Introduction to a new series… Today I begin a series on supreme law. The debate today among those who determine constitutionality of our laws is this: Is Constitution of United States highest law in land or is God’s law supreme. If God’s law is Sovereign over entire universe, then abortion is wrong because it terminates life that only God can give or take away. If God’s law is above all creation, then neither men nor governments may deny another man his “inalienable” rights to live with freedom and liberty. If God’s law is Chief, then no one may deny anyone right to praise, honor, and worship God. We are commanded by scripture (it isn’t optional) to “declare glory” of our God.

On other hand, if U.S. Constitution is highest law, then government—executive, legislative, or judicial—may deny or redefine life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness as they please. If people of America decide to redefine life, they may do so by vote. If Supreme Court of United States rules that prayer in schools or Ten Commandments is to be banned from all government facilities, then so be it. If U. S. Constitution is above God’s law, then voting Americans may rule for or nullify God’s law, with impunity.

You may be like me and see difficulty of choosing man’s law above God’s law. You may read this and disagree with me. That’s your right to do so. But who gives you and me right to disagree? Is it state or God? I want to ask you something. Which was first: law or man? You may be thinking what a silly question that is. You answer that man was first and then came law to govern man and protect him in his home and community. The question is answered, you may think.

Higher Law series Lesson one

“The Bible declares Highest Law”

Some of greatest discoveries in archeology have been ancient civilizations’ codes of law. For example Hammurabi, sixth king of Amorites, compiled and simplified a code of laws for his people about 1700 years before birth of Christ. This code of laws is known as Code of Hammurabi. The Mosaic Law of Israel, which came later, is not unlike Code of Hammurabi. Both systems of law provide moral, civil, and criminal codes for each respective civilization. There is, however, a significant difference between Code of Hammurabi and Mosaic Law. The difference makes Mosaic Law unique from all other codes of law. The Mosaic Law is monotheistic (one God) and given to Israel by God Himself. Because of this truth, Mosaic Law has been revered throughout Israel’s history as sacred and has helped sustain Israel as a Hebrew people to this very day. This feat alone is supernatural, considering Israel’s long history. (Scattered for 2000 years throughout all nations of earth, they returned to their nation in 1948 and remain there to this day.)

I believe that every ancient civilization that has ever existed on face of earth has either pledged to, or rejected some system of law. Why do I make this blanket statement? The Bible says that every man who has ever lived on earth has witnessed reality of God by seeing Him revealed in His orderly expanse. Every man born is born with a conscience that should guide him to God (Romans chapter one). I believe that law is good and ordained of God to protect, preserve, and propel civilizations forward. After all, history teaches us that great civilizations flourish when law, government, and enterprise are upheld.

What does Bible say about law and order? It says much. I want to share some scriptures with you that underscore necessity of rule of law in society. In Exodus 19: 5 we read, “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although whole earth is mine, (6) you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are words you are to speak to Israelites.” Here Lord tells Israel that they will be unique from all other nations if they revere Him. What I glean from this scripture is that any nation is unique to God if it willingly honors God. God is not a “respecter of persons.” He does not prefer one nation to another nation, either. What He does for one, He will do for anyone who meets His conditions.

Throughout Israel’s early history all crimes were crimes against God. Why was this true? It was true because God wanted to be Israel’s King forever and fight her battles for her (I Samuel 12:9-10). The day that Israel refused God as her King, because she wanted to be like other nations, is day she began to stumble, eventually falling into gentile captivity. God expected His people to follow His Law or suffer consequences. The consequences could be severe. God never overlooked wrongdoing because of His love for His people, but in love He punished “wrongdoer.” There is nothing wrong with “aversive conditioning” which is known in psychology as “classical conditioning”, use of punishment to deter bad behavior. Once again, upholding right and wrong by threat of punishment or promise of reward is not a bad thing. It sets guidelines; defines boundaries; it maintains order. The Bible says that God is not author of confusion. He is God of order. God is for law and order.

Also, Mosaic Law regarded all life as sacred, unlike other nations’ codes of law. The Bible declares that man is made in image and likeness of God. Man is highest rank of all God’s creation. The Bible says that Christians are ranked above angels in created order. Man is given a privileged position in creation’s rank and file; therefore, human life is especially precious to God. It should be special to man. Time does not allow me to cover everything Bible states regarding rule of law; however, I would like to conclude this study with some scriptures that speak to moral and civil laws. God’s moral laws are universal. It’s just as wrong to murder in America as it is to murder someone in England, France, Australia or anywhere else on this planet. It is never right.

Faith Fellowship Church…PO Box 1586…Broken Arrow, OK 74013…918-451-0270…Pastor Terry Dashner