Kara Sears
The concept of law and God's law has been a topic of discussion and debate for centuries. While man-made laws govern our societies and outline acceptable behaviour, God's laws, as outlined in the Bible, are centred on our relationship with God and our moral behaviour. God's law, also referred to as the law of Christ, is summarised by two commandments: to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves. These commandments are seen as the core of the entire Old Testament Law, which Christians are called to obey. God's laws are not arbitrary but are rooted in God's love and protection for humanity. Understanding the distinction between man's law and God's law is crucial, especially in contexts where societal norms and legal frameworks may conflict with religious teachings, such as abortion or same-sex relationships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The law | The Ten Commandments and the sacrificial laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20) |
| God's law | God's commands given to his creatures to regulate their lives and moral behaviour |
| The law | Cannot be understood apart from God as the Creator and Covenant Lord |
| God's law | Includes the idea of covenant relationships |
| The law | Cannot be justified in God's sight |
| God's law | Is the standard of what is right |
| The law | Speaks to those who are under the law |
| God's law | Is the will and nature of God |
| The law | Is not always obeyed |
| God's law | Is God's perfect standard of obedience and holiness |
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What You'll Learn
God's law is a reflection of His character
The first and most important law of God is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is because God is love, and His very nature is the moral standard of the universe. The second greatest commandment is like it: to love our neighbour as ourselves. These two commandments are a summary of the Ten Commandments, which are divided into our relationship with God and our relationship with others.
God's law is also a reflection of His character in that it is a mirror that shows us our sinfulness and our need for a Saviour. We cannot keep the law perfectly because of our sinful nature, and so we need God's grace and forgiveness. This is why Christ came, to fulfil the law and to offer salvation to those who believe.
In conclusion, God's law is a reflection of His character in that it reveals His holiness, love, justice, and righteousness. It also shows us our need for Him and His grace, and it is a standard that we cannot keep apart from Him. God's law is not just a set of rules but a reflection of the One who gave them, and it is to be obeyed out of love for Him and for others.
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The law is God's standard of obedience
The first "law" was given in the Garden of Eden when God instructed Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They were given free will and chose to disobey, transgressing God's law. This act of disobedience introduced sin into the world, and as stated in 1 John 3:4, "Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness."
The Law, often referring to the Ten Commandments, serves as a guide for human behavior, words, and attitude. It reveals God's requirements and expectations, and turning away from these is considered sinful. Jesus summed up the entire Law by emphasizing the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor. This simplification of the Law demonstrated that obedience to God's commandments should come from the heart, not just outward actions.
The law of God also functions as a mirror, showing humanity their sinfulness and need for a Savior. It serves as a restraint in society and guides believers' behavior. While Christians are no longer bound by the hundreds of commands in the Old Testament Law, they are called to obey the law of Christ, which is centered on love for God and others.
In conclusion, the law is God's standard of obedience, revealing His character and providing guidance for human behavior. Through the law, God teaches what is pleasing to Him, and obedience to His commandments is an expression of love and faith.
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God's law is tied to covenant relationships
The concept of God's law is deeply rooted in the idea of covenant relationships. God, as the Creator and Covenant Lord, has established a set of laws that govern the behaviour and moral conduct of His creations. These laws are not arbitrary but are a reflection of God's character and nature, which sets the moral standard for the universe.
The Bible reveals that God's law is tied to covenant relationships, starting with the first covenant between God and Adam in the Garden of Eden. God instructed Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17), and this instruction was a law that governed their relationship. By choosing to disobey, Adam and Eve transgressed God's law, introducing sin into the world.
Throughout Scripture, God's laws are given in the context of covenantal relationships. The Ten Commandments, for instance, can be understood as a covenant between God and His people. The first four commandments focus on man's relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. The remaining six commandments guide man's relationships with others, instructing us to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Jesus Christ, in His teachings, elevated and simplified the Law of God. He summed up the entire Law and Prophets in two great commandments: to love God and to love one's neighbour. This new covenant in Christ fulfilled the Old Testament Law, freeing Christians from the bondage of hundreds of commands and instead calling them to love.
In conclusion, God's law is inherently tied to covenant relationships. It begins with God's covenant with Adam and extends to the new covenant in Christ. By understanding and obeying God's laws, we deepen our relationship with Him and with one another, reflecting His character of holiness, justice, righteousness, and love.
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The law reveals our need for a saviour
The law is God's perfect standard of obedience and holiness, as outlined in the Ten Commandments and the sacrificial laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai. God's laws are a reflection of His character, and they serve as a guide for human behaviour, words, and attitude.
This idea is further supported by Romans 3:19-20, which states, "Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin." The law reveals our sinful nature and our need for a saviour, as no one can be justified by the law alone.
Additionally, the law reveals our need for a saviour by exposing our rebellious human nature. As Paul notes in Romans 7, the law arouses sinful passions and brings out a rebellious streak in us when we are told we cannot or should not do something. This reveals our inherent sinfulness and our need for redemption.
Furthermore, the law reveals God to us and teaches us what is pleasing in His sight. By understanding and seeking God's law, we recognise our need for a saviour to bridge the gap between our sinful nature and God's perfect standard.
In conclusion, the law serves as a crucial tool to reveal our need for a saviour. It exposes our sinfulness, our rebellious nature, and our inability to perfectly obey God's commands. Through the law, we are led to Christ and justified by faith, demonstrating its essential role in our spiritual journey.
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God's law is distinguishable in Scripture
In Scripture, God's law is distinguishable in several ways. Firstly, it is tied to God himself as the Creator and Lord. This means that God, as the uncreated, independent, and self-sufficient Lord, has the authority to determine what is right and wrong, and his commands are reflected in his laws.
Secondly, God's law is distinguishable in Scripture through its covenantal context. God's law is not just a set of rules but is also used in the context of covenant relationships, beginning with the covenant made with Adam in the Garden of Eden.
Thirdly, God's law is distinguishable in Scripture as a reflection of His character. God's laws are an impossibly high standard that fallen humans can never perfectly meet. They reveal God's holiness, justice, righteousness, and love.
Fourthly, God's law is distinguishable in Scripture through its purpose. The law serves to show people their need for a Saviour, to restrain sin, and to direct believers in their behaviour. It also reveals to us our sinfulness and our need for a Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Lastly, God's law is distinguishable in Scripture through its revelatory character. The law reveals to us the Law-Giver, and it teaches us what is pleasing in His sight. By following God's law, we can walk in obedience to Him and bring glory to His name.
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Frequently asked questions
God's law is understood in terms of who God is as the Creator and Lord. God's law refers to God's commands given to his creatures to regulate their lives and moral behaviour.
The law of Christ is to love God and to love our neighbours as we love ourselves.
God's law is the ultimate law, and man's law should not contradict it. However, man's laws can sometimes be in conflict with God's laws, and in such cases, God's laws should be followed.
God's laws are not arbitrary rules to be followed blindly. They are given out of love and are for our benefit. Following God's law reveals to us the Law-Giver and teaches us what is pleasing in His sight.
God's law is revealed to us in the Bible.
