The concept of the Law of God as absolute and perpetual is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the unchanging nature of God's commandments and their eternal relevance. This entry explores the biblical foundation for understanding God's Law as both absolute and perpetual, drawing from various scriptural references and theological insights.

Biblical Foundation

The Law of God, often referred to as the Torah in the Old Testament, encompasses the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God to His people. The absoluteness of God's Law is evident in its divine origin and authority. In Exodus 20, God delivers the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing a moral and ethical framework for His people: "And God spoke all these words, saying, 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me'" (Exodus 20:1-3). This introduction underscores the divine authority behind the commandments, emphasizing their absolute nature.

The perpetual nature of God's Law is highlighted in passages that affirm its eternal relevance. Psalm 119, a profound meditation on the Law, repeatedly emphasizes its enduring nature: "Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens" (Psalm 119:89). This verse reflects the belief that God's commandments are not bound by time or cultural context but remain relevant across generations.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the absoluteness of God's Law is rooted in His unchanging character. Malachi 3:6 declares, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed" . This immutability of God implies that His Law, as an expression of His will, is likewise unchanging and absolute.

The perpetuity of the Law is further affirmed in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, reinforces the enduring nature of the Law: "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. For 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" (Matthew 5:17-18). Here, Christ emphasizes that the Law remains intact and relevant until the fulfillment of all things, underscoring its perpetual nature.

Practical Implications

The understanding of God's Law as absolute and perpetual has significant implications for the life of believers. It calls for a commitment to uphold the moral and ethical standards set forth in Scripture, recognizing them as timeless truths. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, affirms the role of the Law in guiding believers: "So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good" (Romans 7:12). This acknowledgment of the Law's goodness and righteousness encourages believers to live in accordance with its precepts.

Moreover, the perpetual nature of the Law invites believers to continually seek its wisdom and guidance. Psalm 1:2-3 describes the blessedness of those who delight in the Law: "But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does" . This imagery of a fruitful tree illustrates the life-giving and sustaining power of God's eternal Law.

In summary, the Law of God is both absolute and perpetual, reflecting His unchanging nature and eternal will. It serves as a moral compass for believers, guiding them in righteousness and holiness throughout all generations.Matthew 5:18
For truly I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one stroke or one pronunciation mark shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Law of God
... Thus was it the will of God, that this his ... respect to its simple observance, this
Judicial Law is neither ... to any people, nor is it of absolute necessity to be ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

On Councils
... without personal detriment, as far as is allowable by the law of God itself, against ...
X. The authority of councils is not absolute, but dependent on the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lviii on councils.htm

The Sadducees.
... to recognize the growing consciousness of God, which, derived ... and isolated point
to be absolute and perpetual ... rejected every thing but the Mosaic law--haper ouk ...
/.../section 25 the sadducees.htm

The Notion of Inability.
... are possible. But it requires no more than this. For the law of God
can never require absolute impossibilities. That which ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxiii the notion of.htm

Human Government.
... The larger the community the more absolute the necessity of government. ... The moral
law of God is the only law of individuals and of nations, and nothing can ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

On the Lordship or Dominion of God
... do concerning the creature whatever he is able, according to his absolute power,
to ... On this account, God frequently distinguishes his law by the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxvii on the lordship.htm

Purposes of God.
... themselves, when in fact their value is not absolute but relative. ... to them must have
been regarded by God as of ... Since moral law is a rule for the government of ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlvi purposes of god.htm

Analysis of the Westminster Confession.
... a machine for the execution of absolute divine decrees ... distinguishes two covenants
of God with man, the ... is administered under two dispensations, the law and the ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 95 analysis of the.htm

Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves ...
... been already laid down: For, the same absolute perfection of ... actions to the eternal
and unalterable law of righteousness. If God is himself a being of infinite ...
/.../ii proposition ii though these.htm

Its Problem
... as might be expected, based upon the absolute perfectness of His ... That law prohibited
not only wrong deeds and wrong ... that is contrary to the perfectness of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/3 its problem.htm

What should Christians learn from the Mosaic Law? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between the ceremonial law, the moral law, and the judicial law in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

What was the purpose of the Levitical Law? | GotQuestions.org

Law: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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