Doctrine Matters: What Is the Law?

Podcast Information:

• Title: What Is the Law?
• Release Date: June 3, 2025
• Host: Kevin DeYoung, pastor at Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, North Carolina
• Produced by: Crossway

Introduction to the Law in Theological Context

In the episode titled "What Is the Law?", Kevin DeYoung explores the multifaceted role of the law within Christian theology, particularly through the lens of traditional Reformed and Baptist covenant theologies. The discussion delves into the historical and biblical foundations of the law, its divisions, and its applicability for believers today.

Key Points:

• The law serves to convict believers of unrighteousness and guide them towards righteous living.
• Importance of understanding the law's role in both the Old and New Testaments.
• Examination of traditional Reformed perspectives contrasted with emerging Baptist covenant theologies.

Understanding the Law's Purpose and Function

Conviction and Guidance: Kevin begins by highlighting the dual role of the law as both a convicting agent and a guide for righteous living. He references Paul's letters to illustrate how the law exposes sin while also providing a blueprint for ethical behavior.

Kevin DeYoung [01:11]: "The law is there to convict us of unrighteousness... it is the perfect rule of righteousness."

Third Use of the Law: Drawing from Calvin, Kevin explains the "third use of the law," which emphasizes the law's role in guiding the Christian's response to God's grace and forgiveness. This is evident in worship practices where the Ten Commandments may be read as a response post-confession.

Theologian 1 [01:35]: "The law is good and holy and there's a right way to use the law."

The Ten Commandments: A Unique Role

Distinctiveness of the Decalogue: Kevin emphasizes the unique position of the Ten Commandments within the Mosaic Law. Unlike other laws, the Decalogue was given directly by God's voice, inscribed by His finger on stone, and addressed to individuals rather than nations.

Theologian 1 [08:13]: "The Ten Commandments have a unique place... they are binding in a unique way."

Constitution and Case Law Analogy: He introduces the analogy of the Ten Commandments serving as a "constitution" with subsequent laws acting as "case law." This differentiation highlights the foundational ethical principles versus specific regulatory commands.

Theologian 1 [09:01]: "If the decalogue is the constitution, then the other commandments function as case law."

Divisions of the Law: Moral, Ceremonial, and Judicial

Tripartite Division: The discussion moves to the traditional Reformed tripartite division of the law into moral, ceremonial, and judicial categories, as articulated in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Theologian 1 [05:03]: "The law of Moses can be divided into three: moral law, ceremonial laws, and judicial laws."

Historical and Biblical Basis: Kevin counters critiques about the neatness of this division by citing historical theologians like Aquinas, Augustine, and Tertullian, who recognized variations within the Mosaic Law. He also points to biblical evidence in Deuteronomy that supports categorizing the laws based on their functions and applications.

Theologian 2 [07:04]: "If we're looking for neat and tidy, it is not there. And yet the division does have biblical warrant."

Law in Traditional Reformed vs. Baptist Covenant Theology

Traditional Reformed Covenant Theology: In traditional Reformed theology, all covenants from Abraham to Moses to David are seen as unified expressions of the one covenant of grace, culminating in the New Covenant established by Christ.

Theologian 1 [15:50]: "In traditional Reformed covenant theology... these are expressions from Abraham to Moses to David, these are expressions of the one covenant of grace."

Baptist Covenant Theology: Contrastingly, Baptist covenant theology, particularly as seen in the 1689 London Baptist Confession, views the Old Testament covenants as revelations pointing to the New Covenant, rather than direct administrations of God's redemptive plan. This perspective emphasizes that the covenant of grace is fully realized only in the New Covenant.

Theologian 1 [15:31]: "In Baptist theology, the various covenants of the Old Testament communicate the benefits of Christ... but the covenant of grace is only finally and truly administered in the New Covenant."

Progressive Covenantalism: Additionally, the episode touches on progressive covenantalism, a middle ground that rejects the strict divisions of both traditional Reformed and dispensationalist views, emphasizing a unified redemptive storyline without segregated covenant administrations.

Theologian 2 [16:53]: "Progressive covenantalism stresses that God has one unified plan in Scripture, revealed through a series of covenants."

Implications for Christian Living and Worship

Moral Law's Continued Relevance: Kevin underscores that the moral law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, remains fully binding for Christians. It serves as a direct expression of God's will and guides ethical behavior, pointing believers toward Christ.

Theologian 1 [12:26]: "These things now apply to us in a different way... the Ten Commandments, the moral law, binds in a unique way."

Transformation Through the New Covenant: The New Covenant transforms the believer's relationship with the law, not abolishing it but fulfilling its purpose through the work of Christ. This fulfillment invites genuine obedience and ethical living rooted in love and grace.

Theologian 2 [19:53]: "The New Covenant is like a grown-up dog, not a different animal altogether."

Conclusion: Harmonizing Tradition and Contemporary Thought

Kevin concludes by acknowledging the ongoing dialogue between traditional Reformed perspectives and newer covenantal theologies within the Christian community. He affirms the importance of maintaining the integrity of the moral law while engaging thoughtfully with diverse theological interpretations.

Kevin DeYoung [19:39]: "The nature of the covenant community... is related to whether the New Covenant is fundamentally something different or the same essential thing brought to fullness and completion."

Kevin encourages listeners to embrace a well-rounded understanding of the law, rooted in scripture and enriched by historical theological insights, to navigate contemporary theological landscapes effectively.

Final Thoughts: The episode "What Is the Law?" provides a comprehensive exploration of the law's role in Christian theology, balancing historical Reformed doctrines with emerging Baptist perspectives. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, Kevin DeYoung equips listeners to appreciate the law's enduring significance and its transformative power in the life of believers.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin DeYoung [01:11]: "The law is there to convict us of unrighteousness... it is the perfect rule of righteousness."
• Theologian 1 [05:03]: "The law of Moses can be divided into three: moral law, ceremonial laws, and judicial laws."
• Theologian 1 [12:26]: "The Ten Commandments, the moral law, binds in a unique way."
• Theologian 2 [19:53]: "The New Covenant is like a grown-up dog, not a different animal altogether."

Further Resources: Listeners interested in delving deeper into this week's doctrine can refer to Kevin DeYoung's year-long mini systematic theology book, Daily Doctrine, available in print or audio from Crossway.org. For more insightful discussions, subscribing to the Doctrine Matters podcast is highly recommended.