God's Law | The Bible Teaches

God’s law is an expression of His loving character. The Ten Commandments reveal how we should relate to God and to our neighbor. In this lesson, we will study the importance and permanence of God’s law.

The Origin of the Law

Who wrote the Ten Commandments?

Moses The priests God Himself, with His finger The elders of Israel

Where were the Ten Commandments written?

On parchment On two tablets of stone On papyrus In Moses' memory

Although God wrote the Ten Commandments at Sinai, the moral principles of His law already expressed His government before that.

“The law of God existed before man was created. It was adapted to the condition of holy beings; even angels were governed by it.” — Ellen G. White, The Truth About Angels, TA 49.5

The Purpose of the Law

What is an important function of the law?

To save us by our own efforts By the law comes the knowledge of sin To replace the need for faith To be a heavy burden

Where does the law lead us?

To self-sufficiency To eternal condemnation To Christ, so that we might be justified by faith To salvation by works

How did Jesus summarize all the law?

In complex rules Love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself In religious rituals In human traditions

The Permanence of the Law

Did Jesus come to abolish the law?

Yes, the law was temporary He did not come to abolish, but to fulfill Partially, only the difficult commandments The law was replaced by love

Does faith nullify the law?

Yes, the law was abolished by faith No, by faith we confirm the law They are incompatible The law is irrelevant for believers

What is the biblical definition of sin?

Doing socially unacceptable things Feeling guilty Sin is the transgression of the law Anything that displeases us

“The law of God, as presented in the Scriptures, is broad in its requirements. Every principle is holy, just, and good.” — Ellen G. White, Selected Messages Book 1, 1SM 211.1

The Ten Commandments

Where do we find the Ten Commandments in the Bible?

Genesis 1 Leviticus 1 Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 Numbers 10

What does keeping the commandments demonstrate?

That we are trying to save ourselves This is the love of God: that we keep His commandments That we are legalists Fear of punishment

And Now?

God’s law remains valid:

God wrote it: It is not a human invention
It reveals sin: It shows our need for Christ
It leads to Christ: It is our schoolmaster unto salvation
It expresses love: Keeping the law is loving God and our neighbor
It is permanent: Jesus did not abolish it, but confirmed it

My Decision

I acknowledge that God’s law is holy, just, and good. I understand that I cannot be saved by the law, but that it shows me my need for Christ. Out of love for God, I desire to keep His commandments as an expression of my faith and gratitude.

Yes, I believe and accept this truth.

8) God's Law