Decrees(creed)
/dih-KREEZ/
Summary
Divine or royal laws and statutes, including God's eternal decrees and the commands issued by earthly rulers.
☩Divine Decrees
Scripture speaks of God's decrees as His eternal purposes which are certain to be accomplished. The psalmist declares: 'I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son.' God's decrees cannot be thwarted; He works all things after the counsel of His own will.
Key verses:Psalm 2:7Ephesians 1:11Daniel 4:24Isaiah 46:10
☩Human Decrees
Earthly kings issued decrees that became law. Cyrus decreed the return of the Jews and rebuilding of the temple. Augustus issued a decree that all the world should be taxed. The council at Jerusalem issued decrees for Gentile believers to observe.
Key verses:Ezra 1:1Luke 2:1Esther 1:19Acts 16:4
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Decree," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Decree," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).