Topical Encyclopedia The theme of choosing between good and evil is a central tenet throughout the Bible, emphasizing the moral responsibility bestowed upon humanity. This choice is not merely a philosophical or abstract concept but a practical and spiritual decision that impacts one's relationship with God and fellow human beings.Old Testament Foundations The dichotomy of good and evil is introduced early in the Scriptures. In Genesis, the narrative of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17) sets the stage for humanity's ongoing struggle with moral choices. God commands Adam, "You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die." This command underscores the importance of obedience and the consequences of choosing against God's will. The exhortation to choose good over evil is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 , where Moses presents the Israelites with a clear choice: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him." Here, the choice is framed as one between life and death, with a strong encouragement to choose life by adhering to God's commandments. Wisdom Literature and Prophetic Writings The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently contrasts the paths of righteousness and wickedness. Proverbs 3:7 advises, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil." This counsel highlights the importance of humility and reverence for God as guiding principles in choosing good over evil. The prophets also echo this exhortation. Isaiah 5:20 warns, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter." This admonition reflects the moral confusion that can arise when individuals or societies fail to discern and choose rightly between good and evil. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, the call to choose between good and evil is reiterated and expanded upon through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, presents a radical ethic of love and righteousness, urging His followers to choose the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:9 , exhorts believers, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This instruction emphasizes the active rejection of evil and the embrace of good as essential components of Christian living. Similarly, in Galatians 5:16-17 , Paul contrasts the desires of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, urging believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Role of the Holy Spirit The New Testament also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to choose good over evil. In John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Holy Spirit empowers and enables believers to discern and choose the good, aligning their lives with God's will. Eschatological Implications The choice between good and evil carries eschatological significance, as depicted in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 22:11 states, "Let the evildoer continue to do evil, and the filthy continue to be filthy; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy." This passage underscores the ultimate consequences of one's choices, with eternal implications for those who persist in evil versus those who pursue righteousness. Throughout the Bible, the exhortation to choose between good and evil is a call to align one's life with God's standards, to pursue righteousness, and to reject wickedness. This choice is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, with profound implications for both temporal and eternal life. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. "But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C. Corinth Apostolic Exhortation An Advance in the Exhortation. Concerning the Volitions and Free-Will of Our Lord Jesus Christ. An Exhortation to Peace and Unity "Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ... The Two Paths Resources Why is being a good person not enough to get you into heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow bad things to happen to good people? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that all things work together for good? | GotQuestions.org Good: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good and Evil: Choice Between, by Adam and Eve Good and Evil: Conflict Between Good and Evil: Exhortation to Choose Between Good and Evil: Subjective Conflict Between Good for Evil: General Scriptures Concerning Good for Evil: Returning: Abraham, to Abimelech Good for Evil: Returning: David, to his Enemies Good for Evil: Returning: David, to Saul Good for Evil: Returning: Elisha, to the Syrians Good for Evil: Returning: Jesus, to his Crucifiers Good for Evil: Returning: Stephen, to his Murderers Good News: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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