Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "oracle" refers to divine communications or messages delivered by God to His people. The Scriptures, as the written Word of God, are often referred to as "oracles" because they convey God's revealed truth and guidance to humanity. This concept underscores the belief that the Bible is not merely a collection of historical documents or moral teachings, but rather the living and active Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit.The use of the term "oracles" in reference to the Scriptures is rooted in several key passages within the Bible. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul highlights the significance of the Jewish people being entrusted with the "oracles of God." In Romans 3:1-2 , Paul writes, "What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God." Here, the "oracles of God" are understood to be the sacred writings of the Old Testament, which were given to the Jewish people as a special revelation of God's will and purpose. Similarly, in the book of Hebrews, the author admonishes the recipients for their lack of maturity in understanding the "oracles of God." Hebrews 5:12 states, "Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!" This passage emphasizes the foundational role of the Scriptures as the primary source of divine instruction and spiritual nourishment for believers. The concept of the Scriptures as "oracles" also appears in 1 Peter 4:11 , where Peter exhorts believers to speak as those who are conveying the very words of God: "If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen." This passage highlights the responsibility of believers to faithfully communicate the truths of Scripture, recognizing them as the authoritative oracles of God. The designation of the Scriptures as "oracles" underscores their divine origin and authority. It affirms the belief that the Bible is not a product of human wisdom, but rather a divinely inspired revelation that provides guidance, instruction, and insight into the character and will of God. As such, the Scriptures hold a central place in the life of the believer, serving as the ultimate standard for faith and practice. In conclusion, the term "oracles" as applied to the Scriptures reflects the profound reverence and esteem with which the Bible is regarded within the Christian tradition. It is a testament to the belief that through the Scriptures, God continues to speak to His people, offering wisdom, correction, and encouragement for all who seek to live according to His purposes. Nave's Topical Index Acts 7:38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give to us: Nave's Topical Index Romans 3:2 Hebrews 5:12 1 Peter 4:11 Library The Scriptures Porphyry's Account of the Responses Given by the Oracles of the ... About the Discord of Philosophic Opinion, and the Concord of the ... Let us See How He Continues after This: "These Events... Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures. The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... Refutation of what Libanius the Sophist Said Concerning Julian. Letter ii. In My Last Letter I Said that in the Bible There is ... The Case of Divine Matters. Only God and his Prophets are to be ... Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... Resources Who were the Cushites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was a prophet in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Who was Belial? | GotQuestions.org Oracle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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