Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "forms" can refer to various aspects, including physical shapes, appearances, and structures, as well as more abstract concepts such as rituals, patterns, and divine manifestations. The Bible uses the concept of forms to convey spiritual truths, divine order, and the nature of God's creation.Creation and Physical Forms The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God forms the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1-2 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep." Here, the term "formless" indicates the initial lack of structure, which God subsequently orders through His creative acts. The creation narrative emphasizes God's sovereignty in shaping the universe, bringing order out of chaos. In Genesis 2:7 , the formation of man is described: "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This verse highlights the intimate and purposeful act of God in shaping humanity, distinguishing humans from the rest of creation by imparting His breath of life. Divine Manifestations and Theophanies Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself in various forms, known as theophanies. These manifestations serve to communicate His presence and will to His people. In Exodus 3:2 , God appears to Moses in the form of a burning bush: "There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed." This form signifies God's holiness and eternal nature. In the New Testament, the ultimate form of divine manifestation is found in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:6-7 speaks of Christ's incarnation: "Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Here, the "form of God" and "form of a servant" illustrate the dual nature of Christ as both divine and human. Rituals and Religious Forms The Bible also addresses the importance of forms in religious practices and rituals. In the Old Testament, God provides specific instructions for worship, sacrifices, and the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the significance of following divine patterns. Exodus 25:9 instructs, "You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you." These forms serve as tangible expressions of faith and obedience to God's commands. However, the Bible warns against empty rituals and the mere outward appearance of piety. In 2 Timothy 3:5 , Paul cautions against those "having a form of godliness but denying its power." This admonition underscores the necessity of genuine faith and the transformative power of a relationship with God, beyond mere external forms. Spiritual and Moral Forms The concept of forms extends to spiritual and moral dimensions, where believers are called to conform to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 states, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This transformation involves adopting the character and virtues of Christ, reflecting His love, humility, and righteousness. In summary, the Bible's use of forms encompasses creation, divine manifestations, religious practices, and spiritual transformation. These forms reveal God's nature, His relationship with humanity, and His desire for order, holiness, and genuine worship. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHERUBIC, FORMS IN THE CONSTELLATIONSche-roo'-bik. Greek 1321. didasko -- to teach ... The key role of Scripture is shown by its in the NT, and the variety of word-forms (cognates). [This includes three noun-forms, two ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1321.htm - 9k 4486. rhegnumi -- to break apart, by ext. to throw down 3918. pareimi -- to sit constantly beside 4921. sunistemi and sunistano -- to commend, establish, stand near ... 138. haireo -- to take, choose 3403. mimnesko -- to remind, remember 3911. paraphero -- to bring to, to carry away 4160. poieo -- to make, do 3173. megas -- great 2378. thusia -- a sacrifice Strong's Hebrew 7049. qala' -- to sling, hurl forth... carve, sling out A primitive root: to sling: also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms) -- carve, sling (out). 7048, 7049. qala'. 7049a . ... /hebrew/7049.htm - 5k 2454. chokmoth -- wisdom, every wise woman 3240. yanach -- bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let ... 2351. chuts -- the outside, a street 3335. yatsar -- to form, fashion Library Whether the Forms of Bodies are from the Angels? Summer-Forms. Three Forms of Prayer. Forms Versus Character This, Then, this Matter of Forms and Sexes, is the First Affront ... Whether in the Aforesaid Words of the Forms There be any Created ... Two Forms of one Saying The Manifold Forms of Torture and Punishment Practiced against the ... Types and Forms. Dreadful Forms of Terror and Frightful Bugbears on Account of ... Thesaurus Forms (24 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHERUBIC, FORMS IN THE CONSTELLATIONS. che-roo'-bik. See ASTRONOMY. Multi-Version Concordance Forms (24 Occurrences). ... /f/forms.htm - 13k Godhead (5 Occurrences) Essenes Lampstand (38 Occurrences) Isaac (127 Occurrences) Lamp (45 Occurrences) Alphabet (2 Occurrences) Anthropomorphism Potter (14 Occurrences) Cross (157 Occurrences) Resources What are some modern forms of idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different forms of biblical literature? | GotQuestions.org What are the different forms of church polity? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Forms (24 Occurrences)Matthew 13:32 Mark 4:32 Mark 12:33 Acts 7:43 Romans 1:30 1 Corinthians 12:5 James 3:7 1 Peter 4:10 Revelation 9:7 Genesis 41:32 Leviticus 26:30 Joshua 18:14 Joshua 18:20 1 Kings 6:29 Psalms 49:14 Psalms 65:6 Song of Songs 2:13 Jeremiah 16:18 Jeremiah 33:2 Ezekiel 1:5 Ezekiel 41:18 Ezekiel 43:11 Amos 4:13 Zechariah 12:1 Subtopics Related Terms Interpretation (45 Occurrences) |