Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of "appointments" encompasses divine ordination, human responsibility, and the establishment of specific times and roles within God's sovereign plan. The term can refer to both the setting of times for events and the designation of individuals for particular tasks or offices.
Divine AppointmentsThe Bible frequently speaks of God's sovereign appointments, where He ordains specific times and events according to His divine will.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This verse underscores the belief that God has appointed times for all events in human history, reflecting His ultimate control over the unfolding of His creation.
In the Old Testament, God appointed feasts and holy days for the Israelites, such as the Passover and the Day of Atonement, as seen in
Leviticus 23. These appointments were not only times of remembrance and worship but also served as prophetic symbols pointing to future fulfillment in Christ.
Human AppointmentsHuman appointments in the Bible often involve the selection of individuals for specific roles or tasks. In the Old Testament, God appointed leaders such as Moses and Joshua to guide His people.
Exodus 3:10 records God's appointment of Moses: "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt."
In the New Testament, Jesus appointed the twelve apostles to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission after His ascension.
Mark 3:14 states, "He appointed twelve, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach."
Appointments in Church LeadershipThe early church also practiced appointments for leadership roles. The apostles appointed elders in the churches to provide spiritual oversight and guidance.
Acts 14:23 notes, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed."
The pastoral epistles provide further instructions on the qualifications and responsibilities of those appointed to church leadership. In
1 Timothy 3:1-7 and
Titus 1:5-9, Paul outlines the character and conduct expected of overseers and elders, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership in the church.
Prophetic AppointmentsProphetic appointments are also significant in Scripture, where God designates individuals to deliver His messages.
Jeremiah 1:5 reveals God's appointment of Jeremiah as a prophet: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Similarly, the New Testament highlights the appointment of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.
Luke 1:13-17 describes the angel Gabriel's announcement to Zechariah regarding John's birth and mission.
Eternal AppointmentsThe Bible also speaks of eternal appointments, particularly concerning salvation and judgment.
Hebrews 9:27 declares, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment." This verse emphasizes the inevitability of death and the subsequent divine appointment of judgment, underscoring the importance of faith in Christ for eternal life.
In conclusion, the concept of appointments in the Bible reflects God's sovereign plan and the roles He assigns to individuals and events within His creation. Whether through divine ordination, human responsibility, or prophetic calling, appointments serve to fulfill God's purposes and reveal His glory.
Library
The Appointment.
... They used to use it some for ordinaryappointments, but chiefly it is used for
friendship and for love-appointments.... Jesus keeps Hisappointments....
The Synodal Letter.
... leniency), decreed that he should remain in his own city, but have no authority
either to ordain, or to administer affairs, or to makeappointments; and that...
Christ the Son of God.
... The authority of Jesus can not be separated from Hisappointments. His
entire authority is embodied in each of Hisappointments....
The Secular Clergy
... Hence we may begin by enquiring how far they had succeeded in freeing episcopal
elections from lay control. [Sidenote: Episcopalappointments.]....
Our Guarantee of his Promises.
... The old limitations were gone. New powers had come. Jesus keeps Hisappointments.
His pledged word never fails. Not a word He has spoken can ever be broken....
He Replies to the Cavil that the one who is Born must be of one...
... precedents from nature? forappointments are subject to Him who appointed
them, and not the appointer to Hisappointments. But would...
The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... As the weather became cold I began to suffer on the long drives in the country
toappointments, and was soon longing for a fur coat....
Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... communion of the people. To these custom has added other convenient and
seemlyappointments of linen and silk. The "chalice veil...
Things to be Realized.
... We should hear less complaint concerning "poorappointments"; we should hear less
criticism of the sermons of humble but sincere men, if preacher and people...
The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... proceed to consider the success which hath attended this mode of fighting against
God"that is, suggesting improvements on divine institutions andappointments...
Thesaurus
Appointments (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Appointments (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles
23:24 These 'are' sons of Levi, by the house of their fathers
...Appointment (16 Occurrences)
... meet at six. 4. (n.) Decree; direction; established order or constitution;
as, to submit to the divineappointments. 5. (n.) The...
Appoints (7 Occurrences)
Beauty (98 Occurrences)
... of Solomon's day was drawn upon to its utmost in every department of aesthetics,
in the building of that house for Yahweh and in theappointments for the...
Charity (29 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) Eleemosynaryappointments [grants or devises] including relief of the poor
or friendless, education, religious culture, and public institutions. Int....
Abiathar (29 Occurrences)
... Theseappointments continued in force till the end of David's reign (1 Kings 4:4).
Abiathar was deposed (the sole historical instance of the deposition of a...
Shewbread (16 Occurrences)
... Samuel 21:4-6 (Matthew 12:4 Mark 2:26 Luke 6:4). 3. On Journeyings: At such times
as the removal of the tabernacle took place, the separateappointments of the...
Forefather (33 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 24:19 These 'are' theirappointments for their service, to come in
to the house of Jehovah, according to their ordinance by the hand of Aaron...
Falsehood (107 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Psalms 119:128 Therefore all myappointments I have declared
wholly right, Every path of falsehood I have hated! (YLT)....
Wholly (67 Occurrences)
... evermore? (WBS). Psalms 119:128 Therefore all myappointments I have declared
wholly right, Every path of falsehood I have hated! (YLT)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about church hierarchy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about ordination? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I talk about my faith in the workplace? | GotQuestions.orgAppointments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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