A LAW LIKE NO OTHER

Law Like No Other

But the Law of God is much more than a navigational instrument, and the Old Testament presents many verses with God’s view of a Law that many believe to have become null and void in the New Testament “dispensation.” Let’s look at just a few passages, and as you read them ask yourself if they sound like a law that God would later render obsolete—one kept for people—fulfilled on their behalf by Christ—as many so willingly believe.

First, also consider verse 172 of Psalm 119 in which the psalmist recorded, “For all Your commandments are righteousness.” Verse 18 adds this: “Open you mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

Now notice these almost never-mentioned statements of David in Psalm 19: “The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting [restoring] the soul” (vs. 7) and “the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (vs. 8).

How can anyone think that God would discard such a marvelous law? Those who believe the law is “done away,” or “nailed to the cross,” have a great deal of trouble trying to explain why God would abandon a law described in such glowing terms. The problem of “spiritualizing away” God’s Law grows even more difficult when one considers just a few other statements.

For instance, let’s place a couple of passages side by side, the first from the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon concluded twelve fascinating, insightful chapters about life with what is of central importance for every human being: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole…man” (12:13). Ask: Recognizing this could only be referencing the Ten Commandments because it is recorded in the Old Testament, how could such a powerful, comprehensive and conclusive statement no longer have application? Notice that the very next verse warns, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (vs. 14).

Why, with such obvious connection to the Law of God in context, are not more people concerned with such sobering warnings?

Now look at an almost identical statement to Solomon’s, reflecting what God wished from—and for—His people, the nation of Israel: “O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!” (Deut. 5:29).

Now further ask: Why do not more Bible students recognize the seriousness of what is recorded in Proverbs 28:9?: “He that turns away his ear from hearing the law [again, this can only be referencing the Ten Commandments], even his prayer shall be abomination.” This is a most serious statement.

Many other passages could be added to this briefest of lists. ( look closely at various New Testament scriptures about law and sin.) Like the physical laws governing the universe, making all things run smoothly, the Ten Commandments are laws that govern a Christian’s life, producing the true peace, real happiness, and ultimate success that all seek.