The 3Fold Use Of The Law

From time to time, I run into someone on the internet who thinks that the Sermon On The Mount applies mostly to individuals &/or churches but not to Governments. 

By way of reply…

Query:  Are you suggesting that Government has no business drafting laws touching on: 

  • Matt. 5:  Murder, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, & Civil Rights 

  • Matthew 6:  Investment & Giving practices of individuals and ecclesiastical & civil institutions; Religious Liberty (the freedom to pray, fast, & worship & live out the Lord’s Prayer, which is itself presented as a suzerain covenant); Property Rights aimed at preventing Gluttony;  Mutual Assistance related to Food, Drink, & Clothing / Shelter 
  • Matthew 7:  Unjust, Hypocritical, Bigoted Judges that have the potential to destroy Individuals, Families, Ecclesiastical Institutions, Communities, & Governments

In addition, the Sermon On the Mount is also in Romans: 


Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Romans 12:14 - 21)


The words that follow relate to Governing Authorities.   You ought to be able to deduce that Romans 12:14 - 12:21 stands in relation to Romans 13.   Government’s role is to positively regulate individual, ecclesiastical, & civil liberty in a manner that enables us to live out the Sermon On the Mount & fulfill both tables of the Law both individually & in aggregate/institutionally. 


Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  (Romans 13:8–10, ESV)


O LORD, Hear our prayer(s)!


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