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New Hampshire Confession of Faith #12

Romans 3:21-31 

XII. OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church. 

  1. THE LAW OF GOD IS UNCHANGEABLE
    1. Two Extremes In The Debate Over The Law of God
      1. Antinomianism - This word is two Greek words which literally mean "no law, or against law." Those who believe this doctrine say that God holds no man responsible for the law and that we are saved by grace and are under grace and not under the law. They quote Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
      2. Legalism - Those who hold to this doctrine believe that every believer in Jesus Christ must keep every law laid down in Scripture, Jewish law as well as the law of the Lord written in the New Testament. They believe that those who do not keep these laws regularly and consistently will lose their salvation and go into perdition.
    2. God Acts By An Unchangeable Law
      1. God rules the universe by consistent, eternal laws. The planets rotate, the rivers flow, and the birds sing by these laws - Job 28:26 When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:
      2. God rules human intelligence by these unchangeable laws. Man's intelligence does not work by chance, neither does the moral world - John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
      3. That which is right in Eden is right in our own city today.
    3. These laws are eternal and unchangeable, because they are consistent with the very nature of God - Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
    4. The laws of God are revealed in the word of God - John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.


  2. THE NATURE OF GOD'S LAW
    1. It Is Holy - Romans 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
      1. God's law is holy, as God is holy in himself
      2. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
      3. Because it is holy, God's law is adaptable and suitable for all needs: family, social, political, scientific, etc.
    2. It Is Just (Rom. 7:12)
      1. God's law proclaims believers just by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.
      2. God's law will remove injustice whenever and wherever it is applied.
    3. It Is Good (Rom. 7:12)
      1. God's law promotes the highest and best graciousness.
      2. God's law results in positive (welfare, happiness) as well as negative ideas ("thou shalt not ...").
      3. Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
    4. God's Law Is Not Extreme
      1. It does not demand more than an individual can do - 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
      2. If the law is too hard to keep, then the problem is not with the law but with the sinner, because "the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Cor. 5:14) who are saved.
      3. Our inability arises from our own sin.


  3. GOD'S LAW MUST BE OBEYED
    1. Every Person Must Obey
      1. James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
      2. Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
    2. Man Is Restored
      1. He must be restored, because he is unable to keep the law without restoration.
      2. God restores man by elevating man, not by reducing the standard of the law or the severity of its penalty.
      3. We are not made perfect - Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
      4. But we are restored to an ability to serve Christ and his law - Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
      5. Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
    3. The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper
      1. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
    4. This Is The Reason We Proclaim The Gospel
      1. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
      2. This leads to the establishment of local churches, where God receives his glory - Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen

 

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