LogosAI
Loading account

Question 89 of 118

What then is the purpose of the law since the fall?

The purpose of the law, since, the fall, is to reveal the perfect righteousness of God, that His people may know his will for their lives and the ungodly, being convicted of their sin, may be restrained therein and brought to Christ for salvation.

Scripture proofs

  • Psalm 19:7-11

    The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple. The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.

  • Romans 3:20

    Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

  • Romans 3:31

    Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.

  • Romans 7:7

    What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn’t have known sin except through the law. For I wouldn’t have known coveting unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”

  • Romans 12:2

    Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Titus 2:12-14

    instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

  • Galatians 3:22

    But the Scripture imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

  • Galatians 3:24

    So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

  • 1 Timothy 1:8

    But we know that the law is good if a person uses it lawfully,

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).

Ask about this questionSee it in the full catechism

More on the law and the ten commandments