The Divine Foundation of Law: Navigating Justice, Order, and Human Flourishing
First, it is crucial to understand that the law is a spiritual force expressed through language. Given by whom? We shall discuss that presently! Mankind cannot contrive the kind of “Justice and Order” that prevails upon humanity. I posit that the law can only be conceived by minds aligned with the Creator of the heavens and the earth, whom we call GOD ALMIGHTY. Human hearts, tainted by sin and bound by finite understanding, lack the purity and omniscience to originate laws that reflect eternal righteousness. It is impossible for mere man to formulate what is spiritual in nature; it must come from a spiritual being who is Righteous, Holy, and Just.
The Nature of the Law
The law has two sides: the Sword and Grace. It is a terror to those who rebel against the natural laws of nature and a buffer to those who are fearful and upright in heart.
Before the inception or compilation of the Holy Bible, which is the Word of God, there was no law and order in the world as we have now. The world then was a chaotic realm under the reign of dictators, evil kings, and rulers whose vassals were all the souls that came under them. A commoner held no eminence; the rulers had such authority that even the keys of death and hell were in their hands—think of the blood-soaked altars where innocents were sacrificed to appease capricious gods. Whom they would annihilate, they would; whom they would let live, lived. It’s not that the Sovereign God didn’t have any power, but that God is Just and He works in perfect Righteousness. Despite man’s wicked heart, He values mankind as they are created in His own image and likeness. Therefore, He won’t violate and thrust Himself into a territory without mediums. And the law of God is one such medium.
The Atonement and Its Significance
When it is said, “God so loved the world,” it carries tremendous ideas of God in it. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary was one of those ideas, as is the gift of the Spirit of God and the law of God. The “Atonement”—the reconciliation of God and humankind through Jesus Christ—stands pivotal as that one love offering of God, which alone made other manifold graces of God to be poured upon mankind to receive. By satisfying divine justice, it laid the foundation for a legal order that redeems rather than merely condemns.
The Conflict of Laws
Whether you are ignorant or not, the world is under the sway of the evil and good; the wicked and the just; the good seed and the bad seed; the devil and God. If so, the two entities have their own law and order. One is Chaos, which is lawlessness and disorder, ultimately embodied in a figure Scripture calls “the lawless one,” whose spirit already stirs rebellion against truth. The other is Shalom, which is order and good fruits. The lawless one wants to turn the world into an inhabitable environment, and it has held the world like that for many centuries. However, the work of God on the cross of Calvary transformed everything, initiating a process that worked toward man’s liberation.
The Impact of the Bible
Although it took centuries for it to become effective for humanity’s benefit, it emerged after the dark ages in the form of the Bible, the Sword of the Spirit of God. Until then, this Sword was not made available to multiple generations. This Sword of God permeated the entire globe, bringing liberation to mankind, turning vile, despicable, and abhorrent souls into well-behaved and ethical characters. The Reformation and the Renaissance were a few major milestones of its inception. The light finally dawned on mankind, bringing liberty, individual rights, and development. The once ferocious tribes and cannibals that would sacrifice humans on their altars to appease their internal longing for redemption have become regions of light and life, just because of the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Bible.
The Diverse Landscape of Law
Laws around the world can be categorized into various types based on their scope and application. Understanding these categories is crucial to grasp the complexity of justice and order that underpins society. Here are some key categories:
1. Constitutional Law: Governs the structure and function of government institutions and the rights of individuals.
2. Criminal Law: Defines offenses against the state and prescribes punishments, including felonies, misdemeanors, and regulatory offenses.
3. Civil Law: Addresses disputes between individuals or organizations, including contract disputes, property issues, and family law.
4. International Law: Governs the relationships between nations, encompassing treaties, customary international law, and principles like sovereignty and human rights.
5. Humanitarian Law: Specifically addresses the conduct of armed conflict, known as the laws of war or the law of armed conflict (e.g., the Geneva Conventions).
6. Environmental Law: Focuses on regulations and treaties aimed at protecting the environment, covering issues like pollution, wildlife protection, and natural resource management.
7. Labor Law: Governs the rights and duties of workers, employers, and unions, addressing wages, working conditions, and employment contracts.
8. Commercial Law: Regulates business and commercial transactions, including contract law, sales, and partnerships.
9. Family Law: Covers marriage, divorce, child custody, and other family-related matters.
10. Property Law: Governs ownership and use of property, including real estate and intellectual property rights.
11. Administrative Law: Regulates the actions of government agencies and their rule-making processes.
12. Cyber Law: Addresses legal issues related to the internet, digital communications, and technology.
Each type of law serves different societal needs and may vary significantly between countries, reflecting the unique cultural, ethical, and spiritual values that shape human interactions.
The Birth of Law and Order
Law and order have slowly but gradually been birthed into the world by the Judeo-Christian worldview. Before this, human attempts like Hammurabi’s Code sought order, but they lacked the spiritual depth and redemptive power of God’s law. The freedom that the world now relishes came through this divine medium. It reflects the common grace of God upon humanity—evidence of His care for His creation.
The Dangers of Undemocratic Regimes
Could you imagine a world without law? That’s exactly what the undemocratic regimes of the world would want. They seek to take liberty from the hands of the commoner and give it to authoritarianism, totalitarianism, or oligarchy, whose characteristics often include repression of dissent, limited freedom of speech, and lack of accountability to the public. An undemocratic regime typically refers to a government system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, often disregarding the principles of democracy such as free and fair elections, civil liberties, and political pluralism. For example, in regimes like North Korea, where state-enforced atheism rejects divine order, or Venezuela, where corruption undermines justice, citizens experience severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms, illustrating the chaotic environment that arises without law rooted in God’s righteousness.
Addressing Counterarguments
Some may argue that laws can be oppressive or misused by those in power, leading to injustice rather than protection. Historical examples, such as Jim Crow laws in the United States or the Nuremberg Laws in Nazi Germany, illustrate how legal frameworks can be manipulated to justify discrimination and violence. However, it is essential to recognize that the failure lies not in the concept of law itself but in its application by flawed humans. Divine law, in its pure form, seeks justice and order; human distortion cannot tarnish its eternal essence. The pursuit of a just legal system requires constant vigilance and a commitment to righteousness.
The Coming of the Lawless One
A hybrid human is going to be the king of the planet for a short period, whose spirit is already at work in the world. He will oppose everything that embodies truth, righteousness, and GOD. He is going to be mankind’s worst nightmare. Despite his authority—God is Sovereign. This evil entity is called “the lawless one,” and in contrast to the Law, which enabled the righteous reign and brought justice to the world, he will let the wicked reign and will turn the world into a burning furnace. For it is the judgment of God upon all that shun truth and righteousness. The grace period upon the world, which God has bestowed upon mankind, will shut its doors forever. Once again, God will shut the door, just as He did when He closed the door of Noah’s ark during the great deluge.
Conclusion
I am not suggesting that the law has been beneficial for some while detrimental to others. I admit that all men are equal in the sense that all possess a wicked and unrighteous heart. But some fear the law and curb their wicked acts, allowing the righteous traits to be imputed to them, while the multitude that rebel and act foolishly fall into the hands of law and order to be either slain or punished by it.
Call to Action
As we reflect on these truths, I urge you to consider the vital role of law in our society. Engage in discussions about justice and governance, advocate for democratic principles, and educate others about the importance of upholding the rule of law. The future of our societies may depend on our collective commitment to these values.
Personal Reflection
Reflecting on these themes reminds me of my own experiences witnessing the impact of law and order in various contexts. I have seen communities flourish under just governance, where individuals are empowered to live freely and ethically. Conversely, I have also seen the despair that arises in places where lawlessness prevails. These observations fuel my conviction that the law, rooted in divine principles, is essential for a flourishing society.
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just and good – Romans 7:12