The Law of God, as revealed in the Scriptures, serves multiple purposes, one of which is to provide humanity with the knowledge of sin. This function of the Law is foundational to understanding the relationship between God and humankind, as well as the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul articulates the role of the Law in revealing sin in his epistle to the Romans. In Romans 3:20 , he writes, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin." This passage underscores the Law's role in making individuals conscious of their sinful nature and actions, rather than serving as a means of justification before God.

Further, in Romans 7:7 , Paul states, "What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, 'Do not covet.'" Here, Paul emphasizes that the Law is not sinful; rather, it acts as a mirror, reflecting the sinfulness inherent in human desires and actions.

The Purpose of the Law

The Law, given through Moses, encompasses moral, ceremonial, and civil precepts. Its moral aspects, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, serve as a divine standard of righteousness. By delineating what is holy and just, the Law exposes human shortcomings and transgressions. Galatians 3:24 further elucidates this purpose: "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The Law acts as a tutor, guiding individuals to recognize their need for a Savior.

The Law and Human Conscience

The Law's revelation of sin is not limited to external actions but extends to the inner workings of the human heart. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as "living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This penetrating power of the Law convicts individuals of sin, prompting a response of repentance and faith.

The Role of the Law in Redemption History

Throughout the Old Testament, the Law functioned as a covenantal framework for Israel, setting them apart as God's chosen people. However, it also highlighted their inability to fully comply with God's standards, pointing to the necessity of a new covenant. Jeremiah 31:33 prophesies this new covenant: "But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ fulfills the Law, embodying its righteousness and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Through His atoning work, believers are no longer under the Law's condemnation but are justified by grace through faith. Romans 8:3-4 affirms this: "For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

Conclusion

The Law of God, in its divine wisdom, serves to illuminate the reality of sin, driving humanity to seek redemption through Christ. It remains a vital component of God's revelation, guiding believers in righteousness and underscoring the transformative power of the Gospel.Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 7:7
What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. No, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, You shall not covet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... And thus sin hath a kind of law over us ... God gives us over to iniquity and
unrighteousness, and we yield ... up ourselves, and join to our idols, and God ratifies ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii for the law.htm

The Spirit of the Law
... hearted, and whole-souled love of God is not attained even by those who love Him
most. Paul's position that the law gives the knowledge of sin, just because it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the spirit of the law.htm

The Favourable Testimonies of More Recent Divines
... this ignorance, he sends forth his law, and gives us to ... The grace of God through
Jesus Christ."(Ibid.) After the ... the power and efficacy of the law, which works ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/v the favourable testimonies of.htm

The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
... at first only says that he has received 'a book.' He gives it no ... The effect of God's
law on the sinful heart is vividly pictured in Josiah's ... 'By the law is the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the rediscovered law and its.htm

Josiah and the Newly Found Law
... The straightforward story of our passage gives a most natural ... No man rightly uses
God's law who is not convinced by ... The first function of the law is to arouse ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/josiah and the newly found.htm

The True Excellence of Man.
... when you have taken away that which gives rise to ... is it said, "Thou shall love the
Lord thy God with all ... Wherefore the law is productive of the emotion of fear ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii the true excellence of.htm

Law and Grace.
... Grace beseeches men by the mercies of God. The Law demands holiness. Grace gives
holiness. The Law says"Condemn him. Grace says"Embrace him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter v law and grace.htm

The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ...
... Bright, however, as is the manifestation which God gives both of himself and his ...
all are guilty who have not been taught out of the law who the God is whom ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the knowledge of.htm

The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God
... interrupted the light and voice, the knowledge and love ... of the Gentiles," " not
regarding the ceremonial law of Moses ... (3.) The Spirit of God gives him warning ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 19 the great privilege.htm

The Epistle to the Romans.
... It gives the clearest and fullest exposition of the ... of eternal foreknowledge and
foreordination and God's gracious designs ... Rom.3:9). Through the law cometh the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 92 the epistle to.htm

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Law: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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