The Bible, particularly in the New Testament, provides guidance on how Christians should view and interact with laws. Jesus himself spoke about laws, and his teachings provide a foundation for Christian attitudes towards legal matters.
Jesus and the Law
Jesus’ teachings on the law are encapsulated in Matthew 5:17 (NKJV): “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Jesus emphasized the importance of the law, but he also brought a new understanding of it. He taught that the spirit of the law—love, justice, mercy—was more important than the letter of the law.
The Bible and Laws
The Bible speaks about laws in various contexts. Romans 13:1-2 (NKJV) says: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” This suggests that Christians are to respect and obey earthly laws, as they are instituted by God.
When Laws Contradict the Bible
But what happens when a law goes against the teachings of the Bible? Acts 5:29 (NKJV) provides some guidance: “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.'” This suggests that when earthly laws contradict God’s laws, Christians should prioritize God’s laws. However, this doesn’t mean rebellion or lawlessness. Christians are called to respond with respect, love, and peaceful resistance.
The Law of Love
Above all, Jesus taught that love is the greatest law. In Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV), Jesus says: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
In conclusion, the Bible teaches respect for laws, but it also emphasizes the importance of the spirit of the law—love, justice, and mercy. When earthly laws contradict God’s laws, Christians are called to obey God, but to do so with love and respect. The ultimate law, according to Jesus, is the law of love: love for God and love for one’s neighbor.
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