The Bible has a lot to say about following the law. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded to submit to authority and obey the laws of our governments. The Bible speaks of honoring and respecting rulers, being subject to their laws, and paying taxes. We are also reminded that God’s law is higher than any earthly law, and that following His will is more important than following man-made laws. In this article, we will explore some of the key Bible verses about following the law.The Bible is clear that we should obey the governing authorities and follow the laws of the land. Romans 13:1-7 states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed…” This passage makes it clear that we should submit to authority and obey civil laws as a sign of our obedience to our Creator.
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The Benefits of Following the Law According to Scriptures
The Bible is full of wisdom from God and contains His laws and commands. Obeying God’s laws brings many benefits, both in this life and in the life to come. Here are some of the ways that following the law can benefit us:
Protection from Evil: The Bible tells us that obedience to God’s law will protect us from evil. Proverbs 28:10 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” When we follow God’s law, we are less likely to fall prey to temptation or be deceived by lies. We are protected from evil because we know what is right and what is wrong. By living a life that is pleasing to God, we can be assured that He will protect us from harm.
Blessings: Following the law brings blessings from God. In Deuteronomy 28:2 it says, “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” As we obey His laws, He showers us with blessings such as favor, provision, peace, and joy. We can experience these blessings now and in eternity.
Peace: Obedience to God’s law brings peace to our lives. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love Your law; nothing causes them to stumble.” When we live according to His commandments, we can rest assured knowing that our lives are on track with what He desires for us. This brings a deep sense of contentment and security because we know that our lives are pleasing to Him.
Growth: Living according to Scripture helps us grow spiritually. James 1:22-25 says,”But be doers of the word and not hearers only…for if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; for he looks at himself…but he goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” When we put into practice what we learn in scripture it helps us become more like Christ as our character is formed more into His likeness.
Following the law according to scripture provides many benefits for our lives now and for eternity. By obeying His commands we are protected from evil influences, blessed abundantly by Him, have peace within ourselves, and grow more into His likeness day by day.
What Does God Require From Us Regarding the Law?
God has given us His commandments and laws in the Bible, which are to be followed and obeyed. He expects us to keep His laws out of a heart of love and devotion, rather than out of fear or obligation. God wants us to understand and follow His laws because they are for our benefit, not as a means of punishment or coercion.
The Bible tells us that keeping God’s law is an act of faithfulness and obedience. It is an expression of our love for Him and a way to show our appreciation for all that He has done for us. Additionally, when we obey God’s law, it brings peace and joy into our lives as we strive to live according to His will. We also recognize that following God’s laws helps us stay in right relationship with Him and with others around us.
In order to live according to God’s law, we must first seek to understand it in its entirety. Reading the Bible daily can be helpful in this regard, as it provides insights into what God expects from us. Additionally, praying regularly can help us gain clarity on how best to apply these commands into our daily lives so that we can honor Him in all we do.
Finally, it is important for Christians to remember that although it is important to follow the laws outlined in Scripture, they should not become legalistic or self-righteous about them. We should strive instead to have a heart focused on loving God fully and seeking Him out through prayerful meditation on His Word. When we do this, following His laws will become second nature as we come closer in relationship with Him each day.
Examples of Followers of God Who Obeyed the Law
The Bible records many examples of followers of God who obeyed His law. One of the most famous examples is that of Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to a command from God. Another example is that of Moses, who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and through the wilderness, faithfully obeying all of God’s commands. The prophet Elijah also obeyed God’s law, even when facing death threats from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.
The New Testament also gives us many examples of people who obeyed God’s law. Jesus Himself is the supreme example, perfectly fulfilling all aspects of the Law. The apostle Paul is another great example, as he gave up his life and all his possessions to follow Christ and spread the gospel message throughout the world. Other famous examples include Peter, Stephen, and John the Baptist.
These are just a few examples of people who have demonstrated true faithfulness in following God’s laws throughout history. By studying these stories in scripture we can learn how to better obey God ourselves and be faithful followers ourselves.
Why We Must Respect the Laws Set by Governments
It is essential to respect the laws set by governments, as these laws are designed to maintain order and keep peace in society. Governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens, and laws form the foundation of this. Every country has its own set of laws which must be followed by its citizens, and failing to do so could result in punishments such as fines or jail time. Furthermore, if too many people ignore the law, there can be a breakdown of order and social unrest.
The law is also an important part of democracy, as it allows citizens to express their political opinions without fear of retribution. This means that governments must ensure that their laws are fair and just so that citizens can feel safe in expressing themselves without fear of punishment or oppression. Laws also protect individuals from abuse or exploitation by others, ensuring that everyone is treated equally regardless of their background or beliefs.
It is also important to remember that laws are created with the intention of protecting citizens from harm. This means that even if you may not agree with certain aspects of the law, it is still important to abide by them in order to maintain order and safety within society. Failing to obey the law can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole.
Overall, it is essential for all citizens to respect the laws set by governments in order for society to remain orderly and peaceful. By following these laws, we can ensure that our rights are protected and our voices heard without fear of punishment or oppression.
Keeping God’s Commandments
The Bible is full of verses that remind us to keep God’s commandments. As Christians, we must strive to uphold His laws so that we may live according to His will. Here are just some of the many Scriptures that tell us to keep God’s commandments:
Deuteronomy 6:17 – “You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and His testimonies and His statutes which He has commanded you.”
Psalm 103:18 – “His commandments are sure; they are established forever and ever.”
Proverbs 3:1-2 – “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”
John 14:15 – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
James 1:22 – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Matthew 5:19-20 – “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Not Following God’s Laws
God has given us His Laws to help us live our lives in a way that will bring glory to Him. When we disobey these laws, we put ourselves in danger of experiencing the consequences of our choices. The Bible is very clear on this point: “Whoever keeps the Law is a wise son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father” (Proverbs 28:7).
The consequences of not following God’s laws can be both physical and spiritual. On the physical level, disobedience to God’s laws can lead to physical suffering, such as sickness and disease. On the spiritual level, it can lead to spiritual death, which means separation from God for eternity.
The Bible also tells us that if we disobey God’s laws, we will suffer from guilt and shame. We may feel ashamed of our actions and regretful for having broken God’s law. This guilt and shame can cause emotional pain and distress in our lives.
Finally, not following God’s laws can have a detrimental effect on our relationship with Him. When we disobey His commands, He may discipline us or withhold His blessings from us as punishment for our disobedience. This may leave us feeling distant from Him and unsure of His love for us.
It is important to remember that although there are consequences to not following God’s laws, He still loves us unconditionally and desires for us to turn back to Him in repentance so that He can restore our relationship with Him.
Obedience to Authority: The Bible’s Teaching on Submitting to Governmental Laws
The Bible speaks often and clearly about our responsibility to obey authorities that have been placed in power over us. In Romans 13:1-7, we are told:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”
From this passage we can see that certain obligations come with being under authority – including paying taxes and offering respect where due. We should obey governmental laws and regulations as long as they don’t conflict with our faith or conscience.
At times it may be difficult or even impossible for us as Christians to comply with certain laws or regulations because they go against our beliefs or practices related to our faith – such as when civil authorities require us to worship false gods or idols (e.g., Daniel 3). In these cases we must obey God rather than man (Acts 4:19-20), but even here it may be possible in some cases for us as Christians find a way keep our conscience clear while still obeying civil law (e.g., Daniel 6).
In general though it’s important that we remember that God has established governments and rulers over us “for [our] own good” (Romans 13:4); so although at times it may not seem like it from our limited human perspective – it can ultimately benefit us if we trust Him enough submit ourselves willingly under their authority and obey their laws when possible.
Conclusion
The Bible is clear that following the law is an important part of living a Christian life. We are to honor and obey the laws of the land, not just for fear of punishment, but out of respect for God and our fellow citizens. As Christians, we must be careful to use good judgment when choosing to obey or disobey the law, understanding that our actions have consequences both here on earth and in eternity. We should also pray for wisdom to discern what God is calling us to do in any given situation. May we seek to live out our faith in a way that honors God by following his commandments and all laws with humility and respect.
Living according to biblical principles can help us stay in step with God’s will so that we can glorify him in all aspects of life. May the Lord grant us grace as we strive to obey His commands and follow the laws of our nation faithfully.
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