Topics

Ordinance

An ordinance is a permanent statute or law established by God for His people to observe. Biblical ordinances include ceremonial laws, dietary restrictions, and institutional practices meant to regulate worship and community life.

Overview

Ordinances are divine decrees or statutes given by God to regulate the worship, conduct, and governance of His people. These binding regulations were established to shape Israel's communal and spiritual life, encompassing ceremonial practices, dietary laws, and institutional procedures. Many ordinances in the Old Testament pointed to Christ and His work, while others established principles of godly living applicable to all believers.

Key Scriptures

"And you shall observe this day throughout your generations as an ordinance forever" (Exodus 12:14, ESV). "Moses said to them, 'This is what the Lord has commanded'" (Exodus 16:16, ESV). "For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good and you will receive his approval" (Romans 13:3, ESV).

Application

Recognize that while ceremonial ordinances were fulfilled in Christ, the principles underlying God's laws—holiness, obedience, and proper worship—remain binding for believers today.

Scripture References 33
Exodus 12:14 Exodus 12:24 Exodus 12:43 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 Isaiah 1:10 Isaiah 1:11 Isaiah 1:12 Isaiah 1:13 Isaiah 1:14 Isaiah 1:15 Isaiah 1:16 Isaiah 1:17 Colossians 2:20 Colossians 2:21 Colossians 2:22 Colossians 2:23 Hebrews 9:8 Hebrews 9:9 Hebrews 9:10 Galatians 5:6 Galatians 6:15 Ephesians 2:15 Colossians 2:14 Hebrews 9:1
Full Topical Reference List 33 total — Nave's Topical Bible

A decree

1 Peter 2:13 Exodus 12:14 Exodus 12:24 Exodus 12:43 Exodus 13:10 Exodus 15:25 Isaiah 24:5 Malachi 4:4 Numbers 9:14 Numbers 10:8 Numbers 15:15 Numbers 18:8 Romans 13:2

Insufficiency of, for salvation

Colossians 2:14 Colossians 2:20 Colossians 2:21 Colossians 2:22 Colossians 2:23 Ephesians 2:15 Galatians 5:6 Galatians 6:15 Hebrews 9:1 Hebrews 9:8 Hebrews 9:9 Hebrews 9:10 Isaiah 1:10 Isaiah 1:11 Isaiah 1:12 Isaiah 1:13 Isaiah 1:14 Isaiah 1:15 Isaiah 1:16 Isaiah 1:17
Build a Study Print Back to Topics