Chapter 81 - Practice of Law

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Despite the clear warning throughout the New Testament, the majority of the church has historically chosen to subject itself to the rule of law. Its inclination to practice law is not derived from Scripture but historic precedent. (cf. Galatians 5:16-17)

Rather than prescribed by Scripture, the inclination of the modern church to subject itself to the bondage and futility of law was mostly inspired by the fallen nature of mankind and scriptural ignorance. However, the historic influence of the practice of Roman Catholicism also served a significant role. Thus, the choice to subject the church to the rule of law was not founded on the leading of God, but fallen human nature encouraged by an amalgam of ancient civic custom and pagan belief interspersed with biblical teaching removed from its context.

The law-based practice of the early Roman Catholic Church was quite different from the life-based practice of the New Testament church. Its “Mass” or church service was not derived from the risen, indwelling Savior; apostolic teaching and tradition; and dependent, faithful prayer but the traditions of religious men.

The early Roman Catholic Church ignorantly replaced the life-based practice of the New Testament church with the legalistic practice of organized religion. It was characterized by religious people congregating in a religious building for a religious “service.” Under the rule of law, its religious “Mass” or “service” and consequent religious “ministry” was directed by a religious liturgy under the legalistic tutelage of a religious leader. Thus, it was lifeless (zoe).

Partial Reformation

In the sixteenth century, God inspired many of His people to protest the religious, legalistic practice of Roman Catholicism. However, the “Protestant Reformation” did not entail a complete reformation of the church. While it led to the reformation of church doctrine, it did not fulfill the reformation of church practice. Therefore, the practice of the “protestant” church after the Protestant Reformation remained similar to the ancient practice of the Roman Catholic Church.

After its partial reformation, Protestant church practice retained the fundamental law-based organizational structure of impersonal large group meetings in civic buildings. Thus, the protestant “Mass” or “service” continued to be characterized by a legalistic, religious liturgy, organized choir, paid priestly headship (in the form of a pastor), pulpit, lecture-style sermons, pews, the distinction between clergy and laity, etc.

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Practice of Law

Due to ignorance and historic precedent, the modern church often chooses to remain under the old rule of law (law of sin and of death). Consequently, it attempts to live and serve God under the bondage of law rather than resting in the freedom and graciousness of His indwelling life (zoe).

The choice to remain in bondage to the rule of law is contrary to the eternal plan of God. (Acts 20:24; Romans 8:1-17) For that reason, the Apostle Paul described the rule of law as a ministry of death and condemnation. (2 Corinthians 3:7, 9) He indicated that the church, in subjection to the rule of law can only produce “fruit for death.” (Romans 7:5) As a result, it only has one outcome; wretchedness or misery. (Romans 7:24)

Church practice characterized by legalism demonstrates ignorance regarding the purpose of the rule of law. The Bible clarifies that God did not establish the rule of law (law of sin and of death) on earth for the church. He enacted it for the benefit of the unrighteous, “…those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:9)

The rule of law (law of sin and of death) was established for benefit of the fallen for one fundamental reason. It serves to reveal sin and thereby, produce accountability to God. (Romans 3:20; 4:15; 7:5, 7; 13)

Church practice in subjection to the rule of law (law of sin and of death) is antithetical to the practice of the eternal, organic New Testament church. It produces an appearance of godliness but without the power of divine life (zoe). (cf. 2 Timothy 3:5)

© 2023 James Hiatt

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