First Use of the Law
Restraint of Sin
Law and Gospel · 6 verses
Through threat of punishment and appeal to conscience, the law curbs the expression of human depravity, checking the violent outbreak of sin that would otherwise render society impossible. This restraining function operates even upon the unregenerate, not transforming their hearts but limiting their hands. Like a dam that contains but does not cure the flood, the law prevents sin from achieving its full destructive potential in this present age.
Scripture References
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
“But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.”
“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”
“And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.”
“Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.”