Verse Data¶
A. THE DECALOGUE'S UNIQUE ORIGIN¶
A1. Spoken by God's Own Voice¶
Exodus 20:1-2 (with context vv.18-22)
Exodus 20:1 And God spake all these words, saying, Exodus 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exodus 20:18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. Exodus 20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. Exodus 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. Exodus 20:21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. Exodus 20:22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
Deuteronomy 5:4-5, 22-27
Deuteronomy 5:4 The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, Deuteronomy 5:5 (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,
Deuteronomy 5:22 These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. Deuteronomy 5:23 And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; Deuteronomy 5:24 And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Deuteronomy 5:25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. Deuteronomy 5:26 For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Deuteronomy 5:27 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.
Deuteronomy 4:10-13, 33, 36
Deuteronomy 4:10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. Deuteronomy 4:11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. Deuteronomy 4:12 And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. Deuteronomy 4:13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
Deuteronomy 4:33 Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?
Deuteronomy 4:36 Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.
A2. Written by God's Own Finger¶
Exodus 31:18
Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Exodus 32:15-16
Exodus 32:15 And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. Exodus 32:16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
Deuteronomy 9:9-11
Deuteronomy 9:9 When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water: Deuteronomy 9:10 And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. Deuteronomy 9:11 And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.
A3. Written on Stone (Permanence)¶
Exodus 24:12
Exodus 24:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
Exodus 34:1, 4, 27-29
Exodus 34:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. Exodus 34:4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. Exodus 34:27 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. Exodus 34:29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
Deuteronomy 10:1-5
Deuteronomy 10:1 At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. Deuteronomy 10:2 And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. Deuteronomy 10:3 And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand. Deuteronomy 10:4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. Deuteronomy 10:5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.
2 Corinthians 3:3, 7 (NT reference to stone tablets)
2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
A4. Placed Inside the Ark of the Covenant¶
Exodus 25:16, 21
Exodus 25:16 And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee. Exodus 25:21 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
Exodus 40:20
Exodus 40:20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
Deuteronomy 10:2, 5 (already quoted above)
Deuteronomy 31:9, 24-26 (Distinction: Book of the Law placed BESIDE the ark)
Deuteronomy 31:9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel. Deuteronomy 31:24 And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, Deuteronomy 31:25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, Deuteronomy 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.
1 Kings 8:9 (Only the Ten Commandments inside)
1 Kings 8:9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
Hebrews 9:4 (NT confirmation)
Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
B. THE DECALOGUE ITSELF¶
B1. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17)¶
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; Exodus 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal. Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
B2. Deuteronomy Restatement (Deuteronomy 5:6-21)¶
Deuteronomy 5:6 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Deuteronomy 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me. Deuteronomy 5:8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Deuteronomy 5:9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, Deuteronomy 5:10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. Deuteronomy 5:11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Deuteronomy 5:12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. Deuteronomy 5:13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: Deuteronomy 5:14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. Deuteronomy 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Deuteronomy 5:17 Thou shalt not kill. Deuteronomy 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery. Deuteronomy 5:19 Neither shalt thou steal. Deuteronomy 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. Deuteronomy 5:21 Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.
C. ATTRIBUTES OF THE LAW THAT MIRROR GOD'S CHARACTER¶
C1. Holy¶
Romans 7:12
Romans 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Leviticus 19:2 (God is holy, so His law is holy)
Leviticus 19:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
C2. Just / Righteous¶
Romans 7:12 (already quoted above -- "just")
Deuteronomy 32:4
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Nehemiah 9:13 (right judgments, true laws, good statutes)
Nehemiah 9:13 Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: Nehemiah 9:14 And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
Psalm 119:137-138, 142, 144, 172
Psalm 119:137 Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Psalm 119:138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. Psalm 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. Psalm 119:144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. Psalm 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
C3. Good¶
Romans 7:12, 16 (already quoted -- "good")
Romans 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
1 Timothy 1:8
1 Timothy 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
Psalm 119:39, 68
Psalm 119:39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Psalm 119:68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
C4. Spiritual¶
Romans 7:14 (with context vv.7-14)
Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Romans 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. Romans 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. Romans 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Romans 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
John 4:24 (God is a Spirit -- His law reflects His nature)
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
C5. Perfect¶
Psalm 19:7-11 (The complete description of the law's perfections)
Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalm 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
James 1:25 (the perfect law of liberty)
James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Matthew 5:48 (God's perfection reflected in His commands)
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Psalm 119:96
Psalm 119:96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
C6. Eternal¶
Psalm 111:7-10
Psalm 111:7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. Psalm 111:8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. Psalm 111:9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Psalm 119:89, 152, 160
Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Psalm 119:44, 111, 142, 144
Psalm 119:44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. Psalm 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. Psalm 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. Psalm 119:144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Isaiah 40:8
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Matthew 5:17-18 (Jesus affirms law's permanence)
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Luke 16:17
Luke 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
D. THE LAW'S UNIVERSAL AND ETERNAL SCOPE¶
D1. Pre-Sinai Evidence (Law Existed Before Moses)¶
Genesis 26:5 (Abraham kept God's law -- before Sinai)
Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
Genesis 4:7-8 (Cain's sin and murder -- before Sinai)
Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. Genesis 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Genesis 39:7-9 (Joseph calls adultery sin against God -- before Sinai)
Genesis 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. Genesis 39:8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; Genesis 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Romans 5:12-14 (Death from Adam to Moses proves law existed)
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
D2. Universal Application (Written on All Hearts)¶
Romans 2:14-16
Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
D3. Sin Defined by the Law (Universal Application)¶
1 John 3:4 (with context vv.1-10)
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Romans 3:19-20, 23, 31
Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 7:7 (already included in C4 section)
D4. Law as Standard of Judgment¶
James 2:8-12
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. James 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
D5. The Law Summarized in Love¶
Romans 13:8-10
Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
1 John 5:3 (Love = keeping commandments)
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
1 Timothy 1:5, 8-10
1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 1 Timothy 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
E. THE LAW IN THE NEW COVENANT¶
E1. The New Covenant Promise: Law Written on Hearts¶
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jeremiah 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Hebrews 8:8-13 (quoting Jeremiah 31)
Hebrews 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Hebrews 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Hebrews 10:15-17 (the Holy Ghost's witness)
Hebrews 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (Spirit enables obedience)
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
E2. Christ and the Law¶
Matthew 5:17-19 (already quoted in C6)
Romans 3:31 (faith establishes the law)
Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 8:3-4 (righteousness of the law fulfilled in us)
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:7 (carnal mind is enmity against the law)
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
E3. Commandment-Keeping in End-Time¶
Revelation 12:17
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 14:12
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Revelation 22:14
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
F. "TEMPORARY" CLASSIFICATION PASSAGES (from Nave's LAW entry)¶
These are verses cited under the "TEMPORARY" heading in Nave's Topical Bible. They require careful exegesis to determine what is "temporary" -- the moral law itself, or the ceremonial/civil system.
F1. Key "Temporary" Passages¶
Romans 7:1-6 (already included above in full; "dead to the law by the body of Christ")
Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Romans 8:3
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Romans 10:4
Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
2 Corinthians 3:6-14 (ministration of death vs. ministration of spirit)
2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 2 Corinthians 3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 2 Corinthians 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 2 Corinthians 3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 2 Corinthians 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
Galatians 3:19, 24-25 (law was schoolmaster)
Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Ephesians 2:14-16 (abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances)
Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Colossians 2:14-17, 20-22 (handwriting of ordinances nailed to cross)
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Colossians 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, Colossians 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Colossians 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Hebrews 8:4-13 (already quoted in E1)
Hebrews 10:1 (law having a shadow of good things to come)
Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
F2. Critical Word Study Note for "Temporary" Passages¶
- Ephesians 2:15 uses dogma (G1378) -- "decrees/ordinances" -- NOT nomos (G3551) for law
- Colossians 2:14 uses dogma (G1378) -- "handwriting of ordinances" -- NOT nomos
- These "ordinances" (dogma) are distinguished from the moral law (nomos/entole)
- Hebrews 10:1 speaks of "sacrifices" and "shadows" -- ceremonial system, not the Decalogue
- 2 Corinthians 3:7 speaks of "the ministration of death" -- the condemnation function, not the law itself (cf. Rom 7:12 where the law is still called "holy, just, good")
G. ADDITIONAL KEY PASSAGES¶
G1. God Magnifies the Law¶
Isaiah 42:21
Isaiah 42:21 The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
G2. Jesus Cites the Commandments¶
Matthew 19:16-19 (Jesus directs to commandments for eternal life)
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Matthew 19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 22:36-40 (The greatest commandment)
Matthew 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
G3. Hosea -- God Wrote the Law¶
Hosea 8:12
Hosea 8:12 I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.
G4. Nehemiah -- Description of the Law at Sinai¶
Nehemiah 9:13-14 (right judgments, true laws, good statutes)
Nehemiah 9:13 Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: Nehemiah 9:14 And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
G5. The Whole Duty of Man¶
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
G6. The Wise Keep the Law¶
Proverbs 28:4-5, 7
Proverbs 28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Proverbs 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
G7. Matthew 5:19 -- Teaching Commandments¶
Matthew 5:19
Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
H. PSALM 119 -- THE LAW PSALM (Selected Key Verses)¶
Psalm 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Psalm 119:7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. Psalm 119:72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. Psalm 119:86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. Psalm 119:96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. Psalm 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. Psalm 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. Psalm 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. Psalm 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.