Category Archives: What The Bible Says

How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible?

How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible? There is no book as old and rich as the Bible when it comes to getting information about marriage. The Bible tells us that God performed the very first marriage on the sixth day of creation week. Let’s support this by reading from Genesis 1:27, 28, NKJV – “God created man in His own image…male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth’ ”. Behold, marriage is a basic social institution that has been existing for as far back as we have historical records. Although marriage has taken different forms within different cultures and at different times, we can find historical records pointing to it either from the Bible or circular sources. The best Bible verses about marriage support this very truth.

Brethren, let no one deceive you, for marriage is a blessing from God to mankind. Indeed, God created marriage in the beginning. We should always keep in mind that it was God who initiated the very first marriage in the garden of Eden between Adam and Eve. We are trying to say here that marriage comes from God. God’s ideal for marriage was illustrated when he united Adam and Eve in an unbreakable bond. That is, one man and one woman joined together in a faithful and long-life commitment to each other. From creation, a husband and a wife were meant to work together for the establishment of a strong and godly family. Although human beings have not always followed this ideal path, it remains the best from God.

How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible?

Before getting deep into the definition of marriage as revealed by the Bible, there are a few things worth knowing. These basics will give you the necessary foundation to understand the message of God about marriage. It is without a doubt that there are currently lots of contradictions when it comes to handling the Christian marital aspect. A good Biblical foundation on what God is saying about marriage will prevent you from falling victim to unsound and diluted doctrines. Pay attention to the following details which will help you in understanding the definition of marriage from the different Bible verses about marriage.

Two become one flesh (What the Scriptures say about Marriage)

The bond of marriage is so powerful that it joints two individuals into one flesh. The Bible is very clear on this divine truth. When God created Eve, “He brought her to the man. And Adam said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.’ . . . Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:22-24). This is an account of the very first marriage celebrated by God himself. It completely highlights all the fundamental characteristics of a godly marriage.

That is, a husband and a wife becoming “one flesh”. Although they may physically appear as two individuals, they are perceived by God as one. God’s ideal for marriage is for the two to become one – in purpose. That is, they ought to share the same values and goals as they work together in building a strong and godly family with children that fear and honor God. A godly family will honor God and keep to his commands. Such a family prays together and God hears and answers them from above. They are located in God’s mercy and favor through Jesus Christ, the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World.

What does the Bible say about marriage?

The Bible says much about marriage. It does even more than any other book you can imagine. Its information on marriage is rich qualitatively and quantitatively. Within the scriptures, we can find all that we need to enjoy the benefits of a happy, long-lasting, and God blessed marriage. Below are some of the things which the Bible says about marriage:

  • God instituted marriage and blessed it as we can read from Hebrews 13:4, Genesis 1:27, and Mark 10:6-8
  • Marriage is an opening door into a close bond between men and women who complement each other – physically, mentally, and socially as we can read from Proverbs 18:22, Genesis 2:18, and Genesis 2:21-24
  • Through marriage, a husband and his wife become one as we can read from Genesis 2:23, 24
  • Marriage, as God intended it, is a commitment for life – during good and bad times as we can read from Ecclesiastes 9:9
  • The Bible calls for love and respect in marriage as we can read from Ephesians 5:28, 33
  • It further calls for similarities in beliefs, goals, and objectives as we can read from 2 Corinthians 6:14
  • The Bible calls for genuine faithfulness in marriage as we can read from Exodus 20:17 and Leviticus 18:20
  • Divorce is not supported by the Holy Scriptures as we can read from Matthew 5:32 and Mark 10:9
  • Marriage mirrors God’s relationship with his people as we can read from Isaiah 62:5 and Ephesians 5:25-27
  • Marriage is a precious gift from God as we can read from Proverbs 31:10

How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible?

Group 1 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Genesis 1:27-28 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'”

Isaiah 54:5 – “For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”

Malachi 2:14-15 – “But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”

Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 – “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.”

Ephesians 5:25 – “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.”

Ephesians 4:2-3 – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Group 2 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Mark 10:9 – “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Ephesians 5:25-33 – “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, ...”

1 Corinthians 13:2 – “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

Group 3 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Psalm 143:8 – “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

1 John 4:16 – “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Corinthians 13:13 – “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Group 4 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

John 15:12 – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Song of Solomon 4:9 – “You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.”

Proverbs 30:18-19 – “There are three things that amaze me—no, four things that I don’t understand: how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Proverbs 31:10 – “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

1 John 4:12 – “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

Ruth 1:16-17 – Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.

1 Peter 4:8 – “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

Group 5 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Ephesians 5:21 – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Genesis 2:18–25 – Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’ … So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.”

Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

1 Peter 3:7 – In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”

Hebrews 13:4 – “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Proverbs 18:22 – “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

Group 6 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Ephesians 5:22-33 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, …

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

1 Corinthians 7:1-40 – “Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. ...”

Group 7 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Ephesians 5:25-33 – “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, …

Proverbs 19:14 – “House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”

Proverbs 21:9 – “It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

Ephesians 5:22-33 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, …

1 Corinthians 7:39 – “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

Group 8 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Matthew 19:2-9 – “And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” …

1 Peter 3:7 – “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Mark 10:8-12 – “And the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Ephesians 5:33 – “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

2 Chronicles 24:2-3 – “And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. Jehoiada got for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters.

Group 9 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Matthew 19:4-6 – “He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Genesis 2:18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Colossians 3:18-19 – “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”

Proverbs 31:10 – “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”

1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Genesis 2:20-24 – “The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Group 10 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

1 Peter 3:1-5 – “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,

Mark 10:6-9 – “But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

Matthew 19:9 – “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.

Mark 10:9 – “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

Isaiah 62:5 – “For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

Group 11 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Matthew 5:32 – “But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Psalm 85:10 – “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”

1 Corinthians 7:12-15 – “To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.”

Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Group 12 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Deuteronomy 24:5 – “When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken.”

Proverbs 12:4 – “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”

1 John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”

Ephesians 5:31 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 4:2-3 – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Hebrews 13:1-25 – “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ...”

1 Corinthians 7:2 – “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

Group 13 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Matthew 19:9-12 – “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

1 Timothy 3:2 – “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Corinthians 11:11 – “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman;

Genesis 1:27-28 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

2 Chronicles 24:1-3– “Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. Jehoiada got for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters.”

Group 14 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Genesis 2:22-24 – “And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Proverbs 21:19 – “It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.”

1 Corinthians 7:3 – “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.”

Isaiah 54:5 – “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”

Hosea 2:19 – “And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.”

Mark 12:21-25 – “And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.” Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Group 15 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Leviticus 21:13-15 – “And he shall take a wife in her virginity. A widow, or a divorced woman, or a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute, these he shall not marry. But he shall take as his wife a virgin of his own people, that he may not profane his offspring among his people, for I am the Lord who sanctifies him.”

Colossians 3:18 – “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”

1 Timothy 5:14 – “So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.”

1 Corinthians 13:13 – “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Romans 7:1-3 – “Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.”

Exodus 22:16 – “If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife.”

1 Corinthians 11:12 – “For as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.”

Group 16 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Matthew 19:4-8 – “He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.”

Jeremiah 29:6 – “Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude, It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful; …

Luke 16:18 – “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.”

Group 17 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Ruth 1:16-17But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”

Matthew 22:26-30 – “So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.” But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.”

Proverbs 30:18-19 – “Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a virgin.

Ephesians 5:22-23 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.”

Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 5:21 – “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”

Group 18 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Ephesians 5:28 – “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”

Colossians 3:19 – “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease, as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Ezekiel 16:8 – “When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness, I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine.”

1 Corinthians 11:9-12 – “Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.”

Group 19 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

Proverbs 5:18-19 – “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”

Romans 7:2 – “For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.

Malachi 2:14-15 – “But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.”

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.””

Group 20 – How Is Marriage Defined In The Bible

1 Corinthians 7:9 – “But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”

1 Corinthians 6:16Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”

1 Timothy 3:12 – “Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

Matthew 19:29 – “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”

Leviticus 21:7 – “They shall not marry a prostitute or a woman who has been defiled, neither shall they marry a woman divorced from her husband, for the priest is holy to his God.”

Malachi 2:16 – “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 – “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.

Proverbs 20:6-7 – “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!

Colossians 3:14 – “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Also Read

Reaching the end of our write-up on the best Bible verses about marriage, we hope you enjoyed reading. In the same manner, you can as well visit the following:

Mohawk Hairstyle Spiritual Meaning

Mohawk Hairstyle Spiritual Meaning

Discover Mohawk Hairstyle Spiritual Meaning. The Bible does not precisely speak about the Mohawk. However, as Christians, we are in the world but we are not of the world. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” Likewise, Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Mohawk (also known as Mohican) is a hairstyle in which, in the commonest variety, both sides of the head are shaven, leaving a strip of noticeably longer hair in the center. Today, it is worn as an emblem of non-conformity. Note that the Mohawk is also referred to as an Iro in reference to the Iroquois (who include the Mohawk people), from whom the hairstyle is supposedly derived – though history holds that the hair was plucked out rather than shaved. In addition, hairstyles bearing these names more closely resemble those worn by the Pawnee, rather than the Mohawk, Mohegan, Mohicans, or other groups whose names are phonetically similar. Some people believe that this hairstyle was worn by the Kanien’kehá:ka young men charged with protection of the tribe. They used their hair – and the value it represented – to protect their people from the invading forces.

Mohawk Hairstyle Spiritual Meaning (What Does Mohawk Represent)

It appears that God has given us great freedom in regard to what we do with our hair. The only New Covenant principle that applies today is that men should have masculine hairstyles and women should have feminine hairstyles (1 Corinthians 11:3-16). Even in that, there is still much flexibility, as what differentiates masculine and feminine varies somewhat from one culture to another. Interestingly, human hair does not serve a critical purpose. Behold, a human being could live a healthy life with no hair whatsoever. Since hair grows back when cut or shaven, it is an indication that God intends us to have hair. The fact that hair is so easy to adjust and alter likely indicates that God allows us to shave, cut, style, etc., according to our personal preferences.

What you should be concerned about when shaving

While a person is free to shave whatever area of his/her body to their likeness, it is worth paying attention to the message that the shaving trend is passing. It is important to understand that the body-shaving trend may be more about vanity than preference or necessity. And this should be the main issue you should be concerned about when it comes to shaving. In the same light, we should adhere to the culturally accepted indicators of gender. That is, men should look like men and women should look like women. God is not interested in, nor does He accept, “unisex.” As followers of Christ, we should not rebel against the culture just for the sake of rebelling, in the name of some sort of Christian “liberty.” It is important to understand that the way we present ourselves matters.

What Does The Bible Say About A Mohawk? (Mohawk Hairstyle Spiritual Meaning)

Romans 14:1-23 – “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. …

Titus 3:9-11 – “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God’s glory.”

Group 1 – What Does The Bible Say About The Mohawk

Ezekiel 44:20 – “They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall surely trim the hair of their heads.”

Romans 14:13-17 – “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Also Read

Are Mohawks Evil?

Are Mohawks Evil

Are Mohawks Evil? The Bible does not precisely speak about the Mohawk. However, as Christians, we are in the world but we are not of the world. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” Likewise, Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Mohawk (also known as Mohican) is a hairstyle in which, in the commonest variety, both sides of the head are shaven, leaving a strip of noticeably longer hair in the center. Today, it is worn as an emblem of non-conformity. Note that the Mohawk is also referred to as an Iro in reference to the Iroquois (who include the Mohawk people), from whom the hairstyle is supposedly derived – though history holds that the hair was plucked out rather than shaved. In addition, hairstyles bearing these names more closely resemble those worn by the Pawnee, rather than the Mohawk, Mohegan, Mohicans, or other groups whose names are phonetically similar.

Are Mohawks Evil?

It appears that God has given us great freedom in regard to what we do with our hair. The only New Covenant principle that applies today is that men should have masculine hairstyles and women should have feminine hairstyles (1 Corinthians 11:3-16). Even in that, there is still much flexibility, as what differentiates masculine and feminine varies somewhat from one culture to another. Interestingly, human hair does not serve a critical purpose. Behold, a human being could live a healthy life with no hair whatsoever. Since hair grows back when cut or shaven, it is an indication that God intends us to have hair. The fact that hair is so easy to adjust and alter likely indicates that God allows us to shave, cut, style, etc., according to our personal preferences.

What you should be concerned about when shaving

While a person is free to shave whatever area of his/her body to their likeness, it is worth paying attention to the message that the shaving trend is passing. It is important to understand that the body-shaving trend may be more about vanity than preference or necessity. And this should be the main issue you should be concerned about when it comes to shaving. In the same light, we should adhere to the culturally accepted indicators of gender. That is, men should look like men and women should look like women. God is not interested in, nor does He accept, “unisex.” As followers of Christ, we should not rebel against the culture just for the sake of rebelling, in the name of some sort of Christian “liberty.” It is important to understand that the way we present ourselves matters.

Are Mohawks Evil?

Romans 14:1-23 – “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. …

Titus 3:9-11 – “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God’s glory.”

Group 1 – Are Mohawks Evil?

Ezekiel 44:20 – “They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall surely trim the hair of their heads.”

Romans 14:13-17 – “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Also Read

What Does The Bible Say About Mohawk Hairstyle?

What Does The Bible Say About Mohawk Hairstyle

What Does The Bible Say About Mohawk Hairstyle? The Bible does not precisely speak about the Mohawk. However, as Christians, we are in the world but we are not of the world. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” Likewise, Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Mohawk (also known as Mohican) is a hairstyle in which, in the commonest variety, both sides of the head are shaven, leaving a strip of noticeably longer hair in the center. Today, it is worn as an emblem of non-conformity. Note that the Mohawk is also referred to as an Iro in reference to the Iroquois (who include the Mohawk people), from whom the hairstyle is supposedly derived – though history holds that the hair was plucked out rather than shaved. In addition, hairstyles bearing these names more closely resemble those worn by the Pawnee, rather than the Mohawk, Mohegan, Mohicans, or other groups whose names are phonetically similar.

What Does The Bible Say About Mohawk Hairstyle?

It appears that God has given us great freedom in regard to what we do with our hair. The only New Covenant principle that applies today is that men should have masculine hairstyles and women should have feminine hairstyles (1 Corinthians 11:3-16). Even in that, there is still much flexibility, as what differentiates masculine and feminine varies somewhat from one culture to another. Interestingly, human hair does not serve a critical purpose. Behold, a human being could live a healthy life with no hair whatsoever. Since hair grows back when cut or shaven, it is an indication that God intends us to have hair. The fact that hair is so easy to adjust and alter likely indicates that God allows us to shave, cut, style, etc., according to our personal preferences.

What you should be concerned about when shaving

While a person is free to shave whatever area of his/her body to their likeness, it is worth paying attention to the message that the shaving trend is passing. It is important to understand that the body-shaving trend may be more about vanity than preference or necessity. And this should be the main issue you should be concerned about when it comes to shaving. In the same light, we should adhere to the culturally accepted indicators of gender. That is, men should look like men and women should look like women. God is not interested in, nor does He accept, “unisex.” As followers of Christ, we should not rebel against the culture just for the sake of rebelling, in the name of some sort of Christian “liberty.” It is important to understand that the way we present ourselves matters.

What Does The Bible Say About Mohawk Hairstyle?

Romans 14:1-23 – “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. …

Titus 3:9-11 – “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God’s glory.”

Group 1 – What Does The Bible Say About The Mohawk Hairstyle

Ezekiel 44:20 – “They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall surely trim the hair of their heads.”

Romans 14:13-17 – “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Also Read

What Does The Bible Say About The Mohawk?

What Does The Bible Say About The Mohawk

What Does The Bible Say About The Mohawk? The Bible does not precisely speak about the Mohawk. However, as Christians, we are in the world but we are not of the world. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” Likewise, Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Mohawk (also known as Mohican) is a hairstyle in which, in the commonest variety, both sides of the head are shaven, leaving a strip of noticeably longer hair in the center. Today, it is worn as an emblem of non-conformity. Note that the Mohawk is also referred to as an Iro in reference to the Iroquois (who include the Mohawk people), from whom the hairstyle is supposedly derived – though history holds that the hair was plucked out rather than shaved. In addition, hairstyles bearing these names more closely resemble those worn by the Pawnee, rather than the Mohawk, Mohegan, Mohicans, or other groups whose names are phonetically similar.

What Does The Bible Say About The Mohawk?

It appears that God has given us great freedom in regard to what we do with our hair. The only New Covenant principle that applies today is that men should have masculine hairstyles and women should have feminine hairstyles (1 Corinthians 11:3-16). Even in that, there is still much flexibility, as what differentiates masculine and feminine varies somewhat from one culture to another. Interestingly, human hair does not serve a critical purpose. Behold, a human being could live a healthy life with no hair whatsoever. Since hair grows back when cut or shaven, it is an indication that God intends us to have hair. The fact that hair is so easy to adjust and alter likely indicates that God allows us to shave, cut, style, etc., according to our personal preferences.

What you should be concerned about when shaving

While a person is free to shave whatever area of his/her body to their likeness, it is worth paying attention to the message that the shaving trend is passing. It is important to understand that the body-shaving trend may be more about vanity than preference or necessity. And this should be the main issue you should be concerned about when it comes to shaving. In the same light, we should adhere to the culturally accepted indicators of gender. That is, men should look like men and women should look like women. God is not interested in, nor does He accept, “unisex.” As followers of Christ, we should not rebel against the culture just for the sake of rebelling, in the name of some sort of Christian “liberty.” It is important to understand that the way we present ourselves matters.

What Does The Bible Say About A Mohawk?

Romans 14:1-23 – “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. …

Titus 3:9-11 – “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God’s glory.”

Group 1 – What Does The Bible Say About The Mohawk

Ezekiel 44:20 – “They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall surely trim the hair of their heads.”

Romans 14:13-17 – “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Also Read

What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace?

What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace? 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” This verse is often used by Gospel preachers to encourage brethren to abound in faithful work and service to the cause of Christ. A Christian’s life must be a life of abounding work. A Christian must be a faithful follower of the Master, a “steadfast, unmovable, always-abounding” servant who is firmly grounded in the Bible’s revealed truths. Unfortunately, some brethren are not “steadfast and unmoveable;” rather, they are like “children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Ephesians 4:14).”

According to W.E. Vine, the Greek word rendered “abounding” (perisseuo, Ok) in this passage is defined as “to be abundantly furnished, to abound in a thing…the work of the Lord.” Likewise, Strong defined this word as From G4053; “to super-abound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (trans.) to cause to super-abound or excel: (make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance, (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above)” (Strong’s, 04502). Therefore, one who abounds has an overflowing abundance. Note the account (Luke 4:5-10) of Jesus’ instructions to Simon Peter. He said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” When Peter obeyed and let down the nets as Christ directed, they caught enough fish than their nets could carry, and the ship began to sink. This is ABUNDANCE!

What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace?

The phrase “in the work of the Lord” applies to all things that God commanded man to do. Regarding this phrase, commentator Albert E. Barnes said, “Always engaged in doing the will of God; in promoting His glory, and advancing His kingdom. This phrase means not only to be engaged in this, but to be engaged diligently, laboriously; excelling in this. The ‘work of the Lord’ here means that which the Lord requires; all the appropriate duties of Christians. Paul exhorts them to practice every Christian virtue, and to do all they could do to further the gospel among men. (Barnes Notes, Vol. 8, p. 324).

What The Scriptures Say About Abounding

Upon revealing the different definitions and comments, let’s now look at the Scriptures that teach us how we are to bound “in the work of the Lord.” In order to abound in the Lord’s work, we must carry out the following:

1) Abound in faithful service, coupled with thanksgiving – Colossians 2:5-7

Apostle Paul says in Colossians 2:5-7 that “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joy and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

2) Abound in hope – Romans 15:13,14

Apostle Paul says in Romans 15:13,14 that “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Fundamentally, hope is a desire with expectation. Therefore, the Christian should hope to receive an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 1:4; 5:4). Our hope for heaven should be based on the truths revealed in the Scriptures, not on some false hope created by false teachers.

It is rather unfortunate that many have laid down the sword of truth and have not finished the race, resulting in a “faith” that is made shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19). In Apostle Paul’s letter to young Timothy, he expressed confidence that he, based on his own steadfastness in the faith, would receive the eternal crown: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

3) Abound in suffering for the cause of Christ – 2 Corinthians 1:5-7

Regarding this, Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 that “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”

Here, it is worth pointing to the fact that Apostle Paul clearly made mention of steadfastness. Therefore, as workers for the Lord God Almighty, we must be steadfast, even though severe persecutions may arise. Remember that Christ warned His disciples that they would have to endure persecutions and that they would come to those who do the Lord’s work (Matthew 10:16-28). Likewise, Apostle Paul himself suffered persecutions and warned in his writings of persecutions that would come to the faithful (2 Corinthians 11:24-28; 12:10; 2 Timothy 3:11,12). Having read and understood this, we must be willing to suffer and should not find it strange when we are called upon to suffer persecutions for righteousness’ sake  (Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Revelation 2:10).

4) Abound in love – 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13

Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13 that “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” The love that Apostle Paul mentioned in these verses is the agape type of love.

Occasionally, some liberal-minded brethren accuse preachers who boldly teach the truth of not “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), or of being caustic, unloving, abusive, or abrasive. Likewise, some brethren accuse other preachers who boldly “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” of knowing only how to preach on divisive issues, of blasting the denominations, or of nailing or clobbering church members for their shortcomings. Sadly, brethren who make such charges really don’t know the true Bible meaning of love. Remember and reflect on Apostle Paul’s words: “speaking the TRUTH in LOVE” (Ephesians 4:15).

Understanding agape love

Agape love is the type of love that “does not always run with natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself upon those for whom a natural affinity is discovered – love seeks the welfare of all” (Vine).

We can portray agape love by considering the words of Jesus when he commanded: “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:44-48).

More on agape love

Some people say that “Faults are thick where love is thin.” Read 1 Corinthians 13 and John 13:34-35 and determine how true this statement is. Behold, Godly love (agape love) has to do with abounding in love for:

  • God. Keeping His commands, maintaining the right attitude towards His word, and service to Him.
  • Christ. Submission to, and appreciation for, the Sacrifice He made for us. Diligent service and respect for His authority, His name, His church, and His doctrine.
  • The Holy Spirit. Utmost respect for the revealed word, as well as diligently studying it, living it, teaching it, earnestly contending for it, and defending it when it is under attack.
  • Alien sinners. Being “an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12), working to teach and save those who are willing to hear the gospel of Christ.
  • Faithful brethren. Encouraging, commending, edifying, and helping them accomplish the Lord’s work.
  • Unfaithful brethren. Warning, rebuking, exhorting, restoring, and withdrawing fellowship from the impenitent.
  • Enemies. Praying for, doing good to, blessing, feeding the hungry, and giving drink to the thirsty.

5) Abound in knowledge and judgment – Philippians 1:9,10

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:9,10 that “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” Behold, Christians are to abound and grow in the knowledge of God’s word. Have in mind that the Bible commands and exhorts us to study God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14; Ephesians 3:3,4; 5:17; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:17,18). In order for us to remain steadfast in our faith in Christ, we must possess knowledge about His word, will, and way.

Our judgment must always be based on the revealed word. As Christians, we are to “Judge righteous judgment.” Jesus Christ Himself commanded us to  “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). That is, our judgment must not be passed on our own personal standards, but on Bible principles of Truth (Matthew 7:1-5). Therefore, righteous judgment requires the correct application of Bible truths. Apostle James taught that we are to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 2:22-25).

6) Abound in giving as we have been prospered – 1 Corinthians 16:1,2

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 that “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Note that the Macedonians mentioned by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 are examples of cheerful/abundant givers. According to the Apostle, they “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God” (verse 5). Those who find it difficult to give on the “first day of the week” (which means every week) have not first given themselves to the Lord. That is, they are not willing givers.

Apostle Paul encouraged and exhorted the Corinthians to be of such a mind as the Macedonians, to abound in giving, to sow bountifully. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 saying, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 

7) Abound in every good work – John 9:4

John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Likewise, it is expected of us Christians to do good works. We are to do “the work of the Lord.” That is, we are to do all that He has commanded us to do. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, openly did His Father’s work. Just as Christ was obedient to His Father, we must be obedient to all things (godly works) commanded by Christ.

In the same light, Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossian brethren said, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9,10; cf. Mark 14:6-9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:1; 5:10; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21).

8) Abound in partaking of the “divine nature” – 1 Peter 2:3,4

1 Peter 2:3,4 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Apostle Peter teaches that we can partake in the divine nature by building and maintaining an obedient faith (which is the very foundation of what we believe, teach, and practice according to verse 5 through 7). In doing this, we must add:

  • Knowledge (Knowledge of God’s word);
  • Virtue (strength, manliness, moral excellence, and courage);
  • Brotherly kindness (love [phileo-Gk.] of the brethren); charity (love, [agape-Gk.];
  • Temperance (Self-control);
  • Godliness (an attitude and actions that result in an acceptable relationship with God); and
  • Patience (long-suffering, persistence, endurance, and perseverance).

We can find the result of these additions to our faith in 2 Peter 1:8-10“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

Marks of God’s Abounding Grace (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

1 Timothy 1:12-17 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.”

It is very important for us to know the marks of God’s abounding grace in the lives of Christians. So, what are the marks of God’s abounding grace in a believer’s life? Behold, each of us has received grace not only for salvation but for many other things. In 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Apostle Paul reflects on God’s abundant grace over his life. In verse 14, he says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” When Apostle Paul uses the word “abundantly,” it actually means “super-abundantly” or  “an exceeding abundant amount.” Note that he added the Greek prefix “huper” to intensify the word “abundant” (pleonazo). Amazingly, the prefix “huper” has made its way into the English Language. It is used of “hypersensitive” people or “hyperactive” children. Below are the marks of God’s abounding grace:

1) God’s Abounding Grace Calls and Equips Us to Serve Him

1 Timothy 1:12 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry.” When Apostle Paul considered God’s amazing grace, he recognized how God called and equipped him for ministry. He was appointed into service as an Apostle. When he says that he was “strengthened,” it can as well be translated as he was made “equal to the task.” Note that Paul was not equipped in his own strength to serve as an apostle and to suffer the persecution that came with the apostolic ministry. The Lord God Almighty made him equal to the task, and this is true for us as well. It is worth noting that in whatever way that God has called us to serve, He makes us equal to the task.

Note how God speaks to Jeremiah, who felt unequipped to speak as a prophet. In Jeremiah 1:6-10, he says, I answered, “Oh, Lord God, I really do not know how to speak well enough for that, for I am too young.” The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ But go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I will most assuredly give you the words you are to speak for me. Know for certain that I hereby give you the authority to announce to nations and kingdoms that they will be uprooted and torn down, destroyed and demolished, rebuilt and firmly planted.”

2) God’s Abounding Grace Forgives Our Sins

1 Timothy 1:13 says, “even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” In addition to calling and equipping us to serve, God’s grace continually forgives and removes the guilt of our sin. Paul said that despite the fact that he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, he was given mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. As a blasphemer, Paul blasphemed Christ. As a persecutor, he imprisoned and put Christians to death. And as a violent man, Paul delighted in hurting believers – he was more like a bully or a sadist. Paul’s wickedness had reached its max as he didn’t want to hear anything about believers and was always willing and ready to persecute them in all ways. Though he was so sinful, God’s grace still forgave him.

God’s grace forgives us as it did to Paul. That is, His super-abundant grace and mercy meet us in our failures. It is in this light that 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” This Biblical verse makes us understand that when we confess, not only does God forgives the sins we confessed, but he purifies us from “all unrighteousness.” That is, when we confess known sin, God cleanses us even from unknown sin. We call this super-abundant grace. Paul says, “I was treated with mercy ‘because’ I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” Thus, does our ignorance make us less responsible for our sins? When Paul makes mention of his ignorance, he is probably referring to the Old Testament teaching of intentional and unintentional sins (Numbers 15:28-31).

3) God’s Abounding Grace Changes Our Hearts

1 Timothy 1:14 says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” Amazingly, God’s super-abundant grace not only called, equipped, and forgave Paul, but also radically changed his heart. He mentions two other blessings that came from God’s grace: faith and love. This also holds for all believers. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.” Upon considering the saving faith that he had received, Paul realized it was a gift from God. Behold, there was nothing spiritually or intellectually special about Paul that made him accept Christ as Lord and Savior; it was grace. God’s super-abundant grace opened his blind eyes so that he could see Christ’s beauty.

This is also true for each one of us. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Note that before salvation, we were all unbelievers, at one time, consumed with ourselves and blinded to heavenly realities. Fascinatingly, God through His grace sent the Holy Spirit to capture and wake us up so we could see and respond to Christ, the savior of the world. The Almighty God lavished faith on us, but not just faith for salvation, faith to following Him daily. Likewise, at salvation, God lavishes the gift of love on believers. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Even our affection for God, His Word, and others, all come from God.

4) God’s Abounding Grace Convicts and Humbles Us

1 Timothy 1:15 says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” Note that when Paul says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance,” it means that he is about to give a statement of special importance. Interestingly, he uses this phrase five times in the Pastoral Epistles. Today, many people think that these were well-known quotations possibly from an early hymn or creed. Following this statement, Apostle Paul gives the gospel in miniature: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” (v. 15). In this verse, what stands out most is the fact that Paul calls himself the worst or chief (KJV). What did Paul mean by this? Was Paul really the worst sinner?

Why did Paul call himself the worst sinner? Obviously, Paul was not the worst sinner on the planet. It is without a doubt that his sins were certainly heinous and evil, as he persecuted Christians and blasphemed Christ. However, his statement appears to reflect genuine conversion and humility coming from his receiving of God’s abundant grace. This is common for people who are graced to encounter God. Likewise, when Prophet Isaiah saw God in Isaiah 6:5, he declared “Woe is me. I have unclean lips and I come from a people of unclean lips” (paraphrase). Similarly, Peter cried out, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”, when he recognized Christ as Lord (Luke 5:8). God’s abundant grace is such that it creates genuine conviction of sin and humility in its recipient.

5) God’s Abounding Grace Displays God’s Glory to Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” The display of God’s amazing grace is meant to glorify Him. By giving Paul, a blasphemer, super-abundant grace in salvation, God displayed His immense patience to the world. God continually came after Paul, though he dwelled in great rebellion. God Almighty is immensely patient; He desires that none should perish but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). In His loving nature, He holds back his wrath, in the hope, that people will repent and turn to Him. By saving a tremendous sinner like Paul, God displayed the glory of His attributes to the world.

Some people often handle Scripture as though God’s primary goal in redemptive history is to save souls, but it’s not really the case. God’s primary goal is his glory, and the salvation of the lost is ultimately a vehicle for that. Ephesians 1:11-12 says, “In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory.” Interestingly, this is not only for the world and believers to see, it is also for angels.  Ephesians 3:10 says, “The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.”

6) God’s Abounding Grace Makes Us Models for Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” Paul’s salvation not only reflected God’s glory but also became a model for others. By saving a chief sinner like Paul, God gives hope to others who are far away from Him and those praying out of love for the salvation of others. Behold, if God can save Paul, He can equally save anybody! This should encourage us to never stop praying for even the most hardened sinner. The Lord God Almighty saved Paul in an amazing way that he became an example or pattern that encourages others to believe in God.

This is also true for us. Our salvation and therefore our testimonies are powerful tools meant to be shared with others for their encouragement and the glory of God. Remember the story of the demoniac, when he tried to follow Christ, the Lord said: “‘Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you’” (Mark 5:19). God is telling us the same as we can read from Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so”. We have different testimonies – some dramatic and others less dramatic – but they are all marked by God’s super-abundant grace. And God uses them to lead others to Christ. Thus, we must faithfully share our salvation stories with others, as well as the stories of God’s daily grace in our lives. These are not ours to keep but God’s.

7) God’s Abounding Grace Provokes us to Worship

1 Timothy 1:17 says, “Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.” Paul considered all that God did for him and started praising Him. In his doxology, he gives four wonderful designations for our great God. Below are Kent Huphes’ comments on the designations that Paul used to ascribe praise to God:

  • Paul calls him “the King eternal.” God is the King of all ages who sovereignly governs every age before creation, after creation, to the final age, and on into eternity.
  • Paul calls him “immortal.” God is not subject to decay or destruction and therefore is in the most absolute sense “imperishable, incorruptible, and immortal.”
  • Apostle Paul calls him “invisible,” for the physical eye cannot see him. He “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). All that human beings have ever seen of him (other than the incarnate Christ) are glimpses of his glory.”
  • Paul calls him “the only God” (mono theo). He alone is what he is. Of himself God has declared, “I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:18).

What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace?

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Colossians 2:6-8 – “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

Group 1 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Group 2 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 – “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. …

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Group 3 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

1 Corinthians 12:11 – “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

Deuteronomy 28:11 – “And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

Philippians 4:16-17 – “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”

Group 4 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Galatians 3:26 – “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

1 Corinthians 15:23 – “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Group 5 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

1 Corinthians 15:24-28 – “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

Group 6 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Romans 6:4 – “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 8:11 – “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Group 7 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Romans 6:1-2 – “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Matthew 24:12-13 – “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Genesis 2:18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Group 8 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Psalm 13:5-6 – “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

Genesis 1:28And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Group 9 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Deuteronomy 28:9-11 – “The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

1 John 3:5 – “You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.

Group 10 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”

Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Group 11 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Jude 1:7 – “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”

1 John 2:2 – “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Group 12 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Ephesians 5:22-25 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”

Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Ephesians 5:23 – “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

Ephesians 1:23 – “Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Group 13 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,”

Ephesians 1:22 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,”

Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 1:10 – “As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Group 14 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

1 Corinthians 15:28 – “When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Galatians 1:3 – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,”

1 Corinthians 6:10 – “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13 – “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

Group 15 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Group 16 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Acts 2:22 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

Romans 6:3 – “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

John 17:23 – “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Group 17 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Acts 10:34So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,”

Romans 8:27 – “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Romans 8:9 – “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

Group 18 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Ezekiel 18:23 – “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

John 15:26 – “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”

Genesis 9:1And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”

Group 19 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”

Genesis 4:25 – “And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.”

Revelation 3:21 – “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Group 20 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …

Genesis 1:1-3:24 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …

Group 21 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

1 Peter 1:17 – “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,”

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Hebrews 1:2 – “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Group 22 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Ephesians 4:6 – “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

1 Timothy 5:21 – “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”

Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Group 23 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Romans 1:1-32 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ...”

Acts 8:38 – “And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”

Group 24 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

1 Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

2 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Group 25 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Acts 2:36 – “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Group 26 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

John 6:27 – “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Luke 10:7 – “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.

Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?”

Group 27 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Mark 16:15And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Daniel 12:1 – “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

Group 28 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Joel 2:12-13“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

Ezekiel 33:11 – “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Group 29 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Proverbs 31:15 – “She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

Joshua 5:13-15 – “When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Group 30 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Isaiah 66:19 – “And I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.”

Proverbs 31:31 – “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Group 31 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Leviticus 19:15 – “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.

Genesis 26:4 – “I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,

Group 32 – What Does It Mean To Abound In Grace

Genesis 19:1-38 – “The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, …

Also Read

Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Abound In The Work Of The Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” This verse is often used by Gospel preachers to encourage brethren to abound in faithful work and service to the cause of Christ. A Christian’s life must be a life of abounding work. A Christian must be a faithful follower of the Master, a “steadfast, unmovable, always-abounding” servant who is firmly grounded in the Bible’s revealed truths. Unfortunately, some brethren are not “steadfast and unmoveable;” rather, they are like “children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Ephesians 4:14). Such are those who lack the qualities associated with “always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

According to W.E. Vine, the Greek word rendered “abounding” (perisseuo, Ok) in this passage is defined as “to be abundantly furnished, to abound in a thing…the work of the Lord.” Likewise, Strong defined this word as From G4053; “to super-abound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (trans.) to cause to super-abound or excel: (make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance, (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above)” (Strong’s, 04502). Therefore, one who abounds has an overflowing abundance. Note the account (Luke 4:5-10) of Jesus’ instructions to Simon Peter. He said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” When Peter obeyed and let down the nets as Christ directed, they caught enough fish than their nets could carry, and the ship began to sink. This is ABUNDANCE!

Abound In The Work Of The Lord

The phrase “in the work of the Lord” applies to all things that God commanded man to do. Regarding this phrase, commentator Albert E. Barnes said, “Always engaged in doing the will of God; in promoting His glory, and advancing His kingdom. This phrase means not only to be engaged in this, but to be engaged diligently, laboriously; excelling in this. The ‘work of the Lord’ here means that which the Lord requires; all the appropriate duties of Christians. Paul exhorts them to practice every Christian virtue, and to do all they could do to further the gospel among men. (Barnes Notes, Vol. 8, p. 324).

What The Scriptures Say About Abounding

Upon revealing the different definitions and comments, let’s now look at the Scriptures that teach us how we are to bound “in the work of the Lord.” In order to abound in the Lord’s work, we must carry out the following:

1) Abound in faithful service, coupled with thanksgiving – Colossians 2:5-7

Apostle Paul says in Colossians 2:5-7 that “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joy and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

2) Abound in hope – Romans 15:13,14

Apostle Paul says in Romans 15:13,14 that “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Fundamentally, hope is a desire with expectation. Therefore, the Christian should hope to receive an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 1:4; 5:4). Our hope for heaven should be based on the truths revealed in the Scriptures, not on some false hope created by false teachers.

It is rather unfortunate that many have laid down the sword of truth and have not finished the race, resulting in a “faith” that is made shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19). In Apostle Paul’s letter to young Timothy, he expressed confidence that he, based on his own steadfastness in the faith, would receive the eternal crown: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

3) Abound in suffering for the cause of Christ – 2 Corinthians 1:5-7

Regarding this, Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 that “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”

Here, it is worth pointing to the fact that Apostle Paul clearly made mention of steadfastness. Therefore, as workers for the Lord God Almighty, we must be steadfast, even though severe persecutions may arise. Remember that Christ warned His disciples that they would have to endure persecutions and that they would come to those who do the Lord’s work (Matthew 10:16-28). Likewise, Apostle Paul himself suffered persecutions and warned in his writings of persecutions that would come to the faithful (2 Corinthians 11:24-28; 12:10; 2 Timothy 3:11,12). Having read and understood this, we must be willing to suffer and should not find it strange when we are called upon to suffer persecutions for righteousness’ sake  (Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Revelation 2:10).

4) Abound in love – 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13

Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13 that “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” The love that Apostle Paul mentioned in these verses is the agape type of love.

Occasionally, some liberal-minded brethren accuse preachers who boldly teach the truth of not “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), or of being caustic, unloving, abusive, or abrasive. Likewise, some brethren accuse other preachers who boldly “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” of knowing only how to preach on divisive issues, of blasting the denominations, or of nailing or clobbering church members for their shortcomings. Sadly, brethren who make such charges really don’t know the true Bible meaning of love. Remember and reflect on Apostle Paul’s words: “speaking the TRUTH in LOVE” (Ephesians 4:15).

Understanding agape love

Agape love is the type of love that “does not always run with natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself upon those for whom a natural affinity is discovered – love seeks the welfare of all” (Vine).

We can portray agape love by considering the words of Jesus when he commanded: “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:44-48).

More on agape love

Some people say that “Faults are thick where love is thin.” Read 1 Corinthians 13 and John 13:34-35 and determine how true this statement is. Behold, Godly love (agape love) has to do with abounding in love for:

  • God. Keeping His commands, maintaining the right attitude towards His word, and service to Him.
  • Christ. Submission to, and appreciation for, the Sacrifice He made for us. Diligent service and respect for His authority, His name, His church, and His doctrine.
  • The Holy Spirit. Utmost respect for the revealed word, as well as diligently studying it, living it, teaching it, earnestly contending for it, and defending it when it is under attack.
  • Alien sinners. Being “an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12), working to teach and save those who are willing to hear the gospel of Christ.
  • Faithful brethren. Encouraging, commending, edifying, and helping them accomplish the Lord’s work.
  • Unfaithful brethren. Warning, rebuking, exhorting, restoring, and withdrawing fellowship from the impenitent.
  • Enemies. Praying for, doing good to, blessing, feeding the hungry, and giving drink to the thirsty.

5) Abound in knowledge and judgment – Philippians 1:9,10

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:9,10 that “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” Behold, Christians are to abound and grow in the knowledge of God’s word. Have in mind that the Bible commands and exhorts us to study God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14; Ephesians 3:3,4; 5:17; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:17,18). In order for us to remain steadfast in our faith in Christ, we must possess knowledge about His word, will, and way.

Our judgment must always be based on the revealed word. As Christians, we are to “Judge righteous judgment.” Jesus Christ Himself commanded us to  “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). That is, our judgment must not be passed on our own personal standards, but on Bible principles of Truth (Matthew 7:1-5). Therefore, righteous judgment requires the correct application of Bible truths. Apostle James taught that we are to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 2:22-25).

6) Abound in giving as we have been prospered – 1 Corinthians 16:1,2

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 that “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Note that the Macedonians mentioned by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 are examples of cheerful/abundant givers. According to the Apostle, they “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God” (verse 5). Those who find it difficult to give on the “first day of the week” (which means every week) have not first given themselves to the Lord. That is, they are not willing givers.

Apostle Paul encouraged and exhorted the Corinthians to be of such a mind as the Macedonians, to abound in giving, to sow bountifully. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 saying, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 

7) Abound in every good work – John 9:4

John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Likewise, it is expected of us Christians to do good works. We are to do “the work of the Lord.” That is, we are to do all that He has commanded us to do. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, openly did His Father’s work. Just as Christ was obedient to His Father, we must be obedient to all things (godly works) commanded by Christ.

In the same light, Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossian brethren said, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9,10; cf. Mark 14:6-9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:1; 5:10; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21).

8) Abound in partaking of the “divine nature” – 1 Peter 2:3,4

1 Peter 2:3,4 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Apostle Peter teaches that we can partake in the divine nature by building and maintaining an obedient faith (which is the very foundation of what we believe, teach, and practice according to verse 5 through 7). In doing this, we must add:

  • Knowledge (Knowledge of God’s word);
  • Virtue (strength, manliness, moral excellence, and courage);
  • Brotherly kindness (love [phileo-Gk.] of the brethren); charity (love, [agape-Gk.];
  • Temperance (Self-control);
  • Godliness (an attitude and actions that result in an acceptable relationship with God); and
  • Patience (long-suffering, persistence, endurance, and perseverance).

We can find the result of these additions to our faith in 2 Peter 1:8-10“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

Marks of God’s Abounding Grace (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

1 Timothy 1:12-17 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.”

It is very important for us to know the marks of God’s abounding grace in the lives of Christians. So, what are the marks of God’s abounding grace in a believer’s life? Behold, each of us has received grace not only for salvation but for many other things. In 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Apostle Paul reflects on God’s abundant grace over his life. In verse 14, he says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” When Apostle Paul uses the word “abundantly,” it actually means “super-abundantly” or  “an exceeding abundant amount.” Note that he added the Greek prefix “huper” to intensify the word “abundant” (pleonazo). Amazingly, the prefix “huper” has made its way into the English Language. It is used of “hypersensitive” people or “hyperactive” children. Below are the marks of God’s abounding grace:

1) God’s Abounding Grace Calls and Equips Us to Serve Him

1 Timothy 1:12 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry.” When Apostle Paul considered God’s amazing grace, he recognized how God called and equipped him for ministry. He was appointed into service as an Apostle. When he says that he was “strengthened,” it can as well be translated as he was made “equal to the task.” Note that Paul was not equipped in his own strength to serve as an apostle and to suffer the persecution that came with the apostolic ministry. The Lord God Almighty made him equal to the task, and this is true for us as well. It is worth noting that in whatever way that God has called us to serve, He makes us equal to the task.

Note how God speaks to Jeremiah, who felt unequipped to speak as a prophet. In Jeremiah 1:6-10, he says, I answered, “Oh, Lord God, I really do not know how to speak well enough for that, for I am too young.” The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ But go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I will most assuredly give you the words you are to speak for me. Know for certain that I hereby give you the authority to announce to nations and kingdoms that they will be uprooted and torn down, destroyed and demolished, rebuilt and firmly planted.”

2) God’s Abounding Grace Forgives Our Sins

1 Timothy 1:13 says, “even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” In addition to calling and equipping us to serve, God’s grace continually forgives and removes the guilt of our sin. Paul said that despite the fact that he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, he was given mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. As a blasphemer, Paul blasphemed Christ. As a persecutor, he imprisoned and put Christians to death. And as a violent man, Paul delighted in hurting believers – he was more like a bully or a sadist. Paul’s wickedness had reached its max as he didn’t want to hear anything about believers and was always willing and ready to persecute them in all ways. Though he was so sinful, God’s grace still forgave him.

God’s grace forgives us as it did to Paul. That is, His super-abundant grace and mercy meet us in our failures. It is in this light that 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” This Biblical verse makes us understand that when we confess, not only does God forgives the sins we confessed, but he purifies us from “all unrighteousness.” That is, when we confess known sin, God cleanses us even from unknown sin. We call this super-abundant grace. Paul says, “I was treated with mercy ‘because’ I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” Thus, does our ignorance make us less responsible for our sins? When Paul makes mention of his ignorance, he is probably referring to the Old Testament teaching of intentional and unintentional sins (Numbers 15:28-31).

3) God’s Abounding Grace Changes Our Hearts

1 Timothy 1:14 says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” Amazingly, God’s super-abundant grace not only called, equipped, and forgave Paul, but also radically changed his heart. He mentions two other blessings that came from God’s grace: faith and love. This also holds for all believers. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.” Upon considering the saving faith that he had received, Paul realized it was a gift from God. Behold, there was nothing spiritually or intellectually special about Paul that made him accept Christ as Lord and Savior; it was grace. God’s super-abundant grace opened his blind eyes so that he could see Christ’s beauty.

This is also true for each one of us. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Note that before salvation, we were all unbelievers, at one time, consumed with ourselves and blinded to heavenly realities. Fascinatingly, God through His grace sent the Holy Spirit to capture and wake us up so we could see and respond to Christ, the savior of the world. The Almighty God lavished faith on us, but not just faith for salvation, faith to following Him daily. Likewise, at salvation, God lavishes the gift of love on believers. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Even our affection for God, His Word, and others, all come from God.

4) God’s Abounding Grace Convicts and Humbles Us

1 Timothy 1:15 says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” Note that when Paul says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance,” it means that he is about to give a statement of special importance. Interestingly, he uses this phrase five times in the Pastoral Epistles. Today, many people think that these were well-known quotations possibly from an early hymn or creed. Following this statement, Apostle Paul gives the gospel in miniature: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” (v. 15). In this verse, what stands out most is the fact that Paul calls himself the worst or chief (KJV). What did Paul mean by this? Was Paul really the worst sinner?

Why did Paul call himself the worst sinner? Obviously, Paul was not the worst sinner on the planet. It is without a doubt that his sins were certainly heinous and evil, as he persecuted Christians and blasphemed Christ. However, his statement appears to reflect genuine conversion and humility coming from his receiving of God’s abundant grace. This is common for people who are graced to encounter God. Likewise, when Prophet Isaiah saw God in Isaiah 6:5, he declared “Woe is me. I have unclean lips and I come from a people of unclean lips” (paraphrase). Similarly, Peter cried out, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”, when he recognized Christ as Lord (Luke 5:8). God’s abundant grace is such that it creates genuine conviction of sin and humility in its recipient.

5) God’s Abounding Grace Displays God’s Glory to Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” The display of God’s amazing grace is meant to glorify Him. By giving Paul, a blasphemer, super-abundant grace in salvation, God displayed His immense patience to the world. God continually came after Paul, though he dwelled in great rebellion. God Almighty is immensely patient; He desires that none should perish but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). In His loving nature, He holds back his wrath, in the hope, that people will repent and turn to Him. By saving a tremendous sinner like Paul, God displayed the glory of His attributes to the world.

Some people often handle Scripture as though God’s primary goal in redemptive history is to save souls, but it’s not really the case. God’s primary goal is his glory, and the salvation of the lost is ultimately a vehicle for that. Ephesians 1:11-12 says, “In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory.” Interestingly, this is not only for the world and believers to see, it is also for angels.  Ephesians 3:10 says, “The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.”

6) God’s Abounding Grace Makes Us Models for Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” Paul’s salvation not only reflected God’s glory but also became a model for others. By saving a chief sinner like Paul, God gives hope to others who are far away from Him and those praying out of love for the salvation of others. Behold, if God can save Paul, He can equally save anybody! This should encourage us to never stop praying for even the most hardened sinner. The Lord God Almighty saved Paul in an amazing way that he became an example or pattern that encourages others to believe in God.

This is also true for us. Our salvation and therefore our testimonies are powerful tools meant to be shared with others for their encouragement and the glory of God. Remember the story of the demoniac, when he tried to follow Christ, the Lord said: “‘Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you’” (Mark 5:19). God is telling us the same as we can read from Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so”. We have different testimonies – some dramatic and others less dramatic – but they are all marked by God’s super-abundant grace. And God uses them to lead others to Christ. Thus, we must faithfully share our salvation stories with others, as well as the stories of God’s daily grace in our lives. These are not ours to keep but God’s.

7) God’s Abounding Grace Provokes us to Worship

1 Timothy 1:17 says, “Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.” Paul considered all that God did for him and started praising Him. In his doxology, he gives four wonderful designations for our great God. Below are Kent Huphes’ comments on the designations that Paul used to ascribe praise to God:

  • Paul calls him “the King eternal.” God is the King of all ages who sovereignly governs every age before creation, after creation, to the final age, and on into eternity.
  • Paul calls him “immortal.” God is not subject to decay or destruction and therefore is in the most absolute sense “imperishable, incorruptible, and immortal.”
  • Apostle Paul calls him “invisible,” for the physical eye cannot see him. He “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). All that human beings have ever seen of him (other than the incarnate Christ) are glimpses of his glory.”
  • Paul calls him “the only God” (mono theo). He alone is what he is. Of himself God has declared, “I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:18).

Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Colossians 2:6-8 – “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

Group 1 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 – “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. …

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Group 2 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Group 3 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Galatians 3:26 – “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

1 Corinthians 15:23 – “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Group 4 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 12:11 – “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

Deuteronomy 28:11 – “And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

Philippians 4:16-17 – “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”

Group 5 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 15:24-28 – “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

Group 6 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 6:4 – “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 8:11 – “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Group 7 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 6:1-2 – “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Matthew 24:12-13 – “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Genesis 2:18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Group 8 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Psalm 13:5-6 – “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

Genesis 1:28And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Group 9 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Deuteronomy 28:9-11 – “The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

1 John 3:5 – “You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.

Group 10 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”

Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Group 11 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Jude 1:7 – “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”

1 John 2:2 – “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Group 12 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ephesians 5:22-25 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”

Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Ephesians 5:23 – “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

Ephesians 1:23 – “Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Group 13 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,”

Ephesians 1:22 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,”

Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 1:10 – “As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Group 14 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 15:28 – “When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Galatians 1:3 – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,”

1 Corinthians 6:10 – “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13 – “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

Group 15 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Group 16 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Acts 10:34So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,”

Romans 8:27 – “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Romans 8:9 – “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

Group 17 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Acts 2:22 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

Romans 6:3 – “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

John 17:23 – “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Group 18 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”

Genesis 4:25 – “And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.”

Revelation 3:21 – “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Group 19 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ezekiel 18:23 – “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

John 15:26 – “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”

Genesis 9:1And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”

Group 20 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …

Genesis 1:1-3:24 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …

Group 21 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Peter 1:17 – “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,”

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Hebrews 1:2 – “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Group 22 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ephesians 4:6 – “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

1 Timothy 5:21 – “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”

Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Group 23 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

1 Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

2 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Group 24 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 1:1-32 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ...”

Acts 8:38 – “And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”

Group 25 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

John 6:27 – “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Luke 10:7 – “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.

Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?”

Group 26 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Acts 2:36 – “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Group 27 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Mark 16:15And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Daniel 12:1 – “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

Group 28 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Isaiah 66:19 – “And I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.”

Proverbs 31:31 – “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Group 29 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Genesis 19:1-38 – “The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, …

Group 30 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Proverbs 31:15 – “She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

Joshua 5:13-15 – “When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Group 31 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Leviticus 19:15 – “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.

Genesis 26:4 – “I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,

Group 32 – Abound In The Work Of The Lord

Joel 2:12-13“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

Ezekiel 33:11 – “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Also Read

Abound Meaning

Abound Meaning

Discover Abound Meaning (Abound Definition). 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” This verse is often used by Gospel preachers to encourage brethren to abound in faithful work and service to the cause of Christ. A Christian’s life must be a life of abounding work. A Christian must be a faithful follower of the Master, a “steadfast, unmovable, always-abounding” servant who is firmly grounded in the Bible’s revealed truths. Unfortunately, some brethren are not “steadfast and unmoveable;” rather, they are like “children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Ephesians 4:14). Such are those who lack the qualities associated with “always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

According to W.E. Vine, the Greek word rendered “abounding” (perisseuo, Ok) in this passage is defined as “to be abundantly furnished, to abound in a thing…the work of the Lord.” Likewise, Strong defined this word as From G4053; “to super-abound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (trans.) to cause to super-abound or excel: (make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance, (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above)” (Strong’s, 04502). Therefore, one who abounds has an overflowing abundance. Note the account (Luke 4:5-10) of Jesus’ instructions to Simon Peter. He said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” When Peter obeyed and let down the nets as Christ directed, they caught enough fish than their nets could carry, and the ship began to sink. This is ABUNDANCE!

Abound Meaning (Abound Definition Bible)

The phrase “in the work of the Lord” applies to all things that God commanded man to do. Regarding this phrase, commentator Albert E. Barnes said, “Always engaged in doing the will of God; in promoting His glory, and advancing His kingdom. This phrase means not only to be engaged in this, but to be engaged diligently, laboriously; excelling in this. The ‘work of the Lord’ here means that which the Lord requires; all the appropriate duties of Christians. Paul exhorts them to practice every Christian virtue, and to do all they could do to further the gospel among men. (Barnes Notes, Vol. 8, p. 324).

What The Scriptures Say About Abounding

Upon revealing the different definitions and comments, let’s now look at the Scriptures that teach us how we are to bound “in the work of the Lord.” In order to abound in the Lord’s work, we must carry out the following:

1) Abound in faithful service, coupled with thanksgiving – Colossians 2:5-7

Apostle Paul says in Colossians 2:5-7 that “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joy and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

2) Abound in hope – Romans 15:13,14

Apostle Paul says in Romans 15:13,14 that “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Fundamentally, hope is a desire with expectation. Therefore, the Christian should hope to receive an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 1:4; 5:4). Our hope for heaven should be based on the truths revealed in the Scriptures, not on some false hope created by false teachers.

It is rather unfortunate that many have laid down the sword of truth and have not finished the race, resulting in a “faith” that is made shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19). In Apostle Paul’s letter to young Timothy, he expressed confidence that he, based on his own steadfastness in the faith, would receive the eternal crown: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

3) Abound in suffering for the cause of Christ – 2 Corinthians 1:5-7

Regarding this, Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 that “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”

Here, it is worth pointing to the fact that Apostle Paul clearly made mention of steadfastness. Therefore, as workers for the Lord God Almighty, we must be steadfast, even though severe persecutions may arise. Remember that Christ warned His disciples that they would have to endure persecutions and that they would come to those who do the Lord’s work (Matthew 10:16-28). Likewise, Apostle Paul himself suffered persecutions and warned in his writings of persecutions that would come to the faithful (2 Corinthians 11:24-28; 12:10; 2 Timothy 3:11,12). Having read and understood this, we must be willing to suffer and should not find it strange when we are called upon to suffer persecutions for righteousness’ sake  (Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Revelation 2:10).

4) Abound in love – 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13

Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13 that “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” The love that Apostle Paul mentioned in these verses is the agape type of love.

Occasionally, some liberal-minded brethren accuse preachers who boldly teach the truth of not “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), or of being caustic, unloving, abusive, or abrasive. Likewise, some brethren accuse other preachers who boldly “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” of knowing only how to preach on divisive issues, of blasting the denominations, or of nailing or clobbering church members for their shortcomings. Sadly, brethren who make such charges really don’t know the true Bible meaning of love. Remember and reflect on Apostle Paul’s words: “speaking the TRUTH in LOVE” (Ephesians 4:15).

Understanding agape love

Agape love is the type of love that “does not always run with natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself upon those for whom a natural affinity is discovered – love seeks the welfare of all” (Vine).

We can portray agape love by considering the words of Jesus when he commanded: “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:44-48).

More on agape love

Some people say that “Faults are thick where love is thin.” Read 1 Corinthians 13 and John 13:34-35 and determine how true this statement is. Behold, Godly love (agape love) has to do with abounding in love for:

  • God. Keeping His commands, maintaining the right attitude towards His word, and service to Him.
  • Christ. Submission to, and appreciation for, the Sacrifice He made for us. Diligent service and respect for His authority, His name, His church, and His doctrine.
  • The Holy Spirit. Utmost respect for the revealed word, as well as diligently studying it, living it, teaching it, earnestly contending for it, and defending it when it is under attack.
  • Alien sinners. Being “an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12), working to teach and save those who are willing to hear the gospel of Christ.
  • Faithful brethren. Encouraging, commending, edifying, and helping them accomplish the Lord’s work.
  • Unfaithful brethren. Warning, rebuking, exhorting, restoring, and withdrawing fellowship from the impenitent.
  • Enemies. Praying for, doing good to, blessing, feeding the hungry, and giving drink to the thirsty.

5) Abound in knowledge and judgment – Philippians 1:9,10

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:9,10 that “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” Behold, Christians are to abound and grow in the knowledge of God’s word. Have in mind that the Bible commands and exhorts us to study God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14; Ephesians 3:3,4; 5:17; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:17,18). In order for us to remain steadfast in our faith in Christ, we must possess knowledge about His word, will, and way.

Our judgment must always be based on the revealed word. As Christians, we are to “Judge righteous judgment.” Jesus Christ Himself commanded us to  “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). That is, our judgment must not be passed on our own personal standards, but on Bible principles of Truth (Matthew 7:1-5). Therefore, righteous judgment requires the correct application of Bible truths. Apostle James taught that we are to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 2:22-25).

6) Abound in giving as we have been prospered – 1 Corinthians 16:1,2

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 that “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Note that the Macedonians mentioned by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 are examples of cheerful/abundant givers. According to the Apostle, they “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God” (verse 5). Those who find it difficult to give on the “first day of the week” (which means every week) have not first given themselves to the Lord. That is, they are not willing givers.

Apostle Paul encouraged and exhorted the Corinthians to be of such a mind as the Macedonians, to abound in giving, to sow bountifully. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 saying, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 

7) Abound in every good work – John 9:4

John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Likewise, it is expected of us Christians to do good works. We are to do “the work of the Lord.” That is, we are to do all that He has commanded us to do. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, openly did His Father’s work. Just as Christ was obedient to His Father, we must be obedient to all things (godly works) commanded by Christ.

In the same light, Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossian brethren said, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9,10; cf. Mark 14:6-9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:1; 5:10; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21).

8) Abound in partaking of the “divine nature” – 1 Peter 2:3,4

1 Peter 2:3,4 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Apostle Peter teaches that we can partake in the divine nature by building and maintaining an obedient faith (which is the very foundation of what we believe, teach, and practice according to verse 5 through 7). In doing this, we must add:

  • Knowledge (Knowledge of God’s word);
  • Virtue (strength, manliness, moral excellence, and courage);
  • Brotherly kindness (love [phileo-Gk.] of the brethren); charity (love, [agape-Gk.];
  • Temperance (Self-control);
  • Godliness (an attitude and actions that result in an acceptable relationship with God); and
  • Patience (long-suffering, persistence, endurance, and perseverance).

We can find the result of these additions to our faith in 2 Peter 1:8-10“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

Marks of God’s Abounding Grace (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

1 Timothy 1:12-17 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.”

It is very important for us to know the marks of God’s abounding grace in the lives of Christians. So, what are the marks of God’s abounding grace in a believer’s life? Behold, each of us has received grace not only for salvation but for many other things. In 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Apostle Paul reflects on God’s abundant grace over his life. In verse 14, he says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” When Apostle Paul uses the word “abundantly,” it actually means “super-abundantly” or  “an exceeding abundant amount.” Note that he added the Greek prefix “huper” to intensify the word “abundant” (pleonazo). Amazingly, the prefix “huper” has made its way into the English Language. It is used of “hypersensitive” people or “hyperactive” children. Below are the marks of God’s abounding grace:

1) God’s Abounding Grace Calls and Equips Us to Serve Him

1 Timothy 1:12 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry.” When Apostle Paul considered God’s amazing grace, he recognized how God called and equipped him for ministry. He was appointed into service as an Apostle. When he says that he was “strengthened,” it can as well be translated as he was made “equal to the task.” Note that Paul was not equipped in his own strength to serve as an apostle and to suffer the persecution that came with the apostolic ministry. The Lord God Almighty made him equal to the task, and this is true for us as well. It is worth noting that in whatever way that God has called us to serve, He makes us equal to the task.

Note how God speaks to Jeremiah, who felt unequipped to speak as a prophet. In Jeremiah 1:6-10, he says, I answered, “Oh, Lord God, I really do not know how to speak well enough for that, for I am too young.” The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ But go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I will most assuredly give you the words you are to speak for me. Know for certain that I hereby give you the authority to announce to nations and kingdoms that they will be uprooted and torn down, destroyed and demolished, rebuilt and firmly planted.”

2) God’s Abounding Grace Forgives Our Sins

1 Timothy 1:13 says, “even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” In addition to calling and equipping us to serve, God’s grace continually forgives and removes the guilt of our sin. Paul said that despite the fact that he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, he was given mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. As a blasphemer, Paul blasphemed Christ. As a persecutor, he imprisoned and put Christians to death. And as a violent man, Paul delighted in hurting believers – he was more like a bully or a sadist. Paul’s wickedness had reached its max as he didn’t want to hear anything about believers and was always willing and ready to persecute them in all ways. Though he was so sinful, God’s grace still forgave him.

God’s grace forgives us as it did to Paul. That is, His super-abundant grace and mercy meet us in our failures. It is in this light that 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” This Biblical verse makes us understand that when we confess, not only does God forgives the sins we confessed, but he purifies us from “all unrighteousness.” That is, when we confess known sin, God cleanses us even from unknown sin. We call this super-abundant grace. Paul says, “I was treated with mercy ‘because’ I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” Thus, does our ignorance make us less responsible for our sins? When Paul makes mention of his ignorance, he is probably referring to the Old Testament teaching of intentional and unintentional sins (Numbers 15:28-31).

3) God’s Abounding Grace Changes Our Hearts

1 Timothy 1:14 says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” Amazingly, God’s super-abundant grace not only called, equipped, and forgave Paul, but also radically changed his heart. He mentions two other blessings that came from God’s grace: faith and love. This also holds for all believers. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.” Upon considering the saving faith that he had received, Paul realized it was a gift from God. Behold, there was nothing spiritually or intellectually special about Paul that made him accept Christ as Lord and Savior; it was grace. God’s super-abundant grace opened his blind eyes so that he could see Christ’s beauty.

This is also true for each one of us. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Note that before salvation, we were all unbelievers, at one time, consumed with ourselves and blinded to heavenly realities. Fascinatingly, God through His grace sent the Holy Spirit to capture and wake us up so we could see and respond to Christ, the savior of the world. The Almighty God lavished faith on us, but not just faith for salvation, faith to following Him daily. Likewise, at salvation, God lavishes the gift of love on believers. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Even our affection for God, His Word, and others, all come from God.

4) God’s Abounding Grace Convicts and Humbles Us

1 Timothy 1:15 says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” Note that when Paul says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance,” it means that he is about to give a statement of special importance. Interestingly, he uses this phrase five times in the Pastoral Epistles. Today, many people think that these were well-known quotations possibly from an early hymn or creed. Following this statement, Apostle Paul gives the gospel in miniature: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” (v. 15). In this verse, what stands out most is the fact that Paul calls himself the worst or chief (KJV). What did Paul mean by this? Was Paul really the worst sinner?

Why did Paul call himself the worst sinner? Obviously, Paul was not the worst sinner on the planet. It is without a doubt that his sins were certainly heinous and evil, as he persecuted Christians and blasphemed Christ. However, his statement appears to reflect genuine conversion and humility coming from his receiving of God’s abundant grace. This is common for people who are graced to encounter God. Likewise, when Prophet Isaiah saw God in Isaiah 6:5, he declared “Woe is me. I have unclean lips and I come from a people of unclean lips” (paraphrase). Similarly, Peter cried out, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”, when he recognized Christ as Lord (Luke 5:8). God’s abundant grace is such that it creates genuine conviction of sin and humility in its recipient.

5) God’s Abounding Grace Displays God’s Glory to Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” The display of God’s amazing grace is meant to glorify Him. By giving Paul, a blasphemer, super-abundant grace in salvation, God displayed His immense patience to the world. God continually came after Paul, though he dwelled in great rebellion. God Almighty is immensely patient; He desires that none should perish but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). In His loving nature, He holds back his wrath, in the hope, that people will repent and turn to Him. By saving a tremendous sinner like Paul, God displayed the glory of His attributes to the world.

Some people often handle Scripture as though God’s primary goal in redemptive history is to save souls, but it’s not really the case. God’s primary goal is his glory, and the salvation of the lost is ultimately a vehicle for that. Ephesians 1:11-12 says, “In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory.” Interestingly, this is not only for the world and believers to see, it is also for angels.  Ephesians 3:10 says, “The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.”

6) God’s Abounding Grace Makes Us Models for Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” Paul’s salvation not only reflected God’s glory but also became a model for others. By saving a chief sinner like Paul, God gives hope to others who are far away from Him and those praying out of love for the salvation of others. Behold, if God can save Paul, He can equally save anybody! This should encourage us to never stop praying for even the most hardened sinner. The Lord God Almighty saved Paul in an amazing way that he became an example or pattern that encourages others to believe in God.

This is also true for us. Our salvation and therefore our testimonies are powerful tools meant to be shared with others for their encouragement and the glory of God. Remember the story of the demoniac, when he tried to follow Christ, the Lord said: “‘Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you’” (Mark 5:19). God is telling us the same as we can read from Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so”. We have different testimonies – some dramatic and others less dramatic – but they are all marked by God’s super-abundant grace. And God uses them to lead others to Christ. Thus, we must faithfully share our salvation stories with others, as well as the stories of God’s daily grace in our lives. These are not ours to keep but God’s.

7) God’s Abounding Grace Provokes us to Worship

1 Timothy 1:17 says, “Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.” Paul considered all that God did for him and started praising Him. In his doxology, he gives four wonderful designations for our great God. Below are Kent Huphes’ comments on the designations that Paul used to ascribe praise to God:

  • Paul calls him “the King eternal.” God is the King of all ages who sovereignly governs every age before creation, after creation, to the final age, and on into eternity.
  • Paul calls him “immortal.” God is not subject to decay or destruction and therefore is in the most absolute sense “imperishable, incorruptible, and immortal.”
  • Apostle Paul calls him “invisible,” for the physical eye cannot see him. He “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). All that human beings have ever seen of him (other than the incarnate Christ) are glimpses of his glory.”
  • Paul calls him “the only God” (mono theo). He alone is what he is. Of himself God has declared, “I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:18).

Abound Meaning (Abound Definition Bible)

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Colossians 2:6-8 – “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

Group 1 – Abound Meaning

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 – “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. …

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Group 2 – Abound Meaning

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Galatians 3:26 – “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

1 Corinthians 15:23 – “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Group 3 – Abound Meaning

1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

1 Corinthians 12:11 – “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

Deuteronomy 28:11 – “And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

Philippians 4:16-17 – “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”

Group 4 – Abound Meaning

Group 5 – Abound Meaning

1 Corinthians 15:24-28 – “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

Group 6 – Abound Meaning

Romans 6:4 – “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 8:11 – “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Group 7 – Abound Meaning

Romans 6:1-2 – “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Matthew 24:12-13 – “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Genesis 2:18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Group 8 – Abound Meaning

Psalm 13:5-6 – “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

Genesis 1:28And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Group 9 – Abound Meaning

Jude 1:7 – “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”

1 John 2:2 – “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Group 10 – Abound Meaning

Deuteronomy 28:9-11 – “The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

1 John 3:5 – “You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.

Group 11 – Abound Meaning

2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”

Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Group 12 – Abound Meaning

Ephesians 5:22-25 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”

Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Ephesians 5:23 – “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

Ephesians 1:23 – “Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Group 13 – Abound Meaning

Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,”

Ephesians 1:22 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,”

Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 1:10 – “As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Group 14 – Abound Meaning

1 Corinthians 15:28 – “When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Galatians 1:3 – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,”

1 Corinthians 6:10 – “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13 – “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

Group 15 – Abound Meaning

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Group 16 – Abound Meaning

Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Acts 10:34So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,”

Romans 8:27 – “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Romans 8:9 – “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

Group 17 – Abound Meaning

Acts 2:22 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

Romans 6:3 – “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

John 17:23 – “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Group 18 – Abound Meaning

Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”

Genesis 4:25 – “And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.”

Revelation 3:21 – “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Group 19 – Abound Meaning

Ezekiel 18:23 – “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

John 15:26 – “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”

Genesis 9:1And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”

Group 20 – Abound Meaning

Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …

Genesis 1:1-3:24 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …

Group 21 – Abound Meaning

1 Peter 1:17 – “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,”

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Hebrews 1:2 – “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Group 22 – Abound Meaning

Ephesians 4:6 – “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

1 Timothy 5:21 – “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”

Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Group 23 – Abound Meaning

1 Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

2 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Group 24 – Abound Meaning

Romans 1:1-32 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ...”

Acts 8:38 – “And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”

Group 25 – Abound Meaning

John 6:27 – “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Luke 10:7 – “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.

Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?”

Group 26 – Abound Meaning

Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Acts 2:36 – “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Group 27 – Abound Meaning

Mark 16:15And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Daniel 12:1 – “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

Group 28 – Abound Meaning

Joel 2:12-13“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

Ezekiel 33:11 – “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Group 29 – Abound Meaning

Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Isaiah 66:19 – “And I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.”

Proverbs 31:31 – “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Group 30 – Abound Meaning

Genesis 19:1-38 – “The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, …

Group 31 – Abound Meaning

Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Leviticus 19:15 – “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.

Genesis 26:4 – “I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,

Group 32 – Abound Meaning

Proverbs 31:15 – “She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

Joshua 5:13-15 – “When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Also Read

What Does The Bible Say About Abounding?

What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

What Does The Bible Say About Abounding? 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” This verse is often used by Gospel preachers to encourage brethren to abound in faithful work and service to the cause of Christ. A Christian’s life must be a life of abounding work. A Christian must be a faithful follower of the Master, a “steadfast, unmovable, always-abounding” servant who is firmly grounded in the Bible’s revealed truths. Unfortunately, some brethren are not “steadfast and unmoveable;” rather, they are like “children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Ephesians 4:14). Such are those who lack the qualities associated with “always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

According to W.E. Vine, the Greek word rendered “abounding” (perisseuo, Ok) in this passage is defined as “to be abundantly furnished, to abound in a thing…the work of the Lord.” Likewise, Strong defined this word as From G4053; “to super-abound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (trans.) to cause to super-abound or excel: (make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance, (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above)” (Strong’s, 04502). Therefore, one who abounds has an overflowing abundance. Note the account (Luke 4:5-10) of Jesus’ instructions to Simon Peter. He said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” When Peter obeyed and let down the nets as Christ directed, they caught enough fish than their nets could carry, and the ship began to sink. This is ABUNDANCE!

What Does The Bible Say About Abounding?

The phrase “in the work of the Lord” applies to all things that God commanded man to do. Regarding this phrase, commentator Albert E. Barnes said, “Always engaged in doing the will of God; in promoting His glory, and advancing His kingdom. This phrase means not only to be engaged in this, but to be engaged diligently, laboriously; excelling in this. The ‘work of the Lord’ here means that which the Lord requires; all the appropriate duties of Christians. Paul exhorts them to practice every Christian virtue, and to do all they could do to further the gospel among men. (Barnes Notes, Vol. 8, p. 324).

What The Scriptures Say

Upon revealing the different definitions and comments, let’s now look at the Scriptures that teach us how we are to bound “in the work of the Lord.” In order to abound in the Lord’s work, we must carry out the following:

1) Abound in faithful service, coupled with thanksgiving – Colossians 2:5-7

Apostle Paul says in Colossians 2:5-7 that “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joy and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

2) Abound in hope – Romans 15:13,14

Apostle Paul says in Romans 15:13,14 that “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Fundamentally, hope is a desire with expectation. Therefore, the Christian should hope to receive an “inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 1:4; 5:4). Our hope for heaven should be based on the truths revealed in the Scriptures, not on some false hope created by false teachers.

It is rather unfortunate that many have laid down the sword of truth and have not finished the race, resulting in a “faith” that is made shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19). In Apostle Paul’s letter to young Timothy, he expressed confidence that he, based on his own steadfastness in the faith, would receive the eternal crown: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

3) Abound in suffering for the cause of Christ – 2 Corinthians 1:5-7

Regarding this, Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:5-7 that “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”

Here, it is worth pointing to the fact that Apostle Paul clearly made mention of steadfastness. Therefore, as workers for the Lord God Almighty, we must be steadfast, even though severe persecutions may arise. Remember that Christ warned His disciples that they would have to endure persecutions and that they would come to those who do the Lord’s work (Matthew 10:16-28). Likewise, Apostle Paul himself suffered persecutions and warned in his writings of persecutions that would come to the faithful (2 Corinthians 11:24-28; 12:10; 2 Timothy 3:11,12). Having read and understood this, we must be willing to suffer and should not find it strange when we are called upon to suffer persecutions for righteousness’ sake  (Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Revelation 2:10).

4) Abound in love – 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13

Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13 that “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” The love that Apostle Paul mentioned in these verses is the agape type of love.

Occasionally, some liberal-minded brethren accuse preachers who boldly teach the truth of not “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), or of being caustic, unloving, abusive, or abrasive. Likewise, some brethren accuse other preachers who boldly “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” of knowing only how to preach on divisive issues, of blasting the denominations, or of nailing or clobbering church members for their shortcomings. Sadly, brethren who make such charges really don’t know the true Bible meaning of love. Remember and reflect on Apostle Paul’s words: “speaking the TRUTH in LOVE” (Ephesians 4:15).

Understanding agape love

Agape love is the type of love that “does not always run with natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself upon those for whom a natural affinity is discovered – love seeks the welfare of all” (Vine).

We can portray agape love by considering the words of Jesus when he commanded: “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:44-48).

More on agape love

Some people say that “Faults are thick where love is thin.” Read 1 Corinthians 13 and John 13:34-35 and determine how true this statement is. Behold, Godly love (agape love) has to do with abounding in love for:

  • God. Keeping His commands, maintaining the right attitude towards His word, and service to Him.
  • Christ. Submission to, and appreciation for, the Sacrifice He made for us. Diligent service and respect for His authority, His name, His church, and His doctrine.
  • The Holy Spirit. Utmost respect for the revealed word, as well as diligently studying it, living it, teaching it, earnestly contending for it, and defending it when it is under attack.
  • Alien sinners. Being “an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12), working to teach and save those who are willing to hear the gospel of Christ.
  • Faithful brethren. Encouraging, commending, edifying, and helping them accomplish the Lord’s work.
  • Unfaithful brethren. Warning, rebuking, exhorting, restoring, and withdrawing fellowship from the impenitent.
  • Enemies. Praying for, doing good to, blessing, feeding the hungry, and giving drink to the thirsty.

5) Abound in knowledge and judgment – Philippians 1:9,10

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:9,10 that “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” Behold, Christians are to abound and grow in the knowledge of God’s word. Have in mind that the Bible commands and exhorts us to study God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14; Ephesians 3:3,4; 5:17; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:17,18). In order for us to remain steadfast in our faith in Christ, we must possess knowledge about His word, will, and way.

Our judgment must always be based on the revealed word. As Christians, we are to “Judge righteous judgment.” Jesus Christ Himself commanded us to  “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). That is, our judgment must not be passed on our own personal standards, but on Bible principles of Truth (Matthew 7:1-5). Therefore, righteous judgment requires the correct application of Bible truths. Apostle James taught that we are to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 2:22-25).

6) Abound in giving as we have been prospered – 1 Corinthians 16:1,2

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 that “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Note that the Macedonians mentioned by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 are examples of cheerful/abundant givers. According to the Apostle, they “first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God” (verse 5). Those who find it difficult to give on the “first day of the week” (which means every week) have not first given themselves to the Lord. That is, they are not willing givers.

Apostle Paul encouraged and exhorted the Corinthians to be of such a mind as the Macedonians, to abound in giving, to sow bountifully. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 saying, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 

7) Abound in every good work – John 9:4

John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Likewise, it is expected of us Christians to do good works. We are to do “the work of the Lord.” That is, we are to do all that He has commanded us to do. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, openly did His Father’s work. Just as Christ was obedient to His Father, we must be obedient to all things (godly works) commanded by Christ.

In the same light, Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossian brethren said, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9,10; cf. Mark 14:6-9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:1; 5:10; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21).

8) Abound in partaking of the “divine nature” – 1 Peter 2:3,4

1 Peter 2:3,4 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Apostle Peter teaches that we can partake in the divine nature by building and maintaining an obedient faith (which is the very foundation of what we believe, teach, and practice according to verse 5 through 7). In doing this, we must add:

  • Knowledge (Knowledge of God’s word);
  • Virtue (strength, manliness, moral excellence, and courage);
  • Brotherly kindness (love [phileo-Gk.] of the brethren); charity (love, [agape-Gk.];
  • Temperance (Self-control);
  • Godliness (an attitude and actions that result in an acceptable relationship with God); and
  • Patience (long-suffering, persistence, endurance, and perseverance).

We can find the result of these additions to our faith in 2 Peter 1:8-10“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

Marks of God’s Abounding Grace (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

1 Timothy 1:12-17 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.”

It is very important for us to know the marks of God’s abounding grace in the lives of Christians. So, what are the marks of God’s abounding grace in a believer’s life? Behold, each of us has received grace not only for salvation but for many other things. In 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Apostle Paul reflects on God’s abundant grace over his life. In verse 14, he says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” When Apostle Paul uses the word “abundantly,” it actually means “super-abundantly” or  “an exceeding abundant amount.” Note that he added the Greek prefix “huper” to intensify the word “abundant” (pleonazo). Amazingly, the prefix “huper” has made its way into the English Language. It is used of “hypersensitive” people or “hyperactive” children. Below are the marks of God’s abounding grace:

1) God’s Abounding Grace Calls and Equips Us to Serve Him

1 Timothy 1:12 says, “I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry.” When Apostle Paul considered God’s amazing grace, he recognized how God called and equipped him for ministry. He was appointed into service as an Apostle. When he says that he was “strengthened,” it can as well be translated as he was made “equal to the task.” Note that Paul was not equipped in his own strength to serve as an apostle and to suffer the persecution that came with the apostolic ministry. The Lord God Almighty made him equal to the task, and this is true for us as well. It is worth noting that in whatever way that God has called us to serve, He makes us equal to the task.

Note how God speaks to Jeremiah, who felt unequipped to speak as a prophet. In Jeremiah 1:6-10, he says, I answered, “Oh, Lord God, I really do not know how to speak well enough for that, for I am too young.” The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ But go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I will most assuredly give you the words you are to speak for me. Know for certain that I hereby give you the authority to announce to nations and kingdoms that they will be uprooted and torn down, destroyed and demolished, rebuilt and firmly planted.”

2) God’s Abounding Grace Forgives Our Sins

1 Timothy 1:13 says, “even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” In addition to calling and equipping us to serve, God’s grace continually forgives and removes the guilt of our sin. Paul said that despite the fact that he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, he was given mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. As a blasphemer, Paul blasphemed Christ. As a persecutor, he imprisoned and put Christians to death. And as a violent man, Paul delighted in hurting believers – he was more like a bully or a sadist. Paul’s wickedness had reached its max as he didn’t want to hear anything about believers and was always willing and ready to persecute them in all ways. Though he was so sinful, God’s grace still forgave him.

God’s grace forgives us as it did to Paul. That is, His super-abundant grace and mercy meet us in our failures. It is in this light that 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” This Biblical verse makes us understand that when we confess, not only does God forgives the sins we confessed, but he purifies us from “all unrighteousness.” That is, when we confess known sin, God cleanses us even from unknown sin. We call this super-abundant grace. Paul says, “I was treated with mercy ‘because’ I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” Thus, does our ignorance make us less responsible for our sins? When Paul makes mention of his ignorance, he is probably referring to the Old Testament teaching of intentional and unintentional sins (Numbers 15:28-31).

3) God’s Abounding Grace Changes Our Hearts

1 Timothy 1:14 says, “and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus.” Amazingly, God’s super-abundant grace not only called, equipped, and forgave Paul, but also radically changed his heart. He mentions two other blessings that came from God’s grace: faith and love. This also holds for all believers. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.” Upon considering the saving faith that he had received, Paul realized it was a gift from God. Behold, there was nothing spiritually or intellectually special about Paul that made him accept Christ as Lord and Savior; it was grace. God’s super-abundant grace opened his blind eyes so that he could see Christ’s beauty.

This is also true for each one of us. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Note that before salvation, we were all unbelievers, at one time, consumed with ourselves and blinded to heavenly realities. Fascinatingly, God through His grace sent the Holy Spirit to capture and wake us up so we could see and respond to Christ, the savior of the world. The Almighty God lavished faith on us, but not just faith for salvation, faith to following Him daily. Likewise, at salvation, God lavishes the gift of love on believers. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Even our affection for God, His Word, and others, all come from God.

4) God’s Abounding Grace Convicts and Humbles Us

1 Timothy 1:15 says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” Note that when Paul says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance,” it means that he is about to give a statement of special importance. Interestingly, he uses this phrase five times in the Pastoral Epistles. Today, many people think that these were well-known quotations possibly from an early hymn or creed. Following this statement, Apostle Paul gives the gospel in miniature: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them!” (v. 15). In this verse, what stands out most is the fact that Paul calls himself the worst or chief (KJV). What did Paul mean by this? Was Paul really the worst sinner?

Why did Paul call himself the worst sinner? Obviously, Paul was not the worst sinner on the planet. It is without a doubt that his sins were certainly heinous and evil, as he persecuted Christians and blasphemed Christ. However, his statement appears to reflect genuine conversion and humility coming from his receiving of God’s abundant grace. This is common for people who are graced to encounter God. Likewise, when Prophet Isaiah saw God in Isaiah 6:5, he declared “Woe is me. I have unclean lips and I come from a people of unclean lips” (paraphrase). Similarly, Peter cried out, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”, when he recognized Christ as Lord (Luke 5:8). God’s abundant grace is such that it creates genuine conviction of sin and humility in its recipient.

5) God’s Abounding Grace Displays God’s Glory to Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” The display of God’s amazing grace is meant to glorify Him. By giving Paul, a blasphemer, super-abundant grace in salvation, God displayed His immense patience to the world. God continually came after Paul, though he dwelled in great rebellion. God Almighty is immensely patient; He desires that none should perish but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). In His loving nature, He holds back his wrath, in the hope, that people will repent and turn to Him. By saving a tremendous sinner like Paul, God displayed the glory of His attributes to the world.

Some people often handle Scripture as though God’s primary goal in redemptive history is to save souls, but it’s not really the case. God’s primary goal is his glory, and the salvation of the lost is ultimately a vehicle for that. Ephesians 1:11-12 says, “In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory.” Interestingly, this is not only for the world and believers to see, it is also for angels.  Ephesians 3:10 says, “The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.”

6) God’s Abounding Grace Makes Us Models for Others

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” Paul’s salvation not only reflected God’s glory but also became a model for others. By saving a chief sinner like Paul, God gives hope to others who are far away from Him and those praying out of love for the salvation of others. Behold, if God can save Paul, He can equally save anybody! This should encourage us to never stop praying for even the most hardened sinner. The Lord God Almighty saved Paul in an amazing way that he became an example or pattern that encourages others to believe in God.

This is also true for us. Our salvation and therefore our testimonies are powerful tools meant to be shared with others for their encouragement and the glory of God. Remember the story of the demoniac, when he tried to follow Christ, the Lord said: “‘Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you’” (Mark 5:19). God is telling us the same as we can read from Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so”. We have different testimonies – some dramatic and others less dramatic – but they are all marked by God’s super-abundant grace. And God uses them to lead others to Christ. Thus, we must faithfully share our salvation stories with others, as well as the stories of God’s daily grace in our lives. These are not ours to keep but God’s.

7) God’s Abounding Grace Provokes us to Worship

1 Timothy 1:17 says, “Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.” Paul considered all that God did for him and started praising Him. In his doxology, he gives four wonderful designations for our great God. Below are Kent Huphes’ comments on the designations that Paul used to ascribe praise to God:

  • Paul calls him “the King eternal.” God is the King of all ages who sovereignly governs every age before creation, after creation, to the final age, and on into eternity.
  • Paul calls him “immortal.” God is not subject to decay or destruction and therefore is in the most absolute sense “imperishable, incorruptible, and immortal.”
  • Apostle Paul calls him “invisible,” for the physical eye cannot see him. He “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). All that human beings have ever seen of him (other than the incarnate Christ) are glimpses of his glory.”
  • Paul calls him “the only God” (mono theo). He alone is what he is. Of himself God has declared, “I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:18).

What Does The Bible Say About Abounding?

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Colossians 2:6-8 – “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

Group 1 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 – “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. …

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Group 2 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Group 3 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

1 Corinthians 12:11 – “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

Deuteronomy 28:11 – “And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

Philippians 4:16-17 – “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”

Group 4 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Galatians 3:26 – “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

1 Corinthians 15:23 – “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Group 5 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

1 Corinthians 15:24-28 – “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

Group 6 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Romans 6:4 – “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 8:11 – “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Group 7 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Romans 6:1-2 – “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Matthew 24:12-13 – “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Genesis 2:18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Psalm 13:5-6 – “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

Genesis 1:28And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Deuteronomy 28:9-11 – “The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.”

1 John 3:5 – “You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.

Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Jude 1:7 – “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”

1 John 2:2 – “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”

Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Ephesians 5:22-25 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”

Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Ephesians 5:23 – “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

Ephesians 1:23 – “Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,”

Ephesians 1:22 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,”

Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 1:10 – “As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

1 Corinthians 15:28 – “When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Galatians 1:3 – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,”

1 Corinthians 6:10 – “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13 – “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

Group 15 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Group 16 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Acts 10:34So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,”

Romans 8:27 – “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Romans 8:9 – “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

Group 17 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Acts 2:22 – “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

Romans 6:3 – “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

John 17:23 – “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Group 18 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Ezekiel 18:23 – “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

John 15:26 – “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”

Genesis 9:1And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”

Group 19 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”

Genesis 4:25 – “And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.”

Revelation 3:21 – “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Group 20 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …

Genesis 1:1-3:24 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. …

Group 21 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

1 Peter 1:17 – “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,”

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Hebrews 1:2 – “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Group 22 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Ephesians 4:6 – “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

1 Timothy 5:21 – “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”

Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Group 23 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

1 Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

2 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Group 24 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Romans 1:1-32 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ...”

Acts 8:38 – “And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”

Group 25 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Acts 2:36 – “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Group 26 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

John 6:27 – “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Luke 10:7 – “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.

Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?”

Group 27 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Mark 16:15And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

Daniel 12:1 – “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

Group 28 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Joel 2:12-13“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

Ezekiel 33:11 – “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Group 29 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Isaiah 66:19 – “And I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.”

Proverbs 31:31 – “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Group 30 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Proverbs 31:15 – “She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

Joshua 5:13-15 – “When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Group 31 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Leviticus 19:15 – “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.

Genesis 26:4 – “I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,

Group 32 – What Does The Bible Say About Abounding

Genesis 19:1-38 – “The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, …

Also Read

What Does God Say About Abortion?

What Does God Say About Abortion

What Does God Say About Abortion? Surprisingly, the Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, the Scriptures hold numerous teachings that make God’s view of abortion abundantly clear. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knows us before He forms us in the womb. Likewise, Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Also, Exodus 21:22-25 clearly prescribes the same penalty-death-for anyone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as for someone who commits murder. This is an indication that God considers a baby in the womb to be just as much of a human being as a full-grown adult. As Christians, we should understand that abortion is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose but a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6).

What is abortion? In simple terms, abortion is murder. Behold, it is the killing of a human being who is created in the image of God. We know the Christian stance on murder as one of God’s commands is for us not to kill. However, there are several arguments that have risen over the years against the Christian stance on abortion. Many will ask, “what about cases of rape or/and incest?” As horrible as it would be to become pregnant as a result of rape and/or incest, is the murder of a baby the solution? Remember that two wrongs cannot make a right. Though keeping a child who is gotten as a result of rape/incest is something worth encouraging, there is also the possibility of giving the child in adoption to a loving family unable to have children on their own. Remember that the baby is completely innocent.

What Does God Say About Abortion?

When dealing with the case of a baby conceived as a result of rape/incest, it is worth emphasizing that the baby is completely innocent and should not be punished for the evil acts of its father. Another argument that usually arises against the Christian stance on abortion is “what if the life of the mother is at risk?” Honestly speaking, this is the most difficult question to answer on the topic of abortion. It is important for us to start by pointing to the fact that this situation is the reason behind less than one-tenth of one percent of the abortions done around the world these days. Also, let’s remember that God is a God of Miracles. Unto Him, no situation is impossible to remediate. With Him, All Things Are Possible. His Ability is amazing. Follow the Ways of God and Trust in Him to see His Goodness.

Surprisingly, even in the one-tenth of one percent of abortions that are done to save the life of the mother, in the vast majority of these cases, an early induced delivery of the baby or a C-section is what is necessary, not an abortion. This early inducement may result in the death of the baby, but it is extremely rare that a baby must be actively aborted in order to save the Mother’s life. Some doctors say that abortion is never medically necessary to save the life of the mother. Ultimately, though, if the life of the mother is genuinely at risk, such a decision can only be made between a woman, her doctor, oftentimes the father of the child, and God Almighty. Any woman facing this extremely difficult and life-threatening situation should pray to the Lord God Almighty for wisdom (James 1:5) on how to go about the situation.

What The Scriptures Say About Abortion

We are made to understand by the Scriptures that life is worth preserving and that none has the right to take it. Today, over 98% of the abortions performed involve women who simply do not want to have the baby. Less than 2% of abortions are for the reasons of rape, incest, or the mother’s life is at risk. Even in this more difficult 2 % of instances, abortion should never be looked at as the first option. Always have in mind that the life of a human being in the womb is worth every effort to allow the child to be born.

Kind David understood the importance of life in the woman and spoke under the influence of God’s Spirit saying: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalms 139:13-16).

God Sees Life In The Womb (Psalms 139:13-16)

Psalms 139:13 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Likewise, Psalms 139:15-16 says, “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Without the benefit of ultrasounds and modern science,, King David penned these words that our hearts instinctively know. Life is life. No matter whether it is one day or 100 years on Earth, life is precious and worth preserving. Even within the womb, God sees life, He is the author, He values it, and He has ordained all the days of its life just like He did with each of us.

While John the Baptist was still within the womb, he already revealed his personality when he lept for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. It is important to note that the same New Testament Greek word “brephos” is used to describe John’s inter-uterine joy (Luke 1:41), the baby Jesus (Luke 2:12,16), and the children approaching Jesus during His Ministerial Life (Luke 18:15). In support of this Isaiah 44:24 says, “This is what the LORD says — your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself.” Likewise, Galatians 1:15 says, “But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace.” In addition, Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, …”

Dealing With The Sin Of Abortion

Remember that abortion is murder. It is the killing of a human being that is created in the likeness of God. As for those who have had an abortion, acknowledge, and regret the act, it is worth remembering that the sin of abortion is no less forgivable than any other sin. Through faith in Christ, anyone who Sincerely Repents can have his/her sins forgiven (John 3:16; Romans 8:1; Colossians 1:14). A woman who has had an abortion, a man who has encouraged an abortion – or even a doctor who has performed an abortion – can all be forgiven by Faith in Jesus Christ. However, they need to sincerely repent and turn away from such Evil thereby embarking on a journey of Following Jesus Christ by welcoming and keeping His message.

Questions And Answers From The Bible About the Beginning Of Life

1) Why should we value life?

Psalm 100:3 says, “Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
 Isaiah 44:24 says, “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and the One who formed you from the womb, ‘I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, stretching out the heavens by Myself, and spreading out the earth all alone . . .’
Isaiah 64:8 says, “But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father, we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and all of us are the work of Thy hand.”

2) Who is the creator of the preborn?

Psalm 139:13-16 says, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”
Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

3) Are the preborn human beings?

Luke 1:41, 44, says, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit…[saying] ‘As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.’”
Speaking of our Lord Jesus Christ who began His incarnation as an embryo, growing into a fetus, infant, child, teenager, and adult Luke 2:6-7 says, “While they were there, the time came for the baby to born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.”

4) How is God concerned with the preborn?

Galatians 1:15 says, “But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace . . .
Ephesians 1:3-4 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us through Christ every possible spiritual benefit as citizens of heaven! For consider what he has done—before the foundation of the world He chose us to become, in Christ, His holy and blameless children living within His constant care.”

5) Who is responsible for life and death?

Exodus 20:1, 13, says, “Then God spoke all these words, saying . . . ‘You shall not murder’
Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

6) Are human beings permitted to take life before birth?

Exodus 21:22-25 says, “If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.”

7) Should a child conceived as a result of rape or incest be aborted?

Deuteronomy 24:16 says, “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.”

8) How should a woman view her body and the preborn life growing in her womb?

Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

9) Should a child who might be born deformed or disabled be aborted?

Exodus 4:11 says, “So the LORD said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?‘”
1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “Yet, to shame the wise, God has chosen what the world counts folly, and to shame what is strong, God has chosen what the world counts weakness.”

Isaiah 45:9-11 says, “Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands?’ Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to his mother, ‘What have you brought to birth?’ This is what the LORD says—the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question Me about My children, or give Me orders about the work of My hands?” 

10) Does God forgive does who have had abortions?

Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace . . .
Isaiah 43:25 says, “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”

Church Doctrine On Abortion

A good number of Churches, including the United Church Of Christ, Episcopal, Presbyterian (USA), and United Methodist, do not approve of abortion as a means of Birth Control. However, they support the right of a woman to obtain an abortion, if she thinks that it is the best choice in her circumstance, and they favor keeping abortion legal. Other churches, including the Roman Catholic and Southern Baptist, oppose all abortions and favor making abortion illegal. Below, you’ll find a sampling of official church positions from three of the most popular denominations:

Roman Catholic:

2270. Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person – among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.
2271. Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law.

From Catechism of the Catholic Church, (c) 1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc., http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/index.htm

Southern Baptist:

Procreation is a gift from God, a precious trust reserved for marriage. At the moment of conception, a new being enters the universe, a human being, a being created in God’s image. This human being deserves our protection, whatever the circumstances of conception.

From Position Statements, Copyright (c) 1999 – 2001, Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, http://sbc.net/default.asp?url=position-statements.html

United Methodist:

The beginning of life and the ending of life are the God-given boundaries of human existence. While individuals have always had some degree of control over when they would die, they now have the awesome power to determine when and even whether new individuals will be born. Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures. We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control, and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection.

We oppose the use of late-term abortion known as dilation and extraction (partial-birth abortion) and call for the end of this practice except when the physical life of the mother is in danger and no other medical procedure is available, or in the case of severe fetal anomalies incompatible with life. …

From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church–2000, ¶161J. Copyright 2000 by The United Methodist Publishing House, http://www.umc.org/abouttheumc/policy/

In Summary

In summary, life is sacred and must be preserved. Abortion is murder. It is killing a human being made in the image of God. Abortion is a sin and as such should not be embraced as an option by Christians since it is not justified in the Bible. According to what the Bible says about the life of an unborn child, a person won’t be justified in having an abortion because of a potential health risk to the mother or child. In the rare situation where at the time of childbirth an emergency forces the choice between saving the life of the mother or that of the baby, those involved would have to make a personal decision about which life to attempt saving.

What Does God Say About Abortion?

Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not murder.”

Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Proverbs 6:16-19 – “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”

Matthew 19:18 – “He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,

Proverbs 31:8-9 – “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Psalm 94:18-23 – “When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. ...”

Group 1 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Numbers 31:15-17 – “Moses said to them, “Have you let all the women live? Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord. Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him.”

2 Kings 15:16 – “At that time Menahem sacked Tiphsah and all who were in it and its territory from Tirzah on, because they did not open it to him. Therefore he sacked it, and he ripped open all the women in it who were pregnant.

Numbers 5:20-24 – “But if you have gone astray, though you are under your husband’s authority, and if you have defiled yourself, and some man other than your husband has lain with you, then’ (let the priest make the woman take the oath of the curse, and say to the woman) ‘the Lord make you a curse and an oath among your people, when the Lord makes your thigh fall away and your body swell. May this water that brings the curse pass into your bowels and make your womb swell and your thigh fall away.’ And the woman shall say, ‘Amen, Amen.’ “Then the priest shall write these curses in a book and wash them off into the water of bitterness. And he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings the curse, …

Group 2 – What Does God Say About Abortion

2 Kings 8:12And Hazael said, “Why does my lord weep?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel. You will set on fire their fortresses, and you will kill their young men with the sword and dash in pieces their little ones and rip open their pregnant women.”

Psalm 139:1-24 – “To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. ...”

Mark 7:20-23And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Hosea 13:16 – “Samaria shall bear her guilt, because she has rebelled against her God; they shall fall by the sword; their little ones shall be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.”

Genesis 38:24About three months later Judah was told, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has been immoral. Moreover, she is pregnant by immorality.” And Judah said, “Bring her out, and let her be burned.”

Group 3 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Exodus 21:22-25 – “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Genesis 9:5-6 – “And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.

Job 3:16 – “Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child, as infants who never see the light?

Psalm 127:3-5 – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

Psalm 51:5 – “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

Group 4 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Ecclesiastes 11:5 – “As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.”

2 Samuel 12:14 – “Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.”

Deuteronomy 27:25 – “‘Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

Isaiah 13:16 – “Their infants will be dashed in pieces before their eyes; their houses will be plundered and their wives ravished.”

Psalm 22:10 – “On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”

Psalm 137:8-9 – “O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us! Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!

Group 5 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Numbers 5:1-6:27 – “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead. You shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.” And the people of Israel did so, and put them outside the camp; as the Lord said to Moses, so the people of Israel did. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, …

Psalm 82:3-4 – “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

Proverbs 24:11-12 – “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?

Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,”

Group 6 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Matthew 24:12-19 – “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. …

Exodus 23:7-26 – “Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked. And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. “You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. “For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard. …

Group 7 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Romans 1:28-32 – “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. …

Exodus 21:1-36 – “Now these are the rules that you shall set before them. When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. ...”

Jeremiah 1:1-19 – “The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, and until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the captivity of Jerusalem in the fifth month. Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” …

Group 8 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Micah 2:1-3:12 – “Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. Therefore thus says the Lord: behold, against this family I am devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks, and you shall not walk haughtily, for it will be a time of disaster. In that day they shall take up a taunt song against you and moan bitterly, and say, “We are utterly ruined; he changes the portion of my people; how he removes it from me! To an apostate he allots our fields.” Therefore you will have none to cast the line by lot in the assembly of the Lord. …

Jeremiah 19:4-9 – “Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind— therefore, behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when this place shall no more be called Topheth, or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. And in this place I will make void the plans of Judah and Jerusalem, and will cause their people to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hand of those who seek their life. ...”

Group 9 – What Does God Say About Abortion

1 John 3:6-5:16 – “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. ...”

2 Kings 21:6-16 – “And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. And the carved image of Asherah that he had made he set in the house of which the Lord said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever. …”

Group 10 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Deuteronomy 28:50-53 – “A hard-faced nation who shall not respect the old or show mercy to the young. It shall eat the offspring of your cattle and the fruit of your ground, until you are destroyed; it also shall not leave you grain, wine, or oil, the increase of your herds or the young of your flock, until they have caused you to perish. “They shall besiege you in all your towns, until your high and fortified walls, in which you trusted, come down throughout all your land. And they shall besiege you in all your towns throughout all your land, which the Lord your God has given you. And you shall eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of your sons and daughters, whom the Lord your God has given you, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemies shall distress you.”

Philippians 4:6-19 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. …

Group 11 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Ezekiel 18:20-32 – “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. “But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? …

Isaiah 12:1-13:22 – “You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. …

Group 12 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Matthew 21:41-46 – “They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. …

Jeremiah 22:10-17 – “Weep not for him who is dead, nor grieve for him, but weep bitterly for him who goes away, for he shall return no more to see his native land. For thus says the Lord concerning Shallum the son of Josiah, king of Judah, who reigned instead of Josiah his father, and who went away from this place: “He shall return here no more, but in the place where they have carried him captive, there shall he die, and he shall never see this land again.” “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages, who says, ‘I will build myself a great house with spacious upper rooms,’ …

Group 13 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Leviticus 18:21-20:10 – “You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. And you shall not lie with any animal and so make yourself unclean with it, neither shall any woman give herself to an animal to lie with it: it is perversion. “Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these things, for by all these the nations I am driving out before you have become unclean, and the land became unclean, so that I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. …

Ezekiel 16:36-49 – “Thus says the Lord God, Because your lust was poured out and your nakedness uncovered in your whorings with your lovers, and with all your abominable idols, and because of the blood of your children that you gave to them, therefore, behold, I will gather all your lovers with whom you took pleasure, all those you loved and all those you hated. I will gather them against you from every side and will uncover your nakedness to them, that they may see all your nakedness. And I will judge you as women who commit adultery and shed blood are judged, and bring upon you the blood of wrath and jealousy. And I will give you into their hands, and they shall throw down your vaulted chamber and break down your lofty places. ...”

Group 14 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Revelation 16:13-17:14 – “And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” …

Deuteronomy 18:9-14 – “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, ...”

Group 15 – What Does God Say About Abortion

2 Thessalonians 2:3-3:3 – “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. …

Hebrews 11:17-12:24 – “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. …

Group 16 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Ezekiel 23:1-49 – “The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother. They played the whore in Egypt; they played the whore in their youth; there their breasts were pressed and their virgin bosoms handled. Oholah was the name of the elder and Oholibah the name of her sister. They became mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem. “Oholah played the whore while she was mine, and she lusted after her lovers the Assyrians, warriors ...”

Isaiah 1:9-19 – “If the Lord of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah. Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. “When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. …

Group 17 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Joel 2:1-3:21 – “Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains a great and powerful people; their like has never been before, nor will be again after them through the years of all generations. Fire devours before them, and behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them, but behind them a desolate wilderness, and nothing escapes them. Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run.

Ezekiel 5:9-11 – “And because of all your abominations I will do with you what I have never yet done, and the like of which I will never do again. Therefore fathers shall eat their sons in your midst, and sons shall eat their fathers. And I will execute judgments on you, and any of you who survive I will scatter to all the winds. Therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, surely, because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things and with all your abominations, therefore I will withdraw. My eye will not spare, and I will have no pity.

Group 18 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Lamentations 2:14-22 – “Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles that are false and misleading. All who pass along the way clap their hands at you; they hiss and wag their heads at the daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?” All your enemies rail against you; they hiss, they gnash their teeth, they cry: “We have swallowed her! Ah, this is the day we longed for; now we have it; we see it!” The Lord has done what he purposed; he has carried out his word, which he commanded long ago; …

Jeremiah 32:17-35 – “‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. You show steadfast love to thousands, but you repay the guilt of fathers to their children after them, O great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts, great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of man, rewarding each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds. You have shown signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and to this day in Israel and among all mankind, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day. …

Group 19 – What Does God Say About Abortion

1 Kings 3:1-4:34 – “Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord. Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” ...”

Isaiah 22:1-23:18 – “The oracle concerning the valley of vision. What do you mean that you have gone up, all of you, to the housetops, you who are full of shoutings, tumultuous city, exultant town? Your slain are not slain with the sword or dead in battle. All your leaders have fled together; without the bow they were captured. All of you who were found were captured, though they had fled far away. Therefore I said: “Look away from me; let me weep bitter tears; do not labor to comfort me concerning the destruction of the daughter of my people.” For the Lord God of hosts has a day of tumult and trampling and confusion in the valley of vision, a battering down of walls and a shouting to the mountains. …

Group 20 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Jeremiah 2:34 – “Also on your skirts is found the lifeblood of the guiltless poor; you did not find them breaking in. Yet in spite of all these things.”

Jeremiah 7:5-18 – “For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another, if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever. “Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, ...”

Psalm 51:1-52:9 – “To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. …

Group 21 – What Does God Say About Abortion

1 Samuel 10:1-6 – “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage. When you depart from me today, you will meet two men by Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah, and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys that you went to seek are found, and now your father has ceased to care about the donkeys and is anxious about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?”’ ...”

Deuteronomy 6:8-7:1 – “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. “And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. …

Group 22 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Deuteronomy 12:1-32 – “These are the statutes and rules that you shall be careful to do in the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth. You shall surely destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. You shall tear down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and burn their Asherim with fire. …

Leviticus 24:16-22 – “Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. “Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death. Whoever takes an animal’s life shall make it good, life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him. …

Group 23 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Exodus 13:2-17 – “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.” Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out. And when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the Lord. ...”

Genesis 21:11-22:18 – “And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. …

Group 24 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Isaiah 49:1-51:23 – “Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.” And now the Lord says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— ...”

Exodus 10:1-12:51 – “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.” So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land. ...”

Group 25 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Psalm 22:1-31 – “To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. ...”

Jeremiah 9:12-26 – “Who is the man so wise that he can understand this? To whom has the mouth of the Lord spoken, that he may declare it? Why is the land ruined and laid waste like a wilderness, so that no one passes through? And the Lord says: “Because they have forsaken my law that I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice or walked in accord with it, but have stubbornly followed their own hearts and have gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them. Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will feed this people with bitter food, and give them poisonous water to drink. I will scatter them among the nations whom neither they nor their fathers have known, and I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them.” …

Group 26 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Deuteronomy 9:5-11:26 – “Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. “Know, therefore, that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people. Remember and do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day you came out of the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord. Even at Horeb you provoked the Lord to wrath, …

Genesis 30:1-31:55 – “When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” Then she said, “Here is my servant Bilhah; go in to her, so that she may give birth on my behalf, that even I may have children through her.” So she gave him her servant Bilhah as a wife, and Jacob went in to her. And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. ...”

Group 27 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Isaiah 60:18-61:4 – “Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. ...”

John 16:12-22“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” …

Group 28 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Isaiah 66:1-24 – “Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. “He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck; …”

1 Timothy 2:12-5:15 – “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. …

Group 29 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Isaiah 44:3-45:18 – “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s,’ another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and name himself by the name of Israel.” Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. …

Revelation 21:8-22:15 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. …

Group 30 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Job 39:1-42:17 – ““Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the does? Can you number the months that they fulfill, and do you know the time when they give birth, when they crouch, bring forth their offspring, and are delivered of their young? Their young ones become strong; they grow up in the open; they go out and do not return to them. “Who has let the wild donkey go free? Who has loosed the bonds of the swift donkey, ...”

2 Kings 14:1-16:20 – “In the second year of Joash the son of Joahaz, king of Israel, Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddin of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his father had done. But the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. And as soon as the royal power was firmly in his hand, he struck down his servants who had struck down the king his father. …

Group 31 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Isaiah 57:1-59:21 – “The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness. But you, draw near, sons of the sorceress, offspring of the adulterer and the loose woman. Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit, you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? …

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5:15 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. …

Group 32 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Job 31:14-33:18 – “What then shall I do when God rises up? When he makes inquiry, what shall I answer him? Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? “If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it (for from my youth the fatherless grew up with me as with a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow), …

2 Chronicles 16:9 – “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.

Group 33 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Job 37:1-39:30 – “At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place. Keep listening to the thunder of his voice and the rumbling that comes from his mouth. Under the whole heaven he lets it go, and his lightning to the corners of the earth. After it his voice roars; he thunders with his majestic voice, and he does not restrain the lightnings when his voice is heard. God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. …

Psalm 8:2-9:17 – “Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, …

Group 34 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Psalm 119:9-42 – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. …

Romans 2:8-16 – “But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. ...”

Group 35 – What Does God Say About Abortion

1 Chronicles 4:10 – “Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”

Titus 2:1-15 – “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. ...”

Group 36 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Exodus 22:16-24 – ““If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife. If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the bride-price for virgins. “You shall not permit a sorceress to live. “Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death. “Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the Lord alone, shall be devoted to destruction. …

Proverbs 14:1-35 – “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. …

Group 37 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Luke 17:11-18:15 – “On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; ...”

Acts 15:28-29 – “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

Group 38 – What Does God Say About Abortion

Matthew 12:45 – “Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

Amos 1:13Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead, that they might enlarge their border.”

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