Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "foreigner" often extends beyond its literal meaning of a person from another nation or land. Figuratively, it can represent spiritual and moral themes, particularly in relation to the people of God and their relationship with Him.Spiritual Alienation and Separation The concept of being a "foreigner" is frequently used to describe a state of spiritual alienation from God. In Ephesians 2:12 , Paul writes to the Gentiles, reminding them that they were once "foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." Here, "foreigner" signifies a separation from the spiritual blessings and promises that were initially given to Israel. This alienation is not just a matter of ethnic or national identity but a spiritual condition of being outside the covenant relationship with God. Adoption and Inclusion Conversely, the New Testament also uses the imagery of foreigners to illustrate the inclusion and adoption of believers into the family of God. Ephesians 2:19 states, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household." This transformation from being a foreigner to becoming a member of God's household underscores the redemptive work of Christ, who reconciles and unites all believers, regardless of their background, into one spiritual family. Pilgrimage and Temporary Residence The notion of being a foreigner is also employed to describe the transient nature of the Christian life on earth. Hebrews 11:13 speaks of the patriarchs, saying, "They admitted that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth." This figurative use highlights the understanding that believers are temporary residents in this world, with their true citizenship in heaven. It serves as a reminder of the eternal perspective that Christians are called to maintain, living as pilgrims journeying toward their heavenly home. Moral and Ethical Distinction In the Old Testament, the Israelites were often called to live distinctively from the surrounding nations, which can be seen as a figurative call to be "foreigners" in terms of moral and ethical conduct. Leviticus 20:26 states, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine." This separation is not about physical distance but about living according to God's standards, which sets His people apart from the prevailing cultural norms. Conclusion The figurative use of "foreigner" in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for various aspects of the spiritual journey. It encompasses themes of alienation and reconciliation, the transient nature of earthly life, and the call to live distinctively as God's people. Through these themes, the Bible communicates profound truths about identity, belonging, and the transformative power of God's covenant relationship with His people. Nave's Topical Index Ephesians 2:19Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 1121. ben -- son... 3), fellows (2), fertile* (1), foal (1), fools* (1), foreigner* (6), foreigners (1 ... name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including ... /hebrew/1121.htm - 8k Library 5Hearing This, the Multitude Wished to Seize Manes and Hand Him ... The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. The Form of Concord. AD 1577. On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican Resources How should Christians view refugees? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sanctuary movement? | GotQuestions.org Who was Zipporah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Foreigner: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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