This article is written
mainly for Christians who are persecuted and oppressed all around the world.
The oppression can come in different format and colors and are tailored
differently in different situations. The oppression could work together in a
social setting, national setting, family setting, church setting and the
hyperbola of it would be when a genuine Christian is persecuted by a carnal Christian.
Please refer my article on Psycho-anatomy of a believer vs. Psycho-anatomy of a
non-believer written on July 2010. In other words the system around us could be
a great force for a genuine believer to be crushed. The focus of my article
would be where is our hope?
There are many ways in which people and
things can and do perish. Many of them are violent and, to use a modern
expression, 'totally gross'.
Nonetheless, from the Biblical perspective, by far the commonest method of
perishing is to cut oneself off or to be cut off from the fellowship of God and
His people. May this encourage us in our pursuit of the lost1.
Christian spirit is a
sympathizing, empathizing spirit, and a compassionate spirit and not a selfish spirit. When a problem
story is narrated, a genuine believer would find the real situation and
sympathizes with the sufferers without taking the position with the lie/liar
but rather they would stand with the truth. In other words they are not easily
angered when confronted with truth. Christians are one body, and are animated
by one spirit, and have a common cause and interest and are called the children
of God. This does not mean a genuine Christian will have no afflictions, but
rather they go through the afflictions of common man and if one of them suffers
the whole body suffers. ; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock
both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
What is the Biblical
meaning of perish? The Biblical word 'perish' has an extremely interesting
translational profile. It is the rendering of thirteen different words or word
patterns and yet eleven of those account for only twelve verses. The other one
hundred and six references come from two words; one Hebrew and one Greek.2
|
Variations of
"broken spirit" are found three times in the New King James and New
International versions of the Bible, and six times in the New American Standard
Version. It is used in both positive and negative ways in the Bible.
[Definition
A broken
spirit can be defined as crippled, crushed, maimed and/or shattered.
Common Terms
Other
biblical words used to describe a broken spirit are contrite, crushed and
wounded. All of them denote anguish in one form or another.
Wounded
Although the
term "wounded" is often used interchangeably with "broken,"
they have different meanings. Those with wounded spirits often have negative
opinions and attitudes and blame others for their problems.
Humility
In contrast
with a wounded spirit, those with a broken spirit are humble, acknowledge their
wrong doing, have genuine sorrow and a desire to repent and make things right
with God and others.
Nearness
According to
Psalm 51:17, God is near to those with a broken spirit. He does not despise
them.
Submission
Being broken in
spirit has a similar meaning to a horse that has been broken. A horse that is
broken has submitted to the control and wishes of the rider. A person with a
broken spirit has submitted to God and His will]4.
29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye , shall he be thought worthy , who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified , an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that
hath said, Vengeance
belongeth unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again,
The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing
to fall into the hands of the living God. 32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated , ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly , whilst ye were made a gazingstock
both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used
. 34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and
took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves
that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35Cast not away
therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37For yet a little while, and he that shall come
will come, and will not tarry.
38Now the just shall live by faith: but
if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure
in him. 39But we are not
of them who draw back unto
perdition; but of them
that believe to the saving of the soul; Heb 10:29-39.
Based on the above Word of
God we have a hope and this is eternal hope. While we are on this earth we
should be thankful to God for bringing genuine Christian friends around us who
showed compassion and mercy in our afflictions. Very often God uses these
afflictions of our Christian brethren to strengthen their inner man. Strengthened with all might, according to
his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Col
1:11. The genuine believers in afflictions thrive towards godliness because
they knew in themselves that they had in heaven a better and more enduring
substance which does not perish. Below
are some words of encouragement to those believers who are crushed and yet not
perished under the tyranny of people or systems around us.
- The happiness of saints in heaven are real and imperishable and something of real weight and worth.
- It is definitely a better substance they have in earth or lost.
- This is an enduring substance and their enemies can never take it from them and this out live time and runs parallel with eternity.
- This will be a very rich amend to all their afflictions and their loss on this earth. In heaven for sure they will have better life, a better state, better liberty, better hearts, and better work and in a nut shell their loss in earth is compensated in heaven.
Christians who are
afflicted and persecuted under varied situations should know in themselves
through God’s Word and the witnessing of God’s spirit with their spirits that
the life of this earth is not the finale! This is a tremendous blessing in this
part of eternity when we go through trials that our hope is anchored on Christ
and His sufferings. The assured knowledge of this will help them endure any
fight or afflictions they may encounter in this world.
35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye
have done
the will
of God, ye
might receive
the promise.
37For yet a little while, and he
that shall come
will come,
and will not tarry. 38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of them who
draw back unto perdition; but of them that
believe to the saving of the soul; Heb 10:29-39. The
Word of God exhorts us not to cast away our confidence, our holy courage, and
boldness but to hold fast to our faith. The amendment of our suffering and the
reward of our holy confidence would be very great in heaven. In this part of
eternity our present reward will be holy peace, joy and much of God’s presence
and power resting with us. No matter what goes around us in trials and
persecutions we know that God is in charge and this will have a great
recompense of reward hereafter.
38Now the just shall live
by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul
shall have no pleasure in him. 39But we are
not of them who draw back
unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. It is indeed the honourable
character of just men in Christ that in time of the greatest afflictions that
they can live by faith. They indeed can live upon the assured persuasions that
they have the truth of God’s promises.
End notes and references:
1, 2Perish - Bible Exposition
Perish. The Biblical word 'perish'
has an extremely interesting translational ... The Lord is instructing Moses not
to allow the people to gaze lest they perish.
3crush - definition of crush by the Free Online Dictionary ...
Definition of crush in the Online Dictionary. Meaning
of crush. ... He crushed the rebellion. 4. to
push, press etc together. We (were) all crushed into ...
4Read more: What is the biblical meaning of a broken spirit? |
Answerbag http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1869614#ixzz34XaFOBIw
Website References for
Hebrews10.
1. Hebrews 10:29-39 "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ...
www.biblestudytools.com › KJV › Hebrews › Hebrews
10
Hebrews 10:29-39 "Of how much sorer
punishment, suppose ye , shall he be t..." Read verse in King
James Version
2. Hebrews 10:29-39 "How much more severely do you think a …
www.biblestudytools.com › NIV › Hebrews ›
Hebrews
10
Hebrews 10:29-39 "How much more severely
do you think a man deserves to be pun..." Read verse in New International
Version. ... King James Version Bible (KJV)
3. Hebrews 10:19-39 NIV - A Call to Persevere in Faith ...
Hebrews 10:38 Some early manuscripts But the righteous; Hebrews
10:38 Hab. 2:4 (see Septuagint): : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
: : : : : : : : : : : : : ...
Website References for perish:
1. Psalm 9:18 - Bible Hub: Search, Read, Study the Bible in ...
biblehub.com/psalms/9-18.htm
... the hopes of the poor
will not always be crushed. English Standard
Version ... the patience of the poor shall not perish
for ever. Darby Bible Translation
2. What is the Biblical Meaning of Perish? - Truth According ...
What is the Biblical
Meaning of Perish? | The wicked shall perish
... that whosoever believeth in him should not PERISH,
but have everlasting life. John 6:27:
3. What Does "Perish" Mean? | Grace Communion International
... The word "perish"
is capable of more than one interpretation, ... The Bible does
not define "perish." ... What About
Biblical Prophecy?
4. Perish - Bible Exposition
Perish. The Biblical word 'perish'
has an extremely interesting translational ... The Lord is instructing Moses not
to allow the people to gaze lest they perish
5. Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in ...
biblehub.com/luke/13-4.htm
King James Bible
Or those eighteen ... bids us repent, for otherwise we shall perish.
Pulpit Commentary ... the poor sufferers who were crushed
there were not ...
6. What Does it Mean to "Perish?" - Tentmaker
"What About how the Bible
says that those who do not believe will perish?"
7. perish - definition of perish by the Free Online ...
... we were perished
with cold. 3. to rot: leather perishes if ... This information should not
be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to ...
8. In the verse John 3:16, what does the word "perish" mean ...
2008-05-27 · The Bible does not
define "perish." Some verses support the concept of
complete destruction, or annihilation; ...
9. Esther 4:16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in ...
biblehub.com/esther/4-16.htm
And thus I will go in to
the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish,
I
Website References for crushed
1. What is the biblical meaning of a broken spirit? | Answerbag
www.answerbag.com › … › Religions ›
Religions A - Z
2009-12-12 · What is the biblical meaning
of a broken spirit? ... Other biblical words used to describe
a broken spirit are contrite, crushed and wounded.
2. crush - definition of crush by the Free Online Dictionary ...
Definition of crush in the Online Dictionary. Meaning
of crush. ... He crushed the rebellion. 4. to
push, press etc together. We (were) all crushed into ...
3. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the ...
biblehub.com/genesis/3-15.htm
... meaning
that the serpent would be ... Genesis 3:15 German Bible
Alphabetical: And between bruise crush enmity he head heel her
hers him his I offspring on put ...
4. Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he ...
biblehub.com/isaiah/53-5.htm
But he was pierced for our
transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the
punishment that brought us peace was on him, ... New American Standard Bible
5. Crushed | Define Crushed at Dictionary.com
dictionary.reference.com/browse/crushed
Crushed definition, to press or squeeze with a
force that destroys or deforms. See more. Added to Favorites. Dictionary
Thesaurus Word Dynamo Quotes Reference ...
6. Bible - definition of Bible by the Free Online Dictionary ...
Definition of Bible in the Online Dictionary. Meaning
of Bible. Pronunciation of Bible.
Translations of Bible. Bible synonyms, Bible
antonyms.
7. Bible Truth Web Site Sermon - THE BIBLICAL MEANING OF …
bible-truth.org/msg38.html
THE BIBLICAL
MEANING OF LOVE - 1 JOHN 4:7-10 ... My friend, when the
burdens of life weight you down until you feel like you are being crushed
alive ...
8. Definition: Crush (Meaning of Crush) - ARDictionary
ardictionary.com/Crush/15176
Meaning of Crush: To press or bruise between
two hard bodies; to squeeze, so as to destroy the natural shape or integrity of
the parts, or to force together into a ...
9. What is the meaning of the word crush? - WordHippo
Looking for the meaning
or definition of the word crush? Here are
some definitions.
10. What is the meaning of Genesis 3: 15? - Yahoo
2009-07-12 · The Bible gives ample evidence
that Jesus has been granted his authority ... but that is not the main meaning.
Jesus crushed Satan and put him under His ...
For further reading:
1. Millard
J. Erickson. Christian Theology.
Grand Rapids
2. R.T.
Kendall. Understanding Theology,
Developing a Healthy Church in the 21st Century. 1996.
3. Jay E.
Adams. A Theology of Christian
Counseling, More than Redemption. Grand Rapids
4. Louis
Berkhof. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids
5. Robert
P Lightner. Handbook of Evangelical
Theology, Historical, Biblical, and Contemporary Survey and Review. Grand Rapids , MI
6. Charles
Ryrie. Basic Theology. Chicago
7. A. H.
Strong. Systematic Theology. New Jersey
8. Wayne
Grudem. Systematic Theology, An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids
9. Steven
W. Waterhouse. Not By Bread Alone,
An Outlined Guide To Bible Doctrine. Amarillo
10. John
Theodore Muller, Th.D. Christian
Dogmatics, A handbook of Doctrinal Theology for Pastors, Teachers, and
Laymen. St. Louis ,
Mo
11. Prayers To Move Your
Mountains. Nashville
12. John White. Parables, the
Greatest Stories ever Told. Illinois
13. ESV Study Bible. English
Standard Version. Crossway Bibles, Wheaton ,
Illinois
14. The Matthew Henry Study Bible. King
James Version. Iowa
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