Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of living-space encompasses the physical and spiritual dimensions of human habitation as ordained by God. It reflects the divine intention for humanity to dwell in environments that foster community, worship, and stewardship of creation.Creation and the Garden of Eden The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God establishes the first living-space for humanity in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:8-9 states, "And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, where He placed the man He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasing to the eye and good for food." This garden represents an ideal living-space, characterized by abundance, beauty, and harmony with nature. It serves as a prototype for human habitation, where Adam and Eve were to live in communion with God and each other. The Promised Land The concept of living-space is further developed in the narrative of the Israelites and the Promised Land. God promises Abraham that his descendants will inherit a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). This land is not only a physical territory but also a space where the Israelites are to live according to God's laws and purposes. Deuteronomy 12:10-11 emphasizes the importance of worship in this living-space: "But you are to cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety. Then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name, and there you are to bring all that I command you." Exile and Return The theme of living-space is also evident in the experiences of exile and return. The Babylonian exile represents a loss of the divinely appointed living-space due to disobedience. However, the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem signify restoration and renewal. Nehemiah 1:9 captures this promise: "But if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name." The New Testament and Spiritual Living-space In the New Testament, the concept of living-space transcends physical boundaries and takes on a spiritual dimension. Jesus speaks of abiding in Him as the true vine, where believers find their spiritual home (John 15:4): "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." The apostle Paul further elaborates on this idea, describing believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19): "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." Eternal Living-space The ultimate fulfillment of living-space is found in the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people eternally. Revelation 21:3 declares, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This eschatological vision underscores the culmination of God's plan for humanity to inhabit a perfect living-space in His presence forever. Concordance Living-space (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 5:8 Thesaurus Living-space (1 Occurrence)Living-space. Living-places, Living-space. Lizard . Multi-Version Concordance Living-space (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 5:8 ... /l/living-space.htm - 6k Living-places (17 Occurrences) Lizard (3 Occurrences) Joining (43 Occurrences) Space (98 Occurrences) Cursed (115 Occurrences) Resources Is it wrong for a Christian to have a roommate of the opposite sex? | GotQuestions.orgHow to get to heaven - what are the ideas from the different religions? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about population control? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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