The purpose of God's Law is to guide us toward spiritual growth and righteous living by revealing sin and defining godly behavior. It reflects God's intent, fostering proper relationships with Him and others, while educating us on suffering and consequences. The Law, holy, just, and good, serves as a standard of righteousness, becoming dynamic when written on our hearts through the New Covenant. Its spirit, emphasized by Christ, embodies love and liberty, transforming obedience into a blessing. Balanced with the Holy Spirit, the Law shifts from burden to delight, enabling us to fulfill its righteous requirements and develop God's character, aligning our lives with His unchanging nature and purpose.

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The Law's Purpose and Intent

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The purpose of God's Law is not merely in its letter, but in its spirit, which reflects God's original intent and purpose behind each commandment. The spirit of the Law reveals a deeper principle of living that fosters proper relationships between human beings and our Creator, as well as among ourselves. It educates us on the causes of suffering and the consequences of mistreating others, guiding us to think and develop the character of God. Keeping God's Law, as exemplified by the Ten Commandments, teaches us to align with God's way of life. The true effectiveness of the Law lies in understanding its purpose and intent, often termed as a spiritual principle. For those in God's Church, adherence to the letter of the Law should be evident, but the focus must also be on the spirit, addressing attitudes and blind spots that hinder spiritual growth. Jesus Christ emphasized the spirit of the Law, demonstrating that it is lawful to do good, as seen in His actions on the Sabbath. He upheld both the letter and the spirit, showing that one without the other is incomplete. The spirit of the Law, as in the Sabbath commandment, is designed as a blessing, offering rest, recuperation, and an opportunity to draw closer to God and to one another in love and fellowship. Love is the essence of the spirit of the Law, fulfilling its requirements when we live by it. The Law, embodied in Christ, becomes a living principle within us, not just an external standard. As we imitate Christ, our obedience to the Law transforms into a bright vision of understanding and blessing, guiding our lives to conform to His image. The spirit of the Law, as taught by James, exalts it as the perfect law of liberty and the royal law, covering all aspects of life. Breaking one part of the Law is akin to breaking it all, highlighting the importance of mercy and love in its application. The Law remains a standard of righteousness, and under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the greatest holiness we can attain is the righteousness it requires. In the New Covenant, the Law is written on the hearts and minds of God's people, making it inward and dynamic, fostering a close relationship with Him. All in this covenant will know God personally, and sins are forgiven through repentance and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Spirit energizes and transforms, enabling us to meet the righteous requirements of the Law fully. Decisions regarding doctrine and conduct, especially when no direct letter of the Law applies, are based on the spirit of the Law. This dynamic Spirit, unlike the static written code of the Old Covenant, brings life and transformation, helping us overcome sin and take on God's nature as we obey His Law with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

Law and Spirit Together

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The purpose of the law, as a divine gift from God, is to serve as a fundamental tool for spiritual growth and maturity, working in tandem with the Holy Spirit. Given to the children of Israel at Mount Sinai, the law provides essential guidelines and boundaries that define proper godly behavior. It is indispensable for achieving spiritual maturity, being described as holy, just, and good, leading to eternal life, blessings, and harmonious relationships. The law is spiritual, reaching into the depths of the mind, desires, and attitudes, showing how to live rightly. However, when the law dominates without balance, it can produce oppression, fear, rigidity, and moral defilement, as seen in the burdensome interpretations of the scribes and Pharisees. They loaded men with heavy burdens through their traditions, prioritizing human interpretations over God's law, and found loopholes for themselves while oppressing others. Without the Holy Spirit, as noted in Deuteronomy, the Israelites lacked the heart to perceive and follow the true way of God, resulting in a society burdened by overemphasis on law. The law alone could not achieve righteousness due to human weakness, but through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, God made it possible to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law by the Spirit. Now, with the Holy Spirit, believers can keep the law in its spiritual intent, not merely in the letter, transforming it from a burden into a delight. The law, balanced with the Spirit, opens avenues of freedom to choose, consider, and do good, aligning with God's purpose for His people to attain godly character and enter His kingdom. True worship, as Jesus taught, must encompass both spirit and truth, with the law encapsulating God's revealed way of life, ensuring a balanced approach to spiritual growth.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The purpose of God's law is not to give life, as life comes from that which is already living. Instead, the law is ordained to reveal what sin is, making us aware of our wrongdoings. It does not provoke or stimulate sin but helps us understand sin more thoroughly. The law is holy, just, good, and spiritual, intended to guide us toward an orderly and safe conduct of life as part of God's will. Though it does not justify us or provide salvation, it remains essential in showing the standard of righteousness, which is God's commandments. The law stands as a foundational element in God's purpose, reflecting His unchanging nature and serving as a roadmap for those being created in His image to live according to His ways.

God's Law Is Eternal

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God's law expresses the expectations for the moral and spiritual conduct of Israel and the church, embodying the commands He has given to enable His people to live as He created them to live. It is not a temporary measure but a permanent, perpetual, and eternal guide. The purpose of God's law is multifaceted: it comes directly from God, is intended for human benefit, serves as a reliable guide to living, and illuminates one's mind and understanding. The law reveals our deviations from righteousness, showing how far short we fall of God's glory, and acts as a tutor to bring us to Christ, demonstrating that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. It defines sin, providing the knowledge of what constitutes transgression, and stands as a perfect standard that cannot be altered or abolished without compromising its role in exposing human sinfulness and guiding us toward righteousness. God's law, in its perfection, is meant to produce happiness and maintain a peaceful society if obeyed, serving as a danger signal to protect spiritual health and avoid evil. Through faith in Christ, the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in us, enabling us to internalize and live by it with the strength He provides.

Colossian Law-Keeping

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The law's purpose is to reveal what sin is. The law tells what not to do in most cases. Most of the Ten Commandments are stated negatively as prohibitions against certain actions. Without the law there would be no sin because the law identifies what should not be done. The law remains in force as sin continues to exist and requires forgiveness. The law is confirmed rather than abolished when sin and trespasses are addressed as matters needing forgiveness. The law appears in the discussion of Christian living through references to the breaking of commandments without direct mention of the law itself.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fourteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The law of God remains a major part of the New Covenant because it is written in the hearts of those who make the covenant. This occurs through obedience coupled with forgiveness, the receipt of God's Spirit, Christ's continual intercession, and access to God's presence. The law provides necessary guidance on how to live right now and prepares people either for Christ's return or for death. It is not a device designed merely to save people but to save people prepared to live and function in God's Kingdom. Man shall live by every word of God, and no part of the Bible is done away. The Old Testament makes one wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus and furnishes one thoroughly to all good works. God caused specific incidents in the Old Testament to be written down for the learning of the church, to provide hope, and to serve as a deterrent to sin. The law of Moses supplies practical instruction and examples of how God dealt with people, and these things were written for the sake of Christians. The law of Moses must be remembered at the time of Christ's return. Jesus Christ did not come to do away with the law but to fulfill its spiritual intent, and His teaching connects good works with law keeping. The law of God is perfect, complete, and whole, and nothing can be added to it or taken from it without diminishing its value as a guide to conduct. It converts the soul by reviving, restoring, healing, and turning a person from sin. The testimonies of the Lord are absolute and produce conviction because they can be trusted. The statutes of the Lord are fair and proper, and they produce rejoicing. The commandment of the Lord is pure and enlightens the eyes by giving light for conduct. The law of God cleanses a person from the inside out with the help of God's Spirit in order to make one holy. It endures forever and reveals what is right and best. The judgments of the Lord are always true and fair. They warn by illuminating duties and the consequences of disobedience. The law reveals errors so that a person may see himself as he really is, be humbled, repent, and be cleansed.

How Does Faith Establish the Law?

Sermonette by

The book of Romans is like a song in which some lyrics are popular but others are unfamiliar and hummed through, obscuring the overall message.

Paul: Grace, Law, and Obedience

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The function of God's law is to define righteousness. It defines sin but it does not justify. Law guides one along a path of life. Law's function is to guide. Law's function is to define right and wrong. Law's function is to set standards of conduct. It cannot justify. Law defines righteousness. Law defines what love is. Law's function is to educate one upon a line of conduct that will please God but it will not justify one. Law shows a code of conduct that is acceptable with God and to break that law is sin. It points out what is right and what is wrong. Its function is always to guide one along a safe path to the goal of God's purpose. Obedience to God's law cannot justify. It never has and never will save anyone. Everyone who is saved will be a keeper of God's laws because God details in the law the path that He wants one to use to be prepared for His Kingdom. Law's function is to guide one along the path of conduct to define righteousness love and sin and to set standards.

'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our righteousness must exceed the that of the Pharisees, keeping God's law in the spirit rather than in the letter, replacing the law of death with the law of life.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Under both the Old and New Covenants, refusal to keep to keep God's Law severs the relationship. God's law protects us and brings us quality life.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The New Covenant, which writes God's law onto the heart, in no way does away with any aspect of the law. Works do not justify us, they sanctify us.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Righteousness consists of applying the Law's letter and/or intent. Sin constitutes a failure of living up to the standards of what God defines as right.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Justification is not the end of the salvation process, but merely the opening to sanctification, where we bear fruit and give evidence of God's Spirit in us.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ will empower us, but will not live our lives for us. The marching orders for our pilgrimage derive from God's Word, containing His holy law.

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.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Colossian Christians were criticized by ascetics for the way they were keeping the Sabbath and holy days. Paul argues against a philosophy, not the law of God.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.

How Does Faith Establish the Law? (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

The meaning of Romans 3:31 is plain unless one believes that grace abolishes God's law. Justification by faith is based on the law's true purpose.

God's Law in Our Mouths

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Protestant doctrine of grace is antinomian, thinking that justification is a synonym for sanctification and salvation, ruling out any need for works.

Our Spiritual Roof

Sermon by Bill Onisick

If we are not performing righteous acts with the right spirit (God's Holy Spirit or the mind of Christ) we will not hit the mark.

The Promises of God

Sermon by John O. Reid

In this time of confusion and rapid change, we have a desperate need for something solid to hold onto. Some of the most secure things are the promises of God.

What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Millions who say they believe in Jesus Christ have no salvation at all because they trust in the wrong kind of faith. Saving faith is largely misunderstood.

Acts (Part Fourteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The people of Lystra and Derbe mistake Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus. When Paul convinces the crowds that he and Barnabas are not gods, they are rejected.

On This Side of Jordan

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

When the circumstance of sin ceases, what happens to the law? The concept of sin as a reality will be gone at a certain point in time.

The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.

A Conversation With Paul

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

An imaginative, story-driven narrative on the apostle Paul's true teachings about law, grace, and obedience, clarifying misunderstood scriptures.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Nineteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The seven 'I will' promises Got made to Abraham were truly foundational promises, impacting the lives of multiple billions of people up to the present day.

Who Claimed Works Justify?

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

Martin Luther, feeling 'God's' (the Catholic church's) standards were too hard to obey, found solace in Romans 1:17 and the idea of 'faith alone.'

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Because we are all sinners, we have earned only death; justification is not earned, but must come through faith and believing God as did our father Abraham.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Acts 15 decision did not do away with God's law, but solved the question of circumcision and the misconception that it was a recipe for salvation.

Repentance and Righteousness (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Mechanically keeping the law is only the beginning of righteousness. By emphasizing principle, Christ came to magnify, not to destroy God's law.

The Christian Paradox (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have two conflicting natures: a downward-pulling carnal nature versus a divine nature imparted by God's Holy Spirit, continually at odds, seen in Romans 7.

The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.

By This We Know Love!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As God's people keep God's law in its spiritual intent, they begin to think like the Father and His Son, both of whom habitually do good.

The Commandments (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

What have we accepted as our authority for permitting ourselves to do or behave as we do — our value system, our code of ethics or code of morality?

Psalms: Book Five (Part Five): Psalm 119 (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Even though keeping the law does not justify us, it does point out to us what sin is. The law is a guide keeping us within moral and ethical boundaries.