Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, the term "obligate" refers to the moral or spiritual duty that individuals have to fulfill certain responsibilities or commandments as prescribed by Scripture. This concept is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obligations are often seen as expressions of faith and obedience.Old Testament Context The Old Testament is replete with examples of obligations that God placed upon His people, Israel. These obligations were often codified in the form of laws and commandments. For instance, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) serve as a foundational set of obligations that the Israelites were required to follow. These commandments encompass duties toward God, such as worshiping Him alone and keeping the Sabbath holy, as well as duties toward others, such as honoring one's parents and refraining from murder and theft. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the obligation to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength is emphasized: "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This commandment underscores the comprehensive nature of the obligations that God expects from His people, extending beyond mere external compliance to encompass the inner devotion of the heart. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of obligation is further developed through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus summarized the law and the prophets with the Great Commandments, which encapsulate the essence of all biblical obligations: "Jesus declared, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40). The apostle Paul also speaks of obligations in the context of Christian living. In Romans 13:8, he writes, "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." Here, Paul highlights love as the ultimate obligation that fulfills the law, indicating that the moral duties of Christians are rooted in love for God and others. Spiritual and Moral Obligations Beyond specific commandments, the Bible speaks to broader spiritual and moral obligations that believers are called to uphold. These include the call to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16), the obligation to share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), and the duty to care for the needy (James 1:27). Such obligations are seen as integral to the Christian life, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's heart. Covenantal Obligations The concept of obligation is also closely tied to the idea of covenant in the Bible. Covenants, such as those made with Noah, Abraham, and David, often include stipulations or obligations that the parties are expected to fulfill. In the New Covenant, established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1), fulfilling their obligations as members of the body of Christ. Conclusion In summary, the concept of obligation in the Bible encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities that believers are called to fulfill. These obligations are rooted in the covenantal relationship with God and are expressed through love, obedience, and faithfulness to His commandments. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To place under moral or legal duty; to hold by a constraining motive; as to obligate one to donate.2. (v. t.) To bind or firmly hold to an act; to compel; to constrain; to bind to any act of duty or courtesy by a formal pledge. Library Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Article xii (V): of Repentance. Chapter ix Examination of the Treatise Allegation 4 "We Teach that the Greatest Part of the Human Race ... The Treatise Thesaurus Obligate (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To place under moral or legal duty; to hold by a constraining motive; as to obligate one to donate. ...Obligate (2 Occurrences). ... /o/obligate.htm - 7k Obligated (9 Occurrences) Oblations (24 Occurrences) Resources What is the Haggadah / Aggadah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about dependability? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian take ED medications such as Viagra and Cialis? | GotQuestions.org Obligate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Obligate (2 Occurrences)Numbers 30:2 Nehemiah 10:35 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |