Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, a "token" often refers to a sign or symbol that represents a covenant, promise, or divine intervention. Throughout Scripture, tokens serve as tangible reminders of God's presence, promises, and actions in the lives of His people. These signs are not merely symbolic but carry deep spiritual significance, often marking pivotal moments in biblical history.Old Testament Usage 1. Covenant with Noah: One of the earliest and most significant uses of a token in the Bible is found in the covenant God made with Noah after the flood. In Genesis 9:12-13 , God declares, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth." The rainbow serves as a perpetual token of God's promise never to destroy the earth with a flood again. 2. Circumcision as a Token: In Genesis 17:11 , God commands Abraham to circumcise every male in his household as a "sign of the covenant" between God and Abraham's descendants. This physical token was a constant reminder of the special relationship and promises God had established with Abraham and his lineage. 3. The Passover: In Exodus 12:13 , during the institution of the Passover, God instructs the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, saying, "The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." This blood served as a token of protection and deliverance from the final plague. New Testament Usage 1. Miracles as Signs: In the New Testament, Jesus' miracles are often referred to as signs or tokens of His divine authority and the coming of God's kingdom. In John 2:11 , after Jesus turns water into wine at Cana, it is noted, "Jesus performed this first sign at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him." These signs were meant to authenticate Jesus' messianic identity and mission. 2. The Sign of Jonah: Jesus refers to the prophet Jonah as a token of His own death and resurrection. In Matthew 12:39-40 , Jesus states, "A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." This sign points to the ultimate act of redemption through Christ's resurrection. Theological Significance Tokens in the Bible are not mere relics of the past but serve as enduring symbols of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. They remind believers of the covenants God has established and the promises He has fulfilled. Whether through natural phenomena, physical rituals, or miraculous events, these signs underscore the reality of God's interaction with humanity and His sovereign purpose throughout history. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 3:12And he said, Certainly I will be with you; and this shall be a token to you, that I have sent you: When you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain. Nave's Topical Index Greek 4592. semeion -- a sign ... miracle, sign, token, wonder. Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4592.htm - 7k 1730. endeigma -- an indication, a proof 4953. sussemon -- a fixed sign 1732. endeixis -- a pointing out or indication, a proof 5039. tekmerion -- a sure sign Strong's Hebrew 4159. mopheth -- a wonder, sign, portent... Or mopheth {mo-faith'}; from yaphah in the sense of conspicuousness; a miracle; by implication, a token or omen -- miracle, sign, wonder(-ed at). ... /hebrew/4159.htm - 6k 226. oth -- a sign 5251. nes -- a standard, ensign, signal, sign Library The Sign for Man and the Remembrancer for God Jesus Betrayed, Arrested, and Forsaken. The Measure of the Cross Our Forefathers have Handed Down to us the Tradition, That, after ... On Sacraments in General The Exercise of Mercy Optional with God. Healing of the Deaf and Dumb Demoniac. --The Charge of a League ... The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ... Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above. Gideon's Fleece Resources Is there any sin that God will not forgive? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome sin in my Christian life? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about women's rights? | GotQuestions.org Token: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Token: Blood of the Paschal Lamb Token: Circumcision, of the Covenant of Abraham Token: Consecration of the Firstborn Token: Miracles of Moses, of the Divine Authority of his Missions Token: Prayer for Tokens of Mercy Token: Rainbow, That the Earth Would Never be Destroyed by a Flood Token: Sun and Moon for Time and Seasons Related Terms |
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