Topical Encyclopedia Theft, as defined in the biblical context, is the act of taking another person's property without permission or legal right, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This act is explicitly condemned throughout Scripture and is considered a violation of God's commandments. The moral and spiritual implications of theft are profound, as it not only disrupts social harmony but also reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness.Biblical Condemnation of Theft The prohibition against theft is clearly articulated in the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundational moral code for believers. Exodus 20:15 states succinctly, "You shall not steal." This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property and rights, reflecting God's justice and order. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul reiterates this commandment in his epistles, emphasizing the transformation expected in the lives of believers. Ephesians 4:28 instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This passage not only condemns theft but also encourages a life of honest labor and generosity, highlighting the redemptive change that should characterize a follower of Christ. Theft and Exclusion from Heaven The spiritual consequences of theft are severe, as it is listed among the sins that can exclude individuals from inheriting the Kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , Paul warns, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." This passage clearly includes thieves among those who, if unrepentant, will be excluded from eternal life with God. Similarly, in Revelation 21:8 , the fate of those who persist in sinful behaviors, including theft, is described: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." This imagery of the second death serves as a stark warning of the eternal separation from God that awaits those who reject His commandments. Repentance and Redemption Despite the grave consequences of theft, the Bible also offers hope for redemption through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The transformative power of the Gospel is available to all who turn from their sins and seek forgiveness. In Luke 19:8-9 , the account of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repented of his dishonest ways, illustrates this redemption: "But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.' Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham.'" This narrative demonstrates that genuine repentance, accompanied by restitution and a change of heart, can restore one's relationship with God and secure a place in His Kingdom. The call to repentance is a central theme in Scripture, offering a path to reconciliation and eternal life for those who have engaged in theft or any other sin. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 6:10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Of Boasting. A Description of Heart-Purity The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts. Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Involution Summa Theologica Justification by an Imputed Righteousness; Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Resources Why is "You shall not steal" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about vandalism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about restitution? | GotQuestions.org Theft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Theft and Thieves by Rachel, of the Household Gods (Teraphim) Theft and Thieves: General Scriptures Concerning Theft and Thieves: The Spies of Laish Theft: All Earthly Treasure Exposed To Theft: Brings a Curse on Those Who Commit It Theft: Brings the Wrath of God Upon Those Who Commit It Theft: from the Poor Specially Forbidden Theft: Heavenly Treasure Secure From Theft: Illustrates the Guilt of False Teachers Theft: Includes Fraud Concerning Wages Theft: Includes Fraud in General Theft: Proceeds from the Heart Theft: Shame Follows the Detection of Theft: The Wicked: Addicted To Theft: The Wicked: Associate With Those Who Commit Theft: The Wicked: Commit, Under Shelter of the Night Theft: The Wicked: Consent to Show Who Commit Theft: The Wicked: Destroy Themselves By Theft: The Wicked: Lie in Wait to Commit Theft: The Wicked: May, for a Season, Prosper In Theft: The Wicked: Plead Excuses For Theft: The Wicked: Repent not of Theft: The Wicked: Store up the Fruits of Theft: They Who Connive At: Hate Their own Souls Theft: They Who Connive At: Shall be Reproved of God Related Terms Commandments (181 Occurrences) Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences) |
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