Biblical Law & Ethics (Class 01)

Class Notes:

Introduction to Biblical Law and Ethics

Class 01: Foundations of Biblical Law

Why Study Biblical Law?

• Understanding biblical law helps us see how the Old and New Covenants relate.
• It shapes our view of the Law and Gospel and the continuity of God’s commands.
• Foundational to understanding all of Scripture and Christian ethics.

Biblical Law & Goodness

• Question: What makes something good?
• Different Ethical Theories:
  • Deontological Ethics – Right and wrong are based on intrinsic principles.
  • Teleological/Utilitarian Ethics – Right is determined by the best outcome.
  • Ethical Egoism – Right is determined by self-interest.
  • Relativism – Right and wrong are culturally or individually determined.
• The Euthyphro Dilemma:
  • Is something good because God commands it or does God command it because it is good?
  • Answer: Goodness is rooted in God’s nature (Titus 1:2, Psalm 119:68).

The Purpose of Biblical Law

• God’s Law is an expression of His goodness.
• Some laws reflect God’s eternal moral nature, while others were for specific times and purposes.
• Three Uses of the Law (Reformed Theology):

1. Civil Use – Restrains sin in society.
2. Pedagogical Use – Reveals sin and points to Christ.
3. Normative Use – Guides Christian living.

• Example: Circumcision was a covenant sign for Israel, but is not required in the New Covenant.

Perspectives on Biblical Law

1. Torah Observant – Some groups argue that all Old Testament laws (e.g., dietary, Sabbath) remain in effect today.
2. Tripartite Distinction – Divides the law into Moral, Civil, and Ceremonial, with only the moral law continuing.
3. Theonomy – Advocates applying Old Testament civil laws to modern governments.
4. Transcendent vs. Covenantal Law – Some laws (e.g., murder, theft) are eternally moral, while others (e.g., sacrifices, feasts) were covenantal and temporary.

Conclusion

• God’s law reflects His nature, and we must understand which laws still apply today.
• Next Class: We will examine the 10 Commandments and their place in biblical ethics.