Topical Encyclopedia Sacrilege, in the biblical context, refers to the violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred. This concept is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where the holiness of God and His ordinances are to be revered and protected from any form of desecration or irreverence. The Bible provides numerous instances and laws that underscore the seriousness of sacrilege and the divine mandate to avoid it.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, sacrilege is often associated with the improper handling of sacred objects, places, or rituals. The holiness of God is a central theme, and His instructions regarding worship and the treatment of sacred items are explicit. For instance, in Leviticus 22:2, the priests are commanded to treat the holy offerings with reverence: "Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to Me, so they will not profane My holy name. I am the LORD." The account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2 serves as a stark warning against sacrilege. These sons of Aaron offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command, and were consumed by fire from the LORD as a result. This incident highlights the severe consequences of treating sacred ordinances with irreverence. Another example is found in the account of Uzzah, who touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it and was struck dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7). This act, though seemingly well-intentioned, was considered sacrilegious because it violated the divine command that only the Levites were to handle the Ark (Numbers 4:15). New Testament Context The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of reverence for the sacred. Jesus Himself demonstrated zeal for the sanctity of God's house when He cleansed the temple, driving out those who were buying and selling there. In John 2:16, He declared, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!" This act underscores the seriousness with which Jesus regarded the sanctity of worship spaces. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of sacrilege in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, he warns against partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, stating, "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." This passage highlights the need for self-examination and reverence when engaging in sacred practices. Theological Implications Sacrilege is fundamentally an affront to the holiness of God. It reflects a disregard for His commands and a failure to recognize the sacredness of what He has set apart. The biblical injunctions against sacrilege serve as a reminder of the need for reverence and obedience in the worship and service of God. Throughout Scripture, the consequences of sacrilege are severe, often resulting in divine judgment. This underscores the seriousness with which God views the violation of His sacred ordinances. Believers are called to approach God with reverence and to treat His commands, His name, and His worship with the utmost respect and honor. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 19:8Therefore every one that eats it shall bear his iniquity, because he has profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 3:17 Titus 1:11 1 Peter 5:2 Library What are the Sins Forbidden in the Second Commandment? The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem. About the Discord of Philosophic Opinion, and the Concord of the ... Adam's Sin If, Again, it is Certain that we are the Most Wicked of Men... The Canonical Epistle of St. Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, to St. ... Excursus on Usury. Letter Xlvii. (AD 398. ) On Contrition Monasteries, which have once Been Consecrated with the Consent of ... Resources Topical: Definitions ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgTopical Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org What is sacrilege? What does it mean to be sacrilegious? | GotQuestions.org Sacrilege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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