God gave humanity four basic institutions: the
family, human government, Israel, and the church.
It may be observed that each of these institutions demonstrates a
characteristic or attribute of God.
†
The family illustrates the
unity of God (Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 6:4)
†
Human
government illustrates the judgment of God (Romans 13:1,2)
†
Israel
illustrates the election of God (Romans 9:1-18; 11:1-5)
†
The
church illustrates the love of God (Ephesians 5:22-27)
The family was the first human institution God created. Through the family God illustrates visibly the relationships which exist in the Godhead and the relationship which exists between Christ and His church. Through the family God sought to bring into proper relationship the world with Himself. He created all of the heavens and earth and the things in them that they might prepare the way for and sustain the crown of His creation – humanity.
† How the family began – Genesis 2:18-25
† Three essentials for a Christian home – Deuteronomy 6:4-9
† The role of the wife – 1 Peter 3:1-6
† The role of the husband – Col. 3:19
† The role of children – Proverbs 1:8
† The role of parents – Ephesians 6:4
†
The prescription for rearing children –
Proverbs 22:6
God’s purpose in human government is that it serve as both a custodian and an enforcer of His eternal law. It has been correctly noted that alll the thousands of good and practical laws passed hundreds of legislative bodies and rulers throughout history are in reality only amplifications of the Ten Commandments.
† The origin of human government – Genesis 9:5
† The function of human government – Romans 13:1-4
†
Our responsibility to human government – 1
Peter 2:13
God’s selection of Israel as a special nation may puzzle the Bible student, but his choice becomes obvious through study. When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of a great nation, He also promised that He would bless all peoples through that nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Israel was to be a channel of blessing as well as a recipient.
† Selection of Israel – Amos 3:2
† History of Israel – Psalms 78:4
† Purpose of Israel – Deuteronomy 14:2
† Government of Israel – 1 Chronicles 28:4
†
Worship by Israel – Psalms 29:2
The church, illustrating God’s love for us, is the fourth institution through which God works. The universal church (which is the Body of Christ)\ Col 1:18) comprises all believers since the institution of the church.
† The meaning of the word church – Acts 7:38
† The origin of the church – Matthew 16:18
† The purpose of the church – Ephesians 3:21; Ephesians 4:11-32
† The offices of the church – 1 Timothy 3:1-13
† The relationship of the church to Christ - Ephesians 5:25-29