Topical Encyclopedia The term "eradicate" refers to the complete removal or destruction of something, often used in the context of eliminating sin, evil, or undesirable elements from one's life or community. In the biblical context, the concept of eradication is frequently associated with the divine mandate to remove sin and idolatry from the midst of God's people, as well as the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness over evil.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the eradication of sin and idolatry is a recurring theme. God commands the Israelites to eradicate idolatrous practices and influences from the Promised Land. For instance, in Deuteronomy 12:2-3 , God instructs the Israelites: "Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—on the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. Tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places." The eradication of idolatry is not merely a physical act but a spiritual cleansing, intended to preserve the holiness and purity of the Israelite community. The Israelites are called to be a people set apart for God, and this requires the removal of any elements that could lead them astray. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of eradication is often applied to the spiritual life of believers. The Apostle Paul speaks of the need to eradicate sin from one's life, using the metaphor of putting to death the deeds of the flesh. In Colossians 3:5 , Paul writes, "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." This eradication of sin is part of the process of sanctification, where believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ. The eradication of sin is not achieved through human effort alone but through the power of the Holy Spirit working within the believer. Divine Eradication of Evil The Bible also speaks of a future time when God will eradicate all evil from the world. This eschatological hope is vividly depicted in the book of Revelation, where God ultimately triumphs over Satan and his forces. Revelation 20:10 states, "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This final eradication of evil is part of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Practical Implications for Believers For believers, the call to eradicate sin from their lives is both a personal and communal responsibility. It involves a commitment to holiness, accountability within the body of Christ, and reliance on God's grace and strength. The eradication of sin is an ongoing process, requiring vigilance, prayer, and the application of biblical truth. In summary, the biblical concept of eradication encompasses the removal of sin and idolatry, the sanctification of believers, and the ultimate victory of God over evil. It is a theme that underscores the holiness of God and the call for His people to live in accordance with His will. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To root out; to destroy utterly; as, to eradicate disease or poverty.2. (v. t.) To pluck up by the roots; to root up; as, an oak tree eradicated. Library How Practical Perfection Depends on a Double System. Upon Compassion. Advertisements Yet it Follows not that the Bodies of the Departed are to be ... The Namelessness of God. On Laughter. Chap. xxxiii. And Now, when Galerius was in the Eighteenth Year of ... A Rebuke against Extortion Regeneration and Faith. The Jews in Vain Promise Themselves Salvation, which Cannot be ... Thesaurus Eradicate (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To root out; to destroy utterly; as, to eradicate disease or poverty. ... Multi-Version Concordance Eradicate (1 Occurrence). ... /e/eradicate.htm - 6k Era Uproot (17 Occurrences) Root (54 Occurrences) Extirpate (1 Occurrence) Eradicated (3 Occurrences) Bewitch (1 Occurrence) Annihilate (8 Occurrences) Jehu (63 Occurrences) Joseph (248 Occurrences) Resources Who was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the separation of church and state? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Eradicate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eradicate (1 Occurrence)Ecclesiastes 3:2 Subtopics Related Terms |