DIVINE LAWS ARE FOR OUR BENEFIT - The Scope of Jehovah's Law

The Scope of Jehovah's Law

An outstanding expression of divine law was the Law of Moses.  (Romans 7:12)  In time, Jehovah God replaced the Mosaic Law with "the law of the Christ."  (Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians  9:21)  As Christian s under "the perfect law that belongs to freedom,"  we appreciate that God does not limit his directives to certain aspects of our life, such as the doctrinal beliefs or ceremonial rites.  His standards cover all aspects of life, including family affairs, business dealings, conduct toward those of the opposite sex, attitudes toward fellow Christians, and participants in true worship. -James 1:25, 27.

For example, the Bible says:  "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, not adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who life with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God's kingdom."   (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)  Yes, adultery and fornication are not just "love affairs."  Homosexual acts are not merely an alternative lifestyle."  These are violations of Jehovah's law.  Ans so are such things as stealing, lying and slander.  (Psalm 101:5; Colossians 3:9; 1 Peter 4:15) James condemned bragging, while Paul advise us to avoid foolish talking and obscene jesting.  (Ephesians 5:4; James 4:16)  For Christians, all these rules of conduct are part of the law of God. -Psalm 19:7.

Such fundamental regulations in  Jehovah's Word reveal that his law is much more than just a list of cold, legalistic statutes. It forms the basis for a balanced , productive  life,  with all aspects of conduct being affected for good.  Divine law is edifying, ethical, and instructive.  (Psalm 119:72)  The word "law" as used by the Hebrew word  toh-rah.  One Bible scholar says:  "This word is formed from a verb which means to direct, to guide, to aim, to shoot forwards.  Its . . . meaning, then, would be a rule of conduct."  To the psalmist the law was a gift from God.  Should we not esteem it similarly, allowing it to shape our life pattern?

All creatures need dependable direction and trustworthy guidance.  This is true of Jesus and other angels, who are higher than man.  (Psalm 8:5; John 5:30; 6:38; Hebrews 2:7;  Revelation 22:8, 9) If these are perfect creatures can benefit from divine guidance, how much more that is so for imperfect humans!  Human history and our personal experience have proved the validity of the prophet Jeremiah's observation:  "I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong.  It does not belong  to man who is walking even to direct his step." -Jeremiah 10:23.

If we desire to have a delightful and successful life, we mus look to God for guidance.  King Solomon recognized the danger of living according to personal standards , independent of divine guidance:  "There exist a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterward." -Proverbs 14:12.

Next time: Divine LAWS ARE FOR OUR BENEFIT - Reasons for Cherishing Jehovah's Law

The Watchtower, 2002