288.在圣言中，经上经常提及“律法”。有必要解释一下“律法”的严格意义、广泛意义和最广泛的意义分别是什么。严格来说，律法是指十诫，广泛意义来说，是指摩西颁给以色列人的律例，最广泛的意义来说，是指整部圣言。众所周知，严格来说，律法是指十诫。广泛来说，律法是指摩西颁给以色列人的条例。这一点从从具体条例明显看出来，其中每一条在出埃及记中都被称为一条“律法”，如利未记：
这是赎愆祭的条例。（利未记7:1）
这是平安祭的条例。（利未记7:7，11）
这是素祭的条例。（利未记6:14）
这是燔祭、素祭、赎罪祭、赎愆祭和平安祭的条例。（利未记7:37）这是走兽和飞鸟的条例。（利未记11:46）
这条例是为生育的妇人，无论是生男生女。（利未记12:7）
这是大麻风的条例。（利未记13:59；14:2，32，54，57）
这是患漏症和梦遗之人的条例。（利未记15:32）
这是疑恨的条例。（民数记5:29，30）
这是拿细耳人的条例。（民数记6:13，21）
这是洁净的条例。（民数记19:14）
关于红母牛的条例。（民数记19:2）
有关立王的条例。（申命记17:15－19）
事实上，整个摩西五经被称为律法（申命记31:9，11，12，26；以及新约，如路加福音2:22；24:44；约翰福音1:45；7:22，23；8:5等）。
保罗所说的遵行律法就是指这些条例，在那里他说，人称义是因着信，不在乎遵行律法（罗马书3:28）。这一点从接下来的内容很明显地看出来，如他对彼得所说的话，他责备彼得犹太化（加拉太书3:11－19），当时他在一节中三次说：没有一人因行律法称义（加拉太书2:14，16）。最广泛来说，律法是指整部圣言。这一点从以下经文明显看出来：
耶稣说，你们的律法上岂不是写着，你们是神吗？（约翰福音10:34）
这话在诗篇（82:6）也说过。
众人回答说，我们听见律法上有话说，基督是永存的。（约翰福音12:34）
这话在诗篇（89:29；110:4）、但以理书（7:14）也说过。
这要应验他们律法上所写的话，他们无故地恨我。（约翰福音15:25）
这话在诗篇（35:19）也说过。
法利赛人说，官长岂有信他的呢？但这些不明白律法的百姓……（约翰福音7:48，49）
天地废去较比律法的一点一画落空还容易。（路加福音16:17）
在上述经文中，律法均表示整部圣经。大卫诗篇中还有上千条经文。
288. 聖言中常提到"律法"一詞。我想有必要解釋一下"律法"的各層含義:狹義,廣義,最廣義。狹義的意思是指十誡, 廣義的意思是指摩西頒給以色列百姓當守的法規典章條例, 更廣義的意思是指聖言的全部。
人們知道, 狹義而言, "律法"指十誡。
廣義的意思是指摩西頒給以色列百姓當守的法規典章條例。這可從『出埃及記』中所列舉的各個條例明顯看出, 在那裡意思都是"律法"(儘管被譯為"條例", 其實是"law", 即"律法"或"法律"), 舉例說明:
贖愆祭的條例乃是如此(利未記7:1)。
素祭的條例乃是這樣(利未記6:14) 。
這就是燔祭,素祭,贖罪祭,贖愆祭, 和平安祭的條例(利未記7:37)。
這是走獸,飛鳥, 和水中遊動的活物, 並地上爬物的條例(利未記11:46)。
這條例是為生育的婦人, 無論是生男生女(利未記12:7)。
這是大麻瘋的條例(利未記13:59; 14:2, 32, 54, 57)。
這是患漏症和夢遺而不潔淨的條例(利未記15:32)。
這是關於猜忌的條例(民數記5:29-30)。
人死在帳棚裡的條例乃是這樣(民數記19:14)。
這是王讀的律法(申命記17:15-19)。
摩西所寫的舊約部分被稱為"律法"(申命記31:9, 11-12, 26)。在新約中也這被稱為"律法"(路加福音2:22; 24:44;約翰福音1:45; 7:22-23; 8:5以及其它地方)。
保羅說的"遵行律法"就是指上述的條例, 在『羅馬書』中他說人稱義是因著信, 不在乎遵行律法(羅馬書3:28), 從上下文很明顯看出就是指這層意思的律法。保羅責備彼得也是因彼得將猶太律法形式化(Galatians 3:11-19)。他還三次說:沒有一個人因行律法稱義(加拉太書2:14, 16)。更廣義的意思是指聖言的全部。這可從下面的章節看出:耶穌說:"你們的律法上豈不是寫著'我曾說你們是神'嗎？"(約翰福音10:34,指的是詩篇82:6)。眾人回答說:"你們聽見律法上有話說, 基督永存的, 你怎麼說'人子必須被舉起來'呢？這人子是誰呢？"(約翰福音12:34, John 12: 指的是詩篇89:29; 110:4;但以理書7:14)。這要應驗他們律法上所寫的話:"他們無故地恨我"(約翰福音15:25,指的是詩篇35:19)。法利賽人說:"官長有信他的嗎？但這些不明白律法的百姓是被咒詛的"(約翰福音7:48-49) 。天地廢去較比律法的一點一畫落空還容易(路加福音16:17)。在以上這些章節中, "律法"都表示全部的聖言。在大衛的『詩篇』中有許許多多類似的描述。
288. The Word often mentions "the law. " I will now say what that means in a narrow sense, in a broader sense, and in the broadest sense. In a narrow sense, "the law" means the Ten Commandments. In a broader sense, "the law" means the rules that Moses gave to the children of Israel. In the broadest sense, "the law" means the entire Word.
People know that in a narrow sense "the law" means the Ten Commandments.
In a broader sense, "the law" means the rules that Moses gave to the children of Israel. This becomes clear from the individual rules laid out in Exodus - they are called "the law:"
This is the law of the trespass offering. (Leviticus 7:1)
This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings. (Leviticus 7:11)
This is the law of the grain offering. (Leviticus 6:14 and following)
This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sacrifices for sin and guilt, and the consecrations. (Leviticus 7:37)
This is the law of the animals and the birds. (Leviticus 11:46 and following)
This is the law for a woman who has given birth to a son or a daughter. (Leviticus 12:7)
This is the law of leprosy. (Leviticus 13:59; 14:2, 32, 54, 57)
This is the law for someone who has a discharge. (Leviticus 15:32)
This is the law of jealousy. (Numbers 5:29-30)
This is the law of the Nazirite. (Numbers 6:13, 21)
This is the law of cleansing. (Numbers 19:14)
This is the law of the red heifer. (Numbers 19:2)
[This is] the law for a king. (Deuteronomy 17:15-19)
In fact, the entire five books of Moses are called "the Law" (Deuteronomy 31:9, 11-12, 26). They are called this in the New Testament as well (Luke 2:22; 24:44; John 1:45; 7:22-23; 8:5; and elsewhere).
When Paul says, "We are justified by faith apart from the works of the Law" (Romans 3:28), by "the works of the Law" he means the rules just mentioned. This is clear from the words that follow this passage in Romans, as well as from Paul's words to Peter chiding him for making others follow Jewish religious practices. In the latter context, Paul says three times in one verse, "No one is justified by the works of the Law" (Galatians 2:14, 16).
In the broadest sense, "the law" means the entire Word. This is clear from the following passages: "Jesus said, 'Is it not written in your law, You are gods?'" (John 10:34, referring to something written in Psalms 82:6). "The crowd answered, 'We have heard from the law that Christ remains forever'" (John 12:34, referring to something written in Psalms 89:29; 110:4; and Daniel 7:14). "This was to fulfill the Word that was written in their law, 'They hated me for no reason'" (John 15:25, referring to something written in Psalms 35:19). "The Pharisees said, 'Do any of the rulers believe in him? But the crowd does, who do not know the law'" (John 7:48-49). "It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the tip of one letter of the law to fall" (Luke 16:17). In these passages, "the law" means the entire Sacred Scripture. There are a thousand passages like this in [the Psalms of] David.
288. The law is frequently mentioned in the Word. I must state what the law means in the strict sense, what in a wider sense, and what in the widest sense. In the strict sense the law means the Ten Commandments; in a wider sense the rules given by Moses to the Children of Israel, and in the widest sense the whole Word.
It is well known that the law in the strict sense means the Ten Commandments. The law in a wider sense means the rules given by Moses to the Children of Israel, as is evident from the individual rules in Leviticus each being called a law:
This is the law of the sacrifice, Leviticus 7:1.
This is the law of the sacrifice for making one's peace, Leviticus 7:7, 11.
This is the law of the grain-offering, Leviticus 6:14ff
This is the law of the burnt-offering, the grain-offering, the sin-sacrifice and the guilt-sacrifice, and the completions, Leviticus 7:37.
This is the law of beast and bird, Leviticus 11:46-47.
This is the law of the woman who gives birth to a son or a daughter, Leviticus 12:7.
This is the law of leprosy, Leviticus 13:59; 14:2, 32, 54, 57 This is the law of the person with a discharge, Leviticus 15:32.
This is the law of jealousy, Numbers 5:29-30.
This is the law of the Nazirite, Numbers 6:13, 21.
This is the law of cleansing, Numbers 19:14.
This is the law concerning the red cow, Numbers 19:2.
The law for the king, Deuteronomy 17:15-19.
In fact the whole book of Moses 1 is called the law (Deuteronomy 31:9, 11-12, 26; also in the New Testament, as Luke 2:22; 24:44; John 1:45; 7:22-23; 8:5; and elsewhere).
[2] The context plainly shows that these rules were what Paul meant by 'the deeds prescribed by the law', when he says that man is justified by faith without the deeds prescribed by the law (Romans 3:28). The same is shown by his words to Peter, whom he criticised for behaving like the Jews, when he says three times in one verse that no one is justified by the deeds prescribed by the law (Galatians 2:14, 16).
The law in its widest sense means the whole of the Word, as is plain from these passages:
Jesus said, Is it not written in your law, you are gods? John 10:34.
This is said in Psalms 82:6.
The crowd answered, We have heard from the law that the Christ remains for ever, John 12:34.
This is said in Psalms 89:29; Psalms 110:4; Daniel 7:14.
That the word should be fulfilled which is written in their law, They hated me without cause. John
This is said in Psalms 35:19.
The Pharisees said, Have any of the princes believed in him? But the crowd which does not know the law.... John 7:48-49.
It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one dot of the law to fall out, Luke 16:17.
The law in these passages means the whole of Holy Scripture; and there are a thousand further passages in the Psalms of David.
Footnotes:
1. I.e. the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).
288. In the Word "the law" is frequently mentioned; and what is meant by the law in a strict sense, in a broader sense, and in the broadest sense, shall now be told. In a strict sense the law means the Decalogue; in a broader sense it means the statutes given by Moses to the children of Israel, and in the broadest sense it means the whole Word.
That the law in a strict sense means the Decalogue, is well known. That the law in a wider sense means the statutes given by Moses to the children of Israel, is evident from the particular statutes, each of which in Exodus is called a "law;" as also [in Leviticus]:
This is the law of the guilt offering (Leviticus 7:1).
This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offering (Leviticus 7:7, 11).
This is the law of the meat offering (Leviticus 6:14 seq.).
This is the law for the burnt offering, for the meat offering, and for the sin offering, and for the guilt offering, and for the consecrations (Leviticus 7:37).
This is the law of the beast and of the fowl (Leviticus 11:46 seq.)
This is the law for her that beareth, a son or a daughter (Lev.12:7).
This is the law of leprosy (Leviticus 13:59; 14:2, 32, 54, 57).
This is the law of him that hath an issue (Leviticus 15:32).
This is the law of jealousy (Numbers 5:29, 30).
This is the law of the Nazarite (Numbers 6:13, 21).
This is the law of cleansing (Numbers 19:14).
The law respecting the red heifer (Numbers 19:2).
The law for the king (Deuteronomy 17:15-19).
Indeed the whole book of Moses is called the law (Deuteronomy 31:9, 31:11-12, 26); likewise in the New Testament as in Luke 2:22, 24:44, John 1:45,7:22, 23; 8:5; and elsewhere).
That Paul, by the works of the law, means these statutes, where he says,
That a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law (Romans 3:28),
is clearly manifest from what there follows, as also from his words to Peter, whom he accuses of Judaizing, when he says three times in one verse,
That no man is justified by the works of the law (Galatians 2:14, 16).
That the law in the broadest sense means the whole Word, is plain from the following passages:
Jesus said, Is it not written in your law, Ye are Gods? (John 10:34).
This is written,Psalms 82:6.
The multitude answered, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever (John 12:34).
This is writtenPsalms 89:29; 110:4; Daniel 7:14.
That the Word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause (John 15:25).
This is written,Psalms 35:19.
The Pharisees said, Hath any of the rulers believed on Him but the crowd which knoweth not the law? (John 7:48-49).
It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fall (Luke 16:17).
The law here means the whole Sacred Scripture; also in a thousand places in David.
288. In the Word the Law is very frequently mentioned; and it will now be stated what is meant by it in the strict sense of the term, and what in a wider sense, and what in the widest sense. In the strict sense of the term, by the Law is meant the Decalogue; in a wider sense the statutes given by Moses to the Children of Israel, and in the widest sense the whole Word. It is well known that by the Law in the strict sense is meant the Decalogue; but that by the Law in a wider sense are meant the statutes given by Moses to the Children of Israel is evident from the fact that single statutes in Exodus are called the Law; as for instance:
"This is the law of the trespass offering" Leviticus 7:1.
"This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings" Leviticus 7:11.
"This is the law of the meat offering" Leviticus 6:14 and following verses.
"This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations" Leviticus 7:37.
"This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl" Leviticus 11:46-47.
"This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female" Leviticus 12:7.
"This is the law of leprosy" Leviticus 13:59; 14:2, 32, 54, 57.
"This is the law of him that hath an issue" Leviticus 15:32.
"This is the law of jealousy" Numbers 5:29-30.
"This is the law of the Nazirite" Numbers 6:13, 21.
This is the law (of cleansing). Numbers 19:14.
This is the law of a red heifer. Numbers 19:2.
The law for a king. Deuteronomy 17:15-19.
The whole Book of Moses indeed is called the Law:
Deuteronomy 31:9, 11-12, 26; and also in the New Testament, as in Luke 2:22; 24:44; John 1:45; 7:23; 8:5; and in other places.
By the works of the Law Paul means these statutes when he says:
"A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law" Romans 3:28.
This is evident from what there follows, and also from his words to Peter whom he blamed for Judaising, saying three times in one verse,
that no man is justified by the works of the Law. Galatians 2:16.
That the Law in its widest sense means the whole Word is evident from the following passages:
Jesus said, "Is it not written in your Law... Ye are gods?" John 10:34.
This is written in Psalms 81:6,
"The people answered Him, We have heard out of the Law that Christ abideth for ever" John 12:34;
this is in Psalms 89:20; Psalms 110:4; Daniel 7:14,
"That the word might be fulfilled that is written in their Law, They hated me without a cause" John 15:25;
this is written in Psalms 35:10,
The Pharisees said, "Have any of the rulers... believed on Him? but this people who knoweth not the Law.." John 7:48-49.
"It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the Law to fail" Luke 16:17.
By the Law in these and in many other passages in David is meant the whole Sacred Scripture.
288. In Verbo saepius nominatur Lex, et dicetur quid per illam in stricto Sensu intelligitur, et quid per illam in latiori, et quid in latissimo; in stricto Sensu per Legem intelligitur Decalogus, in latiori intelliguntur Statuta per Mosen filiis Israelis data, et in latissimo intelligitur totum Verbum: QUOD PER LEGEM IN STRICTO SENSU INTELLIGATUR DECALOGUS, notum est: QUOD AUTEM PER LEGEM IN LATIORI SENSU INTELLIGANTUR STATUTA PER MOSEN FILIIS ISRAELIS DATA, constat ex singulis statutis in Mose, 1 quod dicantur Lex, ut Haec Lex sacrificii [pro reatu], Leviticus 7:1. Haec Lex sacrificii pacificorum, 7:11. 2 Haec Lex minchae, 6:7. seq. 3 Haec Lex pro Holocausto, pro Mincha, pro Sacrificiis peccati et reatus, pro Impletionibus, 7:37. 4 Haec Lex bestiae et avis, 11:46, seq. Haec Lex parientis pro filio et filia, 12:7. Haec Lex leprae, 13:59; 14:2, 32, 54, 57. Haec Lex fluxu affecti, 15:32. 5 Haec Lex Zelotypiae, Numeri 5:29-30. Haec Lex Naziraei, 6:13, 21. Haec Lex mundationis, 19:14. Haec Lex de vacca rufa, 19:2. Lex pro Rege, Deuteronomius 17:15-19. 6 Imo totus Liber Mosis vocatur Lex, 31:9, 11-12, 26. Praeter etiam in Novo Testamento, ut Luca 2:22; 24:44; Johannes 1:46, 7 7:22-23; 8:5, et alibi.
[2] Quod haec Statuta per Opera legis intelligantur a Paulo, ubi dicit, Quod homo Fide justificetur sine Operibus legis, Romanos 3:28, manifeste patet a sequentibus ibi, tum ex verbis ejus ad Petrum, quem increpavit quod judaizaret, ubi ter in uno Versu dicit, quod nemo per Opera legis justificetur, Galatas 2:14, 16. 8 QUOD PER LEGEM IN LATISSIMO SENSU INTELLIGATUR TOTUM VERBUM, patet ex his, Jesus dixit, nonne scriptum est IN LEGE VESTRA, dii estis, Johannes 10:34, hoc scriptum est Psalm 82:6. 9 Respondit turba, nos audivimus ex LEGE, quod Christus maneat in aeternum, Johannes 12:3, hoc scriptum est Psalm 89:30, 10 Psalm 110:4; Daniel 7:14. Ut impleretur Verbum scriptum in LEGE ILLORUM, odio habuerunt Me sine causa, Johannes 15:10 hoc scriptum est Psalm 35:19. Dixerunt 11 Pharisaei, num quis ex Principibus credidit in Ipsum, sed turba quae non novit LEGEM, Johannes 7:48-49. Facilius est Coelum et Terram transire, quam LEGIS UNUM APICEM cadere, Luca 16:17; 12 per Legem ibi intelligitur tota Scriptura Sacra: praeter in mille locis apud Davidem.
Footnotes:
1. Prima editio: Exodo.
2. Prima editio: 7, 11.
3. Sic Schmidt et Biblia Hebraica, sed 6:14 ff apud Biblia Anglica.
4. Prima editio: 32.
5. Prima editio: 31.
6. Prima editio: 15. ad 19.
7. Sic Schmidt, sed 1:45 apud Novum Testamentum Graecum et Biblia Anglica.
8. Prima editio: 14, 15.
9. Prima editio: 71:10. Sic Schmidt et Biblia Hebraica, sed 89:29 apud Biblia Anglica.