Earthward
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The term "earthward" is not explicitly found in the Berean Standard Bible or other traditional translations of the Bible. However, the concept of being oriented or directed toward the earth is a theme that can be explored through various biblical passages and teachings. In Scripture, the idea of focusing on earthly matters as opposed to heavenly or spiritual concerns is addressed in several contexts.

Biblical Context

1. Earthly vs. Heavenly Focus: The Bible often contrasts earthly concerns with heavenly priorities. In Colossians 3:2 , believers are instructed, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This verse encourages Christians to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly ones, emphasizing a heavenward rather than earthward focus.

2. Materialism and Worldliness: The concept of being earthward can be associated with materialism and worldliness. In 1 John 2:15-17 , the apostle John warns, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." This passage highlights the transient nature of earthly pursuits and the importance of aligning one's life with God's will.

3. The Earthly Tent: The apostle Paul uses the metaphor of an "earthly tent" to describe our physical bodies and their temporary nature. In 2 Corinthians 5:1 , he writes, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." This imagery underscores the temporary nature of earthly existence and the eternal hope found in Christ.

4. The Parable of the Sower: Jesus' Parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13:1-23 , illustrates how earthly concerns can choke out spiritual growth. In verse 22, Jesus explains, "The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." This parable serves as a warning against allowing earthward distractions to hinder one's spiritual journey.

5. Pilgrims and Strangers: The Bible describes believers as pilgrims and strangers on the earth, emphasizing their temporary residence here and their ultimate citizenship in heaven. Hebrews 11:13 states, "All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." This perspective encourages Christians to live with an eternal mindset, recognizing that their true home is with God.

Theological Implications

The concept of being earthward versus heavenward has significant theological implications. It challenges believers to examine their priorities and align their lives with God's purposes. The Bible consistently calls Christians to live with an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual growth and heavenly treasures over temporary, earthly gains. This orientation affects how believers engage with the world, make decisions, and pursue their life's mission in accordance with God's will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(adv.) Alt. of Earthwards.
Greek
5476. chamai -- on or to the ground
... on the ground. Adverb perhaps from the base of chasma through the idea of a fissure
in the soil; earthward, ie Prostrate -- on (to) the ground. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5476.htm - 6k
Library

God Has Everything to do with Prayer
... God conditions all gifts in all dispensations to His Son on prayer: "Ask of me,"
saith God the Father to the Son, as that Son was moving earthward on the ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/iv god has everything to.htm

The Seventh Word from the Cross
... it does occur. The currents of the mind may be flowing so powerfully earthward
that even then they cannot be diverted. There are ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xx the seventh word.htm

Prophet of the Lord, Beside Us,
... Now upon the watch-tower stand; Let us see the light-clad angel. Earthward come
at God's command,. Telling of His power to save,. Who hath risen from the grave. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/prophet of the lord beside.htm

The Adoration of the Magi. Epiphany. Arise, Shine, for Thy Light ...
... Seeking each his separate way,. Leaving Heaven, unsought, unwon; All our looks
were earthward bent,. All our strength on earth was spent. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/the adoration of the magi.htm

Of the Error of the Poets, and the Return of the Soul from the ...
... The voice divine from far and wide. Calls up to Lethe's river side,. That earthward
they may pass once more,. Remembering not the things before,. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxii of the error of.htm

Anastasis
... So speedily resign'd their aspect bright,. That Christian hope fell earthward
for awhile,. Appall'd by dissolution:"But on high. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/ccccxvi anastasis.htm

The Church Triumphant 508. Blessed City, Heavenly Salem
... In the height of heav'n above,. And, with angel hosts encircled,. As a bride dost
earthward move; From celestial realms descending,. Bridal glory round thee shed ...
/.../the church triumphant 508 blessed.htm

Porphyry's Emendations and Modifications of Platonism.
... "That earthward they may pass once more,. Remembering not the things before,. And
with a blind propension yearn. To fleshly bodies to return." [436]. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 30 porphyrys emendations and modifications.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... In all this we have only been taking the subjective, not the objective, view of
the question; considered the earthward, not the heavenward, aspect of His life. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

Third Tractate. Are the Stars Causes?
... It is absurd to think that the particular grouping under which a star passes
can modify either its character or its earthward influences. ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/third tractate are the stars.htm

Thesaurus
Earthward (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) Alt. of Earthwards. Multi-Version Concordance
Earthward (1 Occurrence). Colossians 3:5 Therefore ...
/e/earthward.htm - 6k

Earthwork (7 Occurrences)

/e/earthwork.htm - 9k

Unholy (23 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/u/unholy.htm - 13k

Greed (19 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/g/greed.htm - 12k

Impurity (42 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/i/impurity.htm - 21k

Inclinations (3 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/i/inclinations.htm - 7k

Earth-shocks (2 Occurrences)
Earth-shocks. Earth-shock, Earth-shocks. Earthward . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Earth-shock, Earth-shocks. Earthward . Reference Bible.
/e/earth-shocks.htm - 7k

Sensual (8 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/s/sensual.htm - 11k

Nature (80 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/n/nature.htm - 35k

Resources
Earthward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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