How Does God's Law Apply to Me? (Crucial Questions)

by R.C. Sproul

Therefore, when people argue over whether adultery, theft, and murder are wrong, they know in their hearts that such things are wrong. They are simply trying to quell their own consciences in order to live according to their passions.

Our conscious

First, the law functions as a mirror; second, it functions as a restraint; and third, which Calvin saw as the most important, the law functions as a revealer.

Function of the law

we can use a mirror to tell us whether there’s dirt on our faces, but how can we tell if there’s a stain upon our souls? There is no mirror bright enough to penetrate to the core of our character. If we want to see an accurate reflection of our moral character, we need a mirror far more powerful than the ones we usually look into, and that mirror is the law of God.

Mirror into our soul

Without laws restricting certain behaviors, evil would abound more.

Legislation of the law

If the only reason we obey the law is out of fear of punishment or dread of the consequences, and not because our hearts are inclined to please God, we are no better in the sight of God than the person who, with reckless abandon, violates His standards and His law.

Fear of punishment