Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, an "ordinance" refers to a decree or authoritative order established by God or human authorities. The concept of ordinances is deeply rooted in the scriptural narrative, where they serve as divine instructions or laws intended to guide the conduct and worship of God's people. These decrees are often seen as expressions of God's will and are integral to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, ordinances are frequently associated with the laws given by God to the Israelites. These include moral, ceremonial, and civil laws that were to be observed by the nation of Israel. The Hebrew word often translated as "ordinance" is "חֻקָּה" (chukkah), which can also mean statute or regulation. For instance, in Exodus 12:14, the Passover is described as an ordinance: "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a perpetual ordinance for the generations to come" . The ordinances given through Moses were comprehensive, covering aspects of daily life, worship, and justice. They were intended to set Israel apart as a holy nation and to reflect God's character. Leviticus 18:4-5 states, "You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God. Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD" . New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of ordinances continues, though with a shift in focus due to the life and work of Jesus Christ. The Greek term "δόγμα" (dogma) is sometimes used, which can mean decree or ordinance. The early church grappled with the application of Old Testament ordinances in light of the new covenant established by Christ. Acts 15:28-29 records the decision of the Jerusalem Council, which issued specific ordinances for Gentile believers: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell" . The Apostle Paul addresses the role of ordinances in the life of believers, emphasizing that salvation is not achieved through adherence to the law but through faith in Christ. In Colossians 2:14, Paul speaks of Christ having "canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross" . This highlights the transformative impact of Christ's sacrifice, which fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law. Theological Significance Ordinances in the Bible underscore the importance of divine authority and the need for obedience to God's commands. They serve as a means of sanctification, setting God's people apart for His purposes. While the specific ordinances of the Old Testament were given to Israel, the principles underlying them—such as justice, mercy, and holiness—remain relevant for believers today. In the context of the church, ordinances such as baptism and the Lord's Supper are observed as acts of obedience and remembrance, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection. These practices are seen as outward expressions of inward faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus. Overall, biblical ordinances reflect the unchanging nature of God's moral law and His desire for His people to live in a manner that honors Him. They are a testament to God's covenantal relationship with humanity and His provision for righteous living through faith in Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 12:14,24,43And this day shall be to you for a memorial; and you shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 13:10 Exodus 15:25 Numbers 9:14 Numbers 10:8 Numbers 15:15 Numbers 18:8 Isaiah 24:5 Malachi 4:4 Romans 13:2 1 Peter 2:13 Greek 1379. dogmatizo -- to decree, to subject oneself to an ordinance ... to decree, to subject oneself to an ordinance. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: dogmatizo Phonetic Spelling: (dog-mat-id'-zo) Short Definition: I subject ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1379.htm - 6k 1378. dogma -- an opinion, (a public) decree Strong's Hebrew 2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute... space, quantity, labor or usage) -- appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, X necessary, ordinance(- nary), portion ... /hebrew/2706.htm - 6k 4941. mishpat -- judgment Library Purposes of God. Copies of Imperial Laws. Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Teach, Preach, and the Like? Analysis of Arminian Methodism It Has Come to Our Knowledge that Certain Persons... Christ the Mediator of the Covenant Zwingli's Distinctive Doctrines. Constant, Instant, Expectant The Synodal Letter. Articles of Religion. Resources What does it mean to examine yourself (1 Corinthians 11:28)? | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Why were non-Israelites allowed to participate in the sacrificial system? | GotQuestions.org Ordinance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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