First Use of the Law
Order in Society
Law and Gospel · 6 verses
God's law provides the foundational principles necessary for social cohesion, economic justice, and communal flourishing. It establishes boundaries for human interaction, protects the weak from the strong, and promotes general equity among people. Though civil government cannot save souls, it can and must employ divine law to structure society in ways that honor God and benefit humanity, creating conditions wherein the gospel may be freely proclaimed.
Scripture References
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
“Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.”
“The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.”
“Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.”