The concept of "The Foundation of Order" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the nature and character of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The Scriptures reveal that God is a God of order, not chaos, and this divine order is evident in creation, the moral law, and the structure of the church and family.

Creation and Divine Order

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God establishes order out of chaos. Genesis 1:1-2 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." God then speaks creation into existence, bringing light, separating the waters, and forming the land, plants, animals, and humans. Each act of creation is marked by the phrase, "And God saw that it was good," indicating the inherent order and goodness in His creation.

The psalmist reflects on this order in Psalm 104:24 , "How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures." This wisdom and order are foundational to the universe, as God has set the boundaries of the seas (Job 38:8-11) and established the cycles of day and night (Genesis 1:14-18).

Moral and Ethical Order

God's order extends beyond the physical realm to the moral and ethical dimensions of life. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a framework for righteous living, reflecting God's holy and orderly nature. These commandments establish a moral order that governs human relationships with God and with one another.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes this moral order in Romans 13:1-2 , "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." Here, Paul underscores the divine origin of authority and order in society.

Order in the Church

The New Testament further reveals God's order within the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:33 , Paul writes, "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints." This statement comes in the context of instructions for orderly worship, emphasizing that worship should reflect God's nature.

Paul also outlines the structure of church leadership in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9, where qualifications for overseers and deacons are given. These passages highlight the importance of order and accountability within the church body.

Order in the Family

The family unit is another area where God's order is evident. Ephesians 5:22-33 describes the relationship between husbands and wives, with Christ's relationship to the church as the model. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives are instructed to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. This order is not about dominance but reflects mutual love and respect, mirroring the divine order.

Children are also included in this order, as Ephesians 6:1-4 instructs, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.' Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Conclusion

The Foundation of Order in the Bible is a testament to God's character and His design for creation, morality, the church, and the family. This divine order is intended to bring peace, harmony, and flourishing to all aspects of life, reflecting the wisdom and goodness of the Creator.