Retention Of Sins
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Retention Of Sins in the Bible?
The retention of sins denotes the state in which an unrepentant individual remains under divine judgment, with the believing community withholding assurance of forgiveness until evidence of genuine repentance and faith is present.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this concept clarifies the biblical distinction between the universal offer of forgiveness and its conditional application to those who persist in unrepentance, aiding readers in grasping the seriousness of personal accountability in Scripture.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Retention Of Sins. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Retention Of Sins in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Retention Of Sins clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Retention Of Sins." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/retention-of-sins/