The term "everlasting ordinance" refers to divine commands or decrees given by God that are intended to be observed perpetually by His people. These ordinances are often associated with covenants and are integral to the worship and identity of the community of faith. In the Bible, everlasting ordinances underscore the unchanging nature of God's will and His eternal covenant with His people.

Biblical Instances of Everlasting Ordinances

1. The Passover: One of the most significant everlasting ordinances is the Passover, instituted by God as a perpetual commemoration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. In Exodus 12:14, God commands, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a perpetual ordinance for the generations to come" . The Passover serves as a reminder of God's redemptive power and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

2. The Sabbath: The observance of the Sabbath is another example of an everlasting ordinance. In Exodus 31:16-17, it is written, "The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a perpetual covenant for the generations to come. It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed" . The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, symbolizing rest and sanctification.

3. The Day of Atonement: Leviticus 16:29-31 describes the Day of Atonement as an everlasting ordinance: "This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you must humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It is a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, that you may humble yourselves; it is a permanent statute" . This day emphasizes the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

4. Circumcision: The rite of circumcision is established as an everlasting covenant in Genesis 17:10-11, where God commands Abraham, "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you" . Circumcision is a physical sign of the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people.

Theological Significance

Everlasting ordinances are not merely ritualistic practices but are deeply theological, reflecting God's eternal nature and His unchanging purposes. They serve as tangible reminders of God's promises and His desire for a holy and obedient people. These ordinances often point to deeper spiritual truths and foreshadow the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, the concept of everlasting ordinances is expanded and fulfilled in Christ. For instance, the Passover finds its ultimate meaning in the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Sabbath rest is fulfilled in the rest that believers find in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). The Day of Atonement is realized in the once-for-all atonement made by Christ on the cross (Hebrews 9:12).

Contemporary Observance

While the specific practices of these ordinances may not be observed in the same way by all Christians today, their underlying principles remain relevant. The call to remember God's deliverance, to rest in His provision, to seek atonement and reconciliation, and to live as a covenant people continues to shape the life and worship of the Christian community. These everlasting ordinances remind believers of their identity in Christ and their ongoing relationship with the eternal God.