What is the Christian concept of law, both natural law and biblical?

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A Christian understands how law plays a part in the world that God created.  This understanding forms part of the Christian’s worldview, helping him think like a Christian. There are two important factors in understanding law: (1) man’s moral worth; and (2) man’s rebellious nature.

Man has worth.  Man was created by God in the image and likeness of God.  Thus, there is an inherent value in a person.  It is worth that is not earned, but is given in man’s creation.  It is often called “moral worth” or “the dignity of man.”  Thus, to harm or murder a man is wrong.

Also, man has a rebellious nature.  Man disobeyed God and the result was a change in man’s nature.  His nature became self centered.  As such, man will devise ways to achieve his own self interests, often harming others.  Law attempts to control this rebellion in man.

Because of these two factors of man, God has given two types of law: (1) natural law; and (2) Biblical law.

Natural law.  Man, whether Christian or not, has a conscience.  The conscience includes a memory bank of rules of right and wrong.  Man is born with these rules.  As man acts, his conscience views this memory bank, and signals to the man whether he should or should not carry out the action.  It is an inherent sense of right and wrong.  It is called natural law.  Thus, every person is held accountable to God for his actions in abiding by or disobeying his conscience.

Biblical law.  In addition to natural law, God has given law through his word, the Bible.  Its intent is not only to protect man, but keep man on the right path, yielding a healthy and happy life.

“… blessed (happy) is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”  Proverbs 29:18.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked …, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord”  Psalm 1:1-2.

Civil law.  In addition to God’s law, man himself creates law, civil law.  Man realizes that there must be laws to control man’s behavior to protect man, as well as to make man accountable for his actions.  However, civil laws may not conform to God’s Biblical law, and in fact may contradict God’s law.  Such contradictory laws are often established based on selfish desires of man.

With this understanding of law, a Christian thinks properly.  And, he spends time learning Biblical law.

“… in the law of the Lord, and meditates on his law day and night.”  Psalm 1: 2.

And, the results of learning God’s law are a fruitful and prosperous life.

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers..”  Psalm 1:3.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”  Proverbs 3:1-2.

So, what should be a Christian’s worldview, as to law?

Answer: There must be law to control me and protect my God given rights   as well as control my human brothers and sisters and their rights who like me are also broken and rebellious.  Law protects me and the ones I love.  God’s law is true, and is designed to increase my happiness and better my life when it is obeyed.

Image created by Brian Regrut by merging images from Pixabay

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