Day 77

Of Creation

Chapter 4, Paragraph 2.

“….having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfill it;…”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 2:14,15.

Reflection

Happily in Eden lived Adam and Eve. Have you ever wondered why they were able to live that way? “God made man upright…” (Ecclesiastes 7:29) In other words, what does it mean to be holy and happy? What does it mean for Adam and Eve to be very good?

Mentioning the word “law” tends to stir up feelings of dread. Law is harsh; law gets you in trouble; law means rules and obedience and no fun. As fallen creatures we think of the concept of law in such a way. Yet God’s law, coming from an infinitely perfect, wise and holy Being, is good! This law is also unchanging, as it reflects the character of an unchanging God. This law of God Adam and Eve had written in their hearts; in other words, they knew what God required of them. This unchanging law, binding on all peoples for all time, is called the moral law. Some may also call it natural law.

Remember, the universe exists because God called it into being for His glory (Rom. 11:36). He does not give us the right to act as if He does not exist. There is a law of God that is intrinsic to our being (Rom. 2:14ff). It is according to this law that we are accountable to God….Being His image means that we are accountable to Him.

-Richard Barcellos, Better Than The Beginning

Adam and Eve knew God’s moral law because they had in written in their hearts. But they not only knew His law, they were able to keep it. Law did not have a menacing tone for them, for they could obey it. There is a peace and happiness that comes from being in full compliance with law, and originally Adam and Eve had this happiness.

As Christians redeemed from sin, we cannot fully keep God’s moral law. But we look to the One who did fulfill it perfectly, Jesus Christ. Through His perfect obedience, we obtain righteousness. His law is written anew in our hearts, and we are more and more enabled to true holiness through His Spirit.

Questions to Consider

• How do you view the moral law? Is it a burden or a delight?