Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of natural life, as understood within the biblical framework, emphasizes the sanctity and stewardship of life as a divine gift. The Bible provides numerous references that underscore the importance of caring for and preserving life, reflecting God's intention for humanity to respect and nurture His creation.
Creation and the Sanctity of LifeThe Bible begins with the account of creation, where God forms man in His own image (
Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth establishes the inherent value and dignity of human life. The divine breath that animates humanity (
Genesis 2:7) signifies a sacred trust bestowed upon mankind, calling for reverence and careful stewardship.
Stewardship and ResponsibilityThe mandate to care for life is further illustrated in the dominion given to humanity over the earth.
Genesis 1:28 states, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground.'" This dominion is not a license for exploitation but a call to responsible stewardship, ensuring the flourishing of all living things.
Preservation of LifeThe preservation of life is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The commandment "You shall not murder" (
Exodus 20:13) underscores the prohibition against taking life unjustly, reflecting the value God places on human life. Additionally, the provision of cities of refuge (
Numbers 35:11-15) demonstrates God's concern for justice and the protection of life, even in cases of accidental harm.
Care for the VulnerableScripture repeatedly calls for the protection and care of the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and the poor.
Proverbs 31:8-9 exhorts, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." This advocacy for the marginalized reflects a broader biblical principle of valuing and safeguarding all life.
Health and Well-beingThe Bible also addresses the importance of maintaining health and well-being as part of caring for natural life. In
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , Paul reminds believers, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." This passage highlights the responsibility to care for one's physical health as an act of honoring God.
Environmental StewardshipThe care for natural life extends to the environment, as seen in the biblical call to tend and keep the Garden of Eden (
Genesis 2:15). This stewardship principle is echoed in the Sabbath laws, which include provisions for the land to rest (
Leviticus 25:4), demonstrating a divine concern for the sustainability of creation.
ConclusionThe biblical narrative consistently affirms the value of natural life and the responsibility of humanity to care for it. Through creation, commandments, and teachings, Scripture calls for a reverent and proactive approach to preserving and nurturing life in all its forms.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee you into another: for truly I say to you, You shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Torrey's Topical TextbookActs 27:34
Why I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Vocation.
... If the natural dispositions should be taken ... it is not indeed with a view to flatter
nature and avoid the struggles incident to the Christian life. ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xii vocation.htm
There are Three Things to be Noticed in the Actions of Our Life. . ...
... Let us now consider what beseems an active life. ... of all, namely, that our passions
should obey our reason. ... 160] Sound counsels prevailed over natural feelings. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxiv there are three.htm
Proposition Though the Necessity and Indispensableness of all the ...
... shall be made between them in a life to come. ... own minds, to the use of their natural
faculties, and ... them with great weight and authority, and should have many ...
/.../v proposition v though the.htm
Of God, his Care and Anger.
... the world, it follows that He cares for the life of men ... is to be restrained in man,
lest he should rush to ... this, He must be angry; because it is natural for one ...
/.../chap xvii of god his care.htm
The Essential Elements of Christian Experience.
... for its object upon the bread and water of life, These figures ... it had taken its meal
and awaited the natural return of appetite before it should put forth ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxiv the essential elements of.htm
The Life of Mr. George Buchanan.
... at court, that cardinal Beaton sought his life, and had ... with the French, and the
courtesy natural to them ... mention made of the Eucharist, he should affirm, that ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george 2.htm
I Saw no Temple There
... discipline, might perpetuate, and that in most natural ways, a moral influence which
should pervade all ... But if life means action, and Heaven service; if ...
/.../the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/i saw no temple there.htm
The Natural Supremacy of Reflection
... any such thing as covetousness; for we should likewise be ... yet in all propriety of
speech, natural behaviour must ... that, in the common course of life, there is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon iii the natural supremacy.htm
Concerning "Great," "Small," "Same," "Different," "Like," "Unlike ...
... God resembles them any more than we should say a ... as the source of their existence
and natural life; and in ... Vide supra on Very Existence, Very Life, Very Wisdom ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter ix concerning great small.htm
A Few Days Later the Fashionable World of Europe was Startled by ...
... How much more natural for her to marry some decent man of ... But the very fact of your
love for her should give you the force to command her back to life. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xxxvii a few days later.htm
Resources
Can Christians live their best life now? | GotQuestions.orgIn end-of-life decisions, when should quality of life be a consideration? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is eternal life? | GotQuestions.orgLife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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