1 JOHN 3:1–10
Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God
(1 John 3:10).
What relevance does the law have for the Christian today? Before we answer this question, let us first establish the parameters of our study. Whenever you bring up the topic of God’s law and its relevance today, you can easily fall into one of two extremes: legalism or antinomianism. Legalism is not only the belief that one must earn his salvation through works, but it is any tendency that makes certain rules and regulations binding which God does not require. If you say that your brother must always wear leather shoes to church, you are being legalistic even though you do not believe that he must do so to earn his salvation. You might believe that salvation is all grace, but in practice you are adding to God’s law. We emphasize this because many people excuse their legalism by maintaining that true legalism is the doctrine of works salvation. This, however, is not quite true. Legalism can have much broader implications.
The other extreme is antinomianism. Antinomiansim means “against law.” An antinomian does not believe that a Christian is required to keep God’s law. Again, like legalism, antinomianism can be easily cloaked. Someone might say that they believe a Christian must keep God’s law, but they do not practice that belief or they haggle over what God’s law is. They say it is some nebulous “law of love,” while they ignore the specific commands of Scripture. Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.”
What, then, is the role of Old Testament law today? There are three basic functions of the law. First, the law is a mirror that reflects God’s holiness and our sinfulness. When we look into the mirror, we are convicted of our sin and thus our need of Christ. The law, therefore, is the schoolmaster that drives us to Christ. Second, law restrains sin in society, through conscience and civil law. Finally, God’s law is the rule of life for believers. It reminds us of our duty before God and leads us in holiness. It is this use of the law that is denied by antinomians. But the Scriptures are clear that God’s children are to keep His commands, not to earn their salvation but to bear fruit as evidence of their redeemed nature.
CORAM DEO
1 Chronicles 23–25
John 11:1–17
Look at how these uses of the law have been apparent in your life. First, what sins were you convicted of before you became a Christian? Second, how did God’s law, either through your conscience or civil statutes, restrain your sin? Third, which of God’s commands are most significant to your instruction in holiness?
For further study: John 14:23–24 • Rom. 2:12–16; 13:1–7 • James 2:14–26
thursday
may