THE BIBLICAL
USE OF “LAW”
Russell Earl
Kelly, PHD
May 28, 2018
INTRODUCTION:
MY TESTIMONY
At the age of 28, having been born,
grown up and born again spiritually in a Southern Baptist home, I thought my
understanding of biblical Law was thorough and correct. In 1972 I left the
Southern Baptist faith because their interpretation of “Law” pushed me into
looking elsewhere.
One Sunday both the Sunday School
lesson and the pastor’s sermon was on the subject of the Ten Commandments and the
law. Both defined the Ten Commandments as “the eternal moral Law of God.” As a conscientious
Christian who wanted to serve God to the best of my ability, this severely affected
me. I reasoned, “If that is true,” then I am worshipping on the wrong day of
the week.” In order to keep the “biblical” Sabbath, I found a church which
worshipped on Saturday and joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1972 ---
almost totally on the strength of their Saturday-Sabbath observance.
Foolishly, I threw caution to the
wind. Although I was suspicious about some of their other doctrines such as no
eternal burning in hell, the prophetic guidance of Ellen G. White and no
unclean meats, the SDA evangelist played me like a fiddle; he carefully
re-worded every question into an answer which sounded evangelical. My
conclusion was “If I was so very wrong about the Sabbath, I am probably wrong
about these other doctrines also. I joined the Sabbath-keeping church and
earned a fully accredited B. A. in Theology with honors. After being an associate-pastor
in Georgia and full-time pastor in North Dakota and South Carolina, I studied myself
out of Seventh-day Adventism in 1981.
How did I do that? I very meticulously studied the biblical
concept of “law.” I later discovered, like that of many Baptists, the SDA
concept of Law is poorly defined and confusing. Also, like most Baptists, they
are not consistent --- they do not define the word “law” and then consistently
use it the way they define it. This inconsistency causes much confusion about
many other doctrines.
For most Seventh-day Adventists,
“Law” means “Ten Commandments” almost all of the time. The same is true for the
word “commandments.” I discovered that both of these usages are very unbiblical.
When the words are used in other ways, church members either ignore it or
remain puzzled.
Warning! It is not easy to understand
the way “law” is used in the Bible! This study is not for beginners. While
God’s plan of salvation is easy enough for a child who has reached the age of
accountability to understand, the theology of “law” requires a good Bible
dictionary, a good Greek-English Interlinear, a lot of common sense and serious
study.
“THE LAW”: “THE”
LAW OF MOSES,
“THE” LAW OF
GOD, “THE” PENTATEUCH,
“THE” TORAH
OR NOMOS
The following is an incomplete list
of the way “the” Law is meant to be interpreted in God’s Word. “The” means the
Greek manuscript includes the definite article. This is the most important clue
at least for the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. Important: Paul’s usage
must be deliberate as he was highly educated and inspired by the Holy Spirit as
he wrote in Greek.
A. “The” whole Law was a SPECIAL
REVELATION by God through Moses. It was Yahweh’s rule of life to govern His special
redeemed covenant people, Israel.
B. “The” Law regulated Israel’s common,
everyday conduct and was a covenant of works (Ex 19:5-6). Israel was never able
to keep this covenant and it has been superseded by a new covenant (Rom
9:31-32; Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:8-13).
C. “The” Law refers narrowly to the
Ten Commandments, civil judgments and ceremonial worship ordinances/statutes found
in Exodus to Deuteronomy. The Hebrew words, “imrah” for “covenant” and “debar”
for “word” refer to the indivisible whole law. A Hebrew would never subdivide
it as modern man does. See www.tithing-russkelly.com/theology/id73.html.
D “The” Law refers to the entire Old
Testament from Genesis to Malachi as God’s revealed will to Israel – as Isaiah
and Psalms (Rom 3:10-19).
E. “The” Law refers very narrowly
only to the Ten Commandments (Ex 20; Deut 5; Mt 19:16-22; Rom 13:9; intermingled
throughout Numbers to Deuteronomy)
F. “The” Law, or Old Covenant, was
only commanded to Israel (Ex 19:5-6; Eze 20:11-12).
G. “The” Law was NOT to be shared
with other nations (Ex 34;10; Lev 27:34; Deut 4:8;
7:6; 14:2; 26:18-19; 28:1; Ps 135:4; Isa 5:5-7; Mal 4:4; Mark 12:1; Eph
2:12-16).
H. “The” Law refers to the Ten Commandments as a
preamble to the entire Law of Moses (Ex 31:17).
I. The” Law refers to civil laws,
civil judgments, presumptive sins and rules for Israel’s judges (Ex 21 – 23;
intermingled throughout Numbers to Deuteronomy)
J. The” Law refers to ceremonial
worship law and instructions for priests and worshippers including a holiness
code of everyday living (Ex 24-31; Leviticus; intermingled throughout Numbers
to Deuteronomy)
K. “The” Law refers to anything God “commanded”
for Israel. It was His will.
L. “The” Law for Israel was all moral;
violation of any of it was sin. For Israel, ALL of “the” Law was the “will of
God.”
M. This Mosaic system, including the
Ten Commandments as a way of life, came to an end with the death of Christ
(John 1:17; Rom 10:4; Gal 3:19-25). The Mosaic age was preceded (Ex 19:4) and
followed (John 1:17) by grace. It is incorrect to teach that the Ten Commandments
still apply while the judgments and ordinances do not apply.
LAW OF
NATURE AND CONSCIENCE
A. Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles,
which have not “the” law, do by NATURE [instinctively] nature the things
contained in “the” law, these, having not “the” law, are “a” law unto
themselves: 15 Which shew the work of “the” law written in their hearts, their CONSCIENCE
also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else
excusing one another).”
B. When the Greek does not contain
the article “law,” it is usually best to translate “law” as a reference to the guiding
principle of nature and conscience which condemns all (Rom 1:17 to 2:29 and
3:20-21).
C. Before “the” formal Law was given
as a covenant of words only to Israel, the innate knowledge of God’s moral expectations
was within the conscience (soul) of every sentient person (Rom 1:17-20;
2:14-16; John 1:9).
D. Transgression of the guiding
principle of nature (“law”) and conscience is sufficient to condemn all
mankind. Although it is not “sin against ‘the’ Law,” it is still “sin against
law.” It is sin against the inner-revealed will of God (Gen 6:5-6; Rom 5:12-14).
E. Sin against conscience and nature (”law”)
is why God’s wrath equally falls upon unbelievers in Romans 1:17 to 2:29 and 3:20).
F. Sin against conscience and nature (”law”)
still condemns those who have not heard the gospel today, but the sin of
rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ is foremost (John 16:8-9).
G. Sin (harmartia) is “the lawlessness” (he a-nomia) (1 John 3:4).
H. Failure to obey God’s will, whether
known or unknown, concerning laws of science, exercise, health, diet, safety and
common sense result in suffering.
I. “Law” as the “will of God” has at
least three definitions: (1) Israel is very guilty before God. For them, the
“will of God” includes everything He has specifically revealed to them (Luke
12:48; Rom 3:10-19). (2) Unbelievers are guilty before God (Gen 6:5-6; Rom
5:12-14). For unbelievers, the “will of God” is limited to conscience and
nature (Rom 1:17 to 2:29). (3) Those who have heard and rejected the gospel are
very guilty before God. For them, the rejected “will of God” which condemns
them is the gospel (John 16:8-9; 2 Thes 2:10-11).
J. Without the Greek article “the,”
“law” is a “principle” by which a life is guided or governed. This is very
close, if not identical, to the law of nature and conscience (Rom 3:27; 7:15-25).
K. The natural law of conscience is
written on the heart of every person. The law of nature and conscience
underlies the Ten Commandments and the Law of Moses. Hermeneutic: except for the
commandment to rest on a specific day of the week, all of the Ten Commandments
have been repeated in terms of the New Covenant after Calvary. None are
currently under ANY part of the Old Covenant has been replaced by the New
Covenant. However, even nature and conscience teach mankind to rest and
worship.
CHRIST’S LAW
OF GRACE, LOVE AND LIBERTY
A. “Rom 8:2-3 For “the” law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from “the” law of sin and
death. 3 For what “the” law could not do, in that it was weak through the
flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh.”
B. UNGERS BIBLE DICTIONARY: In the
gracious dispensation inaugurated as the result of the atonement of Christ, all
the Ten Commandments appear after Calvary re-worded in New Covenant terms of grace
and faith except the seventh day. They are operative not as stern (set-aside) "you
shall nots" but as gracious (we will) responses of new creations indwelt
by the Holy Spirit. Christians obey willingly and effectively carrying out the
commandments' injunctions.
C. Christians (and Gentiles) have NEVER
been “under the (jurisdiction of) “the” Law of Moses” as a means to please our Redeemer
God and maintain sanctification. All of it was always only for Israel Ex 20:2;
Deut 5:1-6).
D. UNGER’S BIBLE DICTIONARY: Grace
has imparted to the post-Calvary New Covenant believer all the merit that he
could ever need (John 1:16; Rom 5:1-2; 8:1-2; Col 2:9-10).
E. UNGERS BIBLE DICTIONARY: Being
"in-lawed" to Christ (1 Cor 9:20-21) does not mean that the Christian
is without law, but it does mean, as one redeemed by grace, that he has the
duty, or rather gracious privilege, of not doing that which is displeasing to
God and of fully discharging that which is well pleasing to Him on the basis of
a manifestation of spontaneous gratitude for his salvation in grace.
F. Those “in Christ” (having been
justified by faith alone) have a higher standard and more is expected than for
those under the Law of Moses. (Gal 5:1-22).
6. Believers “in Christ” obey the
will of God because they have been saved (Eph 2:8-10).
7. God’s standard of righteous
sanctification is Jesus Christ (Jn 16:8-9).
GENTILES AND
“LAW”
A. The Gentiles had never been under “the” formal written Law and its
Ten Commandments.
B. Gentiles had never been circumcised.
C. Gentiles had never observed the three yearly festivals.
D. Gentiles had never observed the Sabbath-day.
E. Gentiles had never been commanded to tithe to support a Levitical
priesthood.
F. Gentiles had never stopped eating unclean foods.
G. Gentiles have just as much opportunity to be saved as the Jews!
PAUL’S USE
OF THE WORD, “LAW”:
THE LAW IN ROMANS
A. The Epistle of Romans is an enlightening but difficult study of the
word “law.” It is enlightening because Paul uses it with a great variety
of meanings. And it is difficult because the English article “the” is often
inserted in English when there is no article in the original Greek and
confusion results.
B. It is very evident to Greek students that God uses the article “the”
and also omits the article to distinguish between His special revelation to
Israel and His revelation through nature and conscience to all nations. Romans
1:17 begins the entire discussion by concluding that both Hebrews under the Law
and Gentiles outside of the formal Law are guilty and deserve His wrath.
C. Without the article “the” in Greek, “Law” does NOT refer to special revelation
to Israel through the Ten Commandments or otherwise.
Rom
2:11 “For there is no respect of persons with God.”
This exceedingly radical statement (for Hebrews) precedes the 70+ uses
of “law” in Romans. It must have been both a shock and a new revelation to
Jewish listeners that others could be saved.
The Old Covenant with its highly-blessed pre-eminence of Israelites had
ended. God was now manifesting Himself as El Elyon, God Most High of
all nations and not just Yahweh, the exclusive covenant-God of
Israel (Lk 1:32; 8:28 Acts 7:48; 16:17). Although God had always loved all
created mankind (as in Jonah), in the New Covenant He is not limiting His favor
to national Israel.
In James 2:10 “respect of persons” is part of the “royal law.” “Royal
law” is greater that “the law” because one must keep all of the law (of love)
in order to keep the royal law.
Important Note:
[---] denotes an article in the KJV that is not in the Greek.
[The] denotes an article in the Greek which is not in the KJV.
Rom 2:12 [4x as a guiding principle of nature and conscience]
“For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law;
and as many as have sinned in [---] law shall be judged by [---] law.”
This important "first use" of
"law" in Romans does not use "law" to refer to the 613
commandments of the formal written Law. "Law" is the
"principle" whereby God reveals Himself to mankind. “The” law is not
in the Greek.
New Covenant? Yes. New idea? No. That is what
the O. T. book of Jonah is all about ---God showed mercy to Gentile Ninevites
and judged them according to what little light they had without teaching them
the formal Law. Through Jonah, Yahweh (Jesus) commanded the Assyrians what to
do and they obeyed.
Rom 2:13 [2x as a guiding principle of nature and conscience]
“For not the hearers of [---] law are just before God, but the doers of
[---] law shall be justified.”
Again, there is no article “the” in the Greek.
This text cannot possibly be interpreted by strict law-teachers to mean that
God expects everybody to literally obey the Old Covenant Law in order to be
saved (including the circumcised, Sabbath-keepers, festival-observers, tithers and
clean food eaters). It must have a spiritual interpretation.
Rom 2:14 [3x as a guiding principle of nature and conscience; 1x as the
entire revelation of God to Israel]
“For when the Gentiles, which have not [---] law, do by nature
the things contained in “the” law, these, having not [---] law, are “a”
law unto themselves.”
The most common usage of “nomos/law” in Romans
is NOT “the” Law of Moses. Rather, it is “God’s revelation of his will, his
righteous standards, to mankind through nature and conscience.” In 2:14 the
Gentiles lacked special revelation such as the entire O. T. given to national
Israel. Their obedience to nature was itself obedience to law as a “principle.”
In 2:14 “law” is neither limited to the Pentateuch nor to the Ten Commandments.
Even though it has been severely obscured by
sin, there seems to be enough consciousness of right and wrong (the awareness of
sin) inside fallen man for God to judge even the non-Hebrew. That is what the
text says without getting into a theological dispute over total
depravity. Again, like the Ninevites of Jonah’s time, God can righteously
condemn or offer grace to those outside of his greater special revelation. However,
they must still hear the Word and respond to it (Rom 10:13-15).
Rom 2:15-16 [1x as eternal moral law]
“Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience
also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else
excusing one another in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by
Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
Gentiles who obey the light of “nature” and
“conscience” are indicating (en-dei-knun-tai) that the law has been
written inside their hearts (Jn 1:9; Heb 8:8-13).
The “work of the law written in their hearts”
cannot possibly refer to the whole Law of Moses or even to the Ten
Commandments. It must be that part of the formal written Law which is eternal,
moral and reflects the divine character of God. It also must only refer to that
part of God which is revealed within the heart of man. This would exclude
things like literal and physical circumcision, holy days and unclean foods which
require special revelation. Paul illustrated this at length in Romans 1:18-32.
Rom 2:17 [1x as the whole law] “Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest
in the law and make thy boast of God.”
See 2:17-20. "The law" is "all
of God's special revelation of his righteous standards to Israel"
--especially the 613 commandments of the Pentateuch.
Like modern law-teachers, the Jew thought that
he was better than the Gentiles because he had special revelation of things
such as circumcision, Sabbath-keeping, food laws and tithing.
Rom 2:26 [1x as the whole law]
Therefore, if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the
law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
This idea would shock Jews. Un-circumcised
Gentiles could actually keep “the righteousness of the law" without
observing the Sabbath, food laws, circumcision or tithing which are only known
though special revelation.
Rom 2:27 [REVERSAL; 1X as the whole law; 1x as natural law]
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill
the law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress
[---] law?
This is an extremely important text. There is
a "law" or "principle" of "nature" which can
actually "fulfill" the purpose of "the law." Those who obey
the law of nature fulfill THE law; those who have THE law and disobey become
like Gentiles before God ---- guilty without special revelation.
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is
that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of
men, but of God.
Paul illustrates his words from 2:27. Those
Gentiles who have never received special revelation about the literal letter of
the law are deemed as achieving the righteousness of the law by obeying the
light within them (which is Jesus per John 1:9). Therefore, literally
uncircumcised Gentiles can be considered spiritually circumcised and more “Jew”
than mere physical Jews who do not obey God (compare Romans 9:6-7). They obey the
spirit of the law yet know nothing of the literal details of circumcision,
Sabbath-keeping, tithing and unclean foods.
Also, very important is the use of the phrase “fulfill
the law” in 2:27. It means to attain, or reach, the righteous requirement of
the law. That is done only through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ by
faith alone. Compare 9:30-32.
Rom 3:19 [2x as the whole law]
Now we know that what things the law says, it says to them who
are under the law: that every mouth [under the law] may be
stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
3:19-20 are favorite texts for law-teachers
who use them out of context to prove that the Church is still obligated to
observe the Old Covenant Law, or at least only the Ten Commandments.
Along with 2:14-16 and 2:26-29 these verses
(3:19-20) give the best insight into Paul's use of the word "law" in
Romans.
(1) 3:19-20 constitute a summary statement of
the discussion from 2:11 to 3:18.
(2) VERY IMPORTANT: 3:1-18 has just quoted
only from Psalms and Isaiah and has called them “law.”
(3) “The law” in 3:19 cannot possibly refer solely
to either "the Law of God through Moses to Israel" or to "the
law of nature and conscience" to the Gentiles (2:11-29).
(4) Since “every mouth” and “all the world”
are being condemned by “the law,” then “the law” can only refer to "the
revelation of God's righteousness to all the world” and tThat includes both
ALL of the formal Law to the Jews and also nature and conscience to the
Gentiles.
(5) “Law” in Romans 3 is not the Ten
Commandments. Read the chapter!
Rom 3:20 [2x as the guiding principle of nature and conscience]
Therefore, by the deeds of [---] law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by [---] law is the knowledge of sin.
The Greek of 3:20 reads different from most
translations in three places.
(1) The article “the” is missing in front of
both of the words “law.”
(2) It is “law” as a principle and includes
the formal literal written Law for the Jews and also the inward natural
conscience of the Gentiles.
(3) The Ten Commandments are not in view here!
They are not quoted to this point ---- only Psalms and Isaiah.
(4) The final verb "is" is inserted.
In the context of the very next words "but now apart from law" and
Jesus' declaration in John 16:8-9 that "sin" which condemns is
"because they believe not on me," the last phrase probably means “by
law WAS the knowledge of sisn.” Jesus is the new standard of righteousness in
the new covenant. That is why he declared "I am THE way, THE truth and THE
life" in John 14:6.
Therefore, the text cannot honestly be
manipulated to say that the Ten Commandments are still in force as the most
important definer of sin for all mankind.
Rom 3:21 [1x for each definition]
But now the righteousness of God without [---] law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TEXT: The conclusion of
Romans 1:17 to 3:20 begins here. In fact, the entire letter of Romans pivots
here. It pivots away from the wrath of God in 1:17 to the alternative
righteousness of Christ. The first use of “law” does not have an article “the”
in the Greek because the “righteousness of God” is not found in obedience to
either “the” formal law nor the “law” of nature and conscience. The revelation
of God’s will through the righteousness of truth in Jesus Christ supersedes all
previous kinds of revelation or laws.
Rom 3:27 ]1x as “principle.]
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but
by [---] law of faith. [Greek omits the article]
The word “law” here refers to a
“principle” both times. Both Jews and Gentiles become righteous by
believing in Jesus (faith; v22). Justification before God comes by grace (v24)
through faith (v25). Obedience to any law –whether “the” Law of God through
Moses or natural law of the conscience—is no longer the focus (v26). Therefore,
boasting does not enter into the discussion. The principle which excludes boasting
(of law-keeping) is voided by the principle (law) of faith.
Rom 3:28 [1x law in general]
Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the
deeds of [---] law. [Grk: no article]
Again, the inspired Word in Greek has no
article “the.” This reflects back to 3:20 where “law” has no article because it
refers to all revelation of God to mankind.
Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the
Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by
faith, and uncircumcision through [THE] faith.
The first part of Romans concluded in 3:20
that no kind of law-principle can save; law only condemns both Jews and
Gentiles. Having less knowledge of God’s will, the Gentiles eare specially
justified through “the” principle of faith.
Rom 3:31 [2x as a principle]
Do we then make void [---] law through faith? God forbid: yea, we
establish [---] law.
Like 3:20, the article is again missing both
times. While “the” Law of Moses repeats much of the law of nature and
conscience, “law” in general here includes all types of law. The necessity of
justification by faith proves that justification could not come by any
principle which merely condemned. The entire discussion from 1:18 to 3:31
involves the condemnation of both Jews and Gentiles through the operation of
the principle of law which is God’s revelation of His will to all mankind.
Rom 4:13 [1x as a principle of works]
For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to
Abraham, or to his seed, through [---] law, but through the righteousness of
faith.
Since “the” law did not exist in Abraham’s
time, the article is missing in the Greek. It means a principle of works
righteousness. Compare 3:27.
Rom 4:14 For if they which are of [---] law be heirs, faith is made
void, and the promise made of none effect:
Removing the Greek article forces a fresh
interpretation. If obedience to any principle of works-righteousness makes one
righteous or, if man can become righteous by works, then faith is not necessary
and the promise made to Abraham is meaningless.
Rom 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is,
there is no transgression.
It is wrong to interpret this as a reference
to the Law of Moses because the principle of law (works-righteousness) cannot
save anybody but only brings wrath. The principle of divine revelation through
law in chapters 1:18 to 3:20 brought about condemnation to both the Gentiles
and Jews. The two definitions are combined here: “the” Law of God for Hebrews
and natural/conscience for the Gentiles.
Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the
end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of
the law, but to that also which is of [---] faith of Abraham; who is
the father of us all.
When referring exclusively to Jews (Hebrews),
“the law” refers to the entire revelation of God to them. It neither refers
only to the Pentateuch nor exclusively to the Ten Commandments.
Rom 5:13 (For until [---] law sin was in the world: but sin is not
imputed when there is no law.
Though still guilty, early man was not as
accountable for sinning against divine revelation as was man when God made His
revelation clear. The “law principle” is found in any set of laws.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them
that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the
figure of him that was to come.
Adam transgressed God’s law of nature and
conscience – and died.. All men died before Moses and the formal Law because
there was enough of God’s revelation to condemn through nature and conscience
per Romans, chapter one.
Rom 5:20 Moreover [---] law entered, that the offence might abound. But
where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
“Law” as a principle entered for Israel as
“the” formal Law. However, it did not enter as “the” formal Law for the
remainder of mankind which continued to be condemned by the law of nature and
conscience.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under
[---] law, but under grace.
Rom 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under [---] law,
but under grace? God forbid.
Nobody can be saved under law as a principle
of works-righteousness. Yet, not being under a law principle of
works-righteousness does not give approval for sin because the grace-principle
requires greater accountability.
The Christian Jew is no longer under the
revealed formal literal Law of God and the Christian Gentile is no longer under
nature and conscience. The Holy Spirit has written the new Law of Love in the
heart as part of the believer’s new creation (Heb 8:10). The new law is based
on God’s righteous revelation of Himself in Christ. By comparing Christ’s righteousness
to our own we are convicted as sinners (2 Cor 3:18). The fact that an old
law-principle condemns everybody is not a basis of more sin in order to bring
more grace. The argument uses sarcasm. c.
Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know
[---] law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he
liveth?
In Romans 7:1 “law” is man’s civil law
regarding marriage. The law principle rules over all men as long as they live
–whether spiritual, governmental, nature or conscience.
Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by [---] law to
her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed
from the law of her husband.
This is true of secular, pagan and Jewish law
and is not a reference to the Law of Moses.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another
man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free
from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to
another man.
"That law" here can refer to secular
or religious law, whether pagan or Jewish.
Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead
to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to
another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring
forth fruit unto God.
Having established the facts concerning civil
marriage laws, Paul makes a spiritual point for his brethren – we fellow
Hebrews.
Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins,
which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto
death.
“Before we Hebrews were saved, our attempts to
obey “the” Law of Moses and become righteous by works ended in spiritual death.”
Rom 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law,
that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in
newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
No “law” can tell a dead person what to do.
Being dead in trespasses and sin, one was ready to die again to that life in
Christ (Gal 2:20; Eph 2:1; Rom 6:1-12). After we Hebrews accepted Christ, we
are dead to the law which enslaved us. Regardless to whom Paul is speaking,
since this is true of Hebrews, it is also true for Gentiles. Notice the tense
of the verbs. "Are delivered" is Greek aorist passive which means
"have been delivered." Believers are "dead" in Christ. The
"law" principle cannot tell a dead person what to do! Believers now
are serving God in the "newness of the spirit."
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay,
I had not known sin, but by [---] law: for I had not known lust, except the
law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
In attempting to establish his own
righteousness through works of “law,” Paul became condemned by “the” Law which
said “Thou shalt not covet.” The law of nature and conscience also teaches that
it is sin to covet; we know this instinctively.
Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by “the” commandment, wrought
[produced] in me all manner of concupiscence [evil desire]. For without [---]
law sin was dead.
Rom 7:9 For I was alive without [---] law once: but when the
commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Before Paul was saved, he was a self-righteous
Pharisee secure that his works of law would save him. Perhaps he had gone
through the Ten Commandments and discovered that he was guilty of coveting.
Finally, Paul discovered that the purpose of “the Law” and “law” as a principle
was to condemn rather than to save.
7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be
unto death.
7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by
it slew me.
The impossible task of faithfully obeying all
613 commandments of God would guarantee God's blessings. However, failure to
obey all 613 of them guaranteed God's curse. The Law condemned Paul to
spiritual death instead of promising life (Gal 3:10).
7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy,
and just, and good.
Paul, a Jew convicted by the law to be a
sinner, would say this about the formal Law. The law principle is still effective
for those who have not heard the gospel to condemn them (1 Tim 1:9).
However, the current standard of God's righteousness is found in the
person of Jesus Christ per Romans 3:21-26 and John 14:6; 16:8-9.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in
unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;
for God hath shewed it unto them." Rom 1:18-19. Present tense verbs.
And a convicted Gentile would say this about
the law of nature and conscience (to a much lesser degree).
7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God
forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is
good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
The verb ge-go-ne is perfect tense for
"has become." The law did all that it could do -- it killed Paul in
his sin.
7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am
carnal, sold under sin.
While "the law" is "God's special
revelation of his righteous standards for Israel," “law” as a guiding
principle of nature and conscience is an inner revelation of God’s righteous
standard for everybody. As a Hebrew, Paul finally saw himself as condemned by
the law principle.
7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not;
but what I hate, that do I.
Beginning here, Paul seems to be using “law”
as a guiding principle. By himself Paul cannot live up to the righteousness the
law principle demanded.
7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto [---] law
that it is good.
Paul is clearly using "law" here to
refer to something beyond the 613 commandments of the formal Law. The law
principle is good but it cannot save.
7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
"Sin" itself is a
"principle" in opposition to the "law" principle.
7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good
thing: for to will [thelo] is present with me; but how to perform
that which is good I find not.
7:19 For the good that I would [thelo] I do not: but the evil
which I would not, that I do.
The principle of "willpower" is
unable to overcome the principle of "sin" which has its power in the
principle of "law."
7:20 Now if I do that I would (will) not, it is no more I that do it,
but sin that dwelleth in me.
Paul cannot "will" himself not to
sin. The principle of "will-power" is subservient to the principle of
"sin."
7:21 I find then [THE] law, that, when I would (will to)
do good, evil is present with me. [not "a"]
This is an exception to the rule. Although there
is a definite article in the Greek, it does NOT refer to “the Law of Moses”
here. "The law" very clearly means "the principle of
law." The principle of "will-power" is weaker than the power
of the principle of "sin."
7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward
man:
Paul's weak will-power delights in the
principle of "law" as "God's revelation of His righteous
standards" both to Jews and Gentiles. Looking at the next verse, "the
law of God" is "the law of my mind." Compare to Hebrews 8:10.
7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against
the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the
law of sin which is in my members.
"Another law" is another
"principle." The "law of my mind" is the principle of
"will-power" which wants to obey what God has revealed. "The law
of sin" is "flesh" which wants to disobey God.
7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of
this death?
The answer to the dilemma is found in a
"who" and not a "what."
7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I
myself serve [---] law of God; but with the flesh [---] law of
sin.
The articles are missing for “law.” Paul is
not saying he serves THE Law of God with his mind; rather, Paul is saying that he
serves the new “law of Christ” which is God’s will in His heart. This is
extremely evident in Romans 8:2.
Paul has learned to yield his weak will-power
of the mind to faith in Jesus Christ.
"But now the righteousness of God without
[the] law is manifested, being witnessed by “the “law and the prophets; Even
the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon
all them that believe: for there is no difference." Romans 3:21-22.
By replacing the righteous standard of the law
with the righteous standard of Jesus Christ, Paul can finally obey God through
the (new covenant) standard of Christ's righteousness.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Believers who are "in Christ" are no
longer condemned by either the law principles found in Moses, natural law or
the conscience.
8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made
me free from the law of sin and death.
"The law" is "the
principle" that imputed "life in Christ" through faith has
finally overcome the previous principles at work. The new covenant principle of
faith in Christ grasps the imputed righteousness of Christ as God's new
standard (Gal 2:20).
8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through
the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for
sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
"The law" is "God's standard of
righteous judgment." For Jews this was God's formal written law. For
Gentiles it was cloudy nature and conscience. In Christ God accomplished what
the law could not accomplish. Note the verb tenses. Paul has been using the
word “law” in many different ways in chapters 7 and 8.
8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
…..
8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not
subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Heb 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in
divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in
these last days spoken unto us by his Son…
The righteous requirements of “the” law (and
also “law”) have been replaced by Christ's imputed righteousness per Romans
3:21-25.
Rom 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the
glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of
God, and the promises.
"The law" is the formal "Law of
God" as given through Moses, the Old Covenant with all 613 commandments.
9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not
after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness
which is of faith.
Gentiles who did not have the righteous
standard of the formal Law have attained that righteousness, not by obedience
to the law, but through faith which is the "law" or
"principle" of the new covenant (2:28-29).
9:31 But Israel, which followed after [---] law of righteousness, hath
not attained to [---] law of righteousness (chapter 7).
There are no articles in the Greek. A new
wording, a law, a "principle" of "righteousness" is in
view.
9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by
the works of [---] law. For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;
9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone and rock
of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Even prophecy said that obedience OF the law
would be replaced by faith in Christ.
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going
about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto
the righteousness of God.
10:4 For Christ is the end of [---] law for righteousness to every one
that believeth.
This is important. There is no article
"the." Christ is the "end" or "goal" of
"law" as a principle for both Hebrews and Gentiles. The purpose of
law has been reached through the principle of "faith."
10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law,
That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Notice that “the Law” refers to a quotation in
Deuteronomy 30:12-14 and not the Ten Commandments. Trying to obey God through
obedience to the formal Law was a distortion of God’s purpose for the Law. l.
10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this
wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ
down from above:)
10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ
again from the dead.)
10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and
in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.
These three texts are a New Covenant
re-application of Deuteronomy 30:12-14. Paul replaced the word "law"
with "Christ" and "faith."
"And when he is come, he will reprove the
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they
believe not on me" John 16:8-9.
"Law" is no longer either the
principle which defines sin for believers nor the standard of God's judgment.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that
loveth another hath fulfilled [---] law.
What law? What principle? -- the principle of
"loving one another." There is no Greek article.
13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill,
Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet;
and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this
saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
While quoting the Ten Commandments, Paul is
teaching that Leviticus 19:18 is a royal principle of love which
"comprehends" or "sums up" the second half of the
Ten Commandments. Rather than elevating the formal Law or even the Ten
Commandments, the principle ("law") of love is greater than the
others.
13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore, love is the
fulfilling of [---] law.
Paul omits “the” deliberately because the
principle of love fulfills BOTH “the” Law for Hebrews and also “law” for
Gentiles. While the "law" principle made sin more sinful, the
"love" principle fulfills or "fills full" the purpose of
"law" which law could not achieve.
MAN’S LAWS
MAN’S LAW is that which God allows
mankind to legislate and enact (Gen 9:6; Matt 10:15; Luke 20:22; Rom 7:1-3; 13:1-7;
1 Tim 1:8-10; 2 Tim 2:5).
MATTHEW
5:17-19
Note: This article began from The New
Unger’s Bible Dictionary and was greatly expanded and edited.
Russell Earl Kelly, PHD
russkellyphd@yahoo.com
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