R

Rabbi, {See Master.}
Race A symbol of energy in Christian life and service. as illustrated by the Grecian contests. 1 Cor.
Rachel an ewe or sheep. Wife of Jacob, and mother of Benjamin, represented as weeping for the loss of her children when Herod killed all the infants of Bethlehem. Matt. 2:1818In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2:18). Jacob’s love for his two wives is a picture of the Jew (Rachel) first loved and sought by Christ, but Leah (the Gentile) first possessed. Name occurs about 48 times in the Scriptures. Gen. 29.
Rahab enlargement. Heb. 11:3131By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:31); James 2:2525Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (James 2:25). Referred to in the N.T. (a,) as an example of faith: she believed Israel was going to be victorious; (b,) as being justified, in her acts, on the principle of faith being proved by works. Called Rachab in Matthew 1:55And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; (Matthew 1:5). She is picture of faith in the word and work of Jehovah, securing immunity from judgment, and a place with God, and with His people. Name occurs about 8 times in the Scriptures. (Josh. 2)
Raiment {See Garments.}
Rama Rachel was the mother of Benjamin, and Ramah was a town in Benjamin; but the children to be killed were in Bethlehem of Judah: still the two tribes were so united that the passage represents Rachel weeping for her children. In Jeremiah the weeping appears to be for the children of Ephraim; Rachel being the grandmother of Ephraim, they can also be called her children. Matt. 2:1818In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2:18); called in Jer. 31:1515Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. (Jeremiah 31:15) Ramah. Rama is identified with Er-Ram, about 5½ miles north of Jerusalem.
Rams’ Horns A symbol of man’s weakness consecrated to the service of God. Josh. 6.
Raven(s) This unclean bird is well known. The various characteristics ascribed to it and its general habits are true to the letter. Gen. 8:77And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. (Genesis 8:7); Job 38:4141Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. (Job 38:41). God’s care in using this bird of prey to supply His servant and prophet Elijah with food, 1 Kings 17:6,6And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. (1 Kings 17:6) and the Divine care in feeding even these most unclean of birds, Luke 12:24,24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (Luke 12:24) are beautifully illustrative of God’s goodness towards and over all His creatures, for God feeds them, though they have no store-house.
Rebekah binding. The bride travelling through the wilderness to Christ on high, cheered and sustained by the comforts of the Holy Spirit. Name occurs about 31 Times in the Scriptures. Gen. 24.
Reconciliation καταλλαυή, from “to change, reconcile.” From being naturally enemies, believers are reconciled to God through the death of His Son. Rom. 5:1010For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10); 2 Cor. 5:1818And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (2 Corinthians 5:18). God has by the cross removed the distance. God was, in Christ when on earth, reconciling the world unto Himself; but alas! the world refused to be reconciled. His servants still go forth beseeching men to be reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:19-2019To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:19‑20). The enmity is in man alone. Christ abolished the law, that Jew and Gentile might be reconciled, and one new man be formed. Eph. 2:15-1615Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (Ephesians 2:15‑16). Christ, having made peace by the blood of the cross, God will by Him reconcile unto Himself all things in heaven and on earth. Col. 1:2020And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20). In contrast see Philippians 2:10,10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Philippians 2:10) where “under the earth” is added. Reconciliation is the effect of the work of the cross, applied to persons and things in bringing them back to God. Believers are already reconciled, 2 Cor. 5:18,18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (2 Corinthians 5:18) and all things in heaven and on earth will be reconciled. This reconciliation of persons and things is presented as the fruit of atonement in Leviticus 16. Scripture gives no countenance to the thought common to many, either that God has to be reconciled or is reconciled. God did not depart from man, hence needed not to be reconciled. To say that the death of Jesus turned the heart of God to man, is to deny the truth of that magnificent declaration contained in John 3:16,16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” He “loved,” therefore He “gave”; not “gave” in order to love. The reconciliation of man to God is the blessed character of God’s present ministry towards the world. 2 Cor. 5:18-2018And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:18‑20). It is important to distinguish between the reconciliation of persons and things; the former is a present blessing, the latter is millennial blessing. “All things” will be brought back to God, but not “all persons,” Col. 1:20-2120And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (Colossians 1:20‑21). Universal subjection to Christ of all in heaven, earth, and hell (Phil. 2:1010That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Philippians 2:10)) is certainly more wide in its range and extent than all things in heaven and earth reconciled. The Colossian passage teaches the future reconciliation of things contained in heaven and earth; while the Philippian Scripture shows the future subjection of heaven, earth, and hell’s inhabitants to Christ.
Record to celebrate. 1 Chron. 16:4.
Red Sea The well-known sea on the east of northern Africa. Its southern extremity opens into the Indian Ocean, and from thence it runs N.N.W. for about 1,400 miles. Near its northern extremity it divides into the Gulf of Suez on the west, in length about 200 miles, and the Gulf of Akaba to the east, 140 miles long. It was, as far as is known, the Gulf of Suez that the Israelites crossed, near its northern extremity. Acts 7:3636He brought them out, after that he had showed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. (Acts 7:36); Heb. 11:2929By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. (Hebrews 11:29).
Redemption
1. λύτρωσις, άπολ, from to “loose from, redeem.” Redemption is by the precious blood of Christ, Eph. 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7); Col. 1:1414In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:14); 1 Peter 1:18-1918Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18‑19); it is eternal, Heb. 9:1212Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12). Christ is made unto us redemption. 1 Cor. 1:3030But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30). It is also viewed as future, for we are not yet taken home. Rom. 8:2323And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:23); Eph. 1:14; 4:3014Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:14)
30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30).
2. έξαγορἀζω, “to buy out of, redeem.” Christ redeemed those that were under the law, being made a curse for them. Gal. 3:13; 4:513Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:13)
5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:5). We are called to redeem the time, seize every good opportunity. Eph. 5:1616Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16); Col. 4:55Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5); see also Dan. 2:88The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. (Daniel 2:8). In Revelation 5:9; 14: 3-49And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9) the word is ἀγορἀζω, which signifies “to buy,” and is so translated in every other passage. The difference is important in some passages: for instance, the wicked deny the Lord that “bought” them, in 2 Peter 2:1,1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1) where we could not say “redeemed,” which implies that that which is “bought” is claimed and taken home. Those referred to in Revelation 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9) are also redeemed. All were bought, but only believers are redeemed.
3. By purchase you change masters. We belonged to Satan — were his slaves, and doing his will, Eph. 2:2-3,2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Ephesians 2:2‑3) now by purchase we belong to God, are His willing slaves, and gladly do His will. Rom. 6:2222But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Romans 6:22). Redemption gives freedom, an entire change of state. The believer is no longer “in the flesh,” Rom. 7:55For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. (Romans 7:5)), although the flesh may be in him, Rom. 7:2323But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:23) — a totally different thing. The change of position and state — from Adam to Christ, from the flesh to the Spirit — is true in God’s sight, and is so presented, as doctrine and truth for the saint to make practically his own, and in this sense he is already redeemed. The soul is redeemed, but not the body, for that we wait, Rom. 8:2323And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:23). Redemption in its fullest extent for Israel, creation, and the Church, is yet future. The right to redeem is founded on the blood of the Lamb, and the power to effect it on the glorious person of the Redeemer.
Regeneration παλιγγενεσία, the “renovation of things,” hence “restoration,” Matt. 19:2828And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28). In Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5) we are cleansed in connection with the new order of things into which we are brought. In Scripture regeneration has not the sense of new birth. Heb. 9:1010Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (Hebrews 9:10). The ordinances of the Jewish ritual were to be observed until the time of “setting things right” by the coming and work of Christ. This word occurs but twice in the New Testament. In Matt. 19:2828And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28) it is applied to the new state of things, commonly termed the millennium. In Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5) it is used to describe the believer’s new place on earth, as patterned in baptism. It is almost universally regarded as equivalent to the new birth, but it is not so in Scripture. Regeneration is an objective state or condition, while the new birth is the expression of an inward and subjective state. “The washing of regeneration” can be discerned by the eye of man, as it is an outward change; “the renewing of the Holy Ghost” can alone be seen by God, as it is an internal condition.
Rehoboam enlargement of the people. He reigned seventeen years over Judah. For the first three years of this monarch’s reign, both prince and people walked in the ways of David and Solomon; afterward, however, the land became filled with Sodomite wickedness and idolatry. 2 Chron. 12.
Reins
Remission {See Forgiveness.}
Repentance It is a change of mind Godward that leads to a judgment of self and one’s acts. Matt. 3:2; 9:13; 21:29,32; 27:32And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2)
13But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)
29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. (Matthew 21:29)
32For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. (Matthew 21:32)
3Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, (Matthew 27:3); Luke 15:77I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7); Acts 20:2121Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21); Rom. 2:44Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4); 2 Cor. 7:9-109Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (2 Corinthians 7:9‑10); Heb. 6:1,6,1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (Hebrews 6:1)
6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:6) etc. Repentance also refers to a change of thought and action, where there is no evil to repent of. Rom. 11:2929For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Romans 11:29); 2 Cor. 7:88For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. (2 Corinthians 7:8); Heb. 7:2121(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) (Hebrews 7:21).
Repent and be converted. Acts 3:1919Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3:19).
Repent and believe the Gospel. Mark 1:1515And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15).
Repent and be baptized. Acts 2:3838Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).
Repent and turn to God. Acts 26:2020But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20).
Repentance and remission of sins. Luke 24:4747And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47).
Repentance and faith. Acts 20:2121Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21).
Repentance is not godly sorrow. 2 Cor. 7:1010For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (2 Corinthians 7:10).
These Scriptures show the importance which “repentance” occupied in the preaching of the apostles. Alas! that it should be to such an extent overlooked in modern preaching and in evangelistic work generally. Where repentance is not pressed upon the hearers, solid results cannot be expected.
If repentance is not conversion, nor baptism, nor faith, nor godly sorrow, as these and other Scriptures clearly show, what is it? Spite of its etymological signification, change of mind, it carries with it a deeper thought in the Scriptures of truth. It refers to the moral judgment of self, my state and ways, and that too in presence of the goodness of God. It is the thorough wakening up of the conscience to the reality of what sin is, and that in presence of infinite love and grace. Repentance is a deep soul-searching process, most needful to insist upon in these days, where the conscience is but feebly addressed.
Rest Applied to those that labour and are heavy laden under a sense of their sins; if such go to Christ they will find rest — rest of conscience. Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). Also to the saint: if he takes Christ’s yoke, and learns from Him, he will find rest unto his soul, heart-rest. Matt. 11:2929Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29). Also to the body of the saint as a future thing, when he will cease from work. Heb. 4:9-109There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9‑10). In contrast, those who bow to the beast and his image will have “no rest” from their torment day nor night forever and ever! Rev. 14:1111And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (Revelation 14:11).
Resurrection The fundamental importance of the resurrection is proved in 1 Cor 15, yet it was denied by some, 1 Cor. 15:1212Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (1 Corinthians 15:12). Later on some held that the resurrection had already passed. 2 Tim. 2:1818Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:18). We do not find the expression, “a general resurrection”; on the contrary, it is expressly said “the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 1 Thess. 4:1616For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (1 Thessalonians 4:16). John also speaks of the first resurrection; and adds “the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Rev. 20:5-65But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:5‑6). When Lazarus lay dead, the Lord declared, “I am the resurrection, and the life,” and He raised the dead one to life. John 11:2525Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (John 11:25).
Reward Rewards are spoken of from Matthew to Revelation, in various connections. Matt. 10:4242And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42); Luke 6:22-23,3522Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (Luke 6:22‑23)
35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:35). He who labours in the Lord’s vineyard, if his work abide, will receive his reward. 1 Cor. 3:8,148Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:8)
14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:14). John was anxious, when evil had come in, that nothing should be given up, and that he might have “a full reward.” 2 John 88Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (2 John 8). The Lord Jesus, in closing the Revelation, says, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:1212And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12).
Rhegium A city on the coast of Italy, near its S.W. extremity. Paul’s ship waited there one day for a favourable wind. The place is now called Reggio, and is the capital of Calabria. Acts 28:1313And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: (Acts 28:13).
Rhodes An island lying near the S.W. corner of Asia Minor: once a place of renown, but from wars and other causes is reduced to poverty, as other places under Turkish rule. Acts 21:11And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: (Acts 21:1).
Righteousness The question of righteousness, and how man can be just with God is fully discussed in the Epistle to the Romans. The righteousness of God (God acting in consistency with Himself) stands in direct contrast to the unrighteousness of men. Rom. 1:17-1817For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Romans 1:17‑18)) The righteousness of God is, by faith of Jesus, upon all them that believe. Rom. 3:2222Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22). Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness: so that the faith of the believer is counted for righteousness, altogether apart from works. Rom. 4:3,53For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3)
5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5). Christ was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:2121For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ Jesus is made unto us righteousness. 1 Cor. 1:3030But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Righteousness of God The righteousness of God is a term peculiar to and characteristic of Paul’s epistles. It is not imputable, neither is it the law-keeping of Jesus. “The imputed righteousness of Christ” is unscriptural both in thought and language. It is granted that righteousness is imputed (Rom. 4), but that is not said of the righteousness of God. It is righteousness of which God is the source, altogether Divine in its quality and character. It is towards man from God, and on the ground of the work of the Lord Jesus. It is essential to the understanding of this expressive and beautiful term to note that it is altogether apart from the law, Rom. 3:2121But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (Romans 3:21) — irrespective of it, although witnessed to by the law and the prophets. The righteousness of God and a legal righteousness by the perfect law-keeping or obedience of Christ, instead of being synonymous as in modern systems of theology, are expressly contrasted in the Roman and Galatian Epistles.
Ring
1. A symbol of honour.
2. A symbol of royal authority.
3. A symbol of love and relationship. Gen. 41:4242And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; (Genesis 41:42); Esther 8:88Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse. (Esther 8:8); Luke 15:2222But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (Luke 15:22).
Riot dissoluteness. Titus. 1:6.
Rock He who heard the sayings of the Lord, and did them is compared to a man who built a house on the rock, which no storms or floods could shake. Matt. 7:24-2524Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (Matthew 7:24‑25); Luke 6:4848He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Luke 6:48). The nature of man is compared to a rock, on which some of the seed of the gospel falls. Luke 8:6,136And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. (Luke 8:6)
13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. (Luke 8:13). The Lord said, “Thou art Peter [πέτρος], and upon this rock [πέτρα] I will build My church.” The rock was what Peter confessed, Christ Himself, the Son of the living God. Matt. 16:16-18: see 1 Cor. 3:11; 10:411For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4). A symbol of firm, immovable foundation. Psa. 31:22Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. (Psalm 31:2); Matt. 7:24-25; 16:1824Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (Matthew 7:24‑25)
18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18).
Rod
1. A symbol of authority and power displayed in chastening or judgment. Psa. 2:99Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (Psalm 2:9); Isa. 10:55O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. (Isaiah 10:5); 1 Cor. 4:2121What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? (1 Corinthians 4:21); Rev. 2:2727And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. (Revelation 2:27).
2. A symbol of grace bestowed. Psa. 23:44Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4); Heb. 9:44Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; (Hebrews 9:4).
3. A symbol of a tribe or people. Psa. 74:22Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. (Psalm 74:2).
Rose of Sharon is twice referred to in Scripture – Isa. 35 and Song of Sol. 2:11I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. (Song of Solomon 2:1). What particular flower is indicated by the “Rose” and “Lily” cannot be determined. Beauty and fragrance are however characteristics of the Israel roses. It is a symbol of the Spouse in her fragrance and beauty.
Rue a medicinal plant is a plant mentioned only in the New Testament, and has long been used as a disinfectant in fevers.
Rufus
1. Son of Simon, a Cyrenian, who bore the cross of the Lord. Mark 15:2121And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. (Mark 15:21).
2. A Christian at Rome to whom Paul sent a salutation, to which he adds “and his mother and mine,” no doubt as the literal mother of Rufus, and as one who had been practically a mother to Paul. Rom. 16:1313Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. (Romans 16:13).
Ruler
1. ἄοχων, any “chief man,” Rom. 13:33For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (Romans 13:3).
2. ἡγεμών, PRETOR (as above), Mark 13:99But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. (Mark 13:9); Luke 21:1212But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. (Luke 21:12).
3. πολιτάοχης, “head or ruler of the citizens,” a Politarch, Acts 17:6-86And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. (Acts 17:6‑8).
Ruth beauty. Israel taken up in the future, on the ground of sovereign grace alone, figured by Ruth, a Moabitess, in herself utterly destitute of right to blessing. Deut. 23:33An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever: (Deuteronomy 23:3). Name occurs about 13 times in the Scriptures. Ruth 1.
Rye was both an Egyptian and Palestinian cereal.