WCF 19 The Law of God Flashcards
What were the demands of the Law before the Fall?
Personal, entire, exact and perpetual obedience to the law. Life to lawkeepers, death to lawbreakers.
What are the demands of the Law after the Fall?
The same–it is still a “perfect rule of righteousness”
What are the three types of law?
Moral, ceremonial, judicial
What is the Moral Law?
The will of God for all mankind, summarized in the Ten Commandments, telling us our duty to God and to man.
What is the Ceremonial Law?
The laws for worship which were for Israel as a “church under age”
What is the Judicial Law?
The civil laws of Israel which are not binding now except “as the general equity may require.” E.g. building a fence around the roof corresponds to modern law building a fence around a pool or other hazardous place.
What are the uses of the Law?
A mirror to show inability to keep the law; a curb to restrain sin in civic life; a flashlight to show us the path that pleases God.
What is the role of the law in the life of the believer?
Informs us of the will of God, shows us how to repent, shows us the glories of Christ in all the things He obeyed.
What are principles of interpretation of the law (WLC 99)
The law is universal
It is broad–obey all types of things, not just the narrow sense specified
We are to help others to obey, according to the “duty of our places”–i.e. as appropriate to our station.
When is an OT judicial law applicable in modern times, according to Calvin?
When a penalty (esp capital) is both prescribed in the OT and also practiced commonly by pagans, it indicates that nature demands that penalty so it would be wise to adopt it.
Is it proper for a civil state to model its laws after the Ten Commandments?
According to Dr. Pipa, the laws of a properly ordered civil state would reflect the Ten Commandments.
Summarize the First Commandment
Acknowledging God, worshiping, adoring, and obeying Him.
Summarize the Second Commandment
Worshiping God according to what He reveals, not according to what may seem good to the human imagination. No images made for or used in worship.
Summarize the Third Commandment
Do not disparage God’s name, attributes, ordinances, or works. Avoid “minced oaths.”
Summarize the Fourth Commandment
Honor God in all your activities on the day of rest and worship. The Sabbath is a means of grace. It is an antidote to idolatry. Assist others to have the day off. It is a law ordaining work as well as rest.
