Topical Encyclopedia Forsaking God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, often depicted as a turning away from His commandments and statutes. This act of forsaking is not merely a rejection of divine authority but a departure from the covenant relationship that God has established with His people. The consequences of such actions are consistently portrayed as severe, leading to spiritual, moral, and often physical decline.Biblical Foundation The concept of forsaking God by abandoning His commandments is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. The forsaking of God's commandments is equated with a breach of this covenant, leading to the withdrawal of His blessings and protection. Old Testament Examples 1. Israel's Rebellion: The history of Israel is replete with instances where the nation forsook God by turning to idolatry and neglecting His commandments. In Judges 2:12, it is written, "They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them." This forsaking led to periods of oppression and suffering. 2. King Saul: Saul, the first king of Israel, is a poignant example of forsaking God's commandments. In 1 Samuel 15:11, God expresses His regret for making Saul king because "he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions." Saul's disobedience ultimately led to his downfall and rejection as king. 3. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets frequently warned Israel and Judah about the consequences of forsaking God's commandments. Jeremiah 9:13-14 states, "The LORD said, 'It is because they have forsaken My law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed Me or followed My law. Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts and the Baals, as their fathers taught them.'" New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the theme of forsaking God by neglecting His commandments continues, though it is often framed in the context of rejecting the teachings of Jesus Christ. 1. Jesus' Teachings: Jesus emphasized the importance of keeping God's commandments as an expression of love for Him. In John 14:15, He states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Forsaking these commandments is equated with a lack of love and commitment to God. 2. Apostolic Writings: The apostles also warned against forsaking God's commandments. In 1 John 2:4, it is written, "If anyone says, 'I know Him,' but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him." This underscores the integral connection between knowing God and obeying His commandments. Consequences of Forsaking The Bible consistently portrays the forsaking of God's commandments as leading to dire consequences. These include spiritual alienation, loss of divine favor, and exposure to judgment. In Hosea 4:6, God laments, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children." Call to Return Despite the grave consequences, the Bible also offers hope and a call to return to God. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." This call to repentance underscores God's desire for restoration and reconciliation with those who have forsaken His commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 9:10And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken your commandments, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Union of Man's Will with God's in those Inspirations which ... John ix. 29 The Everlasting Covenant of the Spirit The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ... False Civilization The Discerning Scribe Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church. Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868. Jehovah Nissi The Letter of Saint Polycarp, Resources Is being holy even possible, since only God is holy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a religious order? | GotQuestions.org What is the oldest religion? | GotQuestions.org Forsaking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Forsaking God is Forsaking: His Commandments Forsaking God is Forsaking: His Covenant Forsaking God is Forsaking: His House Forsaking God is Forsaking: The Right Way Forsaking God: Backsliders Guilty of Forsaking God: Brings Confusion Forsaking God: Brings Down his Wrath Forsaking God: Children of Israel Forsaking God: Curse Pronounced Upon Forsaking God: Followed by Remorse Forsaking God: Idolaters Guilty of Forsaking God: Kingdom of Israel Forsaking God: Kingdom of Judah Forsaking God: Leads Men to Follow Their own Devices Forsaking God: Prosperity Tempts To Forsaking God: Provokes God to Forsake Men Forsaking God: Resolve Against Forsaking God: Sin of, to be Confessed Forsaking God: The Wicked Guilty of Forsaking God: Trusting in Man Is Forsaking God: Unreasonableness and Ingratitude of Forsaking God: Warnings Against Related Terms |
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