THE DECLINE OF THE CONCEPT OF NATURAL
LAW

ROMANS 2:14–16

Since they [the Gentiles] show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them

(Romans 2:15).

We are going to take a three-day excursion out of our studies in Romans to look at a very important topic that is related directly to this verse. We want to consider the relevance of Paul’s statement for civil law as we address this question: What makes a law a just law? In other words, how do we know that the laws we pass are indeed fair and honest and not mere vehicles of oppression?

Natural law and eternal law

God speaks to this issue. He tells us that there is a built-in concept of righteousness by which He will judge the world, a law that is known not only through the Bible but also through nature, and that must never be transgressed. This law that comes to us through nature mirrors and reflects the law of God itself.

The old philosophers made this distinction: They said that the “natural law” is a mirror of the “eternal law.” If a society rejects the eternal, or the natural law, that society then formulates its laws simply on the basis of the preferences and desires of whatever group of people has the power to make laws. Law becomes a tool of the powerful.

Laws and rights

It seems that nowadays when everyone is clamoring for his or her rights, no one stops to ask where rights originate. Where do we get the “right to life” or the “right to liberty”? Do these rights stem from the efforts of lobby groups? Would it be just for society to remove these rights?

Suppose society did remove one of your rights. If that happened, on what basis would you protest? On the basis that your rights have been violated? Or on the grounds that justice according to God has been violated? Society will have a concrete foundation for enacting rights only when we have a correct understanding of the source and foundation of all just law. That foundation rests ultimately in the character of God Himself and is derived from Him.

CORAM DEO

As Christians we are to pray for our nation and society. As we see the decline of any biblical foundation to law, prayer and study is needed more than ever before. Ask God to revive the study of His law in our churches, law schools, and courts.

WEEKEND