The past few weeks of all this blabbering about the two most contentious rulings of the Supreme Court has encouraged me to look at the other side of, or as I am found of saying the rest of the story…those other laws. God’s law, Biblical law, the Law of Moses, The Ten Commandments and also 613 additional commandments or laws and let us not forget the Seven Laws of Noah.
What is the definition of the word law?… To me I always first ask which Law? To a Christian, or more directly…to God’s people, those who obey God’s Law, there will the always be a state of conflict of interest. It has been said that obedience is the first law of heaven. Why is that important? Well, Biblically speaking it has been established that to obey God brings blessings to those who do so and to love God one is assured everlasting life. That is scripturally correct. Obedience has always been a part of any Covenant between God and his people. God is the controlling authority and enforcement is His exclusively. Here then lies the conflict… Secular law is made of course by Man, who even at the best of his intentions is never perfect. So the other definition would read as such, law is:
1a(1) : a binding custom or practice of a community : a rule of conduct or action prescribed (see prescribe sense 1a) or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority. (2) : the whole body of such customs, practices, or rules The courts exist to uphold, interpret, and apply the law.Jun 13, 2022
https://www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › law
What is God’s law?… That is a question of faith, source and discussion among God’s people. A little reminder here that Christianity is not a democracy and never even in the time of Christ was it meant to be a Theocracy either. My view is that accepting Jesus Christ as your savior is the initiating factor of the Covenant between you and God. God’s word today is the same as yesterday and the days to come. Cliché, I guess it could be labeled as such…but we have had well over 2000 years to prove that its true. What makes God’s law different? A rather simplistic answer… It has only one source… There are no committees, no political parties, no social justice warriors or special interest groups and no pressure to change due to evolving cultural enlightenment. There is only one God, the Alpha and Omega, First and Last….Point made…God’s law is the final decision in any situation.
We can’t stop just yet at this point. There is another law we should be concerned with. Biblical law refers to the legal aspects of the Bible, the holy scriptures of Judaism and Christianity and Mitzvah which is a precept or commandment. A good deed done from religious duty or a divine commandment. We also have references to the Law of Moses, The Ten Commandments also 613 additional commandments or laws that include “positive commandments”, to perform an act (mitzvot aseh), and “negative commandments”, to abstain from certain acts (mitzvot lo taaseh) and lastly the Seven Laws of Noah; laws applicable to all of humanity, including non-Jews. Those 613 we listed above, here is a link to them…every last one. When you have time have a look.
https://www.jmu.edu/dukehallgallery/exhibitions-past-2018-2019/the-613-mitzvot.shtml
I do not know many Laymen who have read each one of these, I have not, but a quick look has got my interest up to do so. In the sixth century BC the Hebrews started to put these commandments and other legal principles in writing. They were contained in the Torah and some time later they became the first five books of the Bible. The Torah (teaching) provided the Hebrew people with a basis of religious and moral laws. The Ten Commandments are often looked at as moral laws…dealing with murder, honesty, adultery and such. Pay attention to the Moral aspect of this history. We are people who are constantly looking for ways to minimize morality and justify our disobedience to God. We are always “looking for loopholes” The Mosaic laws have three areas…Moral, Civil and Ceremonial.
Let’s fast forward a bit. What did Jesus say about Old Testament Law?
In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus says, “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.
Romans 15:4-5 NIV
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Paul)
The roads are many and sometimes confusing…Hear what Jesus said as to law and commandments when asked which of these laws are the most important?
Matthew 22:37-40
37 He said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’
The simplicity of scripture is often hid among the constant noise and blabbering of people who are always looking for a “loophole”. We don’t like or agree with that law, therefore we will not obey. It is not compatible with our lifestyle.
I have so much more I could share with you and if you have been paying attention you will have noticed that I did not overburden you with scripture. All that is happening in our world… “don’t worry about it.” It is really quite simple… The gospel truth is His will be done… My hope is not of this world.
jk