Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Breaking the law, in a biblical context, refers to the act of transgressing God's commandments and statutes as revealed in the Scriptures. The concept of law in the Bible encompasses both the moral law, as epitomized in the Ten Commandments, and the ceremonial and civil laws given to the nation of Israel. The New Testament further expands on the understanding of law through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Old Testament Perspective In the Old Testament, the law was given to the Israelites as a covenant between God and His people. The law served as a guide for righteous living and a means to maintain a relationship with God. Breaking the law was considered a serious offense, often resulting in severe consequences. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28, blessings are promised for obedience, while curses are pronounced for disobedience. The prophet Isaiah highlights the gravity of breaking God's law: "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2). This separation underscores the spiritual consequences of lawbreaking. New Testament Perspective The New Testament reaffirms the importance of the law but also introduces the concept of grace through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself stated, "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" (Matthew 5:17). Christ's fulfillment of the law provides believers with a model of perfect obedience and a means of redemption through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of breaking the law in his epistles, emphasizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). He explains that the law reveals sin but cannot save; salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul writes, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law" (Romans 3:28). Moral and Ethical Implications Breaking the law is not only a legal issue but also a moral and ethical one. The Bible teaches that the law is written on the hearts of believers, guiding them to live in accordance with God's will. The Apostle John writes, "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). This underscores the intrinsic link between sin and breaking God's law. Believers are called to uphold the law through love, as love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10). The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live righteously, producing the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a transformed life. Consequences and Redemption The Bible is clear about the consequences of breaking the law, which include spiritual death and separation from God. However, it also offers redemption through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul assures believers, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Through repentance and faith in Christ, individuals can receive forgiveness and be reconciled to God. This transformative process is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing the hope and renewal available to those who turn from breaking the law to embrace the grace offered through Jesus Christ. Topical Bible Verses Romans 2:25For circumcision truly profits, if you keep the law: but if you be a breaker of the law, your circumcision is made uncircumcision. Topicalbible.org 1 John 3:4 Psalm 119:126 Matthew 12:5 Greek 3847. parabasis -- a going aside, a transgression ... contrary" and , "go") -- properly, an "overstepping" (); a going "." 3847 ("a stepping the line") in the NT refers to the (breaking) of God's law which His ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3847.htm - 7k 3892. paranomia -- lawbreaking Strong's Hebrew 5927. alah -- to go up, ascend, climb... to go up, ascend, climb. Transliteration: alah Phonetic Spelling: (aw-law') Short Definition ... ascent (1), attack (2), been (1), blow away (1), breaking (1), bring ... /hebrew/5927.htm - 8k Library Keeping the Law; the Jews' Glorying; the Fear of Punishment; the ... Whether Christ Conformed his Conduct to the Law? The Righteous Men who Lived in the Time of the Law were for all ... Whether the Mode of virtue Falls under the Precept of the Law? The Breaking Out of Discord The Adulterous Woman. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 52, "Therefore Every ... A Simple Sermon for Seeking Souls But that the Honour which we Pay to the Son of God... Making and Breaking Connections. Resources What does the Bible mean when it speaks of the breaking of bread? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are valid reasons for breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about breaking generational curses? | GotQuestions.org Breaking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |