How should we live according to God's laws?

1. The Foundation of God’s Law

God’s law is grounded in the truth of His nature and character. Scripture teaches that the Creator formed all things with order and purpose (Genesis 1:1). Because God is righteous and holy, His commandments flow from His character, offering a guide to living in a way that reflects His goodness. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 explains, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”

Throughout history, archaeological discoveries—such as the Dead Sea Scrolls—have underscored the remarkable consistency of these Scriptures, demonstrating that God’s words have been transmitted with care and integrity. This reliability encourages believers to trust these commands as God’s unchanging standard, not merely as cultural prescriptions bound to an ancient time.

2. The Summary of the Law in Scripture

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus summarized all the Law and the Prophets with two core instructions: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31). These two commandments provide the essence of how we should live:

• Loving God: The starting point is to orient our entire being toward Him—heart, soul, mind, and strength.

• Loving Others: This focus on love extends outward to the people around us. Just as we cherish our own welfare, we should seek the good of those around us.

This summary, which echoes Deuteronomy 6:5, is foundational: a heart of love for God and people governs our daily attitudes and actions.

3. The Unchanging Moral Principles

Scripture’s core moral principles do not fluctuate with time or culture. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) remain a timeless guide for how we relate to God and to each other:

• No other gods before Him (v. 3).

• No idols (v. 4).

• Not to misuse God’s name (v. 7).

• Keep the Sabbath (v. 8).

• Honor father and mother (v. 12).

• Do not murder (v. 13).

• Do not commit adultery (v. 14).

• Do not steal (v. 15).

• Do not bear false witness (v. 16).

• Do not covet (v. 17).

These principles remain relevant under the New Covenant. While ceremonial and civil aspects of Old Testament law served specific historical purposes, the moral center—loving God and neighbor—endures. Recall Jesus’ words: “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” (Matthew 5:17).

4. Obedience Flowing from Faith

Obeying God’s laws is not about mindless rule-keeping; rather, it is a faith response to the One who has first loved us. Scripture teaches that faith in Christ transforms our hearts, enabling genuine obedience. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Notice that obedience does not earn us God’s favor; instead, it evidences an authentic relationship with Him.

Romans 3:28–31 clarifies that we are justified by faith, not by works of the law. Yet faith that truly grips our hearts will result in a sincere desire to align our lives with God’s righteous commands (James 2:17). Because God’s grace has saved us (Ephesians 2:8–9), His Spirit moves us to walk in holiness (Galatians 5:16–18), displaying the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

5. The Heart of Transformation

Biblical obedience stems from an inward transformation rather than mere external compliance. Ezekiel 36:26–27 promises a new heart and Spirit within those who follow the Lord. This profound change goes beyond outward rituals and cultivates closeness to God.

This transformation is made possible through the ministry of Christ, confirmed by historical events such as His bodily resurrection. Multiple lines of manuscript evidence, corroborated by early sources and eyewitness testimony, lend credibility to the Resurrection account. Recognizing Jesus is alive fuels genuine devotion, inspiring believers to live out His teachings with passion and gratitude.

6. Loving God Wholeheartedly

Loving God supremely remains the foremost command. Believers cultivate this love by seeking Him in Scripture and prayer. Acts of praise, trust, and worship become natural expressions of a heart devoted to Him.

• Worship and Praise: God’s glory is evident in the grandeur of creation (Psalm 19:1). Setting aside daily time to worship aligns our hearts with the majesty of the Creator.

• Prayer and Study: Spending time in Scripture and prayer fosters intimacy with God, strengthens faith, and provides guidance for daily living.

• Surrender and Trust: Placing God first in all decisions acknowledges His sovereignty and yields our plans to His.

7. Loving Others as Yourself

Loving neighbors requires an attitude of selflessness. We look after their well-being, speak kindly, show mercy, and extend forgiveness. This love is illuminated by Paul’s assertion: “Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).

• Generosity: Harnessing our time, resources, and talents to help others exemplifies Christ’s self-giving love.

• Compassion: Whether feeding the hungry or comforting those in distress, loving others calls us to practical acts of kindness.

• Forgiveness: As God forgives us through Christ (Ephesians 4:32), we are to forgive one another—even when it is challenging.

8. Practical Daily Living

God’s law shapes multiple areas of life:

• Work and Integrity: Colossians 3:23 instructs, “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” This mindset anchors our work ethic in faithfulness to God rather than mere human approval.

• Relationships and Family: Bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2) strengthens marriages, friendships, and community bonds.

• Stewardship of Creation: By God’s design, the earth reflects His power (Romans 1:20). We care for what He has made, recognizing our role as stewards of a world intended to glorify Him.

• Moral Purity: First Thessalonians 4:3–5 calls believers to sanctification, particularly in matters of sexual conduct and purity of thought.

9. Striving for Holiness

Living by God’s law points to a pursuit of holiness, mirroring God’s own perfection. Peter highlighted this divine call: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Such holiness is not gained through personal strength alone but empowered by the Holy Spirit. Modern accounts of life transformation, prayer-induced healing, and an inner sense of conviction attest that God is still active, upholding these principles.

In addition, historical evidence—from early church writings to modern archaeological findings—supports that the teachings of Scripture stand upon credible events and reliable manuscripts. This bolsters confidence in God’s holy standard as revealed in Scripture.

10. Conclusion

Living according to God’s laws involves devotion, compassion, and moral integrity. While these laws do not save us (salvation comes through Christ’s atoning sacrifice), they guide our steps in righteousness. Obedience, anchored in genuine love and trust, reflects the kind of life God desires for His people.

By embracing the whole of Scripture, nurturing a heart transformed by faith in Christ, and actively loving God and one another, believers fulfill the purpose for which they were created: to glorify the living God in all areas of life. As Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). In that seeking and finding, we learn daily how to live according to God’s laws.