Topical Encyclopedia Censure, in a biblical context, refers to the act of expressing strong disapproval or criticism, particularly in matters of moral or doctrinal error. It is a concept that appears throughout Scripture, often in the context of church discipline, correction, and the maintenance of doctrinal purity within the Christian community.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, censure is often associated with the prophetic role of calling out sin and urging repentance. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were tasked with delivering God's messages of rebuke to the people of Israel. For example, Isaiah 58:1 states, "Cry aloud, do not hold back; raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins." Here, the prophet is instructed to openly censure the people for their sins. New Testament Context In the New Testament, censure is more explicitly connected to the life of the church and the behavior of its members. Jesus Himself censured the Pharisees and religious leaders for their hypocrisy and legalism, as seen in Matthew 23:27 : "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." The Apostle Paul also addresses the need for censure within the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 , Paul censures the Corinthian church for tolerating immorality: "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and removed from your fellowship the man who did this?" Here, Paul emphasizes the necessity of addressing sin within the church to maintain its purity and witness. Purpose and Process of Censure The purpose of censure in the biblical sense is not merely punitive but restorative. It aims to bring about repentance and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the church: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." This passage highlights the steps of private confrontation, involving witnesses, and finally, bringing the matter before the church, emphasizing the goal of restoration rather than exclusion. Censure and Church Leadership Church leaders are often tasked with the responsibility of administering censure. In 1 Timothy 5:20 , Paul instructs Timothy, "But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear." This directive underscores the role of leaders in maintaining the moral and doctrinal integrity of the church. Censure and Personal Conduct Believers are also encouraged to practice self-censure, examining their own lives and conduct. In 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 , Paul writes, "Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world." This self-examination is a form of personal censure that helps believers align their lives with God's standards. Conclusion Censure, as depicted in the Bible, is a necessary and loving act aimed at correcting error, promoting holiness, and preserving the integrity of the Christian community. It is a tool for both individual and corporate growth, always with the hope of restoration and reconciliation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Judgment either favorable or unfavorable; opinion.2. (n.) The act of blaming or finding fault with and condemning as wrong; reprehension; blame. 3. (n.) Judicial or ecclesiastical sentence or reprimand; condemnatory judgment. 4. (v. i.) To form or express a judgment in regard to; to estimate; to judge. 5. (v. i.) To find fault with and condemn as wrong; to blame; to express disapprobation of. 6. (v. i.) To condemn or reprimand by a judicial or ecclesiastical sentence. Greek 2008. epitimao -- to honor, to mete out due measure, hence to ... ... to honor, to mete out due measure, hence to censure. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epitimao Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-tee-mah'-o) Short Definition: ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2008.htm - 8k 3201. memphomai -- to blame, find fault 784. aspilos -- spotless, unstained 3469. momaomai -- to find fault with 3470. momos -- blame, disgrace, blemish 3681. oneidos -- reproach, disgrace 423. anepilemptos -- without reproach 2633. katakrisis -- condemnation Library Endurance of the World's Censure. The Fourth Ground of his Censure is in the Beginning of My Second ... Judge Fairly, and You are Deserving of Censure in This... I Wish Now to Review Your Sacred Rites; and I Pass no Censure on ... Of God and his Affections, and the Censure of Epicurus. Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign his Censure ... St. Paul Quite in Accordance with St. Peter and Other Apostles of ... Of Nature, and of the World; and a Censure of the Stoics and ... That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and ... Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ... Thesaurus Censure (3 Occurrences)...Censure (3 Occurrences). Galatians 2:11 Now when Peter visited Antioch, I remonstrated with him to his face, because he had incurred just censure. (WEY). ... /c/censure.htm - 7k Reproach (124 Occurrences) Blame (14 Occurrences) Lash (2 Occurrences) Tax (43 Occurrences) Reproof (29 Occurrences) Retort (1 Occurrence) Excommunication Denounce (8 Occurrences) Backbite Resources Who was Peter Abelard? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be above reproach / blameless? | GotQuestions.org What is the history of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Censure: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Censure (3 Occurrences)Galatians 2:11 Titus 2:8 Job 20:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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