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Name several biblical examples in which God graciously blessed a person's or nation's outward repentance and obedience. What lesson can we learn from this? |
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a Mediator.
- Galatians 3:19
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
- Romans 3:19-20
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
- Psalm 19:7
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.
- Psalm 119: 1-2
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A. In the lives of unbelievers (the unregenerate) - | |
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1. Testify of God; of moral right and wrong |
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2. Restrain sin and promote the common good | |
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3. Judge and condemn the unrepentant sinner | |
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B. In the lives of true believers (the regenerate) - | |
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1. Convict the soul of its misery |
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2. Increase the soul's need and esteem for deliverance through Christ | |
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3. Direct the soul in thankfulness as an ongoing rule for daily living | |
In the lives of the unsaved, the law testifies of God. It proclaim the truth of a Law-giver to whom all people are accountable; it teaches of moral right and wrong. The law also restrains sin and promotes the common good. This is accomplished through teaching both the penalties for disobedience and the blessings upon obedience. These blessings are not saving, but blessings of God's common grace. The person, family, or country that only outwardly obeys God's law receives many precious outward, temporal blessings. As with all God's blessings, however, if the person remains unrepentant and unbelieving under them, then the law shall judge and condemn them.
Imagine the following two scenes regarding runaway cars full of people heading down a long, steep hill.
One vehicle has no brakes at all. Its brakes have given out totally. It is rapidly increasing speed as it travels down the long incline. The driver grips the steering wheel and presses the brake pedal to the floor with all his might, but it does nothing. The car continually races faster toward the sharp curve at the base of the hill.
Later, the second vehicle descends the same hill. While the driver cannot stop his car, his brakes do hold somewhat. They are not working properly, but even with his faulty brakes, he can slow the speed of his vehicle.
