The Moral Law

Book of Romans:  B.N. (bad news) = all sinned and are separated
                            G.N. (good news - ie:  gospel) = forgiveness & reconciliation is available in Christ.
Paul emphasized THE problem in the first 7 chapters:  SIN therefore  Matt. 1:21

IF sin = violation of God's (moral) law(s) ...
THEN ... moral laws must exist!!!

MRP definition of laws:  (1)  Rules - not suggestions.  Are commandments.
(most Reverend Pastor)      (2)  Established by an Authority
                                         (3)  Which are obligatory - have to follow
                                         (4)  Carry a penalty for violation (or consequence)
                                         (5)  Authored for the benefit of society/individual/group

Question:  Does this definition fit:
                 A.  Man-made laws?  ie:  federal, state, etc.
                 B.  Physical laws?  - ie:  gravity
                 C.  The Mosaic Law?  - (10 commandments plus,  613 total)
                 D.  The Moral Law?   Definition of Moral Law - universal, fixed laws of right and wrong

All people of all generations and all races recognized SOME form of moral law!!

Will look at 3 views of moral law you are likely to encounter (in 21st. century America)

(I)  THE ATHEISTIC VIEW
      ( A.)   There seems to be a universal sense of right and wrong
But, (B.) it originated in the evolutionary processes, not God or divine source.  Is in man for survival, etc.

II.  THE THEISTIC VIEW
        (A.)  morals have Divine Source  - example:  Declaration of Independence
But  (B)  only generally known  (principles)
Example:  Rom. 1:20,  Rom. 2:14-15
Theses principles can be known through;;;;
      Reason - (observation/experience/logic)
      Conscience
      Inago Dei - (with vestiges remaining)

So... to the original definition we now add...
            (6)  generally known to all men

III:  THE BIBLICAL VIEW = all the above definitions PLUS
            (7)  can be SPECIFICALLY known through Revelation.

THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF MORAL LAW SAYS:::

#1.  moral laws exist - everybody admits to this
may not always know what's right, but do know that there is a right!!!

#2.  They are established by THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY.

#3.  They are not randomly chosen - (compare to Basketball rules)
They are:       (A)  an extension of God's Person, Nature, Character
Therefore are (B)  an expression of what = right/wrong!  (expressing His character)
Therefore are
#4.  Universal & Eternal
(God's nature, character doesn't change!!  So neither to these!!)

#5.  They exist for our benefit  (individual and corporate_
So we ought to seek to discover and live by them - if they are, in fact, for our good!
AND we ought to seek to use them as the foundation for our man-made laws
There has never been a law that doesn't have to do with right and wrong.
NOTE:  We may misunderstand the law, but it never changes.  God does not change!!

#6.  Violations are called "SIN"
This is more than a mistake.  It = Rebellion against God's Law(s).
(Changing the name of the violation won't change the nature  (example:  you can call a grizzly bear a teddy bear, but that doesn't make him one)
What does it say about Christians who violate this (water it down)

#7.  Sin has consequences - Example: Adam and Eve
maybe Penalty, maybe Consequence
BUT:
#8.  Obedience also has consequences!!  (called Blessings) - Gal. 6:7-10
Works both ways!!!

The Moral Law is amply Revealed and Recorded in Scripture.

IF man without scripture can be judged as "without excuse" (Rom.1:20)

then ... how will we be judged who have Scripture??

(if they are obligated to the Moral Law... how much more are  we obligated to it)

Moral Law = powerful thing!!
BUT = limited in its power.  Rom. 8:3
This is true of the Mosaic Law and true of the Moral Law!
These LAWS can not save our souls.  Only Jesus Christ can save.

Moral Law does NOT have the power or the means to save.. It is weakened by our sinful nature.


Closing Scripture:  Eph. 5:15-17