TWO KINDS OF LAW

Frederick Buechner writes, “There are basically two kinds of law: (1) law as the way things ought to be, and (2) law as the way things are. An example of the first is “No Trespassing.” An example of the second is the law of gravity.

God’s law has traditionally been spelled out in terms of category #1, a compendium of do’s and don’ts. These do’s and don’ts are the work of moralists and when obeyed, serve the useful purpose of keeping us from each other’s throats. They can’t make us human, but they can keep us honest.

God’s law in itself, however, comes under category #2 and is the work of God. It has been stated in seven words; “Whoever does not love abides in death” (1 John 3:14). Like it or not, that’s how it is. If you don’t believe it, you can always put it to the test just the way if you don’t believe the law of gravity, you can always step out of a tenth-story window.”

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” Jesus