Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Laws of Man" in the Bible refers to the human-made legal systems and regulations that govern societies. These laws are distinct from divine laws, which are given directly by God. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding the relationship between divine law and human law, emphasizing the importance of justice, righteousness, and obedience to authority.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible acknowledges the necessity of human laws for maintaining order and justice in society. In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites served as both a divine and civil code, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws. While these laws were divinely instituted, they also functioned as the legal framework for the nation of Israel.
In the New Testament, the relationship between divine law and human law is further explored. Jesus Christ and the apostles addressed the role of human authorities and the believer's responsibility to them.
Romans 13:1-2 states, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
Obedience to Human AuthoritiesThe Bible instructs believers to respect and obey human authorities, as they are considered to be established by God for the purpose of maintaining order and justice. This obedience is not absolute, however, and is contingent upon the alignment of human laws with God's commandments.
Acts 5:29 provides a clear example of this principle: "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"
Justice and RighteousnessThe Bible emphasizes that human laws should reflect God's justice and righteousness.
Proverbs 29:4 states, "By justice a king gives stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it." This highlights the importance of just leadership and the detrimental effects of corruption and injustice.
Role of BelieversBelievers are called to be exemplary citizens, upholding the laws of the land while also advocating for justice and righteousness.
1 Peter 2:13-14 instructs, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers and praise well-doers."
Conflict Between Divine and Human LawsWhen human laws conflict with divine laws, believers are called to prioritize obedience to God. This is evident in the actions of biblical figures such as Daniel, who continued to pray to God despite the king's decree (Daniel 6), and the Hebrew midwives, who defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew male infants (
Exodus 1:15-21).
ConclusionThe "Laws of Man" in the Bible are recognized as necessary for societal order, yet they are always to be measured against the higher standard of God's law. Believers are encouraged to respect and obey human authorities while remaining steadfast in their commitment to God's commandments.
Topical Bible Verses
Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
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Whether the Reason of anyMan is Competent to MakeLaws?
... TREATISE ON LAW (QQ 90-108)OF THE ESSENCE OF LAW (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether
the reason of anyman is competent to makelaws? Objection...
If God Demands Obedience fromMan, if He FormedMan, Called Him...
... Book IV Chapter XIV."If God demands obedience fromman, if He formedman, called
him and placed him underlaws, it was merely forman's welfare; not that God...
Of the Union ofMan's Will with God's in those Inspirations which...
... OF THE UNION OFMAN'S WILL WITH GOD'S IN THOSE INSPIRATIONS WHICH ARE CONTRARY TO
ORDINARYLAWS; AND OF PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY OF HEART, SECOND MARK OF...
Noxious Animals Worshipped by the Egyptians;Man by Arts an Evil...
... Chapter XIV."Noxious Animals Worshipped by the Egyptians;Man by Arts an Evil-Doer;
Lust and Injustice Corrected byLaws and Discipline; Contingent and...
It is one Thing to Know theLaws of Inference, Another to Know the...
... again, who hold the true opinions have an unfounded contempt for themselves, because
they are ignorant of thelaws of inference; whereas theman who knows that...
True Repentance a Thing Divine, Originated by God, and Subject to...
... Chapter II."True Repentance a Thing Divine, Originated by God, and Subject to His
Laws.... it lacks the fruit for which God sowed it; that is,man's salvation....
On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744)
... God hath deposited with him to be employed for the use of his brethren, and God
will certainly punish the breach of that trust, though thelaws ofman will not...
SomeLaws Given by Concession to Human Weakness.
... expression these things must further be said, that some of thelaws were written...
account of our weakness, "But because of fornications, let eachman have his...
The Decalogue: ii. --Man andMan
... table brings it into connection with the first commandment, and suggests thatman's
life is... is murder, and love is the fulfilling of this as of all otherlaws....
The Science of Numbers not Created, but Only Discovered, byMan.
... considered in themselves, or as applied to thelaws of figures, or of sounds, or
of other motions, they have fixedlaws which were not made byman, but which...
Resources
What are the laws of thermodynamics and how do they provide evidence for creationism? | GotQuestions.orgHow could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the four spiritual laws? | GotQuestions.orgLaws: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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