Kara Sears
In the Bible, the law refers to the commandments given through Moses to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, also known as the Mosaic Law. The Torah, or the book of Moses, contains these commandments, which are part of the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament. The New Testament also refers to the law in some instances, reflecting on the old situation where obedience to commandments was seen as a way to gain acceptance with God. The apostle Paul, for example, contrasts this with the idea of forgiveness through God's grace, made possible by Christ's sacrifice. While the law in the Bible generally refers to the Mosaic Law, there are also distinctions made between ceremonial law, moral law, and judicial law, which are human constructs to better understand God's nature and applicable laws for Christians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of "Law" | A definite commandment laid down by any recognized authority |
| "Law" in the Bible | Refers to the Old Testament Scriptures and the Mosaic law |
| "Law" in the New Testament | Refers to the Old Testament Scriptures and the commandments of the Mosaic law |
| "Law" in the Old Testament | Refers to the Mosaic covenant and the commandments of God |
| "Law" in Scripture | Refers to the Torah, or the "Book of Moses" |
| "Law" and "Law" in Romans 3:31 | Refers to a primal moral law and the scriptures |
| Ceremonial Law, Moral Law, Judicial Law | Human constructs to understand God's nature and which laws to follow |
| The Law and Jesus | Jesus fulfilled the law, ending separation between Jew and Gentile |
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What You'll Learn
Law in Scripture refers to the Old Testament
In the Bible, "the law" is a reference to the Old Testament. Specifically, it refers to the commandments given to the Israelites through Moses at Sinai, also known as the Mosaic Law or the Torah. This body of law consists of 613 laws that encompass moral behaviour, their position as a godly example to other nations, and systematic procedures for acknowledging God's holiness and mankind's sinfulness.
The Torah is part of the Hebrew Scriptures, also known as the Old Testament, but it is not synonymous with it. The Torah is often referred to as the "book of Moses" or the "book of the Law of Moses". It includes the Law, but it is more than just a law book or a constitution between God and the Jewish people.
The concept of covenant is foundational in the Scriptures, and the Law is a central part of God's covenant with Israel. This covenant was a rule of conduct for how to live as a pure and holy people, set apart from other nations for God's chosen purpose. The meticulous observance of the Law was mandated, and transgression of the Law meant breaking the covenant and the relationship with God.
The Law is also referred to as the Pentateuch, which means "the Law and the Prophets". This term is used in the New Testament to refer to the Old Testament Scriptures. The New Testament contrasts the old situation of following the Law with the new situation of forgiveness and grace through Christ's sacrifice. However, it is important to note that Jesus did not abolish the Law but fulfilled it, ending the separation between Jew and Gentile.
In summary, "Law in Scripture" refers specifically to the Old Testament, particularly the Mosaic Law or the Torah, which consists of 613 laws that governed the behaviour and conduct of the Israelites as God's chosen people. The Law was a central part of God's covenant with Israel and played a significant role in their relationship with God.
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Law in Scripture refers to the Mosaic Law
In the Bible, "the law" often refers to the Mosaic Law, also known as the Law of Moses. This is the law that, according to the Bible, 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 hundreds of commands given to the Israelites, encompassing moral behaviour, their position as a godly example to other nations, and systematic procedures for acknowledging God's holiness and mankind's sinfulness.
The Mosaic Law can be divided into three parts: the Moral Law or the Ten Commandments, which governed the moral life and gave guidance on principles of right and wrong in relation to God and man; the Judgments, or the Social Law, which governed secular, social, political, and economic life; and the Ordinances or the
The apostle Paul often contrasts the old situation under "the law", where obedience to the commandments was the way of acceptance with God, with the new situation of forgiveness and grace because of Christ's sacrifice. However, Paul is also clear that God's love fulfills the law, and that we would not know the difference between good and evil without it.
The New Testament book of Hebrews also compares the old life under "the law" with the new life under God's forgiving grace. Several passages in the New Testament indicate that the coming of Christ has brought an end to the Mosaic Law, and that Christians are not under the law. However, the New Testament also repeats nine of the Ten Commandments as obligations for believers, and some commandments outside the Ten Commandments, indicating that the Mosaic Law still has a role to play in the New Testament.
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Law in Scripture refers to the Pentateuch
The term "Law in Scripture" is used to refer to the Pentateuch, which is a collection of the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The word "Pentateuch" comes from the Greek words "penta", meaning five, and "teuchos", which can be translated as "scroll". These books are also known as the Torah, which in Hebrew means "Law" or "instruction".
The Pentateuch is considered to be the theological foundation of the Bible and is believed to have been authored primarily by Moses. It contains a combination of poetry, prose, and law, providing an overview of God's plan of redemption and the backdrop to everything that follows in Scripture. The books introduce readers to God's divine purposes, plans, and response to sin, as well as his relationship with mankind.
In the Pentateuch, we see God's covenant relationship with the nation of Israel. The books contain the historical background of creation, God's choosing of Abraham, and the establishment of Israel as His chosen people. The laws and instructions given to Israel at Mount Sinai are recorded in these books, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commandments.
The apostle Paul, in his writings, often contrasts the law with the forgiven state that believers enjoy due to God's grace. He highlights the difference between trying to merit forgiveness and the new situation of forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice. However, Paul also emphasizes that God's love fulfills the law, guiding believers toward a life of love for God and their neighbors.
Overall, the Law in Scripture, or the Pentateuch, sets the foundation for the rest of the Bible, introducing key themes, God's relationship with humanity, and the importance of obedience to His commandments.
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Law in the New Testament refers to the Old Testament
The relationship between Old Testament law and New Testament law is a delicate discussion. The New Testament law refers to the Old Testament in several ways, and there are different interpretations of how the two are related.
Firstly, the New Testament is seen as a fulfilment of the Old Testament. Jesus Himself states, "I have not come to abolish the [Old Testament] law, but to fulfil it" (Matthew 5:17 NIV). This indicates that following the Old Testament law is critical to being a follower of Christ. However, Jesus' message also focuses on not getting caught up in following every minor detail of the Old Testament law. For example, in the New Testament, Jesus emphasises the importance of forgiveness over capital punishment, which was prescribed for several crimes in the Old Testament. Similarly, while the Old Testament included strict dietary laws, Jesus stated in the New Testament that "you can eat any food" (Mark 7:19).
Secondly, the New Testament introduces the concept of the "Law of Christ", which replaces the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament. The Law of Christ includes many of the Divine Laws from the Old Testament, but it also introduces new principles and commands. For example, the New Testament emphasises the importance of loving one's neighbour and showing forgiveness, which are not explicitly stated in the Old Testament. The New Testament also shifts the focus from following the letter of the law to following the spirit of the law, as exemplified by Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees, who were seen as placing the letter of the law above its spirit.
Thirdly, the New Testament reveals that some of the Old Testament laws have expired and are no longer applicable, while others have been renewed or reinterpreted. For example, the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) divides the Mosaic laws into moral, civil, and ceremonial laws, arguing that only the moral laws, such as the Ten Commandments, directly apply to Christians today. On the other hand, ceremonial laws, such as those pertaining to ceremonial cleanliness, festivals, diet, and the priesthood, are no longer seen as necessary for Christians to follow.
In conclusion, the New Testament law refers to the Old Testament by fulfilling its prophecies, introducing new principles, and renewing or reinterpreting certain laws. The relationship between the two is complex and has been the subject of much theological debate and interpretation.
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Law in the New Testament refers to God's grace
In the Bible, "the law" refers to the commandments and regulations of the Mosaic covenant, which encompasses moral behaviour, the position of the Israelites as a godly example to other nations, and systematic procedures for acknowledging God's holiness and mankind's sinfulness. The law was given to Moses by God and is recorded in the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah.
In the New Testament, "the law" refers back to the Old Testament Scriptures and the commandments therein. The apostle Paul often contrasts the law with the forgiven state that believers now enjoy because of God's grace. He emphasizes that trying to merit forgiveness through obedience to the law is impossible, and that forgiveness comes through Christ's sacrifice and God's mercy.
Paul does not disparage the law but instead highlights its importance in teaching us the difference between good and evil. He clarifies that God's love fulfills the law, and that the law guides us in how to love God and our neighbours. This is further supported by the Apostle John, who wrote, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3).
Jesus, the Lawgiver, came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). He embodied the perfect balance between grace and the law (John 1:14). God's grace, His love, mercy, and generosity, work together with the law to bring about reconciliation. Grace does not abolish the law but, through Christ's sacrifice, pays the penalty for sin.
The New Testament reveals that the law and grace are not at odds but are interwoven throughout the Bible. God's laws are beneficial family rules that show us how to love Him and promote peace and happiness among humanity. They are not a burden but a blessing (1 John 5:3).
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Frequently asked questions
The distinction between 'law' and 'Law' is only in the English translation. 'Law' refers to the commandments given through Moses to the people of Israel at Sinai, also known as the Mosaic Law. 'Law' in the Bible refers to the compilation of decrees found in the first five books of the Bible, which was given the name Torah.
In the Old Testament, the word 'law' refers to the commands and regulations of the Mosaic covenant. In the New Testament, 'the law' refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, specifically the Pentateuch.
The law of Moses was meant for the nation of Israel after they fled Egypt. The Ten Commandments, on the other hand, are a set of moral laws that are considered binding by Jews and Christians.
The distinction between these categories is a human construct designed to better understand God's nature and define which laws Christians are to follow. The moral law, or mishpatim, relates to justice and judgment, while the ceremonial law is considered not applicable today.
The scriptures clarify the original law of creation, which is the moral obligation of human nature to its creator. The law in the scriptures, or the Torah, serves as a guide for humanity to achieve salvation through faith in God.
