87 – Universal Condemnation
UNIVERSAL CONDEMNATION
§ 87. The natural Law, also the Sinaitic Decalogue1 as far as it concerns all mankind and is but a codification of the original moral Law,2 is condemnatory of the natural state and the conduct of every man,3 notwithstanding the remnant of free will by which man in his depraved state is in a measure capable of a certain outward conformity with some of the Law’s demands, viz. of performing the materiale of some of the works prescribed and of omitting some outward acts prohibited by the Law;4 for the justification obtained by the application of a part only of the moral rule5 is so far from being a real justification,6 that it is rather but another proof of the depth of human depravity, which by the false application of a moral rule pronounces him righteous whom a proper application of that rule must utterly condemn.7
1. The natural Law, also the Sinaitic Decalogue
Deuteronomy 4:13 And He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone.
Exodus 34:28 And He wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5, Matthew 5:17–48, Matthew 22:37–40, Romans 13:9.
2. as far as it concerns all mankind and is but a codification of the original moral Law,
Romans 2:14–15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the Law, do by nature the things contained in the Law, these, having not the Law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts.
Romans 5:20 Moreover the Law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the Law: for I had not known lust, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Matthew 5:17, 21–22 Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (21–22) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5:27–28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
3. is condemnatory of the natural state and the conduct of every man,
4. notwithstanding the remnant of free will by which man in his depraved state is in a measure capable of a certain outward conformity with some of the Law’s demands, viz. of performing the materiale of some of the works prescribed and of omitting some outward acts prohibited by the Law;
Cf. Romans 2:14 See above sub 2.
Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Matthew 19:18–20 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
5. for the justification obtained by the application of a part only of the moral rule
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Matthew 5:21, 22, 27–28. See above sub 2.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
6. is so far from being a real justification,
I Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
7. that it is rather but another proof of the depth of human depravity, which by the false application of a moral rule pronounces him righteous whom a proper application of that rule must utterly condemn.
Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Luke 18:11 See above sub 5.
Matthew 5:20, 26 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (26) Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.