Chapter 81 - Practice of Law

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Despite the clear warning in the New Testament, the church today frequently subjects itself to the rule and practice 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 originated from historic Roman Catholicism. Therefore, its practice was not founded on the leading of God but an amalgam of ancient civic custom and pagan belief interspersed with biblical teaching that was largely 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 leading of 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.

Partial Reformation

In the sixteenth century, God inspired many of His people to protest against 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 Roman Catholic Church doctrine, it did not fulfill the reformation of Roman Catholic 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 historic precedent and ignorance, 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 “gospel of the grace of God” and the ministry of the indwelling “Spirit of life” (zoe). (Acts 20:24; Romans 8:1-17) It is described by the Apostle Paul as a ministry of death and condemnation. (2 Corinthians 3:7, 9) He further clarified that the church, in subjection to the rule of law, can only produce “fruit for death.” (Romans 7:5) Therefore, it can only lead to one outcome; wretchedness or misery. (Romans 7:24)

Church practice characterized by legalism demonstrates ignorance about the rule of law. Biblically speaking, God did not establish the rule of law (law of sin and of death) on earth for the church. Instead, He implemented for the benefit of the unrighteous, “…those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:9)

For the benefit of the fallen, the rule of law (law of sin and of death) was designed to fulfill the one function for which it was created. God enacted it to reveal sin and produce accountability to Him. (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 distinct practice of the eternal, organic New Testament church. It can only produce an appearance of godliness without the power of divine life (zoe). (cf. 2 Timothy 3:5)

© 2023 James Hiatt

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