God's Law Vs. Man's Law: Who Should We Obey?

The concept of sin and its relationship with God's law and man's law is a complex and multifaceted topic. According to religious texts, sin is defined as any act that breaks God's law, and God alone defines sin as He is the ultimate standard of what is good and right. While the interpretation of sin can vary, God's laws, as outlined in religious scriptures, provide the absolute source for defining sin.

The question of whether God tells us to break the law is a contentious issue. Some religious interpretations suggest that God's laws supersede man's laws, and if there is a conflict between the two, one should side with God. However, this does not imply that human laws should be disregarded entirely. They serve as a social contract between citizens and the government and play a crucial role in maintaining order and suppressing evil.

Ultimately, the relationship between God's law and man's law is complex, and different religious denominations may interpret it differently. While some laws may seem insignificant, such as jaywalking, others may have more profound implications, such as those that go against the core tenets of one's faith.

God's law is defined in the Bible

The Bible states that God's laws are holy, spiritual, perfect, and always for our benefit. They define righteousness and sin and show God's priorities, fairness, and how to show godly love.

The 10 Commandments are the core of God's law and provide a foundational framework for how mankind should interact with God and each other. They include laws against murder and stealing, as well as commandments to love God and love your neighbour.

However, God's law in the Bible is not limited to the 10 Commandments. For example, the law of marriage is defined as being between one man and one woman, and the law of clean and unclean foods sets out which animals are clean and unclean for consumption.

The Bible also includes civil and ceremonial laws, such as those governing the nation of Israel and the sacrificial system. While these laws are no longer directly applicable today, they still function as Scripture, teaching us about God's plan of redemption and instructing us on how to live wisely as God's people.

In summary, God's law in the Bible encompasses a wide range of commandments, statutes, and judgments that are meant to guide our behaviour and interactions with God and each other.

God's law supersedes the laws of man

The idea that God's law supersedes the laws of man is a concept that is explored within the Bible and by Christian communities. This notion does not mean that one should ignore the laws of man, but rather that when a law conflicts with God's commandments, one must side with God.

The Bible provides examples of when one should obey God rather than man. For instance, Daniel's three friends rebel against the King of Babylon's command to worship the golden image he set up. They state their faith in God and explain that they will not serve the King's gods or worship the golden image. Similarly, Jesus' apostles rebel against the Jewish Council's commandment to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. They continue to preach the gospel and state that they "must obey God rather than men".

In the New Testament, Paul writes about the importance of keeping the law:

> "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

However, Paul's writings are considered by some to be distinct from the word of God, as they are "post Christ" and thus not outside the bounds of question.

In the modern-day United States, Christians may face dilemmas where they must choose to obey God rather than man, such as with abortion, homosexual marriage, and divorce.

The concept of God's law superseding the laws of man is also reflected in the idea that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. One has a moral responsibility to obey just laws but also a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. An unjust law is considered a human law that is not rooted in eternal or natural law and degrades human personality.

Sin is defined as breaking God's law

The Bible provides numerous examples of breaking God's law, such as forsaking His law, not obeying His voice, and walking contrary to His commandments. God's law serves as the standard of moral perfection that humans are obligated to obey. Failing to keep the law is considered a sin.

While some laws may be interpreted as flexible or open to discussion, such as jaywalking or speeding, other laws are clearly established to uphold moral principles. For instance, laws that align with loving God and loving your neighbor are considered essential.

Paul's writings in the Bible emphasize the importance of submitting to governing authorities, as they are established by God. However, if a law contradicts God's commandments, such as bowing to an idol, it is not considered a sin to break that law.

Ultimately, sin is any thought, word, or deed that breaks God's law, either by omission or commission. God, as the ultimate standard of what is good and right, defines sin through His revealed Word in the Bible.

God's law can change

The idea that God's law can change is a complex and nuanced topic within Christian theology. While some assert that God's law is unchanging, others recognize a shift in emphasis from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It is important to note that Christians generally believe that God's moral law, as expressed in the Ten Commandments, remains constant. However, they also acknowledge that the ceremonial and civil laws given to ancient Israel through Moses may have been adapted or fulfilled in light of the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, God established a covenant with the nation of Israel, which included specific dietary regulations, sacrificial worship, and a national priesthood. These laws governed the relationship between God and his chosen people, ensuring their holiness and separation from other nations. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, a new covenant was established, and some of the ceremonial and civil aspects of the law were either fulfilled or altered.

Jesus himself clarified this in Matthew 5:17, stating, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." This statement indicates that Jesus did not intend to abolish or discard the law but to fulfill its true purpose and intent. Paul also emphasizes this point in his epistles, explaining that Christians are no longer under the condemnation of the law but are called to live by the Spirit (Romans 7:6; Galatians 5:18).

The book of Hebrews further elaborates on this concept, revealing that Jesus, as our High Priest, has the authority to make changes to God's law (Hebrews 7:1-3, 12). This shift in priesthood from the Levitical priesthood to Jesus as our eternal High Priest signifies a change in how God's law is administered and understood. However, it is crucial to recognize that these changes do not contradict God's eternal character or moral law but are aligned with his unchanging nature.

For example, the dietary regulations given to Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:3) differed from the restrictions imposed on the nation of Israel (Leviticus 11). This change in dietary laws can be attributed to altered circumstances and the preservation of life rather than a contradiction of God's character. Similarly, the Sabbath commandment, which was strictly enforced in the Old Testament, is approached differently in the New Testament, with Jesus emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man, and acts of mercy and healing take precedence (Mark 2:27; Matthew 12:1-8).

In conclusion, while God's moral law remains constant, the ceremonial and civil aspects of the law have undergone adaptations throughout Scripture. These changes reflect the shifting circumstances and the establishment of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, Christians look to Jesus as the embodiment and fulfillment of God's law, trusting in his authority to reveal and interpret the law in light of God's unchanging character and purpose.

God's law is unbreakable by humans

As humans, we are fragile and easily injured, but with God's power, we become unbreakable. God watches over His people, guiding them through trials and temptations. He does not prevent us from facing challenges, but He provides us with the strength and means to endure and overcome them.

The Bible is replete with examples of God's power to protect and save His people. For instance, Paul, a follower of Christ, recognized and testified to God's power, stating that humans are like "jars of clay," easily broken but filled with God's surpassing power.

Additionally, God's law is often perceived as superior to man-made laws. Believers accord greater authority to divine law, believing that it cannot be changed by human authorities. This inflexibility of divine law is a controversial issue, with opponents arguing for the influence of human culture and context.

While humans cannot break God's law, they have the choice to accept and follow it or to rebel and live according to their desires. Ultimately, God's law stands firm, and humans must decide whether to align themselves with it or face the consequences of their disobedience.

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