The Law

Introduction

Righteousness comes to us “outside of” or “apart from” the law—yet it is “witnessed by the law" (Rom. 3:21). Faith in Jesus establishes, rather than voids the law (verse 31). Indeed, when we lose the law for Christ’s sake, we will find it fulfilling in our lives. See Romans 8:1-4.

Many Christians proclaim their freedom in Christ—but freedom for what? To do as we please in selfishness, or in gratitude to fulfill God’s will? This response of love is not legalism, because it does not attempt to measure up for merit.

Everything Adventists believe is based on grace, rather than law. Everything! Whether it be the Sabbath, the 1844 judgment—even tithing. We tithe our income out of gratitude for God’s grace, like the patriarch Abraham also did in living out his faith—long before the time of Moses.

There’s a difference between the Mosaic ceremonial laws, which were prescriptive—that is, they prescribed extrinsic behavior largely based upon ritual. The Ten Commandments, by contrast, are based upon principles. They are intrinsic and descriptive, like the law of gravity—describing the outer boundaries of loving behavior.

For those who wish to do away with God’s Holy Ten, we ask: Which one of the 10 do you need to get away from? The commandment that forbids stealing? Adultery? Murder? Swearing? Lying? Coveting? It’s always the same—the Sabbath. I hope you have read our section on that and if not, that you will shortly.

God’s New Covenant promise is to write His laws upon our hearts—not do away with them (Heb. 8:10; 10:16). This is all about loyalty, faithfulness and love. Love for God fulfills the first four commandments, and love for fellow humanity the last six.

Let’s give Jesus the last word on this: “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Articles

John's Fatal Mistake

God's Law viewed in the context of grace - From the 1988 book, Hurt, Healing and Happy Again

Law of the Giants: Nomology in Luther Versus Calvin

A study by Martin Weber contrasting the two reformers' beliefs about the Ten Commandments; graduate research project in 2000

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