Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "confusion of face" is a biblical expression that signifies shame, disgrace, and the loss of honor due to sin and disobedience. This term is deeply rooted in the understanding of sin's consequences and the moral and spiritual disorder it brings upon individuals and communities.Biblical References: The phrase "confusion of face" is notably found in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 9:7-8 , the prophet Daniel, in his prayer of confession and intercession for the people of Israel, acknowledges the shame that has come upon them due to their sins: "To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which You have banished them because of their unfaithfulness to You. O LORD, to us belongs open shame, to our kings, our leaders, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You." Here, Daniel recognizes that the "confusion of face" is a direct result of the nation's unfaithfulness and rebellion against God. This shame is not limited to the common people but extends to the leaders and forefathers, indicating a collective guilt and the pervasive nature of sin. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, "confusion of face" underscores the inherent consequences of sin, which disrupts the intended order and harmony between God and humanity. Sin brings about a state of moral and spiritual disarray, leading to a loss of dignity and honor. This condition is not merely an external disgrace but reflects an internal reality of separation from God. The concept also highlights the justice and righteousness of God. While God is merciful and forgiving, He is also just, and sin inevitably leads to judgment and shame. The "confusion of face" serves as a visible manifestation of divine judgment, reminding the faithful of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. Repentance and Restoration: Despite the shame associated with sin, the Bible consistently offers hope for restoration through repentance. In the same prayer, Daniel appeals to God's mercy and forgiveness, acknowledging that only through divine grace can the people be restored to a place of honor and right relationship with God. The call to repentance is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that while sin leads to shame, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. In Joel 2:12-13 , the prophet urges, "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion." Practical Application: For believers, the concept of "confusion of face" serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living in obedience to God's commandments. It calls for self-examination and a humble acknowledgment of one's shortcomings, leading to genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to righteousness. In the life of the church, this understanding fosters a community that is aware of its collective responsibility to uphold God's standards and to support one another in the pursuit of holiness. It encourages believers to seek God's forgiveness and to extend grace to others, reflecting the redemptive work of Christ, who bore our shame on the cross to restore us to a place of honor before God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 9:7,8O LORD, righteousness belongs to you, but to us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries where you have driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Wrath of God Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus. A Letter on the Sin against the Holy Ghost to John Uytenbogard ... A Treatise against Eutyches and Nestorius Attributes of Love. How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... Rom. vi. 19 Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits The Epistles of St. John Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |