From ReformedWord

Creation Ordinances Family Marriage · Procreation Dominion Work · (Rest/Sabbath) Related Topic Natural Law · Covenant of Works This box: view • talk • edit

A Creation Ordinance is one of the commands given by God before the Fall to humankind. They are, therefore, unchanging and will be in effect in the New Heavens and the New Earth, that is, for eternity. In raw form, therefore, they are all to be found in the Creation Story and the events leading up to (but preceding the Fall). Many theologians think of them as the "Law" of the Covenant of Works.

These original mandates are germane to our present inquiry precisely because they are so closely related to the powers and instincts with which man is naturally endowed, and they show unmistakably that native endowment or instinct is not sufficient for man’s direction even in the state of original integrity. The exercise of native instincts, the institution within which they are to be exercised, and the ends to be promoted by their exercise are prescribed by specially revealed commandments. If all this is true in a state of sinless integrity, when there was no sin to blind vision or depravity to pervert desire, how much more must expressly prescribed directions be necessary in a state of sin in which intelligence is blinded, feeling depraved, conscience defiled, and will perverted! ^[1]

Contents 1 History of Idea 2 Family 2.1 Procreation 2.2 Marriage 3 Dominion 3.1 Sabbath 3.2 Rest

History of Idea

In an attempt to express both the elements of morality and natural function, theologians have coined the term creation ordinance. Other terms have been used in the history of theology to refer to this same idea — most notably the expression "natural law". At various times there has been a broadening or narrowing of the notion expressed by these different terms. This has created confusion.

A proper understanding of the concept denoted by the phrase creation ordinance is especially significant today amid the current cultural wars. Traditional values along with their foundation are regularly being challenged. In the midst of this recalcitrance, the Christian must maintain that the sovereign, Triune God is the only foundation for right behavior. Questions concerning the sanctity of marriage (gay marriage, civil unions, cohabitation), the sanctity of life (abortion, human cloning, genetic engineering, euthanasia), diversity and tolerance (different religions, alternative lifestyles, distinguishing among good and bad cultures), and the goal of human achievement (a proper work ethic, recreation, retirement) can only be answered in terms of a universe ordered by God. The only alternative is relativity and chaos.

With the one significant exception of the modern West, it seems that all cultures have a notion of cosmic order, an overarching and stable framework of meaning in which everything finds a meaningful place. Consonant with this is the fact that virtually all religions teach a doctrine of cosmic order.^[2]

Family

Procreation

Marriage

Dominion

Sabbath

Rest

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