Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "institution" refers to the establishment of practices, laws, or systems ordained by God or established by human authority under divine guidance. Institutions play a significant role in the biblical narrative, serving as frameworks through which God's purposes are realized and His covenantal relationship with humanity is expressed.Divine Institutions 1. Marriage: The institution of marriage is one of the earliest and most significant institutions established by God. In Genesis 2:24, it is written, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This institution is foundational for family life and is upheld throughout Scripture as a sacred covenant reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). 2. Sabbath: The Sabbath is another divine institution, established by God as a day of rest and worship. Genesis 2:3 states, "Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and His people, as reiterated in Exodus 31:16-17. 3. Government: The Bible acknowledges the institution of government as ordained by God to maintain order and justice. Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This institution is seen as a means to promote good and restrain evil. Religious Institutions 1. The Priesthood: The institution of the priesthood was established to mediate between God and the people of Israel. The Levitical priesthood, as detailed in Exodus 28-29, was responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. Hebrews 5:1 explains, "Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins." 2. The Temple: The temple in Jerusalem was a central religious institution for the Israelites, serving as the dwelling place of God's presence and the focal point of worship. Solomon's construction of the temple is detailed in 1 Kings 6, and its significance is underscored in 2 Chronicles 7:16, where God declares, "For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that My Name may be there forever." 3. The Church: In the New Testament, the Church emerges as a new institution, the body of Christ, composed of believers who are called to worship, fellowship, and spread the Gospel. Matthew 16:18 records Jesus' words, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." The Church is described as a living organism, with Christ as the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). Social Institutions 1. Family: The family is a fundamental social institution in the Bible, designed for companionship, procreation, and the nurturing of children. Ephesians 6:1-4 emphasizes the roles within the family, instructing children to obey their parents and fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 2. Community: The concept of community is integral to biblical teaching, with the people of God called to live in unity and mutual support. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early Christian community as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, sharing their possessions and caring for one another's needs. Institutions in the Bible are divinely ordained structures that provide order, facilitate worship, and promote the flourishing of human relationships in accordance with God's will. They are integral to understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act or process of instituting; as: (a) Establishment; foundation; enactment; as, the institution of a school.2. (n.) Instruction; education. 3. (n.) The act or ceremony of investing a clergyman with the spiritual part of a benefice, by which the care of souls is committed to his charge. 4. (n.) That which instituted or established 5. (n.) Established order, method, or custom; enactment; ordinance; permanent form of law or polity. 6. (n.) An established or organized society or corporation; an establishment, especially of a public character, or affecting a community; a foundation; as, a literary institution; a charitable institution; also, a building or the buildings occupied or used by such organization; as, the Smithsonian Institution. 7. (n.) Anything forming a characteristic and persistent feature in social or national life or habits. 8. (n.) That which institutes or instructs; a textbook; a system of elements or rules; an institute. Greek 1296. diatage -- institution, ordinance ... institution, ordinance. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: diatage Phonetic Spelling: (dee-at-ag-ay') Short Definition: ordaining, ordinance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1296.htm - 6k 2937. ktisis -- creation (the act or the product) 3548. nomothesia -- legislation, lawgiving 4521. sabbaton -- the Sabbath, ie the seventh day (of the week) Library The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. The Institution of the Eucharist. (Luke, xxii. , 17-20. ) Whether the Institution of this Sacrament was Appropriate? On Certain Modern Writers and the Institution of the Family Excellency of the Christian Institution. Meditation viii. Institution of the Holy Eucharist. Later Institution of Baptism as an Initiatory Rite. The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper. Institution of the Lord's Supper. P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Thesaurus Institution (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act or process of instituting; as: (a) Establishment; foundation; enactment; as, the institution of a school. ... /i/institution.htm - 7k Pentecost (3 Occurrences) Wife (437 Occurrences) Deaconess (1 Occurrence) Purim (5 Occurrences) Pur (3 Occurrences) Brother's (46 Occurrences) School (3 Occurrences) Deacon (4 Occurrences) Sacraments Resources If marriage is so difficult, why should I even consider it? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I get married? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Institution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Institution (1 Occurrence)1 Peter 2:13 Subtopics Related Terms |