Topical Encyclopedia The term "heathen" traditionally refers to those who do not acknowledge the God of the Bible, often encompassing Gentiles or non-believers. In the context of Scripture, the heathen are depicted as living without the knowledge and saving grace of God and Christ. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the spiritual state of the heathen and the implications of their separation from God and Christ.Biblical Understanding of the Heathen The Bible frequently addresses the condition of the heathen, emphasizing their estrangement from God. In Ephesians 2:12 , the Apostle Paul writes, "remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." This passage highlights the spiritual alienation experienced by those outside the covenant community, underscoring their lack of hope and divine relationship. Spiritual Blindness and Idolatry The Scriptures often associate the heathen with spiritual blindness and idolatry. In Romans 1:21-23 , Paul describes how the heathen, "although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." This passage illustrates the tendency of the heathen to turn away from the true God, embracing idolatry and false wisdom. The Need for the Gospel The Bible underscores the necessity of the Gospel for the salvation of the heathen. In Romans 10:14-15 , Paul poses a series of rhetorical questions: "How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent?" These questions highlight the essential role of evangelism in bringing the knowledge of Christ to those who are without God. God's Desire for All to Be Saved Despite their current state, the Bible reveals God's desire for the salvation of the heathen. In 1 Timothy 2:3-4 , it is written, "This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." This passage affirms God's inclusive desire for all people, including the heathen, to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. The Role of the Church The Church is tasked with the mission of reaching the heathen with the message of Christ. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 , commands believers to "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." This directive emphasizes the Church's responsibility to bring the Gospel to those who are without God and Christ, fulfilling God's redemptive plan for humanity. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of the heathen as being without God and Christ serves as a call to action for believers to share the Gospel. Through evangelism and discipleship, the Church plays a vital role in bridging the spiritual gap, offering the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ to all nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:12That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On Living Without God The Reality of Christ's Passion. The Greatest of These is Love. Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ. If the Heathen, and those who are Strangers to the True Knowledge ... The Epistle to the Laodiceans the Proper Designation is to the ... In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to all the Gods ... On Faith God Has Everything to do with Prayer The Church and the Kingdom of Christ. Resources What is the Gathering of Christ Church? | GotQuestions.orgCults and Religions Basics ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | 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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