Moral Law

The moral law in biblical theology refers to the permanent, universal ethical demands of God — typically identified with the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1–17; Deut. 5:6–21) and their summation in the commands to love God and neighbor (Matt. 22:37–40; Deut. 6:4–5; Lev. 19:18) — as distinct from the ceremonial and civil laws of Israel that were fulfilled or superseded in the new covenant. Reformed theology distinguishes these three uses of the law: the first, to reveal sin (Rom. 3:20; 7:7); the second, to restrain civil evil through common grace; and the third, to guide the believer's sanctification (Ps. 119). Paul insists the law is holy, just, and good (Rom. 7:12) even as it cannot justify (Gal. 3:11; Rom. 3:20). The moral law is not abolished by Christ but fulfilled: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matt. 5:17). Paul's summary of the commandments — "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Rom. 13:8–10; Gal. 5:14) — shows that the moral law's substance is carried into the new covenant dispensation. The law written on the heart under the new covenant (Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10) is this moral law internalized by the Spirit rather than merely inscribed on tablets.