Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "heathen" generally refers to nations or peoples who do not worship the God of Israel. Throughout Scripture, it is evident that God exercises sovereign rule over all nations, including the heathen, demonstrating His ultimate authority and power over the entire earth.God's Sovereignty Over the Nations The Bible consistently affirms that God is the supreme ruler over all the earth, including the heathen nations. In Psalm 22:28, it is declared, "For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations." This verse underscores the belief that God's authority is not limited to Israel but extends universally. God's Purpose for the Nations God's rule over the heathen is not arbitrary but purposeful. In Acts 17:26-27, the Apostle Paul explains, "From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us." This passage highlights God's intention for all nations to seek and know Him, indicating His desire for a relationship with all peoples. God's Judgment and Justice The Bible also speaks of God's righteous judgment over the heathen. In Psalm 9:19-20, the psalmist prays, "Rise up, O LORD, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your presence. Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men." Here, the psalmist calls upon God to execute justice, reminding the nations of their humanity and God's supreme authority. God's Plan for Redemption Despite the rebellion of the heathen, God's plan for redemption includes all nations. In Isaiah 49:6, God declares, "It is too small a thing for you to be My servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." This prophecy points to the coming of the Messiah, who would bring salvation not only to Israel but to the Gentiles as well. The Great Commission The New Testament further emphasizes God's rule over the heathen through the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This mandate reflects God's desire for all nations to come under His rule through the spread of the Gospel. God's Ultimate Victory The Bible assures believers of God's ultimate victory over the heathen. In Revelation 11:15, it is proclaimed, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." This prophetic vision reveals the culmination of God's sovereign rule, where all nations will acknowledge His lordship. In summary, the Bible presents a consistent theme of God's sovereign rule over the heathen, demonstrating His authority, justice, and redemptive plan for all nations. Through His divine governance, God calls all peoples to seek Him, offering salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 20:6And said, O LORD God of our fathers, are not you God in heaven? and rule not you over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in your hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand you? Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 47:8 Library Of the Question Why the Heathen Should Refuse to Worship the God ... God's World The Cry of the Heathen The History Books Pagans. Jehoshaphat Epistle Lxviii. To Florentius Pupianus, on Calumniators. Opposition to Messiah Ruinous The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... Sovereignty of God in Administration Resources What is a heathen? | GotQuestions.orgWho was William Carey? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to use vain repetitions in prayer? | 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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