The purpose of the law according to the Bible is a multifaceted subject that encompasses theological, moral, and practical dimensions. To understand the purpose of the law in its entirety, we must delve into various parts of Scripture, examining both the Old and New Testaments. The law, often referred to as the Torah in the Hebrew Bible, serves as a cornerstone for understanding God's will, human sinfulness, and the path to righteousness.
Firstly, the law reveals the character and holiness of God. In the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, we see that the law is given to the people of Israel as a direct revelation from God. In Exodus 19:5-6, God tells Moses, "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This passage highlights that the law is a means by which God's people can reflect His holiness and set themselves apart from other nations.
The law also functions as a moral compass, delineating what is right and wrong. The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:1-17, are perhaps the most well-known segment of the law, providing fundamental ethical guidelines that have influenced Judeo-Christian moral teachings for millennia. For instance, commandments against murder, theft, and adultery (Exodus 20:13-15) are not merely societal norms but divine mandates that underscore the sanctity of life, property, and marital fidelity.
In addition to its moral and ethical directives, the law serves a pedagogical purpose. The Apostle Paul writes extensively about the law in his epistles, particularly in the book of Romans. Romans 3:20 states, "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." Here, Paul elucidates that the law acts as a mirror, reflecting human sinfulness and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort alone. This pedagogical function is further elaborated in Galatians 3:24: "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith." The term "guardian" (Greek: paidagogos) refers to a tutor or custodian responsible for the moral and educational upbringing of a child. Thus, the law guides us to an awareness of our need for a Savior.
Another significant purpose of the law is to establish order and justice within the community. The Mosaic Law includes numerous civil and ceremonial regulations designed to maintain social harmony and religious purity. For instance, the laws concerning restitution in Exodus 22:1-15 provide a framework for addressing theft and property damage, ensuring that justice is served and relationships are restored. Similarly, the dietary and ceremonial laws in Leviticus serve to distinguish Israel as a people dedicated to God, fostering a sense of communal identity and spiritual discipline.
The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus, brings a transformative understanding of the law. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states, "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). Jesus' fulfillment of the law does not mean its abrogation but its completion and perfection. He intensifies the moral demands of the law, moving from mere external compliance to internal transformation. For example, He teaches that anger and lust are tantamount to murder and adultery, respectively (Matthew 5:21-30), thereby emphasizing that true righteousness exceeds legalistic observance and penetrates the heart.
Moreover, Jesus encapsulates the essence of the law in the Great Commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40). Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law. This perspective is echoed by Paul in Romans 13:10: "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
The Epistle to the Hebrews offers another layer of understanding by presenting the law as a foreshadowing of the new covenant established through Christ. Hebrews 10:1 states, "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near." The sacrificial system and priestly rituals of the Mosaic Law point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who, through His death and resurrection, mediates a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6).
Furthermore, the law serves as a means of sanctification for believers. While Christians are not under the law in a legalistic sense, the moral principles of the law still guide ethical behavior. Paul addresses this balance in Galatians 5:13-14: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Here, Paul affirms that Christian liberty is not a license for sin but an opportunity to live out the law's moral imperatives through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In summary, the purpose of the law according to the Bible is manifold. It reveals God's character and holiness, serves as a moral compass, acts as a tutor leading us to Christ, establishes societal order and justice, and ultimately points to the transformative power of love as the fulfillment of the law. The law's complexity and depth underscore its enduring relevance, guiding believers not only in understanding God's will but also in living out their faith in practical, ethical, and spiritually enriching ways.
