Natural Law, The Mosaic Law, and The Law of the Spirit (Christ)
I was recently summoned for jury duty at the Stanley Mosk Court in downtown Los Angeles. During the jury selection process, commonly referred to as voir dire,the judge and both the prosecuting and defense attorneys rigorously questioned prospective jurors to determine if each person would be able to provide an impartial verdict based solely on the evidence in the case to serve on the jury. I was amazed how rigorous the judge and attorneys were throughout the process. Furthermore, one thing that stood out as I entered the courtroom was how it felt like being in a sacred space. The entire experience was both informative and enlightening and stirred within me a newfound appreciation of the important role the law plays in our lives and society. I began thinking about natural law, the Mosaic law in the Old Testament, and spiritual law based on the life and teachings of Jesus recorded in the New Testament, and how these laws impact our lives.
Natural Law
Natural Law is “a theory asserting that certain natural rights or values are inherent by virtue of human nature and can be universally understood through human reason” (Coyle, 2023). The founding Fathers were strongly influenced by natural law as reflected in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." (Declaration of Independence). As made in God’s image and likeness, it’s part of our nature to discern right from wrong, good from evil. The apostle Paul hints at this in Romans 1, condemning those who do evil in the absence of written law (Romans 1: 18-32), and noting how the law is written on the hearts of Gentiles who do not have the written law (Romans 2:14-15).
The Mosaic Law
The Mosaic laws are divinely inspired legal, ethical, and moral guidelines for how the people of Israel were to live in relation to Yahweh and one another. Scripture is described as a mirror (especially the Old Testament), highlighting our faults and flaws (James 1: 23-25) and our inability to live up to the standards of the law. The law reveals our true condition and our need for divine grace apart from the law.
The Law of The Spirit (Spiritual Law)
I use the term spiritual law to refer to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, expounded on by the disciples and apostles under the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit ushered in the church in the New Testament. Each believer in Jesus Christ is a temple of the Holy Spirit - God is closer to us than ever, and the Christian has direct immediate access to God 24/7! Jesus did not abolish the Mosaic law; instead, he not only fulfilled it but transcended it! (Matthew 5: 17-18; 22: 37-40).
Takeaways
Natural law focuses on the endowments and inherent rights of every living image bearer of God. The US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence seek to remind governments of the importance of these sacred (‘unalienable’) rights that are given by God. The focus of natural law is at the individual level and the inherent dignity of every person. The Mosaic law serves as guidelines for living and interacting with others in society in light of natural law and the importance of honoring God by obeying the law. It also serves as a mirror, reminding us of our helpless state and the need for God’s Grace. The spiritual law supersedes natural law and the Mosaic law and calls us to live according to the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25), reconciling us to God and to one another. As followers of Christ, may we live our lives according to the Spirit of God for the glory of God and the blessing of others, not by ignoring natural law and the core tenets of the Mosaic law, but by going above and beyond both in the Spirit as Christ would have us.
Denny Barnett