Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5375 law » 5376 law, purpose of The law covers and regulates every area of life of the covenant people of God in accordance with the commands of God. Although the laws may be divided into categories of civil, criminal, social and cultic (or ritual) law, these distinctions are not clear-cut, and occasionally overlap with one another. The origins of the law Law as God's command is found in the story of creation The law expresses the covenant relation between God and his people Deuteronomy 4:44-45; Deuteronomy 5:1 See also Exodus 20:1-17 pp Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Deuteronomy 30:1-16 The purpose of the law The law shows the proper response to the holiness of God The law ensures that the people continue to receive the blessings of the covenant promises Deuteronomy 6:24-25 See also Genesis 22:17-18; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:3-7 Breaking the law leads to forfeiting the covenant blessings Jeremiah 11:9-11 See also Exodus 32:1-4 The law deepens the believer's knowledge of God through meditation Psalm 1:1-2 See also Deuteronomy 6:2; Psalm 19:7-14; Psalm 119:25-32,105-120 The law will finally be written on believers' hearts Jeremiah 31:33 See also Ezekiel 11:19-20 The general principles underlying the law Justice Righteousness Holiness Love See also
1075 God, justice of |
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