God’s Law

Let’s try to make a list of all the things God requires from you.

Old Testament:

Moral Laws: The Ten Commandments

  1. You shall have no other gods before me.
    • This commandment establishes the exclusive worship of the one true God.
  2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.
    • Prohibits the creation or worship of graven images and emphasizes the spiritual nature of God.
  3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
    • Instructs reverence for the name of God and discourages the use of the divine name in vain.
  4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
    • Commands a day of rest and worship, emphasizing the importance of spiritual renewal.
  5. Honor your father and mother.
    • Promotes respect for parental authority and the importance of family relationships.
  6. You shall not murder.
    • Prohibits the intentional killing of another person.
  7. You shall not commit adultery.
    • Forbids extramarital sexual relationships, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage.
  8. You shall not steal.
    • Prohibits the taking of another person’s property unlawfully.
  9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
    • Encourages truthfulness and honesty, discouraging false accusations.
  10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
    • Warns against desiring another person’s possessions, promoting contentment.

Civil Laws: Social Justice and Relations

  1. Laws regarding the treatment of slaves (Exodus 21:2-11)
    • Establishes guidelines for the fair treatment of slaves and their eventual release.
  2. Laws concerning restitution for theft (Exodus 22:1-15)
    • Outlines the compensation required for theft or damage to another’s property.
  3. Regulations for fairness in business dealings (Leviticus 19:35-36)
    • Prohibits dishonest practices in trade and commerce, emphasizing fairness.
  4. Laws protecting the rights of foreigners and strangers (Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:33-34)
    • Emphasizes compassion and justice towards non-citizens living among the Israelites.
  5. Guidelines for the treatment of the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 15:7-11)
    • Encourages generosity and compassion, particularly toward the less fortunate.

Civil Laws: Personal Conduct

  1. Laws concerning sexual morality (Leviticus 18)
    • Enumerates various regulations pertaining to sexual conduct, including incest and adultery.
  2. Regulations for personal hygiene and health (Leviticus 11-15)
    • Provides guidelines for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contamination.
  3. Laws regarding personal relationships and conflicts (Exodus 20:16, Leviticus 19:16)
    • Encourages honesty, integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
  4. Laws about respecting authority and not rebelling (Exodus 21:15, 17)
    • Promotes order and respect for authority within the community.

Ceremonial Laws: Worship and Rituals

  1. Regulations for sacrifices and offerings (Leviticus 1-7)
    • Details the various types of offerings and sacrifices required for worship.
  2. Laws concerning the priesthood and their duties (Exodus 28-29, Leviticus 8-10)
    • Describes the consecration and responsibilities of the priesthood.
  3. Instructions for the construction and maintenance of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-27, 30)
    • Provides detailed guidelines for the construction and operation of the Tabernacle, the place of worship.
  4. Laws regarding cleanliness and purity (Leviticus 11-15)
    • Specifies rules for maintaining ritual purity, especially concerning dietary and bodily practices.
  5. Establishment of feasts and festivals (e.g., Passover, Leviticus 23)
    • Prescribes various religious observances and festivals, signifying important events in the history of Israel.

New Testament:

The New Testament, comprising the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation, provides guidance for Christian beliefs and practices. Unlike the Old Testament, the New Testament doesn’t contain a comprehensive legal code. Instead, it focuses on the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, emphasizing principles of love, grace, and righteousness. Here is an overview of some key themes and teachings:

1. The Great Commandment:

  • Jesus condenses the entire law into two primary commands: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).

2. Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7):

  • Jesus presents ethical teachings, emphasizing humility, mercy, purity of heart, and love for enemies.

3. The New Covenant:

  • Jesus institutes the new covenant during the Last Supper, emphasizing his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-29, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

4. Forgiveness and Reconciliation:

  • Jesus teaches about forgiveness, urging believers to forgive others as they have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-22).

5. The Golden Rule:

  • Jesus encourages treating others as you would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12).

6. The Greatest Commandment:

  • Love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29-31).

7. Acts of Mercy:

  • Jesus emphasizes acts of compassion and mercy, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick (Matthew 25:31-46).

8. Authority of Jesus:

  • Jesus’ teachings carry authority, and believers are called to follow his words (John 8:31-32).

9. Apostolic Teachings (Epistles):

  • The Epistles (letters) written by apostles like Paul, Peter, and John provide practical guidance for Christian living, covering topics such as love, humility, morality, and community.

10. Fruit of the Spirit: – Paul outlines the characteristics that should be evident in the lives of believers, known as the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23).

11. The Two Greatest Commandments: – Jesus reaffirms the importance of love for God and neighbor (Mark 12:29-31).

12. The Great Commission: – Jesus instructs his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey his commands (Matthew 28:18-20).

13. Church Discipline: – Instructions are given for handling disputes and disciplinary matters within the Christian community (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5).

14. Revelation: – The Book of Revelation provides apocalyptic visions and messages, emphasizing God’s ultimate victory over evil.

Let’s talk more on the Sermon on the Mount:

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most famous and influential teachings of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7. It is a comprehensive and ethical discourse that covers various aspects of Christian living. Here is a detailed and exhaustive list of the key teachings from the Sermon on the Mount:

1. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12):

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit.
  • Blessed are those who mourn.
  • Blessed are the meek.
  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
  • Blessed are the merciful.
  • Blessed are the pure in heart.
  • Blessed are the peacemakers.
  • Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

2. Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16):

  • You are the salt of the earth.
  • You are the light of the world.
  • Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

3. Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20):

  • Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.
  • Righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees.

4. Anger and Reconciliation (Matthew 5:21-26):

  • Anger is akin to murder.
  • Reconcile with your brother before offering gifts at the altar.

5. Lust and Adultery (Matthew 5:27-30):

  • Lust is equivalent to adultery.
  • Better to lose one part of the body than to have the whole body thrown into hell.

6. Divorce and Remarriage (Matthew 5:31-32):

  • Divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality, leads to adultery.

7. Oaths and Truthfulness (Matthew 5:33-37):

  • Do not swear oaths, let your yes be yes, and your no be no.

8. Retaliation and Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:38-48):

  • Turn the other cheek.
  • Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

9. Giving to the Needy (Matthew 6:1-4):

  • Give in secret, and God will reward you openly.

10. Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15): – Pray privately, not for show. – The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father in heaven…

11. Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18): – Fast in secret, not for public recognition.

12. Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24): – Lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth. – No one can serve two masters—God and wealth.

13. Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34): – Do not be anxious about life’s necessities; seek first the kingdom of God.

14. Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-6): – Do not judge, and you will not be judged.

15. Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-12): – Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

16. The Narrow and Wide Gates (Matthew 7:13-14): – Enter through the narrow gate that leads to life.

17. True and False Prophets (Matthew 7:15-23): – Beware of false prophets; you will know them by their fruits.

18. The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27): – Build your house on the rock (hearing and doing Jesus’ words) for stability.


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