Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "heathen" generally refers to nations or individuals who do not worship the God of Israel and are outside the covenant community of Israel. Despite this, the Bible provides several instances where individuals from these nations demonstrate piety, righteousness, and faith, often serving as examples of God's grace and the universality of His call.Melchizedek Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, is a notable figure who appears in Genesis 14:18-20. He blesses Abram and receives a tithe from him, indicating his recognition and worship of the true God. Hebrews 7:1-3 further elaborates on Melchizedek's priesthood, likening it to that of Christ, suggesting a divine appointment and acknowledgment of his piety. Jethro Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law, is another example of a pious individual among the heathen. In Exodus 18, Jethro acknowledges the greatness of the LORD after hearing of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. He offers sacrifices to God and advises Moses on governance, demonstrating wisdom and reverence for the God of Israel. Rahab Rahab, a Canaanite woman from Jericho, is celebrated for her faith and actions in Joshua 2. Despite her background, she recognizes the power of the God of Israel and aids the Israelite spies. Her faith is commended in Hebrews 11:31, and she is included in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5, highlighting her piety and the transformative power of faith. Ruth Ruth, a Moabite woman, is renowned for her loyalty and devotion to Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law. Her famous declaration in Ruth 1:16, "Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God," signifies her commitment to the God of Israel. Ruth's account is a testament to her piety and is celebrated in the lineage of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ. The Ninevites The people of Nineveh, though initially described as wicked, demonstrate collective repentance at the preaching of Jonah. In Jonah 3:5-10, they believe God, proclaim a fast, and turn from their evil ways, prompting God to relent from the disaster He had planned. Their response is an example of piety and the power of repentance, even among those considered heathen. The Magi The Magi, or wise men from the East, are Gentiles who recognize the birth of Jesus as the King of the Jews. In Matthew 2:1-12, they follow a star to Bethlehem, bringing gifts and worshiping the Christ child. Their journey and homage reflect a profound spiritual insight and reverence for God's revelation, despite their non-Israelite origin. Cornelius Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is described in Acts 10 as a devout man who feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed continually. His piety and faith lead to a divine vision and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him and his household, marking a significant moment in the early Church's outreach to the Gentiles. These examples illustrate that God's grace and call to righteousness extend beyond the boundaries of Israel, reaching individuals among the heathen who demonstrate genuine faith and piety. Through these narratives, the Bible reveals the inclusivity of God's redemptive plan and the potential for righteousness among all peoples. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by yourself, come not near to me; for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. Nave's Topical Index Acts 10:35 Library Among the People, and with the Pharisees Mythical view of the Miraculous Conception. --No Trace of it in ... Balaam The Pious Old Man Rejoices that He Read Plato and the Scriptures ... Ruth Import of the Great Commission. The Land and the People. The Value of Life Gentiles Seeking Christ. The Waldenses. Resources What is a heathen? | GotQuestions.orgWho was William Carey? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to use vain repetitions in prayer? | GotQuestions.org Heathen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Abimelech Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Balaam Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Belshazzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cornelius Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cyrus Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Nebuchadnezzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Pharaoh Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Excluded from the Temple Heathen: Nebuchadnezzar, After his Restoration Heathen: The Centurion at Caesarea Heathen: The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Their Land Given to Israel The Heathen are Without God and Christ The Heathen: Baptism to be Administered To The Heathen: Cautions Against Imitating The Heathen: Conversion of, Acceptable to God The Heathen: Danger of Intercourse With The Heathen: Employed to Chastise the Church The Heathen: Evil of Imitating The Heathen: God: Brings to Nought the Counsels of The Heathen: God: Will be Exalted Among The Heathen: God: Will Finally Judge The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Goodness of God The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Power of God The Heathen: Have: The Testimony of Conscience The Heathen: Necessity for Preaching To The Heathen: Praise God for Success of the Gospel Among The Heathen: Salvation of, Foretold The Heathen: Salvation Provided For The Heathen: Scoffing at Saints The Heathen: Strangers to the Covenant of Promise The Heathen: The Church Shall be Avenged of The Heathen: The Glory of God to be Declared Among The Heathen: The Gospel Received By The Heathen: The Gospel to be Preached To The Heathen: The Holy Spirit Poured out Upon The Heathen: Worshippers of the Devil Related Terms Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) |
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