In biblical terminology, the concept of "retains" often relates to the idea of holding, keeping, or preserving something, whether it be faith, teachings, or forgiveness. This term can be explored through various scriptural references and theological implications.

Forgiveness and Retaining Sins

One of the most direct uses of the term "retain" in the Bible is found in the context of forgiveness. In the Gospel of John, Jesus imparts authority to His disciples concerning the forgiveness of sins:

"If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained." (John 20:23)

This passage highlights the significant responsibility given to the disciples in the early church. The authority to "retain" sins suggests a discernment process in the administration of church discipline and the proclamation of the Gospel. It underscores the importance of repentance and the role of the church in guiding believers towards reconciliation with God.

Retaining the Faith

The concept of retaining is also crucial in the context of maintaining one's faith and adherence to the teachings of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts believers to hold fast to the teachings they have received. For instance, in his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul writes:

"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Here, "hold to" can be understood as retaining the core doctrines and practices of the Christian faith. This retention is vital for the spiritual health and continuity of the church, ensuring that the truth of the Gospel is preserved across generations.

Retaining Wisdom and Instruction

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also speaks to the importance of retaining instruction and wisdom. Proverbs, in particular, emphasizes the value of holding onto wisdom as a source of life and guidance:

"Hold on to instruction; do not let it go. Guard it, for it is your life." (Proverbs 4:13)

This exhortation to retain instruction underscores the belief that wisdom is not only beneficial but essential for righteous living. The act of retaining wisdom is portrayed as an active and ongoing process, requiring diligence and commitment.

Retaining Integrity

The concept of retaining is further illustrated in the life of Job, who is described as a man of integrity. Despite severe trials and suffering, Job is commended for retaining his integrity:

"In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing." (Job 1:22)

Job's steadfastness in retaining his integrity serves as a model for believers facing trials. It highlights the virtue of remaining faithful to God and His commandments, even in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of "retains" encompasses a range of applications, from the authority to forgive or retain sins, to the personal responsibility of holding fast to faith, wisdom, and integrity. Each of these aspects reflects a commitment to preserving what is true and righteous according to the teachings of Scripture.2596. kata -- down, against, according to
... In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes
opposition, distribution, or intensity. (kath) -- 61 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2596.htm - 9k

5259. hupo -- by, under
... In the comparative, it retains the same general applications, especially of inferior
position or condition, and specially, covertly or moderately. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5259.htm - 7k

1909. epi -- on, upon
... In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or
figuratively). (ep) -- 145 Occurrences. (epi) -- 663 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1909.htm - 8k

1223. dia -- through, on account of, because of
... In composition it retains the same general importance. (di) -- 148 Occurrences.
(dia) -- 520 Occurrences. 1222, 1223. dia. 1224 . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1223.htm - 8k

3844. para -- from beside, by the side of, by, beside
... In compounds it retains the same variety of application. (par) -- 60 Occurrences.
(para) -- 134 Occurrences. 3843, 3844. para. 3845 . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3844.htm - 8k

4012. peri -- about, concerning, around (denotes place, cause or ...
... In comparative, it retains substantially the same meaning of circuit (around),
excess (beyond), or completeness (through). see GREEK peran. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4012.htm - 8k

5228. huper -- over, beyond, fig. on behalf of, for the sake of ...
... In the comparative, it retains many of the above applications. (uper) -- 150
Occurrences. 5227, 5228. huper. 5229 . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5228.htm - 7k

568. apecho -- to hold back, keep off, to be away, be distant
... Phm15). In each case, 568 ("relate from") retains its root-meaning, "to have
something, because far away from something else" (J. Thayer). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/568.htm - 8k

4253. pro -- before
... ever. In the comparative, it retains the same significations. (pro) -- 47
Occurrences. 4252, 4253. pro. 4254 . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4253.htm - 6k

5975. amad -- to take one's stand, stand
... 1), refrain (1), rely (1), remain (5), remained (4), remains (5), replaces* (1),
represent (1), resist* (1), restore (2), restored (2), retains (1), rise (2 ...
/hebrew/5975.htm - 7k

Memory Retains all Things.
... Book X. Chapter XIII."Memory Retains All Things. 20. All these things
I retain in my memory, and how I learnt them I retain. I ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xiii memory retains all things.htm

"As My Father Hath Sent Me," Says Our Lord...
... and this was said to them as to the Church herself, it follows that the peace of
the Church looses sins, and estrangement from the Church retains them, not ...
/.../chapter 1823 as my father.htm

The Unity of the Three Takes Place in Thought, viz of Memory, of ...
... was informed through the sensible body, there comes a similar vision within, while
the eye of the mind is informed from that which the memory retains, and the ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 3 the unity of the.htm

Whether the Soul is in Each Part of the Body?
... the flesh and bones, as the Philosopher says (De Anima ii, 1). A proof of which
is, that on the withdrawal of the soul, no part of the body retains its proper ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the soul is in.htm

Moral Insanity.
... avoid it. The general law is that, while the intellect retains its usual
power, so long moral obligation remains unimpaired. Moral ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/ix moral insanity.htm

A Fragment of the Same Declaration of Faith, Accompanied by ...
... God in one natural divine perfection, and not in two; for his object is to show
that He became incarnate without change, and that He retains the divinity ...
/.../dubious or spurious writings of gregory thaumaturgus/a fragment of the same.htm

The Lutheran and Reformed Confessions.
... Catholicism assumed from the beginning, and retains to this day, two distinct and
antagonistic types, the Greek and the Roman, which represent a Christian ...
/.../ 39 the lutheran and.htm

There is Another Trinity in the Memory of Him who Thinks Over ...
... But when it is conceived, then from that form which the memory retains, there is
copied in the mind's eye (acie) of him who conceives, and by remembrance is ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 7 there is another trinity.htm

Different Modes of Conceiving.
... But since the eye of the mind cannot look at all things together, in one glance,
which the memory retains, these trinities of thought alternate in a series of ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 8 different modes of conceiving.htm

The Unsatisfied Life and Its Remedy
... She would fain claim him fully, without giving herself fully to him; but it can
never be: while she retains her own name, she can never claim his. ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section i the unsatisfied life.htm

Retains (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Retains (2 Occurrences). ... Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of
life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her. (WEB). ...
/r/retains.htm - 6k

Diversities (4 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) retains "diverse" in all instances but
changes "divers" nearly everywhere, except where it has the meaning "several ...
/d/diversities.htm - 10k

Diverse (15 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) retains "diverse" in all instances but
changes "divers" nearly everywhere, except where it has the meaning "several ...
/d/diverse.htm - 14k

Divers (36 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) retains "diverse" in all instances but
changes "divers" nearly everywhere, except where it has the meaning "several ...
/d/divers.htm - 20k

Purge (35 Occurrences)
... (6) barar, literally, "to be shining," the Revised Version (British and American)
retains in Ezekiel 20:38, but in Daniel 11:35 changes to "purify." (7) zaqaq ...
/p/purge.htm - 22k

Ascend (86 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) uses the appropriate form of "to go up" in all cases
falling under (2) and (3); in those under (4) it retains "ascend" with an ...
/a/ascend.htm - 37k

Quicken (16 Occurrences)
... British and American) substitutes "delight" for "quick understanding." In Leviticus
13:10, 24 the Revised Version (British and American) retains the rendering ...
/q/quicken.htm - 13k

Quick (49 Occurrences)
... British and American) substitutes "delight" for "quick understanding." In Leviticus
13:10, 24 the Revised Version (British and American) retains the rendering ...
/q/quick.htm - 24k

Vagabond (4 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes in each case "wanderer,"
but in Psalm 109:10 it retains "vagabonds." "Vagabond Jews" (perierchomai; the ...
/v/vagabond.htm - 9k

Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... possession of anything. 2. (n.) One who retains in custody; one who has the
care of a prison and the charge of prisoners. 3. (n.) One ...
/k/keeper.htm - 30k

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