The concept of Divine oracle in Christianity
Divine oracle in Christianity encompasses prophetic messages believed to be delivered by God, offering guidance and wisdom to believers. This concept includes instructions to flee Jerusalem, the selection of Saul as king, and significant revelations involving figures like David and Abraham. Across different Christian traditions, Divine oracles are recognized as sacred texts and communications imparting spiritual truths. They underscore the connection between divine authority and the faithful, emphasizing the importance of these messages in understanding God's will and the nature of spiritual life.
Synonyms: Heavenly messenger, Spiritual guide, Prophet, Visionary, Sage, Mystic, Holy prophet, Medium, Soothsayer
In Malay: Peramal ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomligt orakel; In Finnish: Jumalallinen oraakkeli; In German: Göttliches Orakel; In Spanish: Oráculo divino; In Dutch: Goddelijk orakel; In French: Oracle divin
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Divine oracle'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The text refers to "Thy divine oracles", indicating the sacred writings or teachings of the faith, expressing importance.[1] (2) The sacred pronouncements.[2] (3) The council chamber of the divine oracles is opened wide, signifying the revelation of sacred texts and messages to the assembled Church, which prefigures this glorious day with its effects and issues.[3] (4) The scriptures, which the treasure of the knowledge of God is revealed to those who search them.[4] (5) A prophetic declaration or statement that reveals the nature of God, exemplified here by Solomon's assertion regarding wisdom.[5]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) The reading of the Divine Oracles occurs after the hierarchical procession, as a part of the service, along with chanting of Psalms.[6] (2) Spiritual messages likened to natural elements such as dew and water, signifying life-producing, growth-giving, and purifying qualities.[7] (3) The sacred texts and teachings through which divine truths are communicated, regarded as authoritative in theological discourse.[8] (4) Sacred texts that declare the nature of God and provide insights into His wisdom and understanding.[9] (5) Sacred texts or scriptures that convey divine promises, teachings, and revelations, particularly regarding resurrection and spiritual life.[10]
From: The city of God
(1) Divine oracles are the messages and pronouncements from God that the prophets declared, as mentioned in the text, and these oracles guide the faithful.[11] (2) Referenced in the text as the source of the term, second death, indicating a source of information that is holy and sacred, and holds authority.[12] (3) The divine oracles, unlike human lips, are the source of commandments and truths, conveying the word of God to the people, who are then encouraged to understand them.[13] (4) The text refers to the divine oracle received by Abraham in Sichem, where he was given a message from the divine power.[14] (5) The text mentions that the service paid to God alone by worship is almost always called λατρεί� in the usage of those who wrote from the divine oracles.[15]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Statements or predictions regarded as messages from God, often misapplied to worldly matters that are inappropriate.[16] (2) Authoritative statements or prophecies believed to be expressed by God, important in discussing the nature of spiritual concepts.[17]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) A message delivered by God through David, holding significant spiritual authority and revelation for Israel.[18] (2) A prophetic message believed to be delivered by God through an individual, implying that even those with questionable motives can convey profound truths.[19]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This refers to the source of spiritual guidance that Saul lost access to, which resulted in him seeking other means of knowledge.[20] (2) The method by which Saul was chosen as king, demonstrating that his authority was granted at God's discretion.[21]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) A sacred pronouncement from God that appointed Judah to lead the other tribes in battle against the Canaanites.[22]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) Sacred and authoritative messages believed to be delivered by a deity, offering guidance and wisdom.[23]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The concept of a prophetic message believed to have instructed Jewish Christians to flee from Jerusalem.[24]
From: The Second Helvetic Confession
(1) This is a declaration, which is cited to emphasize the futility of seeking help from the dead, as the living already possess the necessary guidance.[25]
The concept of Divine oracle in local and regional sources
The term "Divine oracle" signifies a source of spiritual guidance essential for discerning and removing harmful influences, underscoring the significance of divine insight in maintaining moral clarity and fostering religious teachings within the community.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The source of religious guidance through which the enemy's tares were to be rooted out, highlighting the importance of divine teachings.[26]