Kara Sears
The concept of God's law is a multifaceted topic in Christianity, with the law referring to the hundreds of commands given to the Israelites in the Old Testament, specifically the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah. The law serves as a reflection of God's character, revealing His holiness, righteousness, and love. It sets the standard for moral behaviour and conduct, guiding Christians in their walk with God. While the law is no longer a means to earn salvation, it remains relevant, pointing Christians towards their need for Christ and His redemptive work. The discussion of law vs. grace is a common theme, with some Christians believing it still applies, while others argue it does not.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "The law" refers to the compilation of decrees found in the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah. |
| Purpose | To expose what displeases God and the sin that followers should avoid. |
| Applicability | The Old Testament law is considered irrelevant to modern Christian life by some, while others argue it still applies to Christians. |
| Relationship to Grace | The law and grace are both integral parts of the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
| Nature | The law reflects the character, holiness, righteousness, and love of God. |
| Function | The law guides Christians in their walk with God, reminding them of their need for grace and their dependence on God's forgiveness. |
| Interpretation | The law is understood in terms of God as the Creator and Lord, and in the context of covenant relationships and instruction for God's people. |
| Authority | God has the right and authority to determine what is right and wrong and to hold his moral creatures accountable for their obedience to his commands. |
| Fulfillment | Jesus fulfilled the law by offering himself as a sacrifice for sins, providing a way for redemption and transformation for those who follow his commands. |
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What You'll Learn
God's law and the Old Testament
The "law" in the Bible refers specifically to the compilation of decrees found in the first five books, named the Torah. The law of God is understood in terms of who God is as the Creator and Lord, and in the covenantal context of instruction and demand for God's people. God's law is a reflection of His character, and His will and nature are the moral standard of the universe.
The Old Testament contains 613 commandments, which are a selection from the original constitution given to Israel by Moses. These laws are about rituals and customs, social justice, and morality. They are the terms of the covenant between God and Israel, an agreement that binds them together as a community. The laws are not just rules laid down by a tribal chief, but they are laws of the covenant community. When the law was transgressed, the covenant was broken, and so was the relationship with God.
The purpose of the Law was to point us to Christ. God gave the Law to define sin and demonstrate our need for a saviour. Jesus is the only one who has perfectly obeyed the Law, and through his life, death, and resurrection, he fulfilled all of God's righteous commands.
The Old Testament law also addresses complex issues such as the Sabbath and slavery. The fourth commandment calls for ceasing labour one day in seven, which was an extraordinary gift to the people of Israel, but it also required trust in God's provision. On the issue of slavery, the Old Testament differentiates between slavery as it was practised in ancient times and the kind of slavery that occurred in the United States. The Old Testament condemns the kidnapping of people for sale as slaves and makes it punishable by death.
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God's law and the New Testament
The term "law" in the context of Christianity and the New Testament has various interpretations. In the New Testament, the Greek word for "law" is "nomos", derived from "nemo", meaning "to divide", "distribute", or "apportion". In a general sense, it refers to a rule or command established for guidance.
In the Bible, the term "law" often refers to the Old Testament, specifically the first five books known as the Torah or Pentateuch. These books contain hundreds of commands given to the Israelites, outlining God's expectations for their behaviour, words, and attitudes. Obedience to these laws was seen as an obligation for God's chosen people, with whom He had a solemn covenant. Transgressing these laws meant breaking the covenant and, by extension, the relationship with God.
The apostle Paul, in his letters, clarifies that the law is not a burden or a restriction but a reflection of God's love. He argues that it is through the law that we understand the difference between good and evil, right and wrong. Paul emphasizes that it is not by following the law but through faith in Jesus Christ that people are justified or "declared righteous" by God. This idea of justification by faith is not new, as Paul points to Old Testament figures like Abraham who received blessings through their faith.
Jesus Christ himself summarized the law in terms of love, emphasizing the commandments to love God and love one's neighbour. He expanded on the law, highlighting that it is not just about outward obedience but also about the attitudes and intentions of the heart. This is exemplified in his teachings during the Sermon on the Mount, where he delves into the deeper meanings of the commandments.
The New Testament also introduces the concept of grace and forgiveness, moving beyond the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Through Christ's sacrifice, a new covenant is established, where God's laws are written on the hearts of believers, and their sins are forgiven. This new covenant is characterized by God's forgiving grace, where believers are guided by their love for Him rather than strict adherence to rituals and sacrifices.
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God's law and grace
The concept of "God's Law" is a central tenet of the Bible and Christianity, and it is often discussed in relation to God's grace. When "the law" is mentioned in the Bible, it refers specifically to the compilation of decrees found in the first five books, known as the Torah. These books contain hundreds of commands given to the Israelites, outlining God's requirements and expectations for their behaviour, words, and attitudes.
God's law serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it defines sin by clearly delineating right from wrong (Exodus 20). By understanding the law, we also understand what displeases God and what actions constitute sin. Secondly, the law demonstrates our need for a saviour. As humans, we are incapable of perfectly obeying God's laws, and our sins create a rift between us and God. This is where God's grace comes in—it is His love, mercy, and generosity that make reconciliation with Him possible.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the final sacrifice that brings the Law to fulfilment and establishes the New Covenant (Luke 22:20). Through Christ's sacrifice, the penalty of sin is paid, and we are saved "for" good works, not "by" them (Ephesians 2:10). This is a key distinction, as it highlights that salvation is not earned through good deeds but is a gift of God's grace.
The apostle Paul, in his letters to the Romans and Galatians, addresses the relationship between law and grace. He clarifies that grace does not give us a license to disobey God's law but rather empowers us to live in holiness. According to Paul, the law shows us what God wants, and grace gives us the desire and power to achieve it (Romans 7:6).
In summary, God's law and grace are not at odds but work together. The law reveals God's character and our need for salvation, while grace, through Christ's sacrifice, provides the means for reconciliation and salvation.
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God's law and sin
God's law is a central concept in the Bible, and it refers to the commands and instructions given by God to his followers to regulate their lives and moral behaviour. The law is not just a set of rules, but it is tied to covenants and God's relationship with his people. God's law is a reflection of his character, and it is an impossibly high standard that fallen human beings can never meet perfectly. This is why the Bible presents sin as so horrendous that it merits death.
The first use of the Hebrew word "torah", translated as "law", is found in Genesis 26:5, where God promises blessings to Isaac, which are to be passed on to future generations because "Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes and My laws." The word "torah" is used in the Bible to describe teaching or instruction.
In the Old Testament, the law specifically refers to the compilation of decrees found in the first five books of the Bible, which were given to the Israelites. These laws governed various aspects of their lives, including sacrifices, foods, and rituals. Obedience to these laws was seen as an obligation of God's people as they attempted to merit His favour and blessing.
The New Testament book of Hebrews compares the old life under "the law" with the new life under God's forgiving grace. It highlights how the old covenant required sacrifices that could never truly take away sins, while the new covenant is based on Christ's sacrifice, which is sufficient for all time.
The apostle Paul clarifies that the law is not in conflict with the good news of the Gospel. Instead, he emphasizes that the law shows us the difference between good and evil and guides us on how to live a life of love for God and our neighbours. Paul also points out that keeping the law does not lead to eternal life, and that only through faith in Jesus Christ can we be justified and declared righteous by God.
Sin, in the context of God's law, is often referred to as transgression or trespass in the Bible. It represents a deviation from God's requirements and expectations for human behaviour, words, and attitude. By understanding God's law, we can recognize and avoid sin, and it serves as a tutor to show us our need for Him in the sanctifying process as we grow in faith.
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God's law and the commandments
In the Bible, "the law" refers to the compilation of decrees found in the first five books, known as the Torah. These books contain hundreds of commands given to the Israelites. The law is also used to refer to God's commands, which are written expressions of His character, mind, and will. They teach humans how to love and worship Him, love each other, and prepare for eternal life with Him.
The law of God is understood in terms of who God is as the Creator and Lord, and in the context of His covenant with His people. God is the law because His will and nature are the moral standard of the universe. As the Creator, He has the right and authority to determine what is right and wrong and to hold His creatures accountable for their actions.
The Ten Commandments, given directly by God and codified by Moses, are a perfect spiritual law that is always in force. They are a divine standard that regulates human conduct. Jesus Christ magnified and ratified these commandments. The first four commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second set of six commandments are to love your neighbor as yourself.
The law is not just a set of rules but is integral to the covenant community. Transgressing the law breaks the covenant and the relationship with God. The Bible states that sin is lawlessness and that sacrifices are required to restore the broken relationship. However, these sacrifices are inadequate, and only through Christ's sacrifice can we be truly forgiven.
Obeying God's commandments is a condition for eternal life, and they serve as a guide for how to live a life that pleases Him. They are not a burden but a way to expose what displeases God and the sins we should avoid.
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Frequently asked questions
The Law of God is a set of commands given by God to his creatures to regulate their lives and moral behaviour. It is a reflection of God's character, revealing his holiness, righteousness and love.
The Law is a guide for how to live as a Christian and a reflection of God's character. It also reminds Christians of their need for grace and mercy.
The Old Testament Law refers specifically to the compilation of decrees found in the first five books of the Bible, which was given the name Torah. The New Testament offers God's forgiving grace, with Jesus as the one true sacrifice for sins, good for all time.
There are two schools of thought on this. Some believe that the Old Testament Law is no longer relevant to New Testament Christians. Others believe that while Christians are no longer under the Law as a means of earning salvation, it still has significance in the lives of followers of Christ.
