The law of Christ refers to the commandments and teachings of Jesus Christ that his followers are called to obey. Christ himself summarized the law of Christ when he said “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40).
The core principles of the law of Christ are love for God and love for others. This goes beyond external rule following and gets to the heart motivation behind our actions. As Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
Some key aspects of living out the law of Christ include:
Loving God:
– Putting God first in our lives and loving him with our whole being (Matthew 22:37)
– Seeking an intimate relationship with God through prayer, reading Scripture, worship, etc. (John 15:4-5)
– Obeying God’s commands and living a holy life (John 14:15)
– Relying on and trusting in God fully (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Loving Others:
– Treating others with Christ-like love, compassion, kindness, patience, and forgiveness (1 John 4:7-12)
– Serving others, especially those in need (Matthew 25:35-40)
– Sharing the gospel with others (Matthew 28:19-20)
– Being united in fellowship with other believers (John 17:20-23)
Living by the Spirit:
– Walking by the Spirit and displaying His fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:16-25)
– Using our spiritual gifts to build up others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
– Being led by and keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)
Additional principles:
– Humility – considering others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4)
– Giving generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
– Submission to earthly authorities (Romans 13:1-7)
– Care and concern for the poor and needy (James 2:14-17)
– Living at peace with others (Romans 12:18)
– Being quick to forgive (Ephesians 4:32)
While we are not saved by good works but by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), our salvation results in a transformation that enables us to walk in newness of life and obey Christ’s commands. As Paul wrote, “He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). The law of Christ is the pattern for living that fulfills the two great commandments and brings glory to God. It centers on loving God and people through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Exploring key passages on the law of Christ:
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse teaches that bearing one another’s burdens fulfills the law of Christ. This refers to coming alongside others, helping them in times of need, and easing their loads. It reflects the second greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39).
1 Corinthians 9:21 – “To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.”
Paul clarifies that although he adapted his ministry approach to different cultures, he still operated under and obeyed Christ’s law. This shows Christ’s law is applicable and binding on all believers.
Romans 8:2 – “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
This verse contrasts two opposing laws – the law of sin/death and the law of the Spirit. The law of Christ is closely tied to the law of the Spirit which liberates us from sin’s power and condemnation.
James 1:25 – “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
The perfect law here is generally understood to refer to the law of Christ. As we look intently at His commands and obey them, it brings freedom and blessing.
Romans 3:27 – “Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith.”
This verse makes clear that the law of Christ is not based on works but on faith. We obey because of our faith in Christ, not to earn righteousness.
1 Corinthians 7:19 – “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.”
Paul is emphasizing that what matters is not external marks but keeping God’s commands, i.e. the law of Christ. This reflects the weight and importance of obedience.
Romans 13:8-10 – “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Paul explains that the law of Christ can be summarized as love, and that truly loving people fulfills God’s law. Love should be our aim and motivation in obeying Christ.
1 John 5:2-3 – “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”
John connects loving God with obeying His commands. He also notes that Christ’s commands are not heavy burdens when our motivation is love.
2 John 1:6 – “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”
Walking in obedience to Christ’s commands and walking in love are tied together. They go hand in hand in the Christ-centered life.
Matthew 28:20 – “…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Christ instructs his followers to teach others to obey all that He commanded. This shows the importance of obedience to the law of Christ.
John 14:21 – “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Jesus links obeying his commands with love for Him. This demonstrates love for Christ is a key aspect of obeying the law of Christ.
John 15:14 – “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Friendship with Christ is conditioned on obediently following His commands, reflecting the necessity of obeying the law of Christ.
The teachings of Paul and James on the law of Christ:
The apostles Paul and James focused extensively on the law of Christ in their letters. They provided significant insight and instruction on how to live out the law of Christ as followers of Jesus.
Paul on the Law of Christ:
– It is fulfilled by bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
– It involves serving one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
– It means carrying each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
– It is empowered by the Holy Spirit working in us (Romans 8:1-4).
– It is summarized as love (Romans 13:8-10).
– It is centered on faith in Christ (Romans 3:27).
– It values keeping God’s commands (1 Corinthians 7:19).
– It should be taught to others (Matthew 28:20).
Some key passages where Paul mentions the law of Christ include Romans 3:27, 8:2, 13:8-10, 1 Corinthians 9:21, and Galatians 6:2.
For Paul, the law of Christ is the pattern of life that fulfills the command to love God and neighbor. It is empowered by the Spirit and fulfilled when we serve one another in love. Paul emphasizes the centrality of faith and love in motivating obedience.
James on the Law of Christ:
– It gives freedom when obeyed (James 1:25, 2:12).
– It is the royal law of love (James 2:8).
– It convicts us when we stumble in one point (James 2:10).
– It will judge us (James 2:12).
– Obeying it proves our faith is genuine (James 2:14-26).
– It requires us to meet urgent needs (James 2:15-16).
– Obeying it makes our faith complete (James 2:22).
Key passages where James discusses the law of Christ include James 1:25, 2:8-13, 2:14-26.
James has a strong emphasis on obeying the law of Christ as evidence of living faith. He is very practical in relating the law of Christ to meeting needs, controlling our speech, and similar areas. For James, obedience is tied to authentic faith.
Both Paul and James see the law of Christ as central to following Jesus. It is the pattern for living that fulfills the two great commandments. They both root the law of Christ in love – for God and others. Their perspectives complement each other in providing a robust picture of the implications of the law of Christ.
Obeying the law of Christ in key areas of the Christian life:
The law of Christ has implications for every area of the Christian life. Some key aspects include:
1. Loving relationships – The law of Christ calls us to serve, honor, forgive, and esteem others above ourselves (John 13:34, Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 2:3).
2. Speech – It requires speaking truthfully, buildling others up, avoiding gossip, and praising God (Ephesians 4:25, 29, Psalm 19:14).
3. Finances – It instructs us to give generously, cheerfully, and based on ability (2 Corinthians 8-9).
4. Sexuality – The law of Christ calls us to purity, faithfulness in marriage, and avoiding sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
5. Work – We are to work diligently, act ethically, and work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
6. Church – We should be regularly connected to a church, using gifts to serve others, and submitted to leaders (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Peter 4:10-11).
7. Evangelism – We are called to share the gospel, defend the faith, and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
8. Civil government – We should submit to government, pray for leaders, and be good citizens (Romans 13:1-7).
9. Stewardship – Managing time, talents, treasures, and responsibilities faithfully and generously (1 Corinthians 4:2).
10. Mindset – Maintaining an attitude of humility, gratitude, and joy (Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
The law of Christ touches every sphere of life. As we yield to the Spirit, God’s love will flow through us to impact all our relationships and responsibilities.
How obeying the law of Christ shows our love for God:
1. Obedience shows we value God’s ways and honor His authority over our lives. Just as children obey parents out of honor and respect, we obey God because we respect His perfect wisdom and ways (Ephesians 6:1-3).
2. It demonstrates trust in God’s plans for our good. We can follow God’s commands even when we don’t understand the reasons because we trust His loving purpose for our lives (Proverbs 3:5-6).
3. Obedience is an expression of love and gratitude to God for all He has done for us, including sending His Son to die for our sins (John 14:15, 1 John 4:19).
4. It shows we align our priorities with God’s priorities and seek to glorify Him above all else (Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 10:31).
5. Faithful obedience is a channel for God’s blessings in our lives, which enables us to experience His goodness and joy (John 13:17).
6. Keeping God’s commands protects us from falling into sin and enables us to live holy lives that please and honor Him (Psalm 119:9-11).
7. Obedience demonstrates we are part of God’s family who earnestly desire to reflect our Father’s character (1 Peter 1:14-16).
When we obey the law of Christ from the heart, it shows supreme love for God over all else. Our motivation is to please, honor, glorify, and enjoy Him forever.
How obeying the law of Christ shows our love for others:
1. We serve others’ needs and build them up – this makes their lives better and shows our love (Galatians 5:13).
2. Keeping God’s commands protects others from harm that would be caused by our sinful behavior if we disobeyed (Romans 13:10).
3. It promotes harmony, mercy, honesty, and kindness in relationships when obeyed by all parties (Colossians 3:12-14).
4. Obedience frees us from self-focus so we can devote our time and resources to blessing others (Philippians 2:3-4).
5. The sacrificial love modeled by Christ becomes the pattern we imitate in serving and laying down our lives for others (John 15:12-13).
6. It creates a humble, loving community of faith where people are edified and God is glorified (1 Peter 3:8).
7. Living by the law of Christ witnesses to unbelievers of Christ’s love and the blessings of following Him (Matthew 5:16).
When we obey God from the heart, it unleashes His love to flow through us. This brings tremendous benefit to others and demonstrates Christ’s love in action.
In summary, the law of Christ calls us to live by the two greatest commandments – to love God and love others. This transforms our priorities, values, behaviors, and relationships as we obey Jesus’ commands empowered by the Spirit. The law of Christ fulfills the Old Testament law by getting to motivations of the heart, not just external actions. As we walk by the Spirit and obey Christ’s commands, it demonstrates our love for God and others in tangible ways. The law of Christ brings blessing to our lives and moves us to share the free gift of salvation with others.