Law And The Bible: Exploring Legal Applications

The Bible's influence on legal systems worldwide is undeniable, but it is important to note that it does not focus primarily on secular law. The word law in the Bible has different meanings and connotations. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word torah refers to a body of law, including the Ten Commandments and a long list of detailed laws recorded in the book of Leviticus. In the New Testament, the Greek word nomos is used, often referring to the Pentateuch or the Old Testament Scriptures. The Law, in the context of the Bible, encompasses not only the commandments given to Moses but also the entire Old Testament, including the books of Psalms and Prophets.

The Law, as a unit, comprises the 613 laws of the Sinai Covenant or Mosaic Covenant, given to the Israelites as a covenant between God and His chosen people. It served as a rule of conduct, a source of blessing, and a means of separation from other nations. While the Law was meant to guide and govern the way of life for the Jewish people, it also pointed towards the need for a Saviour, as humanity's disobedience to God's standards was a major obstacle in their relationship with Him.

The New Covenant, established through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, replaced the old Mosaic Law, abolishing certain ordinances while fulfilling the righteousness requirements of the Law. This new covenant, written in the hearts of believers, emphasises grace and faith as the path to right standing before God.

The Law as the Old Testament

The Law of Moses, also known as the Mosaic Law, is the law said to have been revealed to Moses by God. The term primarily refers to the Torah, or the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The Law of Moses in ancient Israel was different from other legal codes in the ancient Near East because transgressions were seen as offences against God rather than solely as offences against society (civil law).

The Law of Moses regulated almost every aspect of life in Old Testament times. It included the Ten Commandments, moral laws, social laws, food laws, purity laws, feast laws, sacrifices and offerings, instructions for the priesthood and the high priest, and instructions regarding the Tabernacle.

The Law of Moses was given to the Israelites when they were still a band of ex-slaves struggling to survive. Many of the laws were specific to the worship system and agricultural life of ancient Israel. However, there are also many moral teachings that form the basis of Christian morality.

The teachings of Jesus affirmed and extended the moral and ethical laws of the Old Testament. He did not abolish them but revealed their true meaning and intent. He emphasised that obedience must come from the heart, rather than just superficial compliance with the law.

Jesus did not support the ritualistic laws. He and his disciples did not observe strict scribal rules against doing any work on the Sabbath, nor did they perform ritual hand washings before eating. In contrast to the dietary rules of the Law, Jesus said that no food could defile a person; it is bad attitudes and actions that can make a person unholy.

Jesus made one statement about the Law that often causes confusion:

> 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. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Christians have struggled to understand exactly what Jesus meant. At first reading, this seems to say that all the Old Testament rules and rituals must still be observed. However, Jesus and his disciples did not observe many of these rules and rituals, so it cannot mean that.

It is frequently pointed out that the term "the Law" could have many different meanings:

• The ceremonial laws, including "clean" and "unclean" lists, sacrifices, dietary restrictions, ritual washings, etc.
• The civil law regulating social behaviour and specifying crimes, punishments and other rules
• The moral and ethical laws, such as the Ten Commandments
• The Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible)
• The scribal law – the 613 rules (mitzvot) formulated by the scribes that everyone was expected to obey
• The Scripture as a whole

Therefore, Jesus may have been specifically teaching that the moral and ethical laws in the Scripture would endure until the end of time. That would be consistent with His actions and other teachings.

The Law as the Mosaic Law

The Mosaic Law, also known as the Law of Moses, is the law that was revealed to Moses by God. The term primarily refers to the Torah or the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books contain a total of 613 commandments, which can be divided into three parts: the Ten Commandments, the ordinances, and the worship system.

The Mosaic Law was given specifically to the nation of Israel and served several purposes. Firstly, it revealed the holy character of God to the Israelites and set them apart from all other nations. Secondly, it revealed the sinfulness of mankind and showed that no one could keep the Law perfectly, thus leading them to rely on God's mercy and grace. Thirdly, it provided a way of worship for the community of faith through sacrifices, offerings, and yearly feasts. It also included social laws that governed their secular, political, and economic life, as well as moral laws on murder, theft, adultery, and more.

The Mosaic Law was considered supreme over all other sources of authority, and the Levites were its guardians and interpreters. However, with the coming of Christ, the Mosaic Law as a rule of life was terminated. Christians are no longer under the rule of the Mosaic Law but are under grace. This does not mean that Christians are lawless; instead, they are to live righteously by a new source of life, following the law of the Spirit or the law of Christ.

The Law of Grace

In the Bible, "the law" is a term that refers specifically to the compilation of decrees found in the first five books, which are also known as the Torah. This body of law served as a guide for the Israelites, outlining their obligations to God and the consequences of disobedience.

Kevan's study delves into the antinomian controversy within Puritanism, highlighting the orthodox Puritan view that regarded the moral law as an expression of God's majesty. This law, they believed, was established as a guide for mankind's blessedness and as a measure to expose sin.

In the context of the covenant of grace, Kevan explains how the law relates to God's people after the fall. He carefully elucidates the relationship between Christ's work and the law, emphasizing the ongoing moral obligation that Christians have toward the law. Kevan's work also explores the concept of gospel obedience and the freedom that Christians find in Christ from the condemnation of the law.

While the Puritans viewed law and grace as opposing principles regarding justification, they acknowledged God's ability to use the law for His gracious purposes in the life of a believer. This tension between law and grace is a central theme within Puritan theology, and Kevan's work offers valuable insights into their understanding of the law's role in the Christian life.

The Law as Separation

The concept of "the law" is a significant theme in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, where it refers to the compilation of decrees and commands given to the Israelites by God. This body of law is known as the Torah, and it encompasses hundreds of instructions that governed the lives of God's chosen people.

Biblical separation can be understood in two ways: personal and ecclesiastical. Personal separation involves an individual's commitment to a godly standard of behaviour, often based on the Mosaic law. For example, a person might choose to decline invitations to parties where alcohol is served to avoid temptation and maintain their personal convictions. Ecclesiastical separation, on the other hand, involves a church's decision to break ties with other organisations based on theological differences or practices.

In the context of marriage, separation is viewed as a last resort, with reconciliation being God's desire for struggling couples. However, in cases of abuse, infidelity, or other crises, separation can be an act of love and a step towards survival.

The law, in both the Old and New Testaments, focuses on the commands and regulations of the Mosaic covenant, or the laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Obedience to these laws was of utmost importance to the Israelites, as their relationship with God depended on it. Transgressions required sacrifices and penalties, as outlined in the Bible.

The New Testament introduces the concept of grace and forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While the apostle Paul contrasts the law with the gospel of grace, he also emphasises that the law is still important for understanding good and evil. Ultimately, Christians are called to a new standard of conduct, not to be lawless, but to obey out of love for God and their neighbour.

The Law as the Book of Moses

The Law of Moses, also called the Mosaic Law, refers to the law that was revealed to Moses by God. The term primarily refers to the Torah, or the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books contain a compilation of decrees and commandments given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai, which formed the basis of the covenant between God and the Israelites.

The Law of Moses is mentioned 15 times in the Hebrew Bible and 7 times in the New Testament. The term "Torah" itself means "law" in Hebrew and was translated into Greek as "nomos" or "Law". While the use of "Torah" to refer to the "Five Books of Moses" is believed to have originated in the 2nd century BCE, the content of the instructions and its interpretations, known as the Oral Torah, was passed down orally and later codified in Rabbinical Judaism.

The Law of Moses covered a wide range of topics, including:

• The Ten Commandments
• Moral laws on murder, theft, honesty, adultery, and homosexuality
• Social laws on property, inheritance, marriage, and divorce
• Food laws on clean and unclean foods, cooking, and food storage
• Purity laws on menstruation, seminal emissions, skin diseases, and mildew
• Religious feasts and festivals
• Sacrifices and offerings
• Instructions for the priesthood and the high priest, including tithes
• Instructions for the construction and maintenance of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple in Jerusalem, including the Holy of Holies
• Instructions for the future, when Israel would demand a king

The Law of Moses was considered supreme over all other sources of authority, and the Levites were entrusted with guarding and interpreting the law. Transgressions of the law were seen as offences against God rather than solely against society, which set it apart from other legal codes in the ancient Near East.

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