Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teaching, the term "offense" often refers to anything that causes a person to stumble in their faith or leads them away from righteousness. The concept of offense is significant in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the parables and discourses where He addresses the final judgment and the purification of His kingdom.One of the key passages that discuss the removal of offenses is found in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus explains the end of the age and the separation of the righteous from the wicked. Matthew 13:41-42 states, "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This passage highlights the eschatological aspect of offenses, where Jesus, as the Son of Man, will purify His kingdom by removing all causes of sin. The "causes of sin" refer to anything that leads believers astray or hinders their spiritual growth. This includes false teachings, temptations, and individuals who promote unrighteousness. The gathering out of offenses is not only a future event but also a present call for believers to live holy lives. In Matthew 18:7 , Jesus warns, "Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!" Here, Jesus acknowledges the inevitability of offenses in the world but pronounces woe upon those who are responsible for causing them. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of offenses within the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 , he writes, "Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." Paul uses the metaphor of yeast to illustrate how sin and offenses can spread within the community of believers, urging the church to remove such influences to maintain purity. Furthermore, in Romans 16:17-18 , Paul advises, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive." This passage emphasizes the importance of discernment and the need to distance oneself from those who cause division and lead others away from sound doctrine. The removal of offenses is ultimately an act of divine justice and mercy. It reflects God's desire for a pure and holy people, set apart for His purposes. The gathering out of all things that cause offense is a promise of the coming kingdom, where righteousness will dwell, and believers will experience the fullness of God's presence without hindrance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 13:41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Pilgrims of the Victorious Life A Last Look-Out Matt. xviii. 15 The Savoy Declaration of the Congregational Churches. AD 1658. 1 John i. 1-ii. 11 Life in Christ Controversy An American Reformer. An American Reformer "The Fullness of the Time" Resources What does the Bible say about etiquette / manners? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love covers a multitude of sins? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about grudges? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
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