Page 450 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

OSSIFRAGE - OZNI

grown bird is about 24 inches in length with a six-foot times to overcoming saints (Re. 2:26; see also 2:7, 11,
wing span and weighs between two to four pounds. 17; 3:5, 11). What does this mean? (1) We know this
With its amazing eyes, it can see a fish swimming cannot be salvation by works, because the New
underwater from 130 feet in the air. Like the bald eagle, Testament plainly teaches that salvation is not by works
the osprey’s eyes face forward, giving it binocular vision (Jn. 1:12; 5:24; 6:28-29, 36, 40, 47; 3:15-18; Ac. 10:43;
and great depth perception. Its sharp eyes correct for 15:11; 16:30-31; Ro. 3:21-28; 4:3-8; 5:1-21; 10:1-4;
the refraction caused by the bending of the light in the 11:5; Ep. 2:8-10; Tit. 3:5-8). (2) We know that this
water. When it sights a target, it hovers, folds its wings cannot refer to keeping one’s salvation. The verses
and dives feet first with its talons ready to grab the prey. already referenced teach that salvation is eternal and
Its outer toes are reversible, allowing it to grasp its prey secure to the believer. (3) To overcome in Revelation 2-3
with two talons in front and two behind or three talons refers to the perseverance of true believers. The
in front and one behind, and its feet have backwards- overcomer keeps Christ’s works unto the end (Re. 2:26).
facing scales which act as barbs to help grip the slippery This is a description of a true born again Christian. He
fish. The osprey’s nostrils are closable to keep out water does not believe for a few days only. He does not turn
during dives, and it has a membrane that covers the eye aside when trouble comes. When others turn away, the
and acts as a contact lens when it is under water. true believer shows his character by keeping his faith
OSSIFRAGE. The Hebrew is peres, which signifies (Jn. 6:66-69). The just are those that live by faith and
‘breaking,’ and ossifrage signifies ‘bone breaker.’ This do not draw back unto perdition (He. 10:38-39). Those
has led to identifying the bird with the one now known that turn back are those that do not have true saving
as the Lammergeier, which is a species of vulture, faith and never did have. There are “things that
though it has the appearance of an eagle, its neck being accompany salvation” (He. 6:9), and one of those is that
covered with feathers. It attacks a carcass when the the saved continue in the faith. Those that continue in
vultures have finished, picks the bones, and then breaks God’s Word thereby prove that they are Christ’s true
them to feed upon the marrow. It does this by carrying disciples (Jn. 8:31). Christ’s true sheep, which have
them up to a height and letting them fall upon a stone eternal life, hear their Saviour’s voice and follow Him
or rock till they break. The shells of tortoises are broken (Jn. 10:27-28). [See Endure, Eternal Security,
in the same way by them. It was classed among the Perseverance.]
unclean birds (Le. 11:13; De. 14:12) (Concise). OVERDRIVE. To drive cattle too hard (Ge. 33:13).
OTHNI (lion of God). 1 Ch. 26:7. OVERFLOW. To flood; submerge; inundate;
OTHNIEL (lion of God). Younger brother of Caleb overwhelm (De. 11:4; Ps. 69:2; Is. 8:8; Da. 11:50).
who was the judge of Israel for 40 years (Jos. 15:17; Ju. OVERLIVE. Outlive; survive (Jos. 24:31).
1:13; 3:9-11; 1 Ch. 4:13). OVERPASS. To pass over or by; to neglect (Je. 5:28).
OUCHES. Settings for precious stones (Ex. 28:11; OVERPLUS. Surplus; over and above (Le. 25:27).
39:6). OVERRUN. To outrun (2 Sa. 18:23).
OUT OF COURSE. Out of order (Ps. 82:5). [See OVERSEE. To look over; survey (1 Ch. 9:29; 2 Ch.
Course.] 2:2).
OUT OF HAND. At once; instantly (Nu. 11:15). OVERSEER. Another name for a church elder or
OUT OF MEASURE. [See Measure.] pastor (Ac. 20:28; 1 Pe. 5:2). The Greek word episkopos
OUTGOING. Utmost limit (Jos. 17:18). is also translated “bishop” (Ph. 1:1; 1 Ti. 3:1; Tit. 1:6).
OUTLANDISH. Foreign; strange (Ne. 13:26). [See This term emphasizes the authority and responsibility of
Gentile, Heathen, Pagan.] the pastor in the oversight of the church. [See Pastor.]
OUTMOST. Utmost (De. 30:4). OX. A work animal (1 Co. 9:9). The oxen used in
OUTRAGEOUS. An overflowing; excessive; sacrifices typify Jesus Christ as the Servant of God (He.
exceeding all bounds of moderation (Pr. 27:4). 10:7) and of men (Jn. 13:3-5; Mt. 20:28). [See Jesus
OUTWENT. Circumvented; advanced before; went Christ, Offerings.]
faster (Mk. 6:33). OZEM (strengthening). 1 Ch. 2:15.
OVER AGAINST. Opposite to; other side of (Ge. OZIAS (strength of God). Mt. 1:8.
21:16; Ex. 14:2; 25:27; 26:35). OZNI (attentive). Nu. 26:16.
OVERCHARGE. To be loaded; burdened (Lk. 21:34;
2 Co. 2:5). [See Anxious.]
OVERCOME. The book of Revelation refers several

450 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity