Topical Encyclopedia The concept of decision, particularly in the context of following God fully, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It involves a conscious and deliberate choice to adhere to God's commandments, trust in His promises, and commit one's life to His service. This decision is often portrayed as a pivotal moment that defines the course of an individual's life and their relationship with God.Old Testament Examples 1. Abraham: Abraham's decision to follow God is a foundational example of faith and obedience. In Genesis 12:1-4, God calls Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He would show him. Abraham's response is immediate and without hesitation: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him" (Genesis 12:4). This decision set the course for the establishment of the nation of Israel and exemplifies unwavering trust in God's promises. 2. Joshua: Joshua's leadership is marked by his resolute decision to serve the Lord. In Joshua 24:15, he challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, declaring, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" . Joshua's decision to follow God fully serves as a powerful declaration of faith and commitment, urging the people to make a similar choice. 3. Ruth: Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and embrace the God of Israel is a profound example of loyalty and faith. In Ruth 1:16, she declares, "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" . Ruth's choice to follow God fully leads to her becoming an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. New Testament Examples 1. The Disciples: The decision of the disciples to follow Jesus is a central theme in the Gospels. In Matthew 4:19-20, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Their response is immediate: "And at once they left their nets and followed Him" . This decision to leave everything behind and follow Jesus exemplifies total commitment and trust in His mission. 2. Paul: The Apostle Paul's conversion and subsequent decision to follow Christ fully is a transformative moment in the New Testament. In Acts 9:3-6, Paul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to his radical transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle. His decision to follow God fully is evident in his declaration in Philippians 3:7-8: "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ" . Theological Implications The decision to follow God fully is not merely a one-time event but a continual process of choosing to align one's life with God's will. It involves a commitment to live according to His Word, seek His guidance, and trust in His sovereignty. This decision is often accompanied by challenges and sacrifices, yet it is portrayed as the path to true fulfillment and eternal life. Throughout Scripture, the decision to follow God fully is depicted as a response to His love and grace. It is an act of faith that acknowledges God's authority and embraces His plan for redemption. This decision is both personal and communal, impacting not only the individual but also the broader community of believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 14:24But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him will I bring into the land into where he went; and his seed shall possess it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 32:12 Joshua 14:8 Library A Dialogue with God The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ... The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ... Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ... The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ... Formula Concordi??. On Bk. viii. Chap. 2, 4 (Note 3, Continued). The Causes of the ... Allegation 4 "We Teach that the Greatest Part of the Human Race ... The Ancient Form of Government Utterly Corrupted by the Tyranny of ... General Conference of 1824 Resources What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.orgWho is really “playing God”'the doctor who euthanizes a dying patient, or the doctor who extends the life of a terminally ill patient? | GotQuestions.org What is revivalism? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |