Key laws will be emphasized with bold text.


 

Justice and Courts (Moral / Civil)

197. To appoint judges and leaders (Deut. 16:18; Titus 1:5).

198. Not to appoint unqualified judges (Deut. 1:17; Titus 1:7–9).

199. To judge fairly in all disputes (Lev. 19:15; John 7:24).

200. Not to show partiality (Lev. 19:15; James 2:1).

201. Not to take bribes (Ex. 23:8; Eph. 5:5).

202. Not to fear man in judgment (Deut. 1:17; Acts 5:29).

203. Not to pervert justice for the poor or great (Ex. 23:3; Lev. 19:15; James 2:2–4).

204. Not to pervert justice due the foreigner, widow, or orphan (Deut. 24:17; James 1:27).

  • In the church today, godly discernment and judgment requires putting only qualified people in places of ministry leadership – those who will bring biblical correction and speak the truth of the Word to people without fear, and without watering down the truth to be “nicer” to someone just because they're either poor or powerful. In other words, speak the full truth no matter who you're speaking to. Also, leaders must show a heart to help all kinds of people, refusing to neglect certain people just because they're “unpopular” or outsiders.

205. To require truthful witnesses (Lev. 5:1; Matt. 18:16).

206. Not to bear false witness (Ex. 20:16; Col. 3:9).

207. Not to accept one witness alone (Deut. 19:15; 2 Cor. 13:1).

208. To examine witnesses carefully (Deut. 13:14).

209. To follow majority judgment (Ex. 23:2).

 

210. To go to spiritual authorities for judgment and to submit to them (Deut. 17:8-13; Heb. 13:17).

Injuries and Protection of Life (Moral / Civil)

211. To build safeguards (like a parapet) to prevent harm (Deut. 22:8; Phil. 2:4).

212. Not to leave hazards that may cause injury (Deut. 22:8; Rom. 14:13).

213. To protect the innocent from harm (Deut. 25:11–12; John 15:13).

  • These laws points to the simple principle to do everything with consideration for how others may be affected. Look out for the wellbeing of others in your actions, and you will make good decisions.

Property and Honesty (Moral / Civil)

214. Not to steal (Lev. 19:11; Eph. 4:28).

215. Not to lie or deny another’s property (Lev. 19:11; Col. 3:9).

216. To restore stolen goods (Lev. 5:23; Luke 19:8).

217. To return lost property (Deut. 22:1; Luke 6:31).

218. Not to ignore lost property (Deut. 22:3).

219. Not to move property boundaries (Deut. 19:14; Prov. 22:28).

  • The New Testament adds a layer. Not only should we not steal, but we should work hard enough to have an excess to give to others. In working to repent from sin, don't only think about what actions are sinful, but what actions will please God and prevent sin before temptation even starts. In other words, replace sinful habits with the opposite good habits.

Criminal Laws (Moral)

220. Not to murder (Ex. 20:13; Matt. 5:21–22).

221. Not to kidnap (Ex. 21:16; 1 Tim. 1:10).

222. Not to rob or defraud/cheat your neighbor (Lev. 19:13; 1 Thess. 4:6).

  • To “defraud” is to deprive or rob something from someone through trickery or deceit. The Greek word for “defraud” in 1 Thess. 4 means, “out of covetousness, to overreach someone for personal gain.” Whenever we overlook someone else's wellbeing in order to please ourselves, or when we view others as an object to be used for personal gain or pleasure, we defraud them. Paul explains that sexual immorality is a way that we “defraud” a brother. Adultery and sexual immorality are indeed a form of “cheating” and robbing from a person – stealing someone's purity, stealing their security, and violating marriage rights. As such, the following laws protect us from this...

223. Not to covet (Ex. 20:17; Luke 12:15).

224. Not to follow sinful desires (Num. 15:39; Gal. 5:16).

Punishment and Restitution (Civil with Moral Principles)

225. To require justice and restitution for wrongdoing (Ex. 21–22; Luke 19:8).

226. Not to execute without due process (Num. 35:12; John 7:51).

227. Not to accept ransom for murder (Num. 35:31; Rom. 6:23).

228. To provide refuge for accidental harm (Num. 35:25; Rev. 2:21).

229. Not to punish the innocent or coerced (Deut. 22:26; Luke 23:41).

230. To punish justly but not excessively (Deut. 25:3; 2 Cor. 2:6–8).

231. To judge false witnesses accordingly (Deut. 19:19; Prov. 19:5).

  • Executing judgment, in the church today, usually looks like discerning how to bring correction and/or resolve conflicts and problems in a community. 

    • 1. Determine needed corrections for others only after great care to understanding a situation and understanding what the Word says about it.

    • 2. Where there are conflicts, and correction has been brought, be patient with the time it takes for people to find peace with those they formerly had ill feelings towards. Time does heal almost all wounds.

    • 3. Where correction is brought, even when harsh, make sure to have grace and love in your heart, desiring to restore and heal people, not merely to judge.