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What does the Bible say about laws?

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The Bible teaches that God is the supreme Lawgiver, whose righteous law reveals his holy character, exposes human sin, and guides his redeemed people in grateful 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, as 1 John 3:4 says, yet believers obey not to earn salvation but because they love God and have been saved by grace through Christ. John 1:17 centers this grace and truth in Jesus, and 1 John 5:3 calls God’s commandments a loving, not burdensome, path. Human authorities also deserve submission within God’s higher rule (Romans 13:1).

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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