In the Bible, “ordained” refers to being appointed or established by divine authority for a specific purpose or role, especially in the context of ministry or leadership. In the KJV, it often implies being consecrated or set apart for God’s service, as seen in references such as Acts 13:2 and Titus 1:5.
Scripture
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Ordained: Bible Definition in KJV
The term “ordained” in the context of the Bible conveys a deep sense of divine appointment, where individuals are designated by God for specific roles and responsibilities within His framework. This notion of being set apart is evident in Acts 13:2, where the Holy Spirit instructs the church in Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He has called them. The act of ordination symbolizes not only an official recognition of a person’s role but also an acknowledgment that their ministry is rooted in God’s sovereign will. It underscores the idea that those who are ordained are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their responsibilities in alignment with God’s purpose, reinforcing the importance of divine authority in leadership.
Moreover, the concept of ordination extends beyond church leadership into the broader call of believers to live lives that reflect God’s intentions for His creation. According to Titus 1:5, Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in every city, indicating that within the church structure, God’s ordination is vital for maintaining order and promoting sound doctrine. This reflects the principle that ordained individuals are not merely leaders by virtue of their position but are essential instruments through which God’s plans are enacted. Therefore, being ordained signifies a sacred trust and a responsibility to embody and promote the teachings of Christ, making their roles integral to the health and mission of the church. Ultimately, ordination represents a collaborative relationship between God and His people, highlighting the divine purpose woven into the fabric of church life and governance.
In scripture, the notion of “ordained” is intrinsically linked to God’s sovereign authority over His creation and the specific roles assigned to individuals within the community of faith. This theme is evident when considering the duties allocated to prophets and leaders throughout the Old Testament. For example, figures like Moses and Aaron were ordained not just by human appointment but through God’s direct command, illustrating how divine selection is foundational to the leadership structure. Their priestly and prophetic roles were critical for mediating between God and the people, demonstrating that ordination serves to uphold God’s covenant and establish order within His gathering.
Furthermore, the New Testament expounds on this theme by emphasizing the spiritual gifts given to believers as part of their ordination for ministry. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul speaks of Christ giving some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, suggesting that ordination is also a recognition of the diverse gifts that the Spirit bestows on individuals for the edification of the church. Each role is ordained by Christ for the purpose of equipping the saints for service, which underlines the collective responsibility of the church to operate in harmony, guided by the principles laid forth through divine appointment. This perspective reinforces that ordination is not merely an institutional act but a vital expression of God’s ongoing work through His people, emphasizing that all members of the body are called and equipped, in various capacities, to fulfill His mission on earth.
Divine Appointment and Authority
In the context of the Bible, “ordained” signifies a divine appointment, where God designates individuals for specific roles or tasks within the church or community. This concept emphasizes that such appointments are not merely human decisions but are rooted in divine will and purpose. The act of ordination reflects God’s sovereignty and the belief that He equips chosen individuals with the necessary authority and gifts to fulfill their roles, whether as leaders, ministers, or servants within the faith community.
Establishment of Order and Structure
The term “ordained” also conveys the idea of establishing order and structure within the church. It highlights the importance of having designated leaders and roles to maintain harmony and effective functioning within the body of believers. This structure is essential for the growth and health of the church, as it ensures that responsibilities are clearly defined and that there is accountability among its members. Ordination serves to formalize these roles, providing a framework through which the church can operate according to God’s design.
Spiritual Significance and Commitment
Ordination carries a profound spiritual significance, representing a commitment to serve God and His people. It is an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the responsibilities undertaken by those who are ordained. This commitment is not only to the tasks at hand but also to a life of integrity, service, and devotion to God. The act of ordination symbolizes a covenant relationship, where the ordained individuals pledge to uphold the teachings of the faith and to lead by example, fostering spiritual growth and maturity within the community.
How to Embrace Divine Authority in Your Christian Journey
Embracing divine authority in your Christian journey is about recognizing that God’s guidance is both a privilege and a responsibility. It starts with cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him through prayer, scripture reading, and worship, allowing His Word to shape your thoughts and actions. As you surrender your will to His, you’ll find that His authority brings clarity and peace, even in the midst of life’s storms. Remember, embracing divine authority doesn’t mean relinquishing your individuality; rather, it empowers you to live authentically in alignment with His purpose for your life. Trust in His plans, seek His wisdom in every decision, and let His love flow through you to others. In doing so, you’ll not only grow closer to Him but also become a beacon of His grace and truth in the world around you.
Bible References to Ordination Meaning KJV:
Exodus 28:1-4: 1 “Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.”
2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
3 You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him for my priesthood.
4 These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests.
Leviticus 8:1-13: 1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
2 “Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments and the anointing oil and the bull of the sin offering and the two rams and the basket of unleavened bread,”
3 And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a bull calf for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without blemish, and offer them before the Lord.
4 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him, and the congregation was assembled at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
5 And Moses said to the congregation, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded to be done.”
6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.
7 And he put the coat on him and tied the sash around his waist and clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him and tied the skillfully woven band of the ephod around him, binding it to him with the band.
8 And he placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim.
9 And he set the turban on his head, and on the turban, in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown, as the Lord commanded Moses.
10 And Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them.
11 And he sprinkled some of it on the altar seven times and anointed the altar and all its utensils and the basin and its stand to consecrate them.
12 And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.
13 And Moses brought Aaron’s sons and clothed them with coats and tied sashes around their waists and bound caps on them, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Numbers 3:5-10: 5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him.
7 They shall keep guard over him and over the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle.
8 They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle.
9 And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are wholly given to him from among the people of Israel.
10 And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall guard their priesthood. But if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death.”
Deuteronomy 18:1-5: 1 “The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the Lord’s food offerings as their inheritance.”
2 They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the Lord is their inheritance, as he promised them.
3 And this shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach.
4 The firstfruits of your grain, of your wine and of your oil, and the first fleece of your sheep, you shall give him.
5 For the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for all time.
1 Samuel 16:1-13: 16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’
3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.”
4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem.
5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”
11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”
12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
1 Kings 12:31-32: 31 He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites.
32 And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made.
1 Chronicles 15:2-4: 2 Then David said, “No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever.”
3 And David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place, which he had prepared for it.
4 David assembled the sons of Aaron and the Levites:
2 Chronicles 11:14-15: 14 for the Levites left their common lands and their holdings and came to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons cast them out from serving as priests of the Lord,
15 And he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat idols and for the calves that he had made.
Psalm 110:1-4: 1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2 The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Isaiah 61:1-3: 1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Jeremiah 1:4-10: 4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Ezekiel 44:15-16: 15 But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the people of Israel went astray from me, shall come near to me to minister to me. And they shall stand before me to offer me the fat and the blood, declares the Lord God.
16 They shall enter my sanctuary, and they shall approach my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.
Matthew 10:1-4: 1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Mark 3:13-19: 13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.
14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
15 and have authority to cast out demons.
16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);
17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);
18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean,
19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Luke 6:12-16: 12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:
14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew,
15 Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,
16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
John 15:16-17: 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Acts 1:21-26: 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen.
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Romans 13:1-4: 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 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,
4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
1 Corinthians 12:27-31: 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
Ephesians 4:11-13: 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
1 Timothy 3:1-7: 1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Titus 1:5-9: 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Hebrews 5:1-4: 1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.
3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.
4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
1 Peter 2:9-10: 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.