I. What is the law in general?

The term law (lex) is derived from lego, which means to read, to publish; or from lego, which means to choose. The Hebrew Thorah, which means doctrine, agrees with the former derivation of the term; because laws are published in order that every one may read and learn them. It is for this reason that ignorance of the law does not excuse anyone. Yea, those who are ignorant of the laws which have respect to them, sin in that they are ignorant. The Greek nomoj, which comes from a word that means to distribute, to divide, agrees with the latter derivation of the term law; because the law imposes particular duties upon everyone.

Law now, in general, is a rule, or precept, commanding things honest and just, requiring obedience from creatures endowed with reason, with a promise of reward in case of obedience, and with a threatening of punishment in case of disobedience. It is a rule, or precept, commanding things honest and just, otherwise it is no law. Requiring obedience from creatures endowed with reason: the law was not made for those who are not bound to obedience. With a promise of reward in case of obedience; the law graciously promises blessings to those who perform acceptable obedience; because no obedience can be meritorious in the sight of God. Obj. But the gospel also promises blessings freely. Therefore the law does not differ from the gospel. Ans. The law promises freely in one respect, and the gospel in another. The law promises freely upon the condition of obedience on our part; the gospel, on the other hand, promises freely without the works of the law. The gospel does not, indeed promise blessings freely, independent of any condition whatever; but only without such a condition as that which the law lays down. And with a threatening of punishment in case of disobedience; otherwise the law would be an empty sound, and of no effect. Plato says: “The law is a right form of government, which is directed to the best end, by means that are adapted thereto, threatening punishment upon transgressors, and promising rewards to the obedient. The term law is also frequently improperly used to designate the course, and order which God has established in nature. In this sense the law, meaning the order of nature, requires that fruit be produced by a tree. And Paul still more improperly calls original sin, the law of sin, because as a law it leads us to the commission of sin.