The concept of "maintains" in the Bible often relates to God's sustaining power, His faithfulness in upholding His creation, and the call for believers to uphold certain virtues and commandments. This entry explores the biblical understanding of "maintains" through various scriptural references and theological insights.

Divine Maintenance

God's role as the sustainer of the universe is a central theme in Scripture. In Colossians 1:17, it is stated, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This verse underscores the belief that Christ is the sustaining force of all creation, maintaining the order and existence of the universe. Similarly, Hebrews 1:3 affirms, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." Here, the sustaining power of Christ is emphasized, highlighting His divine authority and ongoing involvement in the world.

God's Faithfulness

The Bible frequently speaks of God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant and promises. In Psalm 89:33-34, God declares, "But I will not withdraw My loving devotion from him, nor ever betray My faithfulness. I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips." This passage reflects the assurance that God maintains His promises, providing a foundation of trust for believers.

Human Responsibility

Believers are called to maintain certain virtues and uphold God's commandments. In Proverbs 4:23, the instruction is given, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure heart, as it influences one's actions and life direction. Additionally, in Ephesians 4:3, Paul urges believers to be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Here, maintaining unity within the body of Christ is presented as a vital responsibility for Christians.

Justice and Righteousness

The Bible also speaks of maintaining justice and righteousness as a reflection of God's character. In Isaiah 56:1, the Lord commands, "Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation is close at hand and My righteousness will soon be revealed." This call to uphold justice is a recurring theme, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in a manner that mirrors His own righteousness.

Prayer and Worship

Maintaining a life of prayer and worship is another aspect highlighted in Scripture. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, believers are instructed to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This passage encourages Christians to maintain a constant attitude of prayer and gratitude, recognizing it as an essential part of their spiritual life.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of "maintains" encompasses God's sustaining power, His faithfulness, and the responsibilities of believers to uphold virtues, justice, and a life of prayer. Through these aspects, Scripture provides a comprehensive understanding of what it means to maintain in accordance with God's will.

Faustus Maintains that to Hold to the Old Testament after the ...
... Book VIII. Faustus maintains that to hold to the Old Testament after the
giving of the New is putting new cloth on an old garment. ...
/.../faustus maintains that to hold.htm

How the Apostle Maintains that Christ is the Power of God and the ...
... Book III. Chapter X. How the apostle maintains that Christ is the power of God and
the wisdom of God. But let us see something more on the subject. ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter x how the apostle.htm

Simon Maintains that the Framer of the World is not The
... Homily XVIII. Chapter I."Simon Maintains that the Framer of the World
is Not the. Highest God. At break of day, when Peter went ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter i simon maintains that the.htm

Abgar Comes into the East, Maintains Ardaches Upon the Throne of ...
... Abgar comes into the East, maintains Ardach??s upon the throne of Persia; reconciles
his brothers from whom our illuminator and his relations are descended. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/iii abgar comes into the.htm

Trypho Maintains in Objection These Words: "And Shall Rest on Him ...
... Chapter LXXXVII."Trypho maintains in objection these words: "And shall
rest on Him," etc They are explained by Justin. Hereupon ...
/.../chapter lxxxvii trypho maintains in objection.htm

He Maintains, Moreover, that "No Product of Matter is Immortal. .. ...
... Chapter LXI. He maintains, moreover, that "no product of matter is immortal.?
He maintains, moreover, that "no product of matter ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxi he maintains moreover.htm

Sophonias Maintains that God Cannot Produce what is Unlike Himself ...
... Homily XX. Chapter V."Sophonias Maintains that God Cannot Produce What
is Unlike Himself. And Sophonias said again: "Your great ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter v sophonias maintains that god.htm

Faustus Recurs to the Genealogy and Insists Upon Examining it as ...
... Augustin takes his stand on Scripture authority and maintains that Matthew's
statements as to the birth of Christ must be accepted as final. ...
/.../faustus recurs to the genealogy.htm

Faustus Insists that Jesus Might have Died Though not Born, by the ...
... Augustin maintains that there are some things that even God cannot do, one of
which is to die. He refutes the docetism of the Manich??ans. ...
/.../faustus insists that jesus might.htm

Faustus Insists that the Old Testament Promises are Radically ...
... those of the New. Augustin admits a difference, but maintains that the moral
precepts are the same in both. 1. Faustus said: Another ...
/.../faustus insists that the old.htm

Maintains (5 Occurrences)
...Maintains (5 Occurrences). ... He still maintains his integrity, although you incited
me against him, to ruin him without cause." (WEB NIV). ...
/m/maintains.htm - 7k

Maintenance (4 Occurrences)
... defense; vindication. 2. (n.) That which maintains or supports; means of
sustenance; supply of necessaries and conveniences. 3. (n ...
/m/maintenance.htm - 8k

Predestination
... individual. For all, he maintains, are not created in like condition; but eternal
life ordained for some, eternal condemnation for others. ...
/p/predestination.htm - 26k

Mystery (31 Occurrences)
... Hatch maintains that the analogy here is that of an oriental king's secrets, known
only to himself and his trusted friends (Essays in Biblical Greek, 58); but ...
/m/mystery.htm - 42k

Zoar (12 Occurrences)
... Conder, who vigorously maintains that the Vale of Siddim is at the north end of
the Dead Sea, looks favorably upon theory of WH Birch that the place is ...
/z/zoar.htm - 14k

Opponent (13 Occurrences)
... or other verbal controversy; specifically, one who attacks some theirs or proposition,
in distinction from the respondent, or defendant, who maintains it. ...
/o/opponent.htm - 10k

Iniquity (299 Occurrences)
... Driver, however (following Lagarde), maintains that two roots, distinct in Arabic,
have been confused in Hebrew, one equals "to bend," "pervert" (as above ...
/i/iniquity.htm - 43k

Inches (1 Occurrence)
... Huntington. Conder maintains that the present amount would have been sufficient
to support the ancient cities (Tent-Work in Palestine). ...
/i/inches.htm - 12k

Incited (10 Occurrences)
... away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited
me against him, to ruin him without cause." (WEB NAS NIV). ...
/i/incited.htm - 9k

Fears (40 Occurrences)
... from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against
him, to ruin him without cause." (WEB RSV NIV). Job ...
/f/fears.htm - 18k

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