and direction in their spiritual journey. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AFFIRM; AFFIRMATIVESa-fur'-ma-tivs (diischurizomai). The verb "affirm" occurs in several passages of the New Testament in the sense of "assert" Luke 22:59 Acts 12:15; Acts 25:19 pha-sko; Romans 3:8 phemi; 1Ti 17, Titus 3:8 diabebaioomai. The Hebrew does not employ affirmative particles, but gives a positive reply by either repeating the word in question or by substituting the first person in the reply for the second person in the question, or by employing the formula: "Thou hast said" or "Thou hast rightly said." The Saviour used this idiom (su eipas) when answering Judas and Caiaphas (Matthew 26:25, 64). A peculiar elegance occasionally attaches to the interpretation of the Scriptures because of their use of an affirmative and a negative together, rendering the sense more emphatic; sometimes the negative occurs first, as in Psalm 118:17: "I shall not die, but live"; sometimes the affirmative precedes, as in Isaiah 88:1: "Thou shalt die, and not bye" John 1:20 is made peculiarly emphatic because of the negative placed between two affirmatives: "And he confessed, and denied not; and he confessed, I am not the Christ." Library Job's Question, Jesus' Answer Whether Blasphemy is Opposed to the Confession of Faith? The Preface. First Advertisement. Thesaurus Affirmatives... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AFFIRM; AFFIRMATIVES. a-fur'-ma-tivs (diischurizomai). The verb "affirm" occurs in several passages ... /a/affirmatives.htm - 7k Affirm (7 Occurrences) Affirmed (3 Occurrences) Affirmation (335 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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