Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the theme of God turning man to destruction is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards sin.Scriptural Basis The idea that God turns man to destruction is rooted in the understanding of God's justice and righteousness. In Psalm 90:3, Moses writes, "You return man to dust, saying, 'Return, O sons of mortals.'" This verse highlights the transient nature of human life and the ultimate authority of God over life and death. It reflects the reality that human beings, because of sin, are subject to mortality and the judgment of God. The Fall and Its Consequences The origin of this theme can be traced back to the Fall of Man in Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they brought sin into the world, resulting in spiritual and physical death. Genesis 3:19 states, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This pronouncement underscores the inevitability of death as a consequence of sin. Divine Judgment Throughout the Old Testament, instances of God turning man to destruction are often seen in the context of divine judgment. The Flood narrative in Genesis 6-9 is a prime example, where God decides to destroy humanity due to their wickedness, sparing only Noah and his family. Genesis 6:7 records God's decision: "So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'" Similarly, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 serves as a testament to God's judgment against sin. The cities were destroyed because of their grievous sins, illustrating the severe consequences of turning away from God's commands. Prophetic Warnings The prophets frequently warned Israel of impending destruction due to their unfaithfulness. In Isaiah 13:9, the prophet declares, "Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it." Such warnings were intended to call the people to repentance and to remind them of the seriousness of God's judgment. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the theme of destruction is often linked to the final judgment. Jesus Himself speaks of the consequences of rejecting God in Matthew 7:13, saying, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." This passage emphasizes the reality of eternal separation from God for those who choose the path of disobedience. The Apostle Paul also addresses this theme in Romans 6:23, stating, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Here, Paul contrasts the destruction that comes from sin with the hope of eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. Theological Implications The concept of God turning man to destruction serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness and justice of God. It underscores the reality of sin and the need for repentance and redemption. While the Bible presents a God who is loving and merciful, it also portrays Him as a righteous judge who cannot overlook sin. This duality calls believers to live in reverence and obedience, recognizing the gravity of sin and the grace available through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 90:3You turn man to destruction; and say, Return, you children of men. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library From Apostolic Teaching Tertullian Turns to that of Companions of ... Whether Blindness and Hardness of Heart are Directed to the ... Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... The Invasion of the Assyrians It Shall not be Forgiven. God's Scrutiny Longed For Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ. God Justified, Though Man Believes Not Whether all Sins are Connected with one Another? The Wills of Men are So Much in the Power of God, that He Can Turn ... Resources Is God man-made? Did man create the idea of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can Jesus be God, when Numbers 23:19 says that God is not a man or a son of man? | GotQuestions.org What is the origin of man? | GotQuestions.org Man: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Man of Every Nation, Made of One Blood Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction Man: All the Ways of, Clean in his own Eyes Man: Allowed to Eat Flesh After the Flood Man: Called: The Potsherd of the Earth Man: Cannot Retain his Spirit from Death Man: Christ is the Head of Every Man: Christ was Found in Fashion As Man: Christ: A Refuge As, to Sinners Man: Christ: Approved of God As Man: Christ: As Such, is the Cause of the Resurrection Man: Christ: Called the Second, As Covenant Head of the Church Man: Christ: Made in the Image of Man: Christ: Took on Him Nature of Man: Clothed by God With Skins Man: Compared to a Wild Donkey's Colt Man: Compared to Clay in the Potter's Hand Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves Man: Created by the Holy Spirit Man: Created in Knowledge (Inferred) Man: Created in the Image of God Man: Created: A Type of Christ Man: Created: After Consultation, by the Trinity Man: Created: After the Likeness of God Man: Created: On the Sixth Day Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience Man: Days of, As the Days of a Hireling Man: Days of, Compared to a Shadow Man: Design of the Creation of Man: Disobeyed God by Eating Part of the Forbidden Fruit Man: Every Herb and Tree Given To, for Food Man: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Man: Filled With Shame After the Fall Man: Gave Names to Other Creatures Man: God: Destroys the Hopes of Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away Man: God: Makes the Wrath of, to Praise Him Man: God: Orders the Goings of Man: God: Prepares the Heart of Man: God: Turns to Destruction Man: God's Purpose in Creation Completed by Making Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions Man: Ignorant of What is Good for Him Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him Man: Intellect of, Matured by Age Man: Involved Posterity in his Ruin Man: Little Lower than the Angels Man: Made by God in his Successive Generations Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty Man: More Valuable than Other Creatures Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures Man: Not Good For, to be Alone Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail Man: Ordinary Limit of his Life Man: Originally Naked and not Ashamed Man: Placed in the Garden of Eden Man: Possessed of Understanding Man: Punished for Disobedience Man: Quickened by the Breath of God Man: Received Dominion Over Other Creatures Man: Shall be Recompensed According to his Works Man: Sinks Under Trouble of Mind Man: Wiser than Other Creatures Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Man: Would Give all his Possessions for the Preservation of Life Related Terms |
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