Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 03:1 (Mar 2007)
Article: The Moral Law from a Christ-centered Perspective: A Canonical and Integrative Approach
Author: Daniel T. Lioy

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Conspectus 3:1 (March 2007) p. 54

The Moral Law from a Christ-centered Perspective:
A Canonical and Integrative Approach

Dan Lioy1

Abstract2

This essay uses a canonical and integrative approach to examine the nature of the moral law from a Christ-centered perspective. The writer affirms that the Messiah, as the divine, incarnate Torah (John 1:1, 14, 16–18), fulfilled the law by carrying out its ethical injunctions, showing forth its true spiritual meaning, and bringing all that it stood for prophetically to completion (Matt 5:17). The Redeemer is the culmination (that is, the destination, goal, outcome, and fulfillment) of the law for believers (Rom 10:4) and the realization of the law’s types, prophecies, and expectations (Heb 1:1–4; 8:8–8, 13). While His death and resurrection put an end to the administrative and ritual aspects of the law, its universal moral absolutes remain authoritative and applicable for His followers (Jas 1:19–20, 22–27; 2:8–27). The foremost way they heed the moral law is by showing unconditional, Christlike love to others (Rom 13:8–10; Jas 2:8).

Conspectus 3:1 (March 2007) p. 55

1. The Intent of This Essay

The intent of this essay is to examine the nature of the moral law from a Christ-centered perspective and to do so in a canonical and integrative manner. It builds on the findings and conclusions presented in my monograph dealing with the relationship between the Decalogue and the Sermon on the Mount (Lioy 2004). In that study, I maintained that God’s universal ethical absolutes were applicable for the church today. In the last chapter, I noted some areas for further research. This included how Matthew 5:17–20 interlaced with other pivotal texts (for instance, Romans 10:4 and the Book of Hebrews) regarding the continuing applicability of the moral law. The latter part of this essay investigates these matters further, along with exploring other relevant portions of the New Testament, but before that is done, a founda...

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