This lex talionis aspect of the Law of God was necessary in the days before the coming of the Gospel. Before the coming of the Holy Spirit, people had nothing to restrain their sinful behavior but the fear of equal retribution. One would be inclined to think twice before stealing from or harming a neighbor if he understood the consequences which could ensue.

The Law was given, in a certain way, to restrain the sinful practices of people (Matt. 19.8). In these days of grace, when the Gospel and Spirit of God are at large in the world, while we do not deny the principle of retributive or restorative justice, our application of it may be moderated by grace in important ways. As God is longsuffering toward those whom He is calling to Himself, so human beings must exercise patience and restraint in seeking justice for crimes committed against the peace of individuals and society. Harsh punishments – such as the death penalty – are not completely done away with; however, they and other forms of retributive justice are not as frequently applied.

Implicit in this is the hope that sinful men might be reformed, but only the grace of God can accomplish this.

T. M. Moore

The Law of God is the soil which, fertilized by the rest of God’s Word and watered by His Spirit, brings forth the fruit of Christian life. If you’d like to understand this process better, and how to make best use of the Law in your walk with and work for the Lord, order the book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, from our online store.