The term "insofar" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, it is a concept that can be understood in the context of biblical teachings and principles. "Insofar" generally means "to the extent that" or "as far as." In biblical interpretation, this concept can be applied to understanding the extent of human responsibility, divine grace, and the application of God's commandments.

Human Responsibility and Divine Grace

The Bible often addresses the balance between human responsibility and divine grace. In Philippians 2:12-13 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." Here, the concept of "insofar" can be seen in the cooperation between human effort and divine empowerment. Believers are called to work out their salvation to the extent that they are able, while recognizing that it is ultimately God who enables them to do so.

Application of God's Commandments

The Bible provides numerous commandments and instructions for living a life that is pleasing to God. Insofar as believers are able, they are called to adhere to these commandments. Jesus summarizes the law in Matthew 22:37-40 : "Jesus declared, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Believers are to love God and others to the fullest extent possible, recognizing that human limitations may affect the degree to which they can perfectly fulfill these commandments.

Living in Peace with Others

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:18 , advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse acknowledges that while believers should strive for peace, there are circumstances beyond their control. Insofar as it depends on them, Christians are to pursue peace, understanding that not all situations will allow for it.

Faith and Works

James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." The relationship between faith and works can be understood through the lens of "insofar." Believers are called to demonstrate their faith through actions to the extent that they are able, recognizing that genuine faith will naturally produce good works.

Conclusion

The concept of "insofar" in biblical teaching emphasizes the extent to which believers are called to act in accordance with God's will, balancing human effort with divine assistance. It highlights the importance of striving to fulfill God's commandments, living in peace, and demonstrating faith through works, all while acknowledging human limitations and the necessity of God's grace.

Foreword to the First Edition
... and unto Him we would now commit this volume and whatever fruit it may bear, praying
Him to use it for the enlightening of His own dear people (insofar as it ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/foreword to the first edition.htm

The Churchward Results of the Redeemer's Return
... portion in that happy day? What will be the results of Christ's second advent
insofar as they affect the Church? We say "the Church ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/chapter eight the churchward results.htm

The Right to what I Consider a Normal Standard of Living
... And, more important, does it matter insofar as the progress of the Gospel is
concerned? Will our conforming help to win souls to Christ? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 2 the right to.htm

Chapter xxvi
... They are "statutes" (chuqq??th) when thought of as immutable, and "laws" (tor??th)
insofar as they involve divine instruction or teaching. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... 'To me,' says Paul, to die is gain;' to me, quatenus a believer [insofar as
I am a believer]. Are we such? Have we this blessed faith? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

Chapter ix
... Besides, this power of life and of death is bestowed upon man only in an official
capacity, insofar as the governmental power is centred in him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ix.htm

Chapter xiii
... But no one would ever think of ascribing exaggeration to the statement because it
bears its own restriction: "as the dust" insofar as dust cannot be counted. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiii.htm

Book Four this is the Story of his Years among the Manicheans. ...
... paths? Where are you going? The good that you love is from him, and insofar
as it is also for him, it is both good and pleasant. But ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book four this is the.htm

Chapter xix
... Abraham's prayer, though denied in the form in which it was offered, is,
nevertheless, heard insofar as Lot's preservation is concerned. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xix.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises, Etc. <. ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

Insofar (1 Occurrence)
...Insofar (1 Occurrence). ... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among
you, aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (WEB). ...
/i/insofar.htm - 6k

Insolence (11 Occurrences)

/i/insolence.htm - 10k

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you
fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (See NIV). ...
/q/quarreling.htm - 11k

Ordinary (17 Occurrences)
... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you
fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (See RSV). ...
/o/ordinary.htm - 12k

Insnared (1 Occurrence)

/i/insnared.htm - 6k

Factions (5 Occurrences)
... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't
you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (WEB). ...
/f/factions.htm - 7k

Fleshly (15 Occurrences)
... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you
fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (WEB YLT NAS). ...
/f/fleshly.htm - 11k

Behaving (5 Occurrences)
... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you
fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (See RSV). ...
/b/behaving.htm - 8k

Strife (71 Occurrences)
... fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you,
aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? ...
/s/strife.htm - 27k

Aren't (102 Occurrences)
... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't
you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (WEB). ...
/a/aren't.htm - 35k

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