Understanding the law of God in the context of covenant is crucial if we are to appreciate the purpose of the law and its ongoing relevance today. The people of Israel were already God’s covenant people when they received the law; the law was not given that they might become God’s people on the basis of obedience. They were to live by faith, and obedience was to flow out of their faith toward God. The law was given to teach the people what God requires and how they ought to live. It was a good and gracious thing for God to give his laws to his people, that they might understand who he is and
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