Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian context, "offense" often refers to a stumbling block or a cause of falling away from faith. One significant cause of offense is persecution, particularly to those who are mere professors of faith—individuals who claim Christianity outwardly but lack genuine commitment or transformation of heart.The New Testament provides several insights into how persecution can lead to offense among mere professors. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes different types of soil representing the hearts of those who hear the Word. In Matthew 13:20-21 , He explains, "The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away." This passage highlights that those without deep roots in faith are susceptible to falling away when faced with trials. Persecution serves as a refining fire, revealing the authenticity of one's faith. In 2 Timothy 3:12 , Paul warns, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This inevitability of persecution tests the resolve of believers. Mere professors, who may have embraced Christianity for social or superficial reasons, often find themselves unprepared for such trials and may abandon their professed faith. The Apostle Peter also addresses this issue, encouraging believers to stand firm in the face of persecution. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 , he writes, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory." True believers are called to rejoice in persecution, seeing it as a participation in Christ's own sufferings, whereas mere professors may see it as an unexpected and unwelcome challenge. The early church faced significant persecution, which often served to separate true believers from those who were merely professing faith. In Acts 8:1 , following the martyrdom of Stephen, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." This scattering tested the faith of many, and history records that those with genuine faith continued to spread the Gospel despite the risks. In summary, persecution acts as a catalyst that reveals the depth and authenticity of one's faith. For mere professors, it often becomes a stumbling block, leading to offense and falling away. The Scriptures consistently call for a deep, rooted faith that can withstand trials, encouraging believers to see persecution not as a deterrent but as an opportunity to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 13:21Yet has he not root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution rises because of the word, by and by he is offended. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 24:10 Matthew 26:31 Library The Savoy Declaration of the Congregational Churches. AD 1658. The First Blast to Awake Women Degenerate. From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... Resources What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about a pre-Adamic race? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong for a Christian to have a roommate of the opposite sex? | 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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