Dictionary of Bible Themes 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. Genesis 2:16-17The origins of the law Law as God's command is found in the story of creation Deuteronomy 4:44-45; 5:1See also The law expresses the covenant relation between God and his people Exodus 20:1-17Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 30:1-16 pp Dt 5:6-21 Leviticus 19:2The purpose of the law The law shows the proper response to the holiness of God Deuteronomy 6:24-25See also The law ensures that the people continue to receive the blessings of the covenant promises Genesis 22:17-18Exodus 20:12 Deuteronomy 6:3-7 Jeremiah 11:9-11 See also Breaking the law leads to forfeiting the covenant blessings Exodus 32:1-4Psalms 1:1-2 See also The law deepens the believer's knowledge of God through meditation Deuteronomy 6:2Psalms 19:7-14; 119:25-32,105-120 Jeremiah 31:33 See also The law will finally be written on believers' hearts Ezekiel 11:19-20Deuteronomy 16:20 The general principles underlying the law Justice Deuteronomy 16:18Righteousness Leviticus 19:2Holiness Leviticus 19:18-19See also Love 1075 God, justice of1125 God, righteousness 1345 covenant 5051 responsibility 5215 authority 5276 crime 5359 justice 5482 punishment 8154 righteousness 8266 holiness 8453 obedience |
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