So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Romans 7.12

There are at least five reasons why Christians today should continue to keep the Law of God.

First, the Law of God encodes the very character of God – holiness, righteousness, and goodness (Rom. 7.12). Since we are God’s children and the Spirit of God is at work within us, transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3.12-18), it makes sense for us to know and follow the Law of God.

Second, the Law of God defines the terms of goodness which must characterize the works for which Christians have been redeemed. When Paul wrote that we are God’s workmanship, redeemed for good works, he clearly had in mind the works outlined in the Law of God (Eph. 2.8-10). Without a fixed standard of goodness like the Law of God, believers will have a difficult time fulfilling their reason for being redeemed.

Third, obedience to the Law of God proves a believer’s discipleship, as the Apostle John explains (1 Jn. 2.1-6).

Fourth, following the teaching of the Law guides us in the way of love. Love is the hallmark of Christian faith, as well as the fulfillment of the Law (Matt. 22.34-40).

Finally, keeping the Law of God, strange as it may seem, appeals to the conscience of the unbeliever. This is because God has written the works of the Law – the basic standards of right and wrong – on the soul of every person (Rom. 2.14, 15). As unbelievers observe Christians living according to the Law, they will be attracted to the teaching of Christ, which is the entry point to holiness, righteousness, and goodness (cf. Deut. 4.6; Mic. 4.1-5).

The Law of God must, therefore, have a vital place in the life of the Church. Just what that place is we will explore in the remainder of this series.

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“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Matthew 5.17, 18

It never fails: All I have to do in a sermon, lecture, or essay is mention something about the Christian’s ongoing responsibility to keep the Law of God, and someone will be there to take me to task. “I’m not under Law, I’m under grace.” “You’re preaching salvation by works.” “This is not a theocracy, you know.” So go the objections, some more passionate than others, but each along the same lines.

What do Christians have against the Law of God? Why are we so adamant to deny any ongoing responsibility for walking the same path Jesus walked (1 Jn. 2.1-6)?

Of course, not all the Old Testament Law of God continues to have validity. The writer of Hebrews explains, in chapters 7-10, that the laws defining and guiding the work of priests changed as the Old Covenant was replaced with the New. While we can still learn principles of holiness and right worship by studying the laws of sacrifice, diet, and so forth, these no longer bind us as ethical norms. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that, “when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well” (7:12). For the Old Testament priestly rights and duties, Jesus has substituted the sacrifice of His own life, the ordinances and sacraments of the Church, and His ongoing intercessory and sanctifying work.

But that still leaves the Ten Commandments and the civil laws of ancient Israel. The New Testament – beginning with the Lord Jesus – indicates that these have continuing value and must not be neglected or set aside.

Christians are called to keep the Law of God, not in order to be saved but so that they might bring their salvation to light in lives of good works.

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Dare you say anything about this to your pastor and church leaders?

Keep a close watch on your hearts, friends.

The Spirit of God is the River of revival, renewal, and awakening in the world.

Let us go forth with some of His glory on us.

Our Lawless Age (14)

Our Lawless Age (13)

Our Lawless Age (12)

Our Lawless Age (11)

Our Lawless Age (10)

Our Lawless Age (9)