Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "walls of ordinances" as a protection to the Church is rooted in the biblical understanding of divine laws and commandments serving as a safeguard for the spiritual community. Throughout Scripture, the imagery of walls is frequently employed to symbolize protection, separation, and sanctity. In the context of the Church, these walls are not physical structures but rather spiritual and moral boundaries established by God's ordinances.Biblical Foundation The Old Testament provides numerous examples of walls serving as protective barriers. In the book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls symbolizes the restoration and protection of God's people: "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work" (Nehemiah 4:6). This physical act of rebuilding was accompanied by a spiritual renewal, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's laws. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of the "wall of hostility" that Christ has broken down, referring to the division between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14). However, this does not negate the protective role of God's commandments. Instead, it highlights the unifying power of Christ's sacrifice, which brings all believers under the same spiritual protection. Ordinances as Protective Boundaries The ordinances given by God serve as protective boundaries for the Church, guiding believers in righteous living and safeguarding them from spiritual harm. In the Psalms, the law of the Lord is described as a source of wisdom and protection: "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7). These divine instructions are not burdensome but are intended to lead believers into a life of holiness and communion with God. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and moral conduct as a means of protecting the Church from false teachings and moral decay. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes, "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). The Role of Church Discipline Church discipline is another aspect of the protective walls of ordinances. It serves to maintain the purity and integrity of the Church community. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines the process of addressing sin within the Church, emphasizing the goal of restoration and reconciliation. This process acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the Church remains a holy and blameless bride for Christ. The Apostle Paul also addresses the necessity of church discipline in his letters to the Corinthians, where he instructs the church to address immorality within their midst: "Expel the wicked man from among you" (1 Corinthians 5:13). Such measures are not punitive but are intended to protect the spiritual health of the Church and encourage repentance and restoration. Conclusion The walls of ordinances, as established by God, serve as a vital protection for the Church. They provide spiritual boundaries that guide believers in their walk with Christ, ensuring that the Church remains a beacon of truth and holiness in a fallen world. Through adherence to God's commandments and the practice of church discipline, the Church is safeguarded against false teachings and moral compromise, allowing it to fulfill its mission as the body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 2:9My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he stands behind our wall, he looks forth at the windows, showing himself through the lattice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 5:5 Library The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive ... The Church and the Young Man. Church Fabrics and Services. Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... The Dutch Calvinist Colony on the Hudson and the Swedish Lutheran ... The Leaven. From the Commencement of the Revolution in 1776, to Its ... Non-Resistants. The Conversion of Paul. Resources Why was it important to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the walls of Jericho falling down? | GotQuestions.org What will be the purpose of the walls around the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms |
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