Warren Norred

What Is God’S Law In The Bible?

• Marvin Harvey
• 21.12.2022
• 0
• 22

As I address this vast audience in this historic Tabernacle on Temple Square this beautiful Sabbath morning and visualize the great numbers listening in elsewhere, I humbly pray that the Spirit and blessings of the Lord will attend us. As we observe the bicentennial of this great United States of America, I am reminded of two significant statements made by the Lord through his prophets: “Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ.” ( Ether 2:12,) He also said, “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose.” ( D&C 101:80,) I wish to join wholeheartedly with the millions of people who appreciate this country in which we live and are determined to do what they can to maintain and strengthen the principles of democracy established by our Founding Fathers.

1. To do this, it is most important that we be loyal and law-abiding citizens.
2. Some time ago a young man said to me, “Why do we have so many laws and rules and regulations? Why can’t we just be free to do what we want to do? The Church teaches that man is that he might have joy, and that the greatest gift of God to man is free agency.” I tried to explain to him that everything in the universe, and the universe itself as organized by a divine Creator, is governed by laws, known as the laws of nature; and that we must have laws of the land, or of man, so that we might have order and protect the rights of mankind and punish those who infringe on the rights of others.

I gave him several examples of what I was referring to. Then we talked at some length about the laws of God and how important it is that we keep his commandments. Without going further into the details of our conversation, I should like today to deal with the majesty of law as it affects mankind.

For the sake of this discussion let us divide it into three subheadings: First, the laws of nature; second, the laws of man, or the laws of the land; third, the laws of God as they pertain to our salvation and exaltation. Speaking first of the laws of nature, have you ever stopped to think what would happen if we could not depend on the sun rising at a certain time each morning? Or if the earth failed to rotate on its axis for only one day, or for just a few minutes? Or if the law of gravity were suspended? In a very short time, the earth and all mankind would be destroyed.

All bodies of the universe are controlled in space and move according to law. If iron, when heated, were to expand one day and contract the next, it would be impossible for anyone in the world to operate a machine shop or produce implements of any kind.

These laws are immutable and must be such that we can depend upon them at all times and under all circumstances. It would be interesting to review in our minds all the things we do every day and see how totally we depend on the laws of nature and how they must be followed to the very letter in order to accomplish our purposes.

We have seen men walk on the moon, and we have marveled that man and spacecraft from different countries could have a rendezvous in space. We have watched the Viking leave on a mission to Mars in search for evidence of life. If any of the natural laws had been ignored or had failed to operate, the space missions would have been complete failures and lives would have been lost.

• We are awed when we read of the predictions of astronomers who can foretell so accurately the appearance of comets and eclipses.
• All of this is possible only because through the laws of nature, the Creator keeps creation in its course.
• Law is simply the application of truth.
• Let me draw your attention to some statements taken from the writings of great thinkers: Frank Crane: “Truth is the logic of the universe.

It is the reasoning of destiny; it is the mind of God. And nothing that man can devise or discover can take its place.” (Quoted by Leo J. Muir, Flashes from the Eternal Semaphore, Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1928, p.100.) W. Radcliffe said, “There is no progress in fundamental truth.

We may grow in knowledge of its meaning, and in the modes of its application, but its great principles will forever be the same.” (Ibid., p.101.) In a revelation to Joseph Smith the Lord declared: “And again, very I say unto you, he hath given a law unto all things, by which they move in their times and their seasons; “And their courses are fixed, even the courses of the heavens and the earth, which comprehend the earth and all the planets.

“And they give light to each other in their times and in their seasons, in their minutes, in their hours, in their days, in their weeks, in their months, in their years. “The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light, as they roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.

Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.” ( D&C 88:42–45, 47,) So, regardless of whether or not we know or understand the laws of nature, they always operate the same. A child, though ignorant of the law, will get burned if he touches a hot stove.

If we disregard the law of gravity, we may get seriously hurt. If we know and understand the laws of nature and live by them, we benefit thereby and can be free of the hazards facing those who ignore these laws or go contrary to them. Now, regarding the laws of the land, or the laws of man, it is necessary that we be governed by laws, which are made not alone to curb the evildoer, but to protect the rights of all.

Let me quote from the Doctrine and Covenants: “We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. “We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.

“We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.” ( D&C 134:1–3,) Our Twelfth Article of Faith states: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” It is most important that all citizens be informed in matters of government; that they know and understand the laws of the land; and that they take an active part wherever possible in choosing and electing honest and wise men to administer the affairs of government.

• There are many who question the constitutionality of certain acts passed by their respective governments, even though such laws have been established by the highest courts in the land as being constitutional, and they feel to defy and disobey the law.
• Abraham Lincoln once observed: “Bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible; still, while they continue in force, they should be religiously observed.” This is the attitude of the Church in regard to law observance.

We agree with the author of the following statement: “In reality the man who defies or flouts the law is like the proverbial fool who saws away the plank on which he sits, and a disrespect or disregard for law is always the first sign of a disintegrating society.

Respect for law is the most fundamental of all social virtues, for the alternative to the rule of law is that of violence and anarchy.” ( Case and Comment, March/April issue, 1965, p.20.) There is no reason or justification for men to disregard or break the law or try to take it into their own hands.

Christ gave us the great example of a law-abiding citizen when the Pharisees, trying to entangle him, as the scriptures say, asked him if it were lawful to give tribute money unto Caesar. After asking whose inscription was on the tribute money, and their acknowledgment that it was Caesar’s, he said: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” ( Matt.22:21,) It is the duty of citizens of any country to remember that they have individual responsibilities, and that they must operate within the law of the country in which they have chosen to live.

I quote further from the Doctrine and Covenants: “We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience.” ( D&C 134:5,) Now regarding the laws of God.

They are as clear and as binding and as irrevocable as those of nature, and our success or failure, our happiness or unhappiness, depend on our knowledge and application of these laws in our lives. We are told: “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— “And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” ( D&C 130:20–21,) We believe that the gospel contains the laws of life, pertaining to our human relations, to moral and spiritual living—laws that are just as valid in their field of operation as are the laws of nature in the world of natural phenomena.

1. The Prophet Joseph Smith recognized the importance of gaining knowledge and being obedient to the law.
2. He instructed the Saints: “Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
3. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” ( D&C 130:18–19, italics added.) The word of the Lord is so clear to us, and his laws so plainly designed for our happiness, that it is difficult to understand why some people feel their own judgment is superior, and disregard God’s laws and bring upon themselves misery and unhappiness by so doing.

The prophet Jacob counseled: “Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.” ( Jacob 4:10,) And from the depth of his great wisdom, Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ( Prov.3:5–6,) The road signs are clear in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have the Ten Commandments, examples of which are: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. “Thou shalt not kill, steal, commit adultery, bear false witness. “Thou shalt keep the Sabbath Day holy,” etc.

(See Ex.20,) We have the Sermon on the Mount, with which you should all be familiar. We have been told by Jesus which is the great commandment in the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” ( Matt.22:37–39,) It is impossible to estimate or overemphasize the great effect the keeping of these two commandments would have on the whole world. Peace and righteousness would reign.

We also have as a guide other scriptures which contain the word of the Lord as it has been given by revelation direct from God through his chosen prophets, including our own President and Prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, through whom the Lord speaks today; and it is by accepting and living these teachings that we can gain eternal life.

Let us all have the courage to feel and say, with Paul: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” ( Rom.1:16,) The Lord said, “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” ( Moses 1:39,) This was so important to him that he gave his life, and through his atoning sacrifice made it possible for us to be resurrected, and to enjoy immortality and exaltation.

How fortunate we are to have the great privilege, blessing, and opportunity as missionaries to help him achieve his great purpose. We have this binding contract: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” ( D&C 82:10,) And we also have this warning: “He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you.” ( D&C 41:5,) So it should be clear to all that there is no conflict, as my young friend seemed to feel, between the teachings of the Church that “man is that he might have joy,” and that “the greatest gift of God to man is his free agency,” and the fact that we must have laws.

We have the freedom to choose to obey the laws upon which blessings are predicated, and enjoy those blessings; or we can choose to disobey the law, with the result that we will never enjoy the fulness of joy which was intended for us. I conclude with this glorious promise of the Lord: “Behold, blessed, saith the Lord, are they who have come up unto this land with an eye single to my glory, according to my commandments.

“For those that live shall inherit the earth, and those that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them; and they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared for them. “Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel; for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength.

1. And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me.
2. Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.” ( D&C 59:1–5,) I testify that these things are true, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

What is the meaning of God’s law?

THE REASON FOR LAWS – The whole creation is established on set rules for its function. Governments and social structures are based upon agreed-upon rules for their functioning as are all organisations and groups. Sometimes those rules are informal as an agreed upon code of ethics between its members, but just the same, any organised activity has to have rules of conduct for the participants and share common goals.

Without that there is anarchy. Rules set the standard for any activity as the guidelines upon which it is to function and define that activity. Those who desire to engage in the activity have to accept the rules. so, the rules are not really the focus. We engage in activities because we enjoy and find fulfillment in those activities and the achievement of the set purpose of the activity.

So it’s more about what our goal is, than about what the rules are and it comes down to the focus of our interest and how important it is to us to be involved in the activity or achieve the set goal. A participant who hasn’t got a clear focus or enthusiasm for the goal, may object to the rules of engagement.

• Yahweh runs everything by rules too.
• Yahweh’s Law, as recorded in the Bible, identifies the moral standards He wants humanity to live by.
• If Yahweh’s law didn’t exist no one would know right from wrong.
• Because He is the ultimate Ruler, He has the right to set the standards and make the rules of engagement.

There are ‘rules’ or principles involved in having a relationship with Yahweh God through Yeshua, His Son. He sets before us the goal of knowing Him and having eternal life with Him in the kingdom of God (John 17:3). The rules are a means to achieve the end purpose and not an end in themselves.

• We are not following a set of rules but a Person with whom we desire to have a relationship; which relationship just happens to be governed and defined by a set of rules to achieve that purpose.
• To anyone not interested in a closer relationship with God, then His rules are a restrictive burden to follow, which will appear legalistic.

Whereas, someone who is passionate about knowing Him in a deeper way, will eagerly embrace the ‘rules’ as that means to the end.

Where is God’s law found in the Bible?

Content – The content of the Law is spread among the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, and then reiterated and added to in Deuteronomy, This includes:

• The Ten Commandments
• Moral laws – on murder, theft, honesty, adultery, etc.
• Social laws – on property, inheritance, marriage and divorce.
• Food laws – on what is clean and unclean, on cooking and storing food.
• Purity laws – on menstruation, seminal emissions, skin disease and mildew, etc.
• Feasts – the Day of Atonement, Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks etc.
• Sacrifices and offerings – the sin offering, burnt offering, whole offering, heave offering, Passover sacrifice, meal offering, wave offering, peace offering, drink offering, thank offering, dough offering, incense offering, red heifer, scapegoat, first fruits, etc.
• Instructions for the priesthood and the high priest, including tithes,
• Instructions regarding the Tabernacle, and which were later applied to the Temple in Jerusalem, including those concerning the Holy of Holies containing the Ark of the Covenant (in which were the tablets of the law, Aaron’s rod, the manna ). Instructions and for the construction of various altars,
• Forward looking instructions for time when Israel would demand a king,

What does it mean to obey God’s law?

What does OBEDIENCE mean? –

• In simple terms it means hearing the word of God and acting on it.
• It implies aligning our will to God’s will; doing what God has asked us to do.
• It is when we completely surrender to His authority and base our decisions and our actions on His Word.

Where does Jesus say I am the law?

“September 21–27.3 Nephi 12–16: ‘I Am the Law, and the Light,'” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 (2020) “September 21–27.3 Nephi 12–16,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2020 Record Your Impressions Like Jesus’s disciples who gathered at the mount in Galilee, the people who gathered at the temple at Bountiful had lived under the law of Moses.

• They had followed it because it pointed their souls to Christ (see Jacob 4:5 ), and now Christ stood before them, declaring a higher law.
• But even those of us who have never lived the law of Moses can recognize that the standard Jesus set for His disciples is a much higher law.
• I would that ye should be perfect,” He declared ( 3 Nephi 12:48 ).

If this makes you feel inadequate, remember that Jesus also said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” ( 3 Nephi 12:3 ). This higher law is an invitation—another way of saying “Come unto me and be ye saved” ( 3 Nephi 12:20 ). Image Integrated Curriculum Illustration

What is God’s natural law?

Natural law ( Latin : ius naturale, lex naturalis ) is a system of law based on a close observation of human nature, and based on values intrinsic to human nature that can be deduced and applied independently of positive law (the express enacted laws of a state or society ).

According to natural law theory (called jusnaturalism ), all people have inherent rights, conferred not by act of legislation but by ” God, nature, or reason,” Natural law theory can also refer to “theories of ethics, theories of politics, theories of civil law, and theories of religious morality,” In the Western tradition, it was anticipated by the pre-Socratics, for example in their search for principles that governed the cosmos and human beings.

The concept of natural law was documented in ancient Greek philosophy, including Aristotle, and was referred to in ancient Roman philosophy by Cicero, References to it are also to be found in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and were later expounded upon in the Middle Ages by Christian philosophers such as Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas,

• The School of Salamanca made notable contributions during the Renaissance,
• Although the central ideas of natural law had been part of Christian thought since the Roman Empire, the foundation for natural law as a consistent system was laid by Aquinas, as he synthesised ideas from his predecessors and condensed them into his “Lex Naturalis” (lit.

“Natural law”). St. Thomas argues that because human beings have reason, and because reason is a spark of the divine (see image of God ), all human lives are sacred and of infinite value compared to any other created object, meaning all humans are fundamentally equal and bestowed with an intrinsic basic set of rights that no human can remove.

Modern natural law theories took shape in the Age of Enlightenment, combining inspiration from Roman law, Christian scholastic philosophy, and contemporary concepts such as social contract theory. It was used in challenging the theory of the divine right of kings, and became an alternative justification for the establishment of a social contract, positive law, and government —and thus legal rights—in the form of classical republicanism,

In the early decades of the 21st century, the concept of natural law is closely related to the concept of natural rights, Indeed, many philosophers, jurists and scholars use natural law synonymously with natural rights ( Latin : ius naturale ), or natural justice, though others distinguish between natural law and natural right.

What are the 10 rules given by God?

Classical views – Three verses of Surah An’am (6:151–153) are widely taken to be a reinstatement (or revised version) of the Ten Commandments either as revealed to Moses originally or as they are to be taken by Muslims now: 151. Say: “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: 1 Join not anything in worship with Him; 2 And be good (and dutiful) to your parents; 3 And kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; 4 And come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, adultery etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, 5 And kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to the Law).

• This He has commanded you that you may understand.152.
• 6 And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; 7 And give full measure and full weight with justice.
• We burden not any person, but that which he can bear.8 And whenever you give your word (i.e.

judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, 9 And fulfill the Covenant of Allah. This He commands you, that you may remember.153. ” 10 And verily, this (the Commandments mentioned in the above Verses) is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path.

This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” Evidence for these verses having some relation to Moses and the Ten Commandments is from the verse which immediately follows them: Then, We gave Musa (Moses) the Book, to complete (Our Favour) upon those who would do right, and explaining all things in detail and a guidance and a mercy that they might believe in the meeting with their Lord.

According to a narration in Mustadrak Hakim, Ibn Abbas, a prominent narrator of Israiliyat traditions said, “In Surah Al-An`am, there are clear Ayat, and they are the Mother of the Book (the Qur’an).” He then recited the above verses. Also in Mustadrak Hakim is the narration of Ubada ibn as-Samit : The Messenger of Allah said, “Who among you will give me his pledge to do three things?” He then recited the (above) Ayah (6:151–153).

Order	Commandment in the Quran	Surat Al-An’am	Surat Al-Isra	Corresponding in the Bible
First Commandment	Do not associate others with God	(151)	(22)	Do not put other gods before me
Second Commandment	Honour your parents	(23–24)	Honour thy father and thy mother
Third Commandment	Do not kill your children for fear of poverty	(26–31)	Do not murder
Fourth Commandment	Do not come near indecencies, openly or secretly.	(32)	Do not covet thy neighbour’s wife, Do not commit adultery
Fifth Commandment	Do not take a life except justly	(33)	Do not murder
Sixth Commandment	Do not come near the property of the orphan except to enhance it	(152)	(34)	Do not covet his slaves, or his animals, or anything of thy neighbour
Seventh Commandment	Give full measure and weigh with justice	(35)	Doesn’t exist, instead there is Remember the sabbath day
Eighth Commandment	Whenever you testify, maintain justice even regarding a close relative	(36)	Do not bear false witness against thy neighbour
Ninth Commandment	Fulfil your covenant with God	(34)	Do not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
Tenth Commandment	Follow God’s path and not any other	(153)	(37–39)	Do not make unto thee any graven image or idols neither kneel before them nor worship them

What is God’s law and covenant?

Hebrew Roots/The Law and the Covenants/Covenant – Wikibooks, open books for an open world A covenant is a legally binding agreement between the two parties used in the Bible as a metaphor to describe the relationship between God and His people. It was practiced in the most ancient cultures which indicates that the concept of covenants began in Genesis 3 after the fall of man with the promise of a Redeemer.

In the form it was made in ancient cultures between men, it was a binding and solemn agreement between two or more parties. There were different kinds of covenants in the biblical world, and one of those types of covenants, the “royal grant”, was similar to the Biblical covenants where God, the superior party binds Himself to be the beneficiary as an inferior party with no set conditions imposed upon him.

In this type of “royal grant” covenant, a king or other person in authority rewards a loyal subject by granting him an office, land, exemption from taxes, or similar. Such covenants are also referred to as covenants of promise or unconditional covenants.

• The covenants God made with Noah (Genesis 9:8 – 17), Abraham (Genesis 15:18), and David (2 Samuel 7; 23:5) fit this pattern.
• In each of these cases, it is God alone who binds himself by a solemn oath to keep the covenant.
• The Mosaic covenant (Ex.19 – 24; Deuteronomy; Joshua 24) is like another type of ancient covenant, the “political treaty” between a powerful king and his weaker vassal.

Following the standard form of such treaties, God, the suzerain, reminds Israel, the vassal, how God has saved it, and Israel in response accepts the covenant stipulations. Israel is promised a blessing for obedience and a curse for breaking the covenant.

1. These two different conceptions of covenant, one stressing promise, the other obligation, eventually modified one another.
2. The Covenant which Yeshua instituted with Israel is a culmination and inclusion of all the other covenants in a renewed form in which all the promises are made available in the Messiah through the power of God and man is the recipient of these benefits.

: Hebrew Roots/The Law and the Covenants/Covenant – Wikibooks, open books for an open world

What does it mean to obey God’s law?

What does OBEDIENCE mean? –

• In simple terms it means hearing the word of God and acting on it.
• It implies aligning our will to God’s will; doing what God has asked us to do.
• It is when we completely surrender to His authority and base our decisions and our actions on His Word.

What is God’s law How can it be summarized?

All the law is summarized in these two commandments: You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Key text: Matthew 22:34–40 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.