Keith Mack
The law of God is a concept that is understood in terms of who God is as the Creator and Lord, and in its covenantal context of instruction and demand for God's people. In Scripture, the law of God is used in a variety of ways, most importantly in the context of covenant relationships. The law of God refers to God's commands and demands from us, which are to be obeyed and carried out. The idea of Obedience is the first law of heaven is a widely taught principle in churches, which may have been derived from Alexander Pope's quote, Order is heaven's first law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Law of Heaven | Obedience |
| Extrapolated from | Alexander Pope's quote, "Order is heaven's first law" |
| God's commands | To regulate the lives and moral behaviour of his creatures |
| Greatest benefit | Its revelatory character |
| God's demand on Adam | To love God with everything he is and to love his neighbour as himself |
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What You'll Learn
God as the Creator and Lord
In Scripture, the "law of God" is understood in the context of God's relationship with his creations, both human and angelic. As the Creator, God demands perfect obedience and loyal love from his moral creatures. This is exemplified in his command to Adam (Genesis 2:16-17) to love and obey God and to extend that love to others, including one's neighbour, wife, family, and the broader human community.
The law of God, therefore, encompasses specific commands and demands that regulate the lives and moral behaviour of God's creations. These commands are not isolated incidents but are part of a covenant relationship between God and his creations. This covenant relationship begins with Adam and extends to the new creation in Christ, with specific commands varying from covenant to covenant.
The understanding of God as the Creator and Lord highlights the inherent authority of God to determine what is right and wrong. This authority is derived from God's position as the Creator and is reflected in the biblical covenants, ultimately culminating in the new covenant and the law of Christ. As R.C. Sproul states, the law of God "reveals to us the Law-Giver. It teaches us what is pleasing in His sight."
In summary, the concept of God as the Creator and Lord is fundamental to comprehending the law of God. It acknowledges God's role as the lawgiver, whose commands and demands shape the moral behaviour of humanity and the broader creation. This understanding underscores the importance of obedience and loyal love towards God, as exemplified in the relationship between God and Adam and extended to all of humanity.
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The revelatory character of God's law
The law of God is understood in terms of who God is as the Creator and Lord, and in its covenantal context of instruction and demand for God's people. The "law of God" refers to God's commands and demands from us, which are to be sought and delighted in. The greatest benefit of the law of God is its revelatory character.
The law reveals to us the Law-Giver, teaching us what is pleasing in His sight. We learn about God's character and his majesty through his law, and we are bound to do Him service. This is reflected in God's command to Adam (Genesis 2:16-17), which was more than a one-time command. God's demand on Adam, and by extension all humanity, is to love Him with all that we are and our neighbours as ourselves. Adam was created for community, first to know and love God, and then to know and love the human community.
The law of God is also understood in the context of covenant relationships. "Law" is tied to covenants, beginning with Adam and extending to the new creation in Christ. God's will and nature, as the moral standard of the universe, give him the right and authority to determine what is right and wrong and to hold his moral creatures accountable to his commands. As the uncreated, independent, self-sufficient Lord and Creator, God demands perfect obedience and loyal love from his moral creatures, both human and angelic.
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![The Imperfection of the Creature, and the Excellency of the Divine Commandment; Illustrated in Nine Sermons on Psal. CXIX. 96. By John Barnard, A.M. ... in Marblehead. [Four Lines From Philippians]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613UJjuGMWL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Obedience as the first law of heaven
Obedience is considered the first law of heaven. This principle is widely taught in churches and is believed to be derived from Alexander Pope's quote, "Order is heaven's first law." While Pope's quote emphasizes the importance of order, the biblical concept of obedience as the first law of heaven is much deeper and more complex.
In the Christian faith, the law of God is understood in the context of God's role as the Creator and Lord. As the uncreated, self-sufficient, and independent Lord, God's will and nature set the moral standard for the universe. This means that God alone has the authority to determine what is right and wrong and to hold moral creatures accountable for their actions. The "law of God" refers to God's commands and demands from us, which regulate our lives and moral behavior.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law. In the book of Genesis, God commands Adam to love and obey him, demonstrating the expectation of perfect obedience from God's creatures. This demand for obedience is extended to all humanity, as God calls us to love him and our neighbors. The Great Commandment, found in Matthew 22:36-40, highlights the importance of loving God and others, which is the foundation of our relationship with God.
Obedience to God's law is not just about following rules but also about understanding the character of God. John Calvin emphasizes that true knowledge of God leads to a sense of awe and a desire to serve Him. The law of God reveals the Law-Giver, teaching us what is pleasing in His sight. Christians are called to seek God's law and delight in it, as expressed in Psalm 119. Obedience, therefore, becomes an act of worship and a way to deepen our relationship with God.
However, obedience is not blind but should be preceded by discernment. The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden illustrates this point. They were faced with a dilemma where keeping one commandment meant breaking another. Adam and Eve had to exercise reason and discernment to differentiate between higher and lesser laws. Similarly, in our lives, we may face situations where we need to prioritize God's commandments and use our discernment to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.
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God's law in the context of covenant relationships
The Bible describes God as a covenant-making, covenant-keeping, and covenant-fulfilling entity. A covenant is a relationship between two partners who make binding promises to each other and work together to reach a common goal. Covenants are often accompanied by oaths, signs, and ceremonies. They define obligations and commitments.
There are several covenants in the Bible, but five are crucial for understanding the story of the Bible and God's redemptive plan: the Noahic Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and the New Covenant. These covenants are the key to God's redemptive plan to restore humanity to its divine calling.
The Noahic Covenant is a covenant God establishes with Noah after the flood, resetting and renewing the blessings of creation and reaffirming God's image in humanity and the work of dominion. This covenant promises the preservation of humanity and provides for the restraint of human evil and violence.
The Abrahamic Covenant is a promissory covenant where God promises Abraham a land, descendants, and blessing. This blessing promised to Abraham would extend through him to all the peoples of the earth.
The Mosaic Covenant is the covenant God establishes with the people of Israel at Mount Sinai after leading them out of Egyptian slavery. With it, God supplies the Law that is meant to govern and shape the people of Israel in the Promised Land. This Law was not a means of salvation but would distinguish the people from the surrounding nations as a special kingdom of priests.
The Davidic Covenant is a promise by God to provide a faithful descendant of David to reign, despite David and his sons' failures. This covenant is also associated with the idea that the king was put into power as a result of God's benefaction, and that this accession was the fulfillment of God's promise of dynasty to David.
The New Covenant is considered the "replacement" or "final fulfilment" of the Old Covenant described in the Old Testament. It is associated with the word 'testament' in the sense of a 'will left after the death of a person'. Christians see Jesus as the mediator of this New Covenant, and that his blood, shed at his crucifixion, is the required blood of the covenant.
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The moral standard of the universe
The first law of God, as revealed in various religious and spiritual traditions, often serves as a foundation for ethical conduct and a framework for understanding morality. This primary law is often seen as a reflection of the inherent nature of the divine and the cosmic order.
When we consider the moral standard of the universe, we are exploring the concept of a universal ethical code that transcends human-made boundaries and cultural differences. This universal moral standard is believed to be inherent in the very fabric of existence, providing a guiding light for all sentient beings. At its core, this standard is about recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all life and striving to act in ways that honor this intrinsic value.
This universal moral standard promotes the ideal of causing no unnecessary harm and cultivating a mindset of compassion and empathy. It entails respecting the freedom and autonomy of others, recognizing that each individual has their own unique path and perspective. This standard also emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in our interactions, fostering trust and authenticity.
Additionally, this universal moral code encourages fairness and justice, urging us to treat others equitably and to stand against oppression and exploitation. It involves taking responsibility for our actions and their consequences, cultivating a sense of accountability and a commitment to making amends when necessary. This moral standard also extends beyond human relationships, encompassing our relationship with the environment and all life forms. It calls for stewardship and conservation, recognizing the intrinsic value of the natural world and our role as caretakers.
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Frequently asked questions
"Obedience is the first law of heaven." This is likely derived from Alexander Pope's quote, "Order is heaven's first law."
God, as the Creator and Lord, demands perfect obedience and loyal love from his moral creatures, both human and angelic.
In the Bible, God commands Adam to perfectly obey him in a relationship of love and trust.
The law of God reveals to us the Law-Giver. It teaches us what is pleasing in His sight.
The law of God is predominately tied to covenants, beginning with the creation of Adam and ending with the new creation in Christ.
