What does the Bible say about laws?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God is the righteous Lawgiver, whose holy law reveals his character, exposes human sin, restrains evil, and guides those redeemed by grace into thankful obedience. Isaiah 33:22 declares the Lord to be Judge, Lawgiver, and King, while Romans 2:15 shows that the work of the law is written on human hearts. Sin is lawlessness, yet God’s commandments are not burdensome to those who love him (1 John 3:4; 5:3). Civil authorities exercise a real, God-given role in preserving order (Romans 13:1). Christ fulfills the law’s purpose and brings grace and truth, so believers obey not to earn acceptance, but because they have received it in him (John 1:17; Luke 16:17).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Romans 13:1

    Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.

  • Isaiah 33:22

    For Yahweh is our judge, Yahweh is our lawgiver, Yahweh is our king; he will save us.

  • Romans 2:15

    in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)

  • 1 John 3:4

    Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.

  • 1 John 5:3

    For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.

  • Luke 16:17

    But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall.

  • Ezra 7:10

    For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Yahweh, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.

  • John 1:17

    For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

  • Proverbs 28:4

    Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; But those who keep the law contend with them.

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