The concept of the Law of God as the rule of life for saints is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and theological tradition. It underscores the belief that God's commandments are not merely legalistic requirements but are intended to guide the moral and spiritual conduct of believers, shaping their lives in accordance with divine will.

Biblical Foundation

The Law of God, often referred to as the Torah in the Old Testament, encompasses the commandments given by God to His people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ affirms the enduring significance of the Law. In Matthew 5:17-18 , Jesus states, "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."

The Apostle Paul further elucidates the role of the Law in the life of believers. In Romans 7:12 , he declares, "So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good." Paul emphasizes that the Law reveals sin and guides believers toward righteousness, serving as a mirror reflecting God's holiness and the moral standards expected of His people.

The Law as a Guide for Holy Living

For saints, the Law of God is not a burdensome yoke but a guide to holy living. Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a profound meditation on the beauty and necessity of God's Law. Psalm 119:105 proclaims, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse encapsulates the belief that God's commandments illuminate the path of righteousness, providing direction and wisdom.

The Law's role as a rule of life is also evident in the teachings of Jesus, who summarized the Law in the Great Commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). These commandments encapsulate the essence of the Law, guiding believers in their relationship with God and others.

The Transformative Power of the Law

The Law of God, when internalized by the saints, has a transformative effect. It is not merely an external code but becomes written on the hearts of believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. Jeremiah 31:33 prophesies this new covenant: "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."

This internalization of the Law leads to a life marked by obedience and sanctification. The Apostle James emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word, not merely hearers (James 1:22). The Law, therefore, becomes a living reality in the lives of saints, shaping their character and actions in conformity with God's will.

The Law and Christian Liberty

While the Law serves as a rule of life, it is essential to understand its relationship with Christian liberty. Believers are not justified by the Law but by faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:24-25 explains, "So the Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

However, this liberty does not nullify the moral imperatives of the Law. Instead, it empowers believers to fulfill the Law's righteous requirements through the Spirit. Romans 8:4 states, "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."

In summary, the Law of God as the rule of life for saints is a profound biblical truth that underscores the moral and spiritual guidance provided by God's commandments. It is a source of wisdom, a guide to holy living, and a transformative force in the lives of believers, leading them to reflect the character of Christ in their daily walk.1 Corinthians 9:21
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:13,14
For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Negative Side
... Second, that the Law is a rule of life for believers. ... Those who give the first answer
teach that the Law defines what God requires from man, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the negative side.htm

Sanctification.
... real spirit, and meaning, and bearing of the law of God ... The Spirit of God is never
employed in testifying to ... in a strong light before my mind the rule to which ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xli sanctification.htm

"The Least of These My Brethren"
... nature, and have done the things that the law required ... should have concerning the
tender mercies of God; for He ... Christ's rule of life, by which every one of us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 70 the least of.htm

Daily Thoughts,
... January 28. The Great Law. January 29. The Coming Kingdom. ... May 8. Wisdom the Child
of Goodness. May 9. Rule of Life. May 10. Music the Speech of God. May 11. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /

Contents. Lecture I.
... No rule of duty ... plainly recognized in the Bible as a part of the moral government
of God. ... and subjects in relation to the execution of the penalties of law 222. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/contents lecture i.htm

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... of life, but one perpetual and inflexible rule; and, therefore ... effect, our Saviour
declares, that "the law and the ... since that time the kingdom of God is preached ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm

A Spiritual Revival
... are few who really accept it as the rule of life ... man, the atonement, the perpetuity
of the law"these all ... Glorious things were spoken of Zion, the City of God. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 51 a spiritual revival.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... and alms as now corresponding to the offerings under the Law. ... but to attend to the
image of God, which exists in ... of the household of faith, the same rule is to ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

How the Question Arose About the Due Time of Keeping Easter, with ...
... of the Church, judge contrary to the Law and the ... Columba and his successors, men
beloved by God, who kept ... For he undoubtedly, following the rule of truth in ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxv how the question.htm

The Church Apostrophised as Teacher of all Wisdom. Doctrine of the ...
... and dost set parents over their children in a godly rule. ... is fit, how vain is effort
under the law, when lust ... the many so ardent in their love to God, that in ...
/.../chapter 30 name church apostrophised.htm

What is the spirit of the law? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law, but did not abolish it? | GotQuestions.org

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Law: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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