Law of Perfect Freedom: Relating to God and Others Through the Ten Commandments

by Michael Scott Horton

In The Law of Perfect Freedom, Michael Horton shows how the Ten Commandments must become a dynamic force for change in the life of the individual Christian and the Church as a whole.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1993

About the author

Dr. Horton has taught apologetics and theology at Westminster Seminary California since 1998. In addition to his work at the Seminary, he is the president of White Horse Inn, for which he co-hosts the White Horse Inn, a nationally syndicated, weekly radio talk-show exploring issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. He is also the editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine. Before coming to WSC, Dr. Horton completed a research fellowship at Yale University Divinity School. Dr. Horton is the author/editor of more than twenty books, including a series of studies in Reformed dogmatics published by Westminster John Knox.

Reviews

[Jethro Wall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stuff from Horton on the Ten Commandments.

With a lot of reference to the Reformers, catechisms and surveys, Horton brings some solid insights to the law. Although the book is quite American… so now and then he gets caught up in some uninteresting tangents (at least to me). However, with the breadth of the topics covered, there’s definitely a lot of gold, especially in regards to God’s concern with commandments always revolving around relationships.

“Biblical holiness is concerned with getting us to love God and neighbour in tangible acts of self-giving, not with entangling us in a web of worries and doubts over whether we have done our duty to a rule.”

[Nathan White · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I forgot to post this last month when I wrote a number of reviews of books on the 10 commandments)

Pros: enjoyable and easy read, clear law-gospel distinction, heavy reliance on the Reformed standards (Heidelberg primarily, but excellent use of Luther's catechism as well), insightful cultural analysis (even if dated, as this was published in 1993), very important separation of church and state (no theonomy).

Cons: the biggest disappointment here is his treatment of the 4th commandment. However, Horton's views on the Sabbath have changed significantly since then. So don't take this as his view --rather look to his more recent publications (and the White Horse Inn/Modern Reformation archives) for a must better, historically-reformed position.

[Andrew Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, pretty good. The comments are the first table are excellent. The comments on the second table are not bad, but they weren’t always particularly insightful or helpful for me. I appreciate that Horton strikes a good balance between personal and social application of the moral law. However, while I’m sympathetic to many of his views on the social application, he does more to state them than argue them, and probably accomplishes more to solicit agreement with those already inclined toward his views than he does to persuade those who hold opposing views. Again, the real value of this book for me was mostly in his comments on the first table of the law.

[Chad Grindstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and wonderfully helpful book. Amazing how presciently Horton wrote in 1993. It goes to show that the Scriptures do not change and we are to look to them rightly as our rule of faith and life. If you want to understand the ten commandments more clearly, I highly recommend this book.

[Anderson Paz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente análise sobre os dez mandamentos. Uma boa leitura para a compreensão da importância e das implicações do decálogo para os dias de hoje.

[Lauren Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible and thoughtful guide, and deep dive into the Ten Commandments. Throughly enjoyable read as I seek to teach my kiddos the 10 Commandments.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preparing classes for work recently ate up all my time so I just finally finished this Horton book. Horton is my favorite author but I have to admit this book wasn't exactly what I expected it to be and would even say it is not as good as his other books. However it is still a worthy read and there are a number of parts of it that I really enjoyed, learned from, and was encouraged by. My favorite chapter was his treatment of the commandment regarding the Sabbath. I also really enjoyed the last chapter where he explained how Romans 6,7, and 8 fit together in the subject of sanctification. This was really helpful and encouraging.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice introduction to the mainline reformed view of the law and gospel. It expands the 10 commandments to assure even the most self-righteous reader that he is a law breaker and then lays the gospel on good and thick to assure the conscience stricken sinner that he can be saved. This is a basic read, lacking in profundity but worth a read.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it really went after the heart attitudes & what is positively required by the commandments, not just forbidden. It was like a huge expansion on the Shorter Catechism. Unfortunately, he believes in the 9 commandments, greatly weakening this book (Lord's Day).

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful. Liberating. Takes some concentration.

[Matt Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for my Ethics class - Excellent - I'll return to this book - the best & most helpful explanation of the Ten Commandments.

[Jason Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big middle finger to those Romanistic Theonomists... ;-)

[Lewis Noles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book well worth reading. I really liked the exposition on the first four commandments.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT on every level!

[Scott Guillory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty helpful in understanding how the Christian should respond to the Ten Commandments today.

[Aaron]

Excellent treatment of the Reformed view of the moral law