The Law of God

From Church of God Knowledge Encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Whether in the Old Testament era or the New Testament era, God’s people must keep the law of God.

The law of God refers to the statutes, regulations, and ordinances that God established for His people. In the Old Testament, this is known as the Law of Moses, while in the New Testament, it is referred to as the Law of Christ. The Law of Moses reveals sin and leads to death, whereas the Law of Christ leads to the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. In this age, God’s people come to understand His love through the Law of Christ—the New Covenant established by the grace of Christ’s blood. Through this, they fulfill the law by loving God and loving their neighbors.

The Meaning and Nature of the Law

The law refers to a set of norms that govern religious, social, and moral life and behavior.[1] God’s law encompasses all of His commands concerning the life and conduct of His people, as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments.[2] In Hebrew, the law is called Torah (תּוֹרָה)[3], derived from the verb Yarah (יָרָה)[4], which means “to guide,” “to teach,” “to lay a foundation,” or “to water.” In Greek, it is translated as Nomos (νόμος).[5] In the New Testament, the word “law” without qualifiers may refer to the Ten Commandments,[6] the Pentateuch (the five books of Moses),[7] or the entire Old Testament.[8]

The law is also referred to as commandments or covenant. When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, He called them the tablets inscribed with the law and commandments,[9] and referred to them as the covenant.[10] This is because the Ten Commandments are the law and the commandments and are fundamentally one and the same with the covenant.

The law of God is the truth itself,[11] and it is holy, righteous, and good.[12] It is spiritual[13] and perfect.[14] Moreover, the law reflects one’s faith in God—by keeping the law, a person reveals their love for God.[15][16] For this reason, the law dwells in the hearts of God’s people.[17] Those who keep the law receive blessings and prosper wherever they go,[18][19] have their souls revived and become wise,[14] see their prayers reach God,[20] and become children whom God never forgets.[21]

Types of Laws

There are two main types of God’s law: the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ. In the early Church, when the term “law” was used without any qualifier, it typically referred to the Law of Moses, because for a long time before Christ came, that was the only law given to the people of God. This is why, in the letters of Apostle Paul, the term “law” often refers to the Law of Moses, which many Jews of that time observed, while the teachings of Jesus are referred to as the Law of Christ.[22] Even today, many people are unaware of the existence of the Law of Christ and think only of the Law of Moses given to the people of Israel in the Old Testament when they hear the word “law.” One reason for this is that the Law of Moses was proclaimed with majesty and glory on Mount Sinai, whereas the Law of Christ was established quietly in Mark’s upper room. However, Apostle Paul explained that the law given on Mount Sinai was commanded on earth, while the law given in Mark’s upper room—namely, the New Covenant—was commanded from heaven.[23]

The Law of Moses

Moses with the Tables of the Law by Guido Reni: The Ten Commandments are the representative law in the Old Testament era.

The Law of Moses refers to the law that God gave to the Israelites through Moses in the Old Testament.[24][25] It is also called the Old Covenant or the Old Testament Law. This law was abolished in the New Testament era,[26] because no one could keep it fully to attain the salvation of the soul.[27] God established the Law of Moses, even though it was destined to be abolished, for two main reasons.

First, it was to help people recognize their sins and lead them to Christ.[28] Sin is only revealed when there is a law that defines it. The Law of Moses helped people realize that they were sinners.


Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

Romans 3:20

(for until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.)

Romans 5:13


The Bible describes this role of the law as a “schoolmaster” (or guardian) leading us to Christ. If a person does not recognize that they are a sinner, they will not seek forgiveness of sins. Only by understanding one’s sinful condition can one come to Christ, the Redeemer, and receive the grace of forgiveness. For this reason, God established the law of the Old Testament so that humans, recognizing their sinful state and destiny for death, could receive the great blessings of forgiveness of sins and eternal life by accepting Christ.[29]

The second reason for establishing the Law of Moses is to foreshadow the New Covenant that Christ would establish. The Law of Moses served as a copy and shadow of the Law of Christ, which would later be revealed in the New Testament age.


The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.

Hebrews 10:1


The sacrificial offerings of lambs and goats in the Old Testament symbolized the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. For example, the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt by keeping the Passover with the flesh and blood of a lamb.[30] This foreshadowed the deliverance of mankind from the slavery of sin through the bread and wine of the New Covenant Passover, which represent Jesus’ flesh and blood.[31][32] In this way, God gave the law of the Old Testament so that humans might recognize their sins and come to understand the regulations of the New Covenant that must be observed for salvation in the future.

For details, refer to: The Law of Moses and The Ten Commandments

The Law of Christ

The Law of Christ refers to the new law established by Jesus in the New Testament era. It is also known as the New Covenant. The Law of Moses in the Old Testament was not simply abolished—it was changed and perfected.


For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.

Hebrews 7:12

“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.”

Matthew 5:17

At the center of the Law of Christ is the New Covenant Passover, known as the Last Supper.

If the Old Testament law was not abolished but changed, then its transformed version must still exist in the New Testament era. That is the Law of Christ. This is why Apostle Paul testified that he was no longer under the Law of Moses, but under the Law of Christ.[22] The apostles and members of the early Church followed the teachings and example of Jesus and kept the Law of Christ. Circumcision in the Old Testament was changed to baptism in the New Testament,[33] and the Sabbath and feasts of the Old Covenant, which were observed through animal sacrifices, were transformed into the Sabbath and feasts of the New Covenant, observed through worship in spirit and truth.[34][35]

The prophet Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would establish the New Covenant—the new law—by keeping the Passover in Mark’s upper room, stating, “The law will go out from Zion.”[36][37] Here, Zion does not refer to physical Jerusalem, the historical home of the Israelites, but to the place where God’s feasts are celebrated.[38] Zion is the place where the feasts of the New Covenant—the Law of Christ—are kept, and it is where God dwells.[38][39] Today, many Christians claim that God’s law has been completely abolished and that there is no law to keep in the New Testament era, insisting that salvation comes by faith in Christ alone. However, the Bible testifies that those who are to be saved in the New Testament era keep the New Covenant, the law of God, in Zion. God Himself called the New Covenant “My law” and firmly declared that He would put it in the hearts of His people.


“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. . . .” . . . “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

Jeremiah 31:31–33


God first established His law in the Garden of Eden through the command regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

However, Adam and Eve ultimately died because they disobeyed that law. Likewise, on Mount Sinai, God gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites as His law, yet even through that law, they were led to death.[40] Therefore, to save mankind—who had come under the sentence of death—Christ came and transformed the flawed Law of Moses into the perfect Law of Christ.[41] He gave a law that unconditionally guarantees life to those who keep it.

For details, refer to: Law of Christ

The Fulfillment of the Law

Crucifixion of Jesus by Gustave Doré, 1866

The children of God are those who keep His law. However, God does not merely seek the outward observance of the law—He desires the fulfillment of its true purpose, which is the realization of love.


One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:35–40


The Ten Commandments, which represent the core of the Old Testament law, can be broadly divided into two parts: The first through fourth commandments of the Ten Commandments are for worshiping God, while the fifth through tenth commandments are for men.[42][43] Jesus, who is in very nature God,[44][45] explained the essence of the law by saying: “The greatest and first commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. This clearly shows that the goal of the law is love.

In the Old Testament, King Josiah was praised for fully observing the Law of Moses by keeping the Passover. The Bible records: “He turned to the LORD with all his heart, soul, and strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.”[46] This teaches us that the first commandment—to love God—can be fulfilled through the Passover. In the New Testament era, the Passover is the feast that commemorates the death of Christ, the reality of the Passover lamb. It is the day to remember His suffering and love for the salvation of mankind.[47] Only those who realize God’s profound love through the New Covenant Passover can truly love God. Moreover, the Passover not only helps believers grasp Christ’s love but also leads them to perfect love toward one another.


Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.

1 Corinthians 10:16–17


Through the Passover, the saints who partake in the body of Christ become one body. No one hates their own body; in the same way, those who realize God’s love through the Passover become united with their brothers and sisters and love one another as they love themselves. This is how the commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” is fulfilled.

God regards love as the greatest of all virtues.[48] Both the law of the Old Testament and the truth of the New Covenant originate from God’s love, given for the salvation of His children. The ultimate purpose behind God’s command for His people to keep the law is love.


Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:10


FAQ on the Law of God

  • Isn’t it enough to just believe? Why do we need to keep the law?
It is true that we are saved by faith. However, the kind of faith that leads to salvation must be accompanied by action. The Bible teaches that faith without deeds is dead, and such faith cannot bring salvation.[49] For example, Jesus said: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”[50] This teaches that acting on faith—such as receiving baptism—is essential for salvation. Therefore, saints in the New Testament age must have faith accompanied by action. What Christians must practice through faith are the commandments of God, which Jesus set as an example—that is, the law.[51][52] The Bible states that those who do not keep the commandments do not have the truth in them. Thus, faith without obedience to the commandments is in vain. True faith that leads to salvation is not merely belief professed with the lips, but obediently keeping the Law of Christ through action.

For details, refer to: Faith and Salvation


  • Aren’t deeds unrelated to salvation, like in the case of the robber on the right?
The robber on the right neither received baptism nor kept the Passover. He did not even fully understand that forgiveness of sins would come through the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Yet, he was saved. This shows that his salvation was not a common or general case. He was saved because Jesus Himself said: “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”[53] While others mocked Jesus, the robber on the right was the only one who defended Him while nailed to the cross. With His hands and feet bound, the only action he could take was to speak in Jesus’ favor—and that was the best he could do under the circumstances. In that extraordinary moment, the blessing of salvation was granted to him. However, for those who are able to keep God’s law, Jesus’ words clearly state: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life.”[54] This means that one must keep the Passover—the ceremony of eating and drinking Jesus’ flesh and blood—to receive eternal life.


  • The Sabbath and the Passover have been abolished with the Old Testament Law. Doesn’t it mean we don’t need to keep them?
Some argue that the Sabbath and the Passover no longer need to be kept because they were part of the abolished Old Testament law. However, if that argument is applied consistently, then tithing—which also belonged to the Old Testament law—should likewise be discarded.[55] Yet, many who say the Sabbath and the Passover are no longer necessary still insist on keeping tithing, which is logically inconsistent. The sacrificial laws of the Old Testament, which were once kept for the forgiveness of sins, were not simply abolished—they were changed through the sacrifice of Christ.[56] For example, the Sabbath, which was formerly observed with animal sacrifices, became the New Covenant Sabbath, observed through worship in spirit and truth.[34] This is why Jesus kept the Sabbath as was His custom while preaching the gospel of the kingdom.[57] Likewise, the Passover of the Old Testament—kept with the flesh and blood of lambs—was changed to the New Covenant Passover, kept with bread and wine that represent Jesus’ flesh and blood.[58] Therefore, saints in the New Testament age must follow Jesus’ example and keep the New Covenant Sabbath and Passover.


  • The law was until the time of John the Baptist. Doesn’t it mean that there is no law after Jesus?
In Luke 16:16, it is written, “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached.” This verse means that the Old Testament law and the prophets were valid until the time of John the Baptist. If this verse meant that the law ceased to exist after Jesus began preaching the gospel following John the Baptist, then not only the law but also the prophets would have had to cease. However, prophets still existed after Jesus began His ministry.[59][60] If there were prophets, then there must also have been law—otherwise, the logic would be inconsistent. Therefore, the claim that there is no law after Jesus is false.


  • The fulfillment of the law is love. Doesn’t it mean there’s no need to keep any laws?
If love is the fulfillment of the law, and that meant there was no need to keep the feasts, then even Apostle Paul—who wrote those words—should not have kept them. However, Paul did keep the Sabbath and the Passover.[61][47] The statement, “Love is the fulfillment of the law,” does not mean that believers can disregard the law as long as they love. Rather, it reveals the spirit believers must possess while keeping the Law of Christ. Whenever believers keep the Law of Christ in spirit and in truth, they come to engrave God’s sacrifice and love in their hearts, which leads them to love God with all their heart and to practice love toward their neighbors. Therefore, to truly fulfill love, believers must keep the Law of Christ.

Related videos

  • Sermon: The Perfect Law of God

  • Sermon: Should We Keep the Law of the New Covenant?

See also

References

  1. ↑ Law, Bible Hub
  2. ↑ 5375 law, Bible Gateway
  3. ↑ Strong's Hebrew: 8451. תּוֹרָה, Bible Hub
  4. ↑ Strong's Hebrew: 3384. יָרָה, Bible Hub
  5. ↑ Strong's Greek: 3551. νόμος, Bible Hub
  6. ↑ "Romans 7:7".
  7. ↑ "Galatians 4:21–22".
  8. ↑ "John 10:34".
  9. ↑ "Exodus 24:12".
  10. ↑ "Exodus 34:28".
  11. ↑ "Psalms 119:142".
  12. ↑ "Romans 7:12".
  13. ↑ "Romans 7:14".
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Psalms 19:7".
  15. ↑ "Deuteronomy 13:3–4".
  16. ↑ "Joshua 22:5".
  17. ↑ "Isaiah 51:7".
  18. ↑ "Deuteronomy 30:9".
  19. ↑ "Joshua 1:8".
  20. ↑ "Proverbs 28:9".
  21. ↑ "Hosea 4:6".
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "1 Corinthians 9:20–21".
  23. ↑ "Hebrews 12:21–25".
  24. ↑ "Leviticus 26:46".
  25. ↑ "Joshua 23:6".
  26. ↑ "Hebrews 7:18".
  27. ↑ "Hebrews 8:7–12".
  28. ↑ "Galatians 3:19".
  29. ↑ "Romans 5:20–21".
  30. ↑ "Exodus 12:5, 33".
  31. ↑ "Matthew 26:19, 28".
  32. ↑ "Romans 6:22".
  33. ↑ "Colossians 2:11–12".
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "John 4:23–24".
  35. ↑ "Hebrews 8:13".
  36. ↑ "Luke 22:20".
  37. ↑ "Isaiah 2:3".
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Isaiah 33:20–21".
  39. ↑ "Psalms 132:13–14".
  40. ↑ "Romans 7:10–11".
  41. ↑ "Hebrews 8:7–8".
  42. ↑ "Deuteronomy 6:4–5".
  43. ↑ "Leviticus 19:18".
  44. ↑ "Philippians 2:5–6".
  45. ↑ "Colossians 1:14–17".
  46. ↑ "2 Kings 23:23–25".
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "1 Corinthians 5:7–8".
  48. ↑ "1 Corinthians 13:13".
  49. ↑ "James 2:26".
  50. ↑ "Mark 16:16".
  51. ↑ "1 John 2:3".
  52. ↑ "John 13:15".
  53. ↑ "Luke 23:43".
  54. ↑ "John 6:54".
  55. ↑ "Leviticus 27:30".
  56. ↑ "Hebrews 7:12".
  57. ↑ "Luke 4:16".
  58. ↑ "Luke 22:15–20".
  59. ↑ "Acts 13:1".
  60. ↑ "Acts 15:32".
  61. ↑ "Acts 17:2".
Retrieved from "https://en.churchofgod.wiki/index.php?title=The_Law_of_God&oldid=6080"