Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of offense often arises when the righteousness of faith is presented, particularly as it contrasts with the self-righteousness or unbelief of the wicked. The righteousness of faith is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that salvation and right standing with God are obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through human works or adherence to the law.The Apostle Paul addresses this theme extensively in his epistles, particularly in the book of Romans. In Romans 9:30-33 , Paul writes, "What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the 'stumbling stone.' As it is written: 'See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.'" Here, Paul highlights the offense taken by those who rely on their own righteousness when confronted with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. The "stumbling stone" and "rock of offense" refer to Jesus Christ Himself, whose life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the gospel. For those who reject Him, He becomes a source of offense, as their reliance on self-righteousness is challenged and exposed as insufficient. The offense taken by the wicked is further illustrated in 1 Peter 2:7-8 : "To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and, 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.' They stumble because they disobey the message—and to this they were appointed." This passage underscores the dual nature of Christ as both the cornerstone of faith for believers and a stumbling block for those who reject Him. The offense arises from a refusal to accept the message of salvation by grace through faith, which undermines any claim to righteousness based on personal merit or adherence to the law. The offense at the righteousness of faith is not limited to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah and the offense He would cause. Isaiah 8:14 states, "He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel, He will be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem." This prophetic word foreshadows the division that Christ would bring, as He fulfills the law and the prophets, offering a new covenant based on faith. The offense taken by the wicked is rooted in their rejection of this new covenant, preferring instead to cling to their own understanding and efforts. In summary, the offense taken by the wicked at the righteousness of faith is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the tension between human pride and divine grace. The righteousness of faith challenges the self-reliance and unbelief of the wicked, offering instead a path to salvation that is accessible to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 9:32Why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Monastic Vows. Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ... Article xxviii: of Ecclesiastical Power. Article iii: of Christ. Article vi: of Confession and Satisfaction. The Judgment Upon Zacharias Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ... The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive. Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... 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 |
    |