By This Standard: The Authority of God's Law Today

Top Highlights

“Fundamental to the position taken herein is the conviction that God’s special revelation—His written word-is necessary as the objective standard of morality for God’s people. Over against the autonomous ethical philosophies of men, where good and evil are defined by sinful speculation, the Christian ethic gains its character and direction from the revealed word of God, a revelation which harmonizes with the general revelation made of God’s standards through the created order and man’s conscience.” (Pages 1–2)

“Obedience to God’s law is not the way a person gains justification in the eyes of God; salvation is not by meritorious works but rather by grace through faith. And while the law may be a pattern of holy living for sanctification, the law is not the dynamic power which enables obedience on the part of God’s people; rather, the Holy Spirit gives us new life and strength to keep God’s commands.” (Page 5)

“The goal of By This Standard was to provide laymen readers a synopsis of the great exegetical and ethical claims of its predecessor (Theonomy in Christian Ethics): that God’s law is a reflection of His character, that God’s character never changes, and consequently, his eternal expectations for His people never change.” (Page ix)

“Consequently, true Christian obedience to the law of God will take us beyond a concern for ourselves to a concern for the obedience of those around us. Churches which preach (either intentionally or by default) ‘moral individualism’ are failing to proclaim the whole counsel of God. The sins of our society cannot be ignored or swept under the church carpet.” (Page 25)