The concept of "The Law of God: Works Wrath" is rooted in the understanding of the relationship between God's law and human sinfulness. This entry explores the theological implications of the law as it pertains to divine wrath, drawing from scriptural references and traditional interpretations.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses the relationship between the law and wrath in his epistle to the Romans. In Romans 4:15 , Paul states, "For the law brings wrath, because where there is no law, there is no transgression." This verse highlights the function of the law in revealing sin and, consequently, invoking God's righteous judgment upon it. The law serves as a mirror, reflecting human shortcomings and the inherent sinfulness of mankind.

The Purpose of the Law

The law, as given by God, is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). It was provided to guide humanity in living according to God's standards. However, due to the fallen nature of humanity, the law also exposes sin. In Romans 3:20 , Paul writes, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin." The law's purpose is not to justify but to make individuals conscious of their transgressions, thereby highlighting the need for divine grace and redemption.

Wrath and Justice

The wrath of God is a manifestation of His justice and holiness. Sin, being a violation of God's law, incurs His wrath. The law, by defining sin, makes individuals accountable to God's justice. Romans 1:18 declares, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." The law, therefore, functions as a catalyst for divine wrath by identifying and condemning sin.

The Role of Faith

While the law works wrath by exposing sin, faith in Jesus Christ provides the means of escape from this wrath. Romans 5:9 assures believers, "Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" Faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice offers redemption and reconciliation with God, shielding believers from the wrath that the law would otherwise bring upon them.

The Law and Grace

The interplay between law and grace is central to understanding the Christian doctrine of salvation. The law, by working wrath, underscores the necessity of grace. 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 role is to guide individuals to the realization of their need for a Savior, thus pointing them to the grace available through faith in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The law of God, in its function of working wrath, serves to reveal the depth of human sinfulness and the consequent need for divine intervention. Through the law, individuals are made aware of their transgressions and the impending wrath of God, leading them to seek refuge in the grace offered through Jesus Christ. This dynamic underscores the transformative power of faith and the ultimate purpose of the law in God's redemptive plan.Romans 4:15
Because the law works wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the ...
... there was no impossibility then in the law, by reason ... that mutual and joint concurrence
of God's promise and ... three things in the covenant of works,"a command ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x for what the.htm

The Law of God
... 7,) and that through the path of good works he may ... that he may not only himself glorify
God, (1 Corinthians ... easy to collect how far the moral law obtains among ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... 3:31, "Do we then make void the law by faith ... The apostle abominates this,""God forbid,"
he detests it, as ... we might be a people zealous of good works, (Titus 2 ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not ...
... revealed in his law or word, it cannot be subject to the law of God ... of man is acted
in his rebellion against the will of God manifested in his works, in his ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xx because the carnal.htm

"The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to ...
... and courses of men, as the apostle, (Galatians 5. speaks "the works of the ... appears,
that the natural mind cannot be subject to the law of God, no persuasion ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi the carnal mind.htm

"For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of ...
... introductory and subservient to more excellent works, and, therefore ... confidence,
nor the great intendment of God in the dispensation of the law, to bring a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxvi for as many.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... dead sinners; to create us again to good works; to redeem ... sentence, and that without
the impairing of God's justice ... 1 John 1:9.) even this, that law and justice ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix for the law.htm

The Testament of Dan Concerning Anger and Lying.
... children, that the Father of the Gentiles may receive you: for He is true and
long-suffering, meek and lowly, and teacheth by His works the law of God. ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/vii the testament of dan concerning.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... And he now performs (which while "under the law" he could ... a nobler principle; namely,
the grace of God ruling in his heart, and causing all his works to be ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 35 the law established.htm

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
... it seems to be said, [174] "The law shall perish ... passages rather indicate what men
become when God deserts them ... the nature of his agency is when he works in them ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 how god works.htm

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