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Dear bro. Turner:
Please discuss the meaning of the
"moral" law. HT
Reply:
 The
term "moral" is evidently undergoing some changes —
at least in the minds of brethren — so much so that without
adequate definition many discussions are ambiguous. The term is
not used in the Bible (in any version I have seen) although
there are passages which seem to refer to that which is
"right" by its nature.
Webster
defines "moral" as “springing from, or pertaining
to, man's natural sense or reasoned judgement of what is right
or proper." Thus morals exist among people who have had no
access to revelation, but their standards of morality will vary
according to the people who develop them. These standards,
enforced individually by the conscience, and upon the society by
regulations self-imposed, make "moral law," apart from
revelation.
But
when we consider the laws of God (i.e., God's revealed will) we
must carry our definition of "morals" much further.
Divine regulations have to do with man's conduct in society as
well as in his relation to God. It is inevitable that God's
regulations will overlap, and perhaps even duplicate laws of
such a nature as man has or would make for himself — without
revelation. (Ex.: murder, theft, etc) Thus some revealed (Bible)
laws may be classified as moral" in nature, and yet occupy
a different position from that of morals of society. When God
gives a "moral" regulation the source of that
law is such
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as to put it above human judgement. Changes in the customs
and practices of men cannot affect God's laws. They remain as
given unless or until He sees fit to alter or remove them.
Division
of God's laws into "moral" and "positive"
(while serving some good in study) is a man-made distinction,
and must not be used as a rule for judging any of God's laws.
(Heb. 4:11-12)
Space
forbids a study of Rom. l: ff. Here, but please note that the
basic sin of the Gentiles ("without law") was their
refusal to recognize and respond to the information God made
known to them in creation — ("things that are made")
namely: (1) God's eternal power; and (2) His Godhead, or
Divinity — Deityship. Because they "glorified Him not as
God, neither were thankful" (Rom. 1:21) He "gave them
up" to immoralities. (1:24,26,28)
Apparently
God expected these Gentiles to (1) recognize the existence of a
Creator; (2) accept this Creator as something more than man —
worthy of worship and service — and (3) within the imposing
boundaries of such a conception, to live discreet, moral
("by nature" "conscience" 2:14-f.) lives,
until the time came to further reveal unto them His will.
We
are in deep water here (let us hope we do not confuse
"muddy" water with depth) and it is wise to move with
caution. I fear that some have jumped boldly into discussions of
the "moral law" without making adequate preparations.
Personally, I feel my inadequacy on this great subject.
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