Rules to Love By
Exploring the divine nature of law and sin
Introduction
The concept of sin is central to understanding the relationship between humanity and God. The Bible presents sin not merely as a violation of divine commands but as an act that inherently harms individuals and communities. This essay explores the nature of sin through the lens of the laws found in the first five books of the Bible, commonly referred to as the Torah or the Pentateuch, and elucidates how these laws were instituted for the protection and well-being of humans. By examining the biblical laws, the nature of sin, and God's love, we will see how God's commandments are designed to protect us from harm, thus revealing the profound connection between divine law and divine love.
The Purpose of the Law
The laws in the first five books of the Bible cover a wide range of aspects, from moral and ethical instructions to dietary and cleanliness regulations. It is our contention that these laws, often perceived as restrictive or punitive, were given to protect humans from various forms of harm. For instance, the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11 can be seen as protective measures against the consumption of potentially harmful foods, which, in ancient times, posed significant health risks. Similarly, cleanliness laws, such as those found in Leviticus 13-15, were vital for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in a community without modern medical knowledge and sanitation practices.
The Apostle Paul affirms the protective and instructive role of the law in Galatians 3:24, describing it as a "guardian" until Christ came. This guardian role is evident throughout the Torah, where laws serve to shield individuals and communities from physical, moral, and spiritual harm. The cleanliness laws, for example, are not merely ritualistic but practical in preventing disease and promoting public health.
If you zoom in on the ten commandments themselves, each one can be interpreted to be a protective measure for either yourself or those around you in your family and community. For instance, when you steal (Exodus 20:15), you bring harm to the person you steal from (and yourself). As anyone who has ever had a friend or family member be the victim of a homicide, when you murder (Exodus 20:13), you bring ruin and devastation to a family and a community.
God's Love and the Institution of the Law
The essence of God is love, as declared in 1 John 4:8: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This profound statement underscores the motivation behind God's laws. If God is love, then His laws are an expression of that love, intended for our well-being. Without regard to the character of God as love, it is easy to draw a portrait of Him that is cold, distant and disapproving. We can exegete the text to make God an angry and vengeful lawgiver who is enraged at those who do not follow the rules he has set forth. However, in light of a God of love, could it not also be true that the laws were not arbitrary rules imposed to exert control by some egomaniacal supreme deity, but were instituted out of divine love and concern for humanity’s well-being?
In Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Moses articulates this idea by reminding the Israelites that the commandments were given "for your own good." This sentiment is echoed throughout the scriptures, emphasizing that God's desire for obedience is rooted in His desire for our protection and prosperity. When we understand the laws as expressions of God's love, it becomes clear that sin—disobedience to these laws—naturally leads to harm.
The Consequences of Sin
Sin, by definition, is any action that goes against God's laws and thus disrupts the harmony and order intended by God. The narrative of the Fall in Genesis 3 illustrates how sin introduces suffering, pain, and death into the human experience. Adam and Eve's disobedience results in immediate spiritual separation from God and introduces various forms of suffering into the world, affecting not only themselves but all of creation.
This pattern is repeated throughout the Bible. In the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), Cain's sin of murder leads to his alienation and curse. The social and moral laws given to the Israelites in the Torah aim to prevent such harms by guiding people towards just and loving relationships. For instance, the law against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) protects individuals from slander and the breakdown of trust within the community.
To put it simply: Sin wounds. It wounds ourselves and others.
The Transmissibility of Sin
Sin has a pervasive and infectious nature that can spread from one individual to another, perpetuating a cycle of harm and disobedience. When one person sins against another, it can provoke a sinful response, thereby continuing and amplifying the destructive effects of sin. This transmissibility of sin is vividly illustrated in several biblical narratives.
Consider the example of King David's sin with Bathsheba and its subsequent fallout (2 Samuel 11-12). David's adultery and murder led to a series of tragic events, including familial strife and rebellion. David's initial sin set off a chain reaction, affecting not only him but also his family and nation. Similarly, in the story of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37), the brothers' envy and betrayal lead to deception and guilt, illustrating how sin can propagate through actions and reactions.
Jesus addresses this cycle of sin in His teachings. In Matthew 5:39-44, He calls His followers to break the cycle by responding to evil with good, thereby stopping the spread of sin. By turning the other cheek and loving enemies, Jesus provides a radical approach to overcoming the transmissibility of sin.
Jesus' Sinless Life and Sacrificial Death
Our Lord Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life, embodying the fulfillment of God's laws. His life provides a model of perfect obedience and righteousness, demonstrating what it means to live in complete harmony with God's will. According to Hebrews 4:15, Jesus "has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." His sinless life is a testament to God's original design for humanity, showcasing how living in accordance with God's laws leads to true flourishing.
The sacrificial death of Jesus and His subsequent resurrection are profound aspects of God's protection and love for humanity. Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate atonement for sin, addressing the separation between God and humanity caused by sin. As stated in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
This act of love not only provided a way for humans to be reconciled with God, highlighting the extent of God's desire to protect and save humanity from the destructive consequences of sin, but it also provided the power and authority that by His death we can be the end to sin in this world. We turn the other cheek so that the cycle of sin will cease to perpetuate (Matthew 5:38-40).
Finally, the resurrection of Jesus, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, signifies the defeat of death and the promise of eternal life for those who believe. It confirms that through Jesus, God has provided a path to overcome the ultimate consequence of sin—death. This victory over sin and death ensures that believers are protected not just in this life but also in the life to come. The wages of Sin is death (Romans 6:23), But the way of Jesus leads to life.
The Loving Call to Avoid Sin
God’s call to avoid sin is therefore not a burdensome decree but a loving invitation to live in harmony with His will, which is ultimately for our good. This perspective transforms our understanding of God's laws from a set of prohibitions to a loving guide for abundant living. When we recognize that sin harms us and those around us, it becomes clear why God, out of His profound love, implores us to turn away from sin.
In conclusion, the laws given in the first five books of the Bible can be seen as protective measures instituted out of God's love for humanity. These laws, encompassing various aspects of life, aim to prevent harm and promote well-being. Understanding that God is love helps us to see that His commandments are not arbitrary rules but loving instructions intended to protect us from the consequences of sin. By adhering to these laws, we align ourselves with God’s loving will and avoid the self-destructive path of sin, thereby living a life that reflects the fullness and harmony intended by our Creator. Furthermore, the sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ underscore God's ultimate act of protection and love, offering a path to eternal life and reconciliation with God.
Have you previously regarded God as some cold, distant, disapproving judge that was impossible to please? If so, say this prayer:
Father, I am truly appreciative of your boundless and gracious love towards your creation. I admit that I have seen you in a light contrary to your nature. I have regarded you as cold and distant, but you are indeed close and loving. I repent of the lie that you are not loving father and I choose to believe the truth that you, Father gave us your laws to protect us. Thank you for your eternal lovingkindness! In Jesus’s mighty name, Amen!
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References
1. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Biblica, 2011.
2. Galatians 3:24 - "So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith."
3. 1 John 4:8 - "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
4. Leviticus 11 - Dietary laws given to the Israelites.
5. Leviticus 13-15 - Laws concerning cleanliness and the prevention of disease.
6. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?"
7. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
8. Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man.
9. Genesis 4 - The story of Cain and Abel.
10. Exodus 20:16 - "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
11. Hebrews 4:15 - "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
12. Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
13. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."
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