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The Beauty of the Law

CGG Weekly

We live in an ironic age where national leaders champion individual freedom and human rights as the highest ideals, yet they enact laws that tightly regulate our daily lives. Law is a necessity, one that God first established, though man has since distorted it. The laws of the Bible are extensive, often surpassing the reach of any human government. However, God's laws stand in stark contrast to man's laws, possessing a universality and harmony that form a beautiful system, both corrective and constructive when properly observed, working toward a noble purpose. Man's laws, particularly those regulating complex systems like the market, are inherently flawed. The market is a dynamic web of producer-consumer relationships, constantly adapting to meet changing needs. Laws attempting to control such a system must align perfectly with its mechanics to achieve the desired outcome. Yet, it is humanly impossible to account for all the market's countless components and transactions. The wrong law can disrupt the entire system, causing it to falter or fail. Beyond the market, human society encompasses intricate institutions like marriage, childrearing, friendships, and education, all of which are beyond total human comprehension when it comes to regulation. In contrast, God's laws are fundamentally different from man's. While humans impose laws onto systems, God's laws are an inherent part of the essential nature of any system He creates, inseparable from it. His laws are not burdensome but serve as a comfort and guide. They are perfectly designed by Him, the Engineer of the human mind, taking into account all factors and possible outcomes of individual choices, as well as the social, cultural, and physical influences on decisions. Despite the vast variations in human lives, He shapes minds and characters into His image through a unified body of eternal laws.

Should We Obey the Laws of Our Government?

Article by John O. Reid

God hates rebellion, and the attitude of lawlessness it fosters permeates our society under the influence of Satan, the prince of all rebellion. This rebellious spirit is evident in various forms of civil disobedience across the world. In America, political, racial, and religious factions clash, while gangs roam city streets, disregarding the laws of the land and showing no respect for human life. Many citizens chafe under legal restraints, cheating on taxes, stealing from employers, exceeding speed limits, and undermining competitors, all in an effort to circumvent national, state, and local laws. Governments also reflect this rebellious influence, with leaders often embroiled in fraud, misconduct, and questionable lawmaking. The judicial system frequently undermines justice, as appeals courts overturn sound laws on minor technicalities, and wealthy individuals exploit loopholes to evade proper convictions. This corruption and rebellion subtly influence society, shaping attitudes and behaviors. In the United States, mistrust in government manifests in militias and paramilitary groups opposing federal control, often leading to further loss of rights through anti-terrorist legislation and the threat of civil unrest. The concept of sovereign citizenship, exemplified by groups like the Freemen in Montana, encourages individuals to reject laws they disagree with, refusing to pay taxes, obtain licenses, or comply with government regulations. Such an attitude, claiming supreme personal authority, mirrors rebellion against human authority and fosters a mindset of doing what is right in one's own eyes, reminiscent of the lawlessness described in Judges. God's view on rebellion is clear, equating it to witchcraft and warning that a rebellious heart can destroy those called by Him. The apostle Paul instructs in Romans 13 that governing authorities are appointed by God, and resisting them is resisting His ordinance. We are to be subject to civil government, not just for fear of punishment, but for conscience' sake, paying taxes, obeying laws, and respecting officials. Sovereign citizens directly disobey this command, ignoring the example of Jesus Christ, who paid taxes and submitted to authority even under an oppressive government. God has appointed authority to bring order to society, providing an opportunity to learn submission to government. Even as rights diminish and corruption grows, our response should not be rebellion but obedience to the law in wisdom, trusting God to guide and protect us from injustice. We must guard against the broadcast attitude of rebellion from Satan, focusing instead on developing the submissive character of Jesus Christ while seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Law Enforcement

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

America suffers from an overwhelming number of laws, a foundational issue contributing to many national problems. With millions of federal, state, and municipal laws, alongside countless regulations affecting individuals and businesses, the complexity and volume are staggering. Many laws, some outdated and forgotten since the nineteenth century, remain in effect, while new ones are continually added, often so intricate that interpreting them becomes a judicial challenge. Enforcement is an impossible task, as even large-city policemen admit to not knowing all the laws within their jurisdiction. Regarding immigration, the focus should be on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new ones. Illegal immigrants should be returned to their countries of origin with re-entry denied for an extended period, and strict adherence to quotas and bureaucratic processes should be maintained. Borders must be fortified, with rigorous prosecution of those facilitating illegal entry. However, these laws lack effective enforcement, suggesting a lack of will among politicians, bureaucrats, and law-enforcement officials to follow through, using laws merely as political tools rather than solutions. Consequently, problems persist and worsen, becoming insolvable without drastic measures.

A Nation of Laws?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Americans love law in principle, but when the law begins to squeeze them and their accustomed lifestyles, it becomes acceptable to ignore the offending law.

Law and Spirit Together

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Over-emphasis on law produces rigidity and loophole hunters, while over-emphasis on spirit produces emotional imbalance, permissiveness, and lack of structure.

The Law of Liberty

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

Protestant theologians have created an artificial divide between mercy and law-keeping, asserting that 'the law of liberty' does away with God's Law.

Don't Cherry Pick God's Law

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim Myers

While many people like some of God's laws, they like to pick and choose, preferring a blend of their own preferences with some of God's laws added in.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fourteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

No part of God's Law has been 'done away'. Jesus came to magnify the law, giving it a far more penetrating, spiritual application. Man flounders without law.

Should a Christian Enforce Unjust Laws?

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Christians must detach themselves from a Satanically inspired justice system which enforces tyrannical, unjust rules that violate God's law.

Authority and Government

Sermon by John O. Reid

Too many feel that they are above the law, but paradoxically, laws proliferate when corruption prevails. We must be subject to all law, God's and man's.

Political Correctness in Spades (Part Five)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Political correctness is a kind of programmed conditioning by progressives to convince people to override their common sense and clear evidence.

Let's Not Make a Federal Case Out of It

Commentary by Mike Ford

Even though they were originally very limited, over time, Federal rules have intertwined with local laws, snuffing out the jurisdiction of local governments.

How Does God View Human Government?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As obnoxious as tyrannical power may seem, we have the obligation to behave lawfully. Even the vilest of leaders has been allowed by God to rule.

Simplifying Life (Part Six)

Sermon by David F. Maas

True simplicity, peace, and spiritual flourishing emerge when we yield to both God's laws and human authority, embracing order rather than resisting it.

The Commandments (Part Thirteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has never given mankind the prerogative to determine whether war is just or not. God has promised to protect us, conditioned on our obedience to our covenant.

Expanding Government

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

American government has so expanded that it requires whole libraries to contain the verbiage of the executive, legislative, and judicial contributions.

Offerings and Taxes

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Deuteronomy 16:16 does not specify the exact amount of the offering, but does ask us to make a thoughtful recollection of the benefits received from God.

The First Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Ten Commandments open with the most important, the one that puts our relationship with God in its proper perspective. It is a simple but vital command.

Self-Government: Overcoming

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We dare not allow anybody to come between God's direct governance and ourselves. Even God's government will not work unless we voluntarily govern ourselves.

The First Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Idolatry is probably the sin that the Bible most often warns us against. We worship the source of our values and standards, whether the true God or a counterfeit.

Acts (Part Twenty-Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

As Paul is miraculously rescued and taken to Caesarea, he uses every trial as an opportunity to bear witness to Christ, preaching the Gospel.

Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged (Part One)

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

If we are summoned to serve on a jury, how would we respond? Christ has counseled us that we should not condemn lest we be condemned; judgment is His.

Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.

Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.

Refuge! Refuge! (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The cities of refuge highlight the great importance God placed on the sanctity of life, especially in beings created in God's image.

Faith and the Calendar (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The real issue in the calendar controversy is not astronomical, but faith in God's sovereignty, providence, and His right to assign responsibility.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

When God gives a responsibility, He gives all the tools to carry it out and the freedom to decide how to do it. He wants to see how we do with what He gives.