“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven
The Bible clearly states that the Christian is saved by grace alone through faith alone (cf. Psalm 31:1; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 3:21-31; Ephesians 2:5, 8-10). Since this is true, then what should be one’s attitude toward the Law of God? Should the Christian reject it entirely as a set of unnecessary regulations, or is there some on-going use for the Law of God in the life of the believer? Moreover, is there some measure of restraint of evil attitudes and impulses amongst the people of this fallen world that the Law of God provides? In answer to these questions it should be noted that the Bible teaches three uses of the Law of God:
- It is a light to expose our sin and point us to the Savior (Rom. 3:20; 7:7, 8, 13; Gal. 2:19; 3:21, 24).
- It is a curb to restrain wickedness in this fallen world (Rom. 1:19-20; 2:14-15)
- It is a rule to guide the believer in knowing how to live (Ps. 119:9-16; Jn. 14:15; Rom 3:31).
Thus, we see from these Bible passages that the Law of God has an on-going function in this world: in exposing our sin and the need for a Savior, in restraining wickedness, and also in promoting holiness in the life of the believer. It is to our benefit, then, that we study and apply the Law of God as a “rule of life” (WCF 19, Article 6)
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From Martin Luther’s Small Catechism (pages 85-86):
- It is a curb that restrains wickedness in this fallen world.
- It is a mirror that shows a person his sin and his need for the Savior.
- It is a rule that gives wisdom to the believer as to how he should live.
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From John Calvin’s Institutes 2:7:1-17
Regarding the three uses of the law…
“The first part is this: while it shows God’s righteousness, that is, the righteousness alone acceptable to God, it warns, informs, convicts, and lastly condemns, every man of his own unrighteousness. For man blinded and drunk with self-love, must be compelled to know and to confess his own feebleness and impurity.” (Institutes 2:7:6)
“The law is like a mirror. In it we contemplate our weakness, then the iniquity arising from this, and finally the curse coming from both—just as a mirror shows us the spots on our face.” (Institutes 2:7:7)
“The second function of the law is this: at least by fear of punishment to restrain certain men who are untouched by any care for what is just and right unless compelled by hearing the dire threats in the law.” (Institutes 2:7:10)
“The third and principal use, which pertains more closely to the proper purpose of the law, finds its place among believers in whose hearts the Spirit of God already lives and reigns.” (Institutes 2:7:12)
“Now, the law has power to exhort believers. This is not a power to bind their consciences with a curse, but one to shake off their sluggishness, by repeatedly urging them, and to pinch them awake to their imperfection.” (Institutes 2:7:14)
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See Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 19 “Of the Law of God”
See Westminster Larger Catechism, Q.’s 91-152
See Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q.’s #39-44
WCF Chapter 19, Article 6: Although true believers be not under the law, as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified, or condemned (#1); yet is it of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life informing them of the will of God, and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly (#2); discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts, and lives (#3); so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin (#4), together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of His obedience (#5). It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin (#6): and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve; and what afflictions, in this life, they may expect for them, although freed from the curse thereof threatened in the law (#7). The promises of it, in like manner, show then God’s approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof (#8): although not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works (#9). So as, a man’s doing good, and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth to the one and detereth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law; and not under grace (#10).
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(#1) Rom. 6:14; Gal. 2:16; 3:13; 4:4-5; Acts 13:39; Rom 8:1
(#2) Rom. 7:12, 22, 25; Ps. 119:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:19; Gal. 5:14, 16, 18-23
(#3) Rom. 7:7; 3:20
(#4) James 1:23-25; Rom. 7:9, 14, 24
(#5) Gal. 3:24; Rom. 7:24-25; 8:3-4
(#6) James 2:11; Ps. 119:101, 104, 128
(#7) Ezra 9:13-14; Ps. 89:30-34
(#8) Lev. 26:1-14; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 6:2-3; Ps. 37:11; Matt. 5:5; Ps. 19:11
(#9) Gal. 2:16; Luke 17:10
(#10) Rom. 6:12, 14; 1Pet. 3:8-12; Ps. 34:12-16; Heb. 12:28-29
Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin
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