Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "appearing" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing divine manifestations, theophanies, and eschatological events. It is a term that signifies the visible presence or revelation of God, Christ, or spiritual truths to humanity. This entry explores the various contexts and theological implications of "appearing" as found in the Scriptures.Divine Manifestations In the Old Testament, God often "appeared" to individuals to communicate His will or to establish covenants. One of the earliest instances is found in Genesis 12:7, where the LORD appeared to Abram and promised to give his descendants the land of Canaan: "Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.'" Such appearances were pivotal in guiding the patriarchs and establishing the nation of Israel. Theophanies, or visible manifestations of God, are also significant. In Exodus 3:2, God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush: "The Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush." These appearances often signified divine intervention and guidance. Christ's First Appearing The New Testament introduces the appearing of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God. His first coming is described as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the manifestation of God's redemptive plan. In John 1:14, the apostle writes, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Christ's appearing in the world was marked by His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. This first appearing was a demonstration of God's love and the means of salvation for humanity, as stated in 1 Timothy 1:15: "This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Eschatological Appearing The New Testament also speaks of a future appearing of Christ, often referred to as the Second Coming. This eschatological event is anticipated as a time of judgment and the consummation of God's kingdom. In Titus 2:13, believers are encouraged to look forward to "the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." The Second Coming is described as a visible and triumphant event. In Matthew 24:30, Jesus Himself declares, "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." Spiritual Appearing Beyond physical manifestations, the Bible also speaks of spiritual appearances, where truths are revealed to believers through the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 3:4, Paul writes, "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." This indicates a future revelation of believers' true identity in Christ. The concept of appearing is also linked to the believer's sanctification and ultimate glorification. In 1 John 3:2, it is written, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." Conclusion The theme of appearing in the Bible encompasses God's historical interventions, the incarnation of Christ, and the anticipated return of Jesus. Each aspect of appearing serves to reveal God's character, fulfill His promises, and advance His redemptive purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Appear.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia APPEARINGa-per'-ing (apokalupsis, "an unveiling"; epiphaneia, "a manifestation"): Exclusively technical, referring in the six passages where found to the return, the millennial advent of Christ (e.g. 1 Peter 1:7, the King James Version; 2 Timothy 1:10 Titus 2:13). Greek 3701. optasia -- an appearing ... an appearing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: optasia Phonetic Spelling: (op-tas-ee'-ah) Short Definition: a vision, supernatural appearance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3701.htm - 7k 2015. epiphaneia -- appearance 602. apokalupsis -- an uncovering 3708. horao -- to see, perceive, attend to 5244. huperephanos -- showing oneself above others 1307. diaphanes -- transparent. 3700. optanomai -- to appear Strong's Hebrew 226. oth -- a sign... Probably from 'uwth (in the sense of appearing); a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc. ... /hebrew/226.htm - 6k Library Christ Appearing to his Church, and Seeking Her Company, Cant. 2 1 ... M. Jesus Appearing to the Apostles. Ch. 24:36-43 Christ Appearing to his Church, and Seeking Her Company. Ss 2:8-13 ... Christian Women, Further, have not the Same Causes for Appearing ... Who are These Like Stars Appearing Whether God the Trinity Indiscriminately Appeared to the Fathers ... Conclusion Contrast Between the Statements of Hermogenes and the ... 1 Timothy vi. 13-16 Titus ii. 14-Nov Because the Rapture of a Part of the Church Only, Would Leave the ... Thesaurus Appearing (20 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Appear. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. APPEARING. ... Multi-Version Concordance Appearing (20 Occurrences). ... /a/appearing.htm - 12k Re-appearing (2 Occurrences) Appear (111 Occurrences) Appearance (126 Occurrences) Attended (39 Occurrences) Savior (60 Occurrences) Saviour (157 Occurrences) Appeareth (31 Occurrences) Premillennial Millennium Resources What is the blessed hope? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Satan look like? What do demons look like? | GotQuestions.org Has anyone ever seen God? | GotQuestions.org Appearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Appearing (20 Occurrences)Matthew 2:7 Luke 9:31 John 8:13 Acts 1:3 Acts 2:20 Acts 27:20 2 Thessalonians 2:3 2 Thessalonians 2:8 2 Thessalonians 2:9 1 Timothy 6:14 2 Timothy 1:10 2 Timothy 4:1 2 Timothy 4:8 Titus 2:13 Hebrews 11:3 James 4:14 Exodus 16:10 Zechariah 5:5 Zechariah 5:6 Malachi 3:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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