Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Adhering, in a biblical context, refers to the act of holding firmly to a set of beliefs, principles, or practices as outlined in Scripture. It involves a steadfast commitment to God's commandments, teachings, and the faith delivered to the saints. This concept is central to the life of a believer, emphasizing loyalty, obedience, and unwavering faithfulness to God and His Word. Biblical References: 1. Faithfulness to God's Commandments: Adhering to God's commandments is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In Deuteronomy 11:22 , it is written, "For if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him." This verse underscores the importance of adhering to God's laws as an expression of love and devotion. 2. Steadfastness in Faith: The New Testament also emphasizes the need for believers to adhere to their faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 , Paul exhorts the believers, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Here, adherence is linked to being steadfast and immovable in one's faith and service to God. 3. Adherence to the Teachings of Christ: Jesus Himself spoke about the importance of adhering to His teachings. In John 8:31 , Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples." This indicates that true discipleship involves a continuous adherence to the teachings of Christ. 4. Holding Fast to the Gospel: The Apostle Paul frequently encouraged believers to adhere to the gospel message. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 , he writes, "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." This highlights the importance of adhering to the apostolic teachings and traditions as a means of maintaining doctrinal purity. 5. Adherence in the Face of Persecution: The early church faced significant persecution, yet believers were encouraged to adhere to their faith. In Revelation 2:13 , Jesus commends the church in Pergamum, saying, "I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the days when My faithful witness, Antipas, was killed among you, where Satan dwells." This passage illustrates the commendation for those who adhere to their faith despite external pressures. Theological Implications: Adhering to God's Word and His commandments is not merely a passive act but an active, ongoing commitment that requires diligence and perseverance. It is a demonstration of one's love for God and a reflection of a transformed life. Adherence involves both belief and action, as seen in James 1:22 , "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This verse calls believers to actively live out their faith by adhering to the teachings of Scripture. Practical Application: For believers today, adhering to biblical principles involves regular study of the Scriptures, prayer, and participation in the life of the church. It requires discernment to distinguish between cultural norms and biblical truths, ensuring that one's life aligns with God's will. Adherence is also about community, as believers are called to encourage one another to remain faithful, as seen in Hebrews 10:23-25 , "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." In summary, adhering is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, encompassing loyalty, obedience, and a steadfast commitment to God's Word and His ways. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Adhere.Strong's Hebrew 1695. dabeq -- a clinging, cleaving... cleave, joining, stick closer. From dabaq; adhering -- cleave, joining, stick closer. see HEBREW dabaq. 1694, 1695. dabeq. 1696 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/1695.htm - 6k 2443. chakkah -- a hook, fishhook 3890. levath -- to, at, beside. Library Whether Obedience is the Greatest of the virtues? The Example Set us by the Martyrs, whom no Force could Hinder from ... That the Nature of the Angels, Both Good and Bad, is one and the ... Showing the Three Ways by which one Enters into the God-Seeing ... Whether There was Faith in the Angels, or in Man, in their ... Of Scrupulosity Arising from Certain Inward Temptations. ... Though in Order to Establish this Suitable Difference Between the ... The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston. Survival of the Fittest Paracelsus {13} Thesaurus Adhering (7 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Adhere. Multi-Version Concordance Adhering (7 Occurrences). Galatians 1:6 I marvel ... /a/adhering.htm - 8k Obstinate (12 Occurrences) Lutheran Link (2 Occurrences) Grows (46 Occurrences) Growth (77 Occurrences) Fast (157 Occurrences) Firmly (47 Occurrences) Falsely (72 Occurrences) Fitting (29 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about traditionalism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is textualism? | GotQuestions.org Is atheism a religion? | GotQuestions.org Adhering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Adhering (7 Occurrences)Galatians 1:6 Ephesians 4:16 1 John 1:6 1 Samuel 26:19 2 Chronicles 3:12 Proverbs 18:24 Daniel 2:43 Subtopics Related Terms |