a rule of action
(1.) The
Law of Nature is the will of
God as to human conduct, founded
on the moral difference of things, and discoverable by natural
light (
Rom. 1:20; 2:14, 15). This
law binds all men at all times. It is generally designated by the term
conscience, or the capacity of being influenced by the moral relations of things.
(2.) The Ceremonial Law prescribes under the Old
Testament the rites and ceremonies of
worship. This law was obligatory only till
Christ, of whom these rites were typical, had finished his work (
Heb. 7:9, 11; 10:1;
Eph. 2:16). It was fulfilled rather than abrogated by the gospel.
(3.) The Judicial Law, the law which directed the civil policy of the
Hebrew nation.
(4.) The Moral Law is the revealed will of God as to human conduct, binding on all men to the
end of time. It was promulgated at
Sinai. It is perfect (
Ps. 19:7), perpetual (
Matt. 5:17, 18), holy (
Rom. 7:12), good, spiritual (14), and exceeding broad (
Ps. 119:96). Although binding on all, we are not under it as a
covenant of works (
Gal. 3:17). (See COMMANDMENTS.)
(5.) Positive Laws are precepts founded only on the will of God. They are right because God commands them.
(6.) Moral positive laws are commanded by God because they are right.