| Biblical Christianity: Law |
| Biblical/Natural Law |
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Jesus Christ is "Lawgiver." Genesis 3:11; Genesis 49:10; Revelation 5:5; Isaiah 9:7 Christian or divine law consists of both natural and Biblical law originating in the very character of a righteous and loving God. Divine law is eternal because God is eternal. It is so eternal and permanent that someday God will use it to judge the world (Acts 17:31) in a judgment based on natural and revealed law (Romans 2:12f). God established human government and the rule of law primarily to keep in check man's sinful nature and passions (Romans 13:1-4). Because of the Fall, human history reflects a continuing effort by men to substitute man-made law for God's law. Christians believe that when God's laws are obeyed, men and societies thrive. The Christian concept of human rights involves the biblical doctrine of man's creation in the image of God. These rights, which carry with them specific responsibilities, are unalienable. God's Word and nature's law are sufficient for mankind to establish a legal system that exemplifies man's creative image, but does not soft-pedal his depravity.
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