Strangely, I find little interest among Evangelicals generally in the Law of God. On this subject, they usually repeat this dictum as their reason: "No one is saved by the works of the Law" and this one: "we are saved by grace alone through faith in Christ alone". I agree with these dicta. I am not saying anyone is saved by obeying the Law.
On the other hand, when the topics of capital punishment, abortion, homosexuality and "gay marriage" come up (among others) I find that Evangelicals are quick to use verses they find in the Law to condemn these things. How do we explain this inconsistency and apparent contradiction? We are confusing the uses of the Law.
The Law contains symbolic acts, rituals, especially animal sacrifices, which pre-figure and illustrate the future work of Christ. These parts of the Law are no longer in effect (they have been "fulfilled"). Then there are those verses that spell out moral and ethical behavior ("You shall not steal"). Such laws are considered restraints upon sin in society in general. These laws are usually used (very selectively) to bring conviction of sin and thus to lead unsaved sinners to Christ for forgiveness. But these verses have never been annulled. They still stand as God's Norms for how His Covenant People are to conduct their lives, privately and publicly. They teach Christians what it means to be righteous and holy before the Lord. (It just won't do to say, "I just follow Jesus" or "All we need is love"). This latter use of the Law is the one being neglected or denied by Evangelicals. That is wrongheaded and that is the problem I write to redress (See the Essays on my website). Never have Christians needed to know and obey the Law of God more than now. The attitude we should have is this one, as expressed in Psalm 19-
The law of the Lord is perfect
and revives the soul;*
the testimony of the Lord is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent.
The statutes of the Lord are just
and rejoice the heart;*
the commandment of the Lord is clear
and gives light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean
and endures for ever;*
the judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold,*
sweeter far than honey,
than honey in the comb.
