Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical studies, the term "formula" refers to a set pattern or structure used in the Scriptures to convey specific theological truths, liturgical practices, or covenantal promises. These formulas often serve as mnemonic devices, aiding in the oral transmission of biblical texts and teachings. They can be found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, providing consistency and emphasis on key doctrines and events.
Old Testament Formulas1.
Covenantal Formulas: One of the most significant formulas in the Old Testament is the covenantal formula, often expressed as "I will be your God, and you will be My people" (cf.
Leviticus 26:12,
Jeremiah 7:23). This formula encapsulates the essence of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting themes of divine sovereignty, faithfulness, and the call to obedience.
2.
Prophetic Formulas: Prophets frequently used formulas to introduce their messages, such as "Thus says the LORD" (e.g.,
Isaiah 43:1,
Jeremiah 2:2). This formula underscores the divine authority behind the prophetic word, distinguishing it from human opinion or speculation.
3.
Liturgical Formulas: The Psalms and other poetic books often employ liturgical formulas, such as the repeated refrain "His love endures forever" found in
Psalm 136. These formulas are used in worship settings to affirm God's enduring faithfulness and mercy.
New Testament Formulas1.
Christological Formulas: The New Testament contains several Christological formulas that affirm the identity and work of Jesus Christ. For example, the confession "Jesus is Lord" (
Romans 10:9) serves as a foundational statement of Christian faith, encapsulating the belief in Jesus' divinity and authority.
2.
Baptismal Formulas: The Great Commission includes a baptismal formula: "baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (
Matthew 28:19). This Trinitarian formula reflects the early church's understanding of the Godhead and the initiation of believers into the Christian community.
3.
Doctrinal Formulas: The apostolic writings often contain concise doctrinal formulas, such as the "faithful saying" found in
1 Timothy 1:15: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." These formulas succinctly convey core gospel truths and were likely used in teaching and catechesis.
Theological SignificanceFormulas in the Bible serve several purposes. They provide a framework for understanding and articulating key theological concepts, ensuring that essential truths are preserved and transmitted accurately. They also facilitate communal worship and confession, uniting believers around shared beliefs and practices. Furthermore, these formulas underscore the continuity of God's revelation, linking the Old and New Testaments in a cohesive narrative of redemption.
ConclusionWhile the term "formula" may suggest rigidity, in the biblical context, these patterns are dynamic and life-giving, shaping the faith and practice of God's people throughout history. They invite believers to enter into the divine account, participating in the covenantal relationship with God and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A prescribed or set form; an established rule; a fixed or conventional method in which anything is to be done, arranged, or said.
2. (n.) A written confession of faith; a formal statement of doctrines.
3. (n.) A rule or principle expressed in algebraic language; as, the binominal formula.
4. (n.) A prescription or recipe for the preparation of a medicinal compound.
5. (n.) A symbolic expression (by means of letters, figures, etc.) of the constituents or constitution of a compound.
Greek
1510. eimi -- I exist, I am ... Jn 14:6: " (1510 ) the way, the truth and the life." Here 1510 () naturally accords
with the fact Christ is -- maning "I (, )." The "
formula (Gk )" harks
... 3446. morphosis -- a forming, a form
... form. From morphoo; formation, ie (by implication), appearance (semblance or
(concretely) formula) -- form. see GREEK morphoo. (morphosin) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
3686. onoma -- a name, authority, cause
... of being . "Praying in Jesus' name" therefore is not a "religious formula"
just to end prayers (or get what want)! ["According to ...
Strong's Hebrew
3706. keeneth -- now... at such a time. (Aramaic) or kaeth (Aramaic) {keh-eth'}; feminine of k'an; thus
(only in the
formula "and so forth") -- at such a time. see HEBREW k'an.
... Library
The Formula of Sanctification
... THE FORMULA OF SANCTIFICATION. ... Where, then, shall one look for such a formula?
Where one would look for any formula"among the text books. ...
Formula Concordi??.
... FORMULA CONCORDI??. {Die Concordien-Formel.) The Formula of Concord.
AD1576 (1584). (THE EPITOME.). [The Formula of Concord was ...
The Helvetic Consensus Formula. AD 1675.
... 61. The Helvetic Consensus Formula. AD 1675. Literature. ... Ch. M. Pfaff: Dissertatio
histor. theologica de Formula Consensus Helv. T?�bingen, 1723. J. Rud. ...
The Angel the Forerunner of the Holy Spirit Meaning Contained in ...
... Chapter VI."The Angel the Forerunner of the Holy Spirit Meaning Contained
in the Baptismal Formula. Not that in [8584] the waters ...
Introductory to Proverbs viii. 22, that the Son is not a Creature. ...
... Arian formula, a creature but not as one of the creatures; but each creature
is unlike all other creatures; and no creature can create. ...
Subject Index
... Administration, [2347]Administration, The Formula of, [2348]Administration, The
Formula of, [2349]Administration, The Formula of, [2350]Administration, The ...
What Can be More Distinct than this Statement? what could Possibly ...
... For, when you use this formula of another' in reference to one who is really opposed
to you, you habitually, after setting down a few of his words, at once ...
Introduction to the Treatise De Synodis.
... He begins with an expression of the delight he experienced on receiving the news
that the Gallican bishops had condemned the notorious Sirmian formula. ...
The Council of Nic??a.
... Alexander of Alexandria of course was the rallying point of this wing,
but the choice of the formula proceeded from other minds. ...
The New Testament Immediately Emancipated Itself from the ...
... progressive; much more often it was a hindrance because of the strenuous opposition
that it at first offered to almost every unbiblical formula that Dogmatics ...
Thesaurus
Formula (2 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) A rule or principle expressed in algebraic language; as, the binominal
formula.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Formula (2 Occurrences).
...Lutheran
... Command (2) A Clear Declaration of the Object in View (3) A Definite Promise (4)
A Plain Indication of the Scope (5) A Prescribed Formula for Administering the ...
Charm (5 Occurrences)
... Definition.-The word charm is derived from the Latin carmen, "a song," and denotes
strictly what is sung; then it comes to mean a magical formula chanted or ...
Exorcism
... The mighty and efficacious word with which Jesus rebuked and controlled demons was
no exorcistic formula spoken by rote, but His own living word of holy power. ...
Exorcist (1 Occurrence)
... The mighty and efficacious word with which Jesus rebuked and controlled demons was
no exorcistic formula spoken by rote, but His own living word of holy power. ...
Quotations
... 2. Unity of the Two Dispensations: The unity of the two dispensations is asserted
in all those passages introduced by a formula, in which fulfillment is ...
Logia
... of the town, January 11, 1897, and on the following day discovered a papyrus leaf
inscribed with a number of sayings introduced by the formula legei Iesous ...
Trinity
... 12. Spirit in Johannine Discourses 13. The Baptismal Formula 14. Genuineness
of Baptismal Formula 15. Paul's Trinitarianism 16. ...
Doxology
... dok-sol'-o-ji (doxologia, "a praising," "giving glory"): A hymn or liturgical formula
expressive of praise to God, as the Gloria in Excelsis (an expansion of ...
Doctrine (52 Occurrences)
... Command (2) A Clear Declaration of the Object in View (3) A Definite Promise (4)
A Plain Indication of the Scope (5) A Prescribed Formula for Administering the ...
Resources
Is the ACTS formula for prayer a good way to pray? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is baptismal regeneration? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to decree and declare? | GotQuestions.orgFormula: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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