The Rule of God’s Law: First Things (1)

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Then the LORDspoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘I am the LORDyour God. According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the LORDyour God. You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the LORD.’”  Leviticus 18.1-5

The idea that God’s Law should rule the lives of human beings is hardly an agreeable notion – even to many Christians.

It is not difficult for our unbelieving contemporaries to find reasons why the Law of God is unacceptable to them. It might surprise us, however, to know that ignorance and indifference – even in some cases, hostility – to the Law are widespread among the members of the believing community.

That being said, it is only fair to observe that anyone who will not submit to the rule of God’s Law will submit to some other rule of law. That may be something as simple as the whim of the moment, as flexible as the moral relativity of the day, as passing as the next Christian fad (“What would Jesus do?”), or as rigid as Islamic Sharia law.

Everyone is ruled by law, either God’s or some other.

Christians should believe there are many advantages to having their outlook, aspirations, priorities, and lives molded and directed by a body of law which is holy and righteous and good, and which fosters, in its outworking, a life of loving God and neighbor. Living within such a framework of moral conviction can edify individuals and communities, promote justice and mercy, encourage individual flourishing, promote the general welfare, and satisfy each person’s own best interests.

On the other hand, we should see that many dangers lie along the uncertain path of changing human norms, or the precepts and practices of false religions. In every person’s life, how we relate to others, conduct our affairs, and organize our lives will thus be determined by one of two options: Either God, speaking in His Law and Word, or us as individuals, clinging to whatever standards and guidelines may suit us for the moment.

But we must not assume that living under the rule of God’s Law will automatically appear to be a thing to be desired. We must demonstrate this first of all to one another, as believers in Jesus, Who perfectly obeyed all the Law of God. If we can persuade the followers of Jesus Christ to take up the study and practice of God’s Law, we may contribute to their knowing a greater experience of the Kingdom of God (Matt. 5.17-19) and a more complete walk of discipleship (1 Jn. 2.1-6). We should also expect that their way of life will catch the attention of those around them, who will observe and remark the wisdom and graciousness of their way of life (Deut. 4.5-8; Mic. 4.1-8).

Next steps – Preparation: How would you describe the state of God’s Law in your life at this time? How large a role does God’s Law play in your daily preparation and life?

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 the 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.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.