“See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” Deuteronomy 4.5, 6

I am not unaware that 1 Peter 4.17 is usually translated “at” or “with” the household of God. But the preposition is apo – “from”, or “by means of”, not “at” or “with.” The work of bringing God’s holy and righteous and good Law to men and nations begins from the household of God, where the followers of Jesus Christ must be diligent in learning, obeying, and teaching the Law of God, in the first instance,among themselves.

 In the Kingdom of God good works are no less a part of our mission than good words. Believers have been redeemed for good works (Eph. 2.8-10); they are not to grow weary in seeking to perform good works (Gal. 6.1-10); indeed, we are to be very zealous to learn and do every good work (Tit. 3.1, 8, 14). By our good works we draw attention to our good God and cause others to discover their own sins and to seek the favor of the Lord.

 And our good works are defined, in the first place, by the holy and righteous and good Law of God (Rom. 7.12).

 Bringing the blessings of God’s Law to our nation will come about as those beyond the pale of faith are able to observe the wisdom and understanding of God’s Law at work within the believing community. Ultimately, of course, Christians pray and work for that wisdom, thus observed, to lead their neighbors to salvation in Jesus Christ.

 But we do not call upon our neighbors, nor those entrusted with making public policy, to embrace God’s Law as a means of salvation, but only of blessing. Hopefully – and prayerfully – the goodness many experience in submission to the Law of God will lead them to consider their need of redemption and turn in repentance and faith to God (Rom. 2.4).

 It is thus crucial that churches take up the task of learning and living according to the Law of God, not as a w  ay of becoming saved, but as a way of being saved, and of knowing and enjoying the benefits of God’s promises according to the plain teaching of His commandments.

 There is no excuse – no excuse – for churches ignoring, minimizing, neglecting, or otherwise failing to treat the Law of God with the reverence and respect it demands. We cannot fulfill our mission of reconciling the world to God through Jesus Christ apart from obedience to God’s Law (2 Cor. 5.17-21). It is time for judgment, which is only the application of God’s Law to every aspect of human life, to beginfrom the household of faith. As we learn, live, and teach the Law among ourselves, we will be in a better position to persuade our unbelieving neighbors, and the governments that rule them, to incorporate thespirit of God’s Law in their own public policies.

 T. M. Moore

Visit our website, www.ailbe.org, and sign up to receive our thrice-weekly devotional, Crosfigell, featuring writers from the period of the Celtic Revival and T. M.’s reflections on Scripture and the Celtic Christian tradition. Does the Law of God still apply today? Order a copy of T. M.’s book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, and study the question for yourself.