The concept of law and commandments in the Bible is foundational to understanding the relationship between God and His people. The terms often refer to the divine instructions given by God to guide the moral, ceremonial, and civil life of His followers. These laws are primarily found in the Old Testament but are also affirmed and expanded upon in the New Testament.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the law is most prominently associated with the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. The Torah contains various laws, including the Ten Commandments, which are central to the covenant between God and Israel. These commandments are found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They include directives such as "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3) and "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13).

The Mosaic Law encompasses moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. The moral laws, such as the Ten Commandments, are seen as universal and timeless principles. The ceremonial laws pertain to the religious practices and rituals of Israel, including sacrifices and festivals. The civil laws govern the social and judicial aspects of Israelite life.

Purpose of the Law

The law served multiple purposes. It was a means of revealing God's holiness and the sinfulness of humanity. As Paul writes in Romans 3:20 , "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin." The law also functioned as a tutor to lead people to Christ, as stated in Galatians 3:24 : "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the law. He stated in Matthew 5:17 , "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." Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law, focusing on love and internal righteousness rather than mere external compliance. He summarized the law with the two greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39).

The Apostle Paul further explains that believers are not under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14). However, this does not nullify the moral imperatives of the law. Instead, the law is written on the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will (Hebrews 8:10).

The Role of Commandments in Christian Life

For Christians, the commandments serve as a guide for holy living. Jesus' teachings and the apostolic writings reiterate the importance of obeying God's commandments as an expression of love and faith. In John 14:15 , Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." The New Testament epistles often echo this sentiment, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1).

Conclusion

The law and commandments in the Bible are integral to understanding God's expectations for His people. They reveal His character, highlight human sinfulness, and point to the need for a Savior. Through Christ, the law is fulfilled, and believers are empowered to live out its principles in love and obedience.