The Law | Its Role and Purpose | Acts 15 | Galatians 1, 2, and 3

What Is Meant By “The Law”? God's righteousness is universal, written on the hearts of men (Romans 2:12-16), predating the Law of Moses (Romans 1:18ff), reflected in the Law of Mosses (Romans 2:17ff), and still unchanging. God's righteousness remains, no matter what.Law (Pentateuch)=First five books of the Old Testament, including commands given in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.Law (Old Testament)=At times, the whole of the OT is referred to as "The Law" (Matt. 22:36; Luke 10:26; John 7:49; 10:34; 12:34; 15:25; 1 Cor. 9:8–9; 14:21, 34; Gal. 4:21) or "The Law and the Prophets" (Matt. 5:17; 7:12; 22:40; Luke 16:16; 24:44; John 1:45; Acts 13:15; 24:14; 28:23; Rom. 3:21; cf. Matt. 11:13)Law (Commands of God)=At times, Paul refers to the Law in reference to God's commands themselves (Rom. 3:21; 9:31; 10:4; Gal. 2:21; 3:11; 5:4; Phil. 3:6, 9, Eph. 2:15)What is the Purpose of the Law?Mirror: The Law shows us we are sinful because we can't keep it, even when we try (Rom. 3:20; 4:15; 5:13; 7:7-11), and it drives us to seek forgiveness in Christ (Gal. 3:19-24).Restraint: Applied to the civil sphere, the Law is used to restrain sin with the consequence of punishment (Deut. 13:6-11; 19:16-21; Rom. 13:3, 4).Guide: God has prepared good works for believers (Eph. 2:10), and we are commanded to obey God's commands (Matt. 28:20) which shows our love for Him (John 14:15). We are free from the Law as a means of salvation (Rom. 6:14; 7:4, 6; 1 Cor. 9:20; Gal. 2:15-19, 3:25), but we are "under the law of Christ" as a rule for living (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2).Errors Related to the Law:Antinomianism: Shunning obedience to all of the OT Law, including the moral aspects of the Law.Judaizers: Those who believed that gentile Christians must become Jews to be saved (circumcision, dietary laws, ceremonial laws, etc.)Hebrew Roots: Belief that Greek and other pagan influences have dominated Christianity. Adherents (generally) believe that Christians must follow (all of) the OT Law and (generally) rabbinic tradition.Seventh Day Adventist: Cultic group that follows the teaching of a false prophet Ellen White. They deny essential doctrines and focus on obeying certain ceremonial traditions such as Saturday worship.