Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the Law of God as perfect is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, reflecting the divine nature and character of God Himself. The Law, as given in the Scriptures, serves as a comprehensive guide for righteous living, revealing God's standards for holiness, justice, and love.
Biblical FoundationThe perfection of God's Law is explicitly stated 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." This verse highlights the Law's completeness and its ability to restore and invigorate the human spirit. The Hebrew word for "perfect" in this context, "תָּמִים" (tamim), conveys a sense of wholeness, integrity, and flawlessness.
Purpose and FunctionThe Law serves multiple purposes within the biblical narrative. It acts as a mirror, reflecting God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness.
Romans 3:20 states, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the Law. For the Law merely brings awareness of sin." Here, the Apostle Paul underscores the Law's role in making individuals conscious of their moral shortcomings.
Moreover, the Law functions as a tutor or guardian, leading people to Christ.
Galatians 3:24 explains, "So the Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The Law's perfection is seen in its ability to guide individuals toward the ultimate revelation of God's grace through Jesus Christ.
Moral and Ethical StandardsThe Law of God encompasses moral and ethical standards that are timeless and universal. The Ten Commandments, found in
Exodus 20:1-17 and
Deuteronomy 5:6-21, serve as the foundational ethical code. These commandments address duties to God and fellow humans, emphasizing love, respect, and justice.
Jesus affirmed the enduring nature of the Law in
Matthew 5:17-18 : "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. 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." Christ's fulfillment of the Law underscores its perfection and eternal relevance.
Spiritual and Practical ImplicationsThe perfection of God's Law has profound spiritual and practical implications for believers. It calls for a life of obedience and devotion, as seen in
Psalm 119:1 : "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD." The Law provides a path to blessedness and spiritual prosperity.
Furthermore, the Law's perfection is evident in its ability to transform lives.
James 1:25 encourages believers to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only," emphasizing the transformative power of living according to God's perfect Law. The Law, when internalized and practiced, leads to spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God.
ConclusionThe Law of God, in its perfection, remains a central tenet of the Christian faith. It reveals God's character, exposes human sinfulness, and points to the need for a Savior. Through the Law, believers are called to a higher standard of living, reflecting the holiness and righteousness of God in their daily lives.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Torrey's Topical TextbookRomans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Greek
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... self-control; against such things there is no
law.".
... your mind, so that you may prove
what (2307) of
God is, that which is good and acceptable and
perfect.
... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18kLibrary
Perfection of God's Law. 1 God's Perfect Law Converts the Soul
... THE SCRIPTURES. 184. " Perfection of God's Law. 1 God's perfect law converts
the soul. 184. CM Tate & Brady. Perfection of God's Law. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/184 perfection of gods.htm
It Clearly Appears that There was but one Author of Both the Old ...
... by all means to bring down a greater one than this from the perfect Father, so as
not to make use of that which had been given by the God of the law. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii it clearly appears that.htm
Proofs from the Apostolic Writings, that Jesus Christ was one and ...
... must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses ... who did by suffering reconcile
us to God, and rose ... at the right hand of the Father, and perfect in all ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi proofs from the apostolic.htm
"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not ...
... or word, it cannot be subject to the law of God ... reproach of that, to be called enemies
to God, but I pray you consider if there be not as perfect contrariety in ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xx because the carnal.htm
The Test of Discipleship
... just what it always has been,"just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our
first parents,"perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm
"The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to ...
... against God for it is not subject to the law of God ... So then they that are in the
flesh cannot please God.". ... of the heart of man gives the most perfect account of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi the carnal mind.htm
That the Love of God's Will Signified in the Commandments Moves us ...
... the heart of God, did so relish the perfect excellence of the divine commandments,
that he seems to be a lover captivated with the beauty of this law as with ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vii that the love.htm
The Law Established through Faith
... hand, in how amiable a light do you now see the holy and perfect will of God! ... sin
no more, that you may see and shun the least transgression of his law! ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 36 the law established.htm
Law and Grace.
... died out. If the law is the door to heaven, there is no hope for any of
us. A perfect God can only have a perfect standard. He that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter v law and grace.htm
Christ --Perfect through Sufferings
... An obedience even unto death is now the only perfect form of obedience. The man
who would keep the law of God perfectly must not start back even at martyrdom. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christperfect through sufferings.htm
Resources
What is the spirit of the law? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law, but did not abolish it? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is natural law? | GotQuestions.orgLaw: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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