Topical Encyclopedia The term "heathen" traditionally refers to those who are not part of the Judeo-Christian faith, often synonymous with Gentiles or non-believers. The conversion of the heathen is a significant theme throughout the Bible, highlighting God's desire for all people to come to the knowledge of Him and His salvation plan through Jesus Christ.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the inclusion of the heathen in God's redemptive plan. God's covenant with Abraham includes a promise that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). This promise indicates God's intention to extend His blessings beyond the Israelites to all nations. The prophetic books also echo this theme. Isaiah 49:6 states, "I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth" . This passage underscores the role of Israel as a beacon to the Gentiles, foreshadowing the universal reach of God's salvation. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these Old Testament promises through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19, commands the disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" , explicitly including the heathen in the mission of the Church. The Apostle Paul, known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, emphasizes that the gospel is for everyone. In Romans 1:16, he declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek" . Paul's ministry exemplifies the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, affirming that faith in Christ is the unifying factor. Acceptance by God The conversion of the heathen is not only permissible but is celebrated and accepted by God. Acts 10 recounts the account of Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile, whose conversion is marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter's realization that "God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34-35) is a pivotal moment in the early Church, affirming that God's grace extends to all. Ephesians 2:13-14 further illustrates this acceptance: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility" . This passage highlights the reconciliation and unity available through Christ, breaking down the division between Jew and Gentile. The Role of the Church The Church is called to be an instrument of God's grace, actively participating in the conversion of the heathen. The early Church's missionary efforts, as recorded in the Book of Acts, serve as a model for evangelism and outreach. The Church is tasked with proclaiming the gospel to all nations, embodying the love and acceptance of God. In summary, the conversion of the heathen is a central aspect of God's redemptive plan, rooted in the promises of the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. The acceptance of the heathen by God underscores the universal nature of the gospel and the Church's mission to reach all people with the message of salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 10:35But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 15:16 Library Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen. The Conversion of Cornelius. Hope for the Heathen Acts XIV Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ. The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi. A Faithful Undershepherd Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ... The Backslider in Heart. The Gospel was Preached to Jews and Gentiles in Hades. Resources What is the Lord's prayer and should we pray it? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian wear a purity ring? | GotQuestions.org Why is sexual purity so important? | GotQuestions.org Heathen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Abimelech Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Balaam Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Belshazzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cornelius Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cyrus Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Nebuchadnezzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Pharaoh Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Excluded from the Temple Heathen: Nebuchadnezzar, After his Restoration Heathen: The Centurion at Caesarea Heathen: The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Their Land Given to Israel The Heathen are Without God and Christ The Heathen: Baptism to be Administered To The Heathen: Cautions Against Imitating The Heathen: Conversion of, Acceptable to God The Heathen: Danger of Intercourse With The Heathen: Employed to Chastise the Church The Heathen: Evil of Imitating The Heathen: God: Brings to Nought the Counsels of The Heathen: God: Will be Exalted Among The Heathen: God: Will Finally Judge The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Goodness of God The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Power of God The Heathen: Have: The Testimony of Conscience The Heathen: Necessity for Preaching To The Heathen: Praise God for Success of the Gospel Among The Heathen: Salvation of, Foretold The Heathen: Salvation Provided For The Heathen: Scoffing at Saints The Heathen: Strangers to the Covenant of Promise The Heathen: The Church Shall be Avenged of The Heathen: The Glory of God to be Declared Among The Heathen: The Gospel Received By The Heathen: The Gospel to be Preached To The Heathen: The Holy Spirit Poured out Upon The Heathen: Worshippers of the Devil Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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