Law in the Kingdom Economy (1)
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5.17-19
An ongoing responsibility
It never fails: All I have to do in a sermon, lecture, or essay—or a series of studies such as this—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. And since, in this series on the Kingdom economy, we have already made a good bit of recourse to the Law of God in setting forth our view, we should perhaps, before wrapping up our study, say a few things more about the role of the Law of God in an economy that functions by grace.
But let me turn the tables on my objectors: What do Christians have against the Law of God? Why are many of us so adamant to deny any ongoing responsibility for walking the same path Jesus walked? Haven’t we seen, already in these studies, that the Law of God holds much benefit for those who embrace and submit to it? Even for whole societies who borrow from it, consciously or unconsciously?
Of course, to remember what we said earlier, 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 directing the work of priests changed as the Old Covenant was replaced with the New. So, while we can still learn principles of holiness and right worship by studying the laws of sacrifice, diet, and so forth, these statutes as given no longer bind us as religious norms. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law” (Heb. 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. Valid principles may still be derived from these religious laws, but not to the same extent or scope as we find in the rest of the Law of God.
The Law and our salvation
As we’ve seen, that still leaves the Ten Commandments and the civil laws of ancient Israel. The New Testament—beginning with the Lord Jesus—indicates that each of these has continuing value and must not be neglected or set aside.
Christians are called to keep the Law of God, not to be saved but because we are saved, and so that we might bring our salvation to light in lives of good works (Eph. 2.10; Rom. 3.31). The Law of God is the Law of liberty, freeing us from the bonds and condemnation of sin (Jms. 2.12); and it is the Law of love, to guide and direct us for lives of grace and justice (Matt. 22.34-40).
Christians don’t keep the Law to be saved; we keep it because we are saved, because it is the path that Jesus walked (1 Jn. 2.1-6); and we recognize its value for helping us realize more of the life of holy, righteous, and good works for which we have been redeemed (Rom. 7.12; Eph. 2.8-10).
Reasons for keeping the Law
Let’s say a bit more about this by way of elaboration. 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. 2.10). Without a fixed standard of goodness like the Law of God, believers will have a difficult time fulfilling their reason for having been redeemed.
Third, obedience to the Law of God proves a believer’s discipleship, as the apostle John explains (1 Jn. 2.1-6). How do we know we are disciples of Jesus Christ? Because we walk the path He did, the path of God’s commandments.
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 (Jn. 13.35; Matt. 22.34-40). Love is neither mere sentiment nor good intentions. Love is expressed in specific, God-defined actions, by which we channel the grace of God to the world (2 Cor. 4.15).
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 and in the Kingdom economy God is administering for the restoration of the world.
For reflection
1. How would you describe your attitude toward the Law of God at this time? What place does the Law have in your walk with and work for the Lord?
2. We’re not saved by the works of the Law; but we’re not saved without them. Explain.
3. Why do you think so many Christians today are wary of taking the Law seriously?
Next steps—Transformation: Can you recite the Ten Commandments? In order? This would be a good time to learn them.
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).If you’d like an additional look at why the Law of God still matters, order a copy of our book, The Ground for Christian Ethics by clicking here.
Other columns of interest: This week: Our daily Scriptorium study presses on into Ephesians 5 in the week ahead. Our Read Moorepodcast is working through The Gospel of the Kingdom, looking for the true Gospel of the Lord. The Crosfigell teaching letter continues our study of the life of Brigit, a contemporary of Brendan. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
