Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Integrity of the Law" in the Bible refers to the wholeness, perfection, and moral soundness of God's commandments as revealed in the Scriptures. The Law, primarily encapsulated in the Torah, is seen as a reflection of God's holy and righteous character, serving as a guide for righteous living and a standard against which human actions are measured.Biblical Foundation The integrity of the Law is rooted in its divine origin. In Exodus 20, God Himself delivers the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing a covenant with the Israelites. The Law is described as perfect and trustworthy, as seen in Psalm 19:7 : "The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple." Moral and Ethical Standards The Law provides a comprehensive moral and ethical framework for the people of God. It encompasses not only religious duties but also social justice, personal conduct, and community relationships. Leviticus 19:2 underscores the call to holiness: "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Law In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the integrity of the Law, emphasizing its enduring significance. In Matthew 5:17-18 , He declares, "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. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." Jesus' teachings often highlight the spirit of the Law, urging adherence not only to its letter but also to its underlying principles of love and justice. In Matthew 22:37-40 , He summarizes the Law with the greatest commandments: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments." The Role of the Law in the Life of Believers For believers, the Law serves as a tutor leading to Christ, as articulated by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:24 : "So the Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." While Christians are not under the Law in the same way as the Israelites, the moral and ethical teachings of the Law continue to inform Christian conduct and ethics. The Law and Grace The integrity of the Law is harmonized with the grace offered through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:14 states, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." This grace does not nullify the Law but rather empowers believers to live in accordance with its righteous standards through the Holy Spirit. Conclusion The integrity of the Law remains a foundational aspect of biblical teaching, reflecting God's unchanging nature and His desire for His people to live in holiness and righteousness. Through the Law, believers are called to a life that honors God and reflects His character to the world. Subtopics Integrity: Daniel, in his Abstemiousness (I. E. Abstinent) Integrity: Daniel, in Maintaining Uprightness of Character and Consistent Devoutness Integrity: David, in his Conduct While in Refuge With the Philistines Integrity: David, in Preventing Foraging by his Insurgent Forces Integrity: David, in Self-Reproach for the Cutting of Saul's Robe Integrity: General Scriptures Concerning Integrity: Jacob, in the Care of Laban's Property Integrity: Jacob's Sons, when Accused by Joseph of Robbery Integrity: Joab, when Ordered by David to Count the Military Forces of Israel Integrity: Joseph, a Counselor Integrity: Joseph, in Resisting Potiphar's Wife Integrity: Joseph, Innocent of the Charge Which Caused Him to be Cast Into the Dungeon Integrity: Joseph, the Husband of Mary, in not Jealously Accusing Her of Immorality Integrity: Moses, in Taking Nothing from the Israelites in Consideration of his Services Integrity: Nathanael, in Whom Was No Guile Integrity: Nehemiah, Reforming the Civil Service, and Receiving No Compensation for his own Services Integrity: Paul and Barnabas, when the People of Lystra Desired to Deify Them Integrity: Peter, when offered Money by Simon Magus Integrity: Pharaoh, when he Learned That Sarah Was Abraham's Wife Integrity: Samuel, in Exacting Nothing from the People on Account of his Services Integrity: The Egyptian Midwives when Commanded to Destroy the Newborn Babies of the Israelites Integrity: The Rechabites, in Keeping the Nazarite Vows Integrity: Workmen, Who Repaired the Temple Integrity: Zacchaeus, in the Administration of his Wealth Related Terms |