Gospel Obedience by the Spirit (Chapter 19, Paragraph 9)

“The same law that was first written in the heart of man continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness after the Fall…”

This opening clause points us back to the original state of Adam. Before sin entered the world, Adam was created with the law of God written on his heart (Rom. 2:15). He knew what was right and wrong—not by external tablets, but by inward design. The fall did not erase this law; it marred it. Man still possesses a conscience, still knows God’s righteous decrees (Rom. 1:32), though suppressed in unrighteousness.

The moral law is thus not a Sinai invention. It predated Moses and even Abraham. It is rooted in God’s eternal righteousness. After the Fall, this law continued to function as the perfect rule for mankind’s moral conduct.

“…and was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai in ten commandments, and written in two tables…”

Here the Confession affirms the historical giving of the law at Mount Sinai, summarized in the Ten Commandments. These were not arbitrary rules, but a re-articulation of the moral law already binding on humanity. The two tables likely refer to the traditional division: the first four commandments relating to duties to God, and the latter six to duties to man.

“…the first four containing our duty towards God, and the other six, our duty to man.”

This breakdown reflects Christ’s own teaching in Matthew 22:37–40, where He says the entire law is fulfilled in two commandments: to love God and to love one’s neighbor. The law, rightly understood, is relational—not mechanical. Its aim is love (1 Tim. 1:5), and its expression is faith working through love (Gal. 5:6).

“Although the law was delivered to Israel in this form, it was not given as a covenant of works to believers…”

This is a vital theological clarification. The law was indeed given to Israel in a covenantal context (Ex. 19–24), but believers are no longer under the law as a covenant of works. That covenant demanded perfect obedience in order to receive life; failure meant curse. But believers are now under the covenant of grace, secured by Christ.

This means our relationship to the law has changed. No longer does it curse us or stand as a broken covenant over our heads. Christ has fulfilled its demands, absorbed its penalties, and now teaches us to walk in its light as sons, not slaves.

“…but only as a rule of life…”

Here is the proper, ongoing use of the moral law for the Christian: as a rule of life. Not a basis for justification. Not a means of earning favor. But a lamp for the feet (Ps. 119:105), a path of wisdom, and a delight for the heart (Ps. 119:97).

“…informing them of the will of God and their duty, directing and binding them to walk accordingly.”

The law reveals what pleases God and instructs us how to live in accordance with His holy character. It binds us not by threat, but by covenantal grace—because we are His, and we delight to do His will (Ps. 40:8).

“Although true believers are not under the law as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned…”

This clause restates the point for emphasis: believers are no longer under the law’s condemning covenant. We are not justified by law, but by grace through faith (Gal. 2:16). The law no longer says, “Do this and live,” but rather, “Because Christ lived and died for you, walk in this way.”

“…yet it is of great use to them, and to others, as a rule of life…”

This line underscores the law’s universal and ongoing usefulness—not only for believers but for society at large. The law restrains evil, promotes justice, and teaches morality. In believers, it becomes the shape of new obedience.

“…as a means of sanctification, revealing to them the will of God, and directing their conduct.”

The law is not antithetical to sanctification—it is instrumental. Not as a power source, but as a blueprint. The Holy Spirit writes the law on our hearts (Jer. 31:33), renews our minds, and produces obedience not by coercion but by love (Rom. 8:3–4).

Application for the Believer:

This paragraph should cause every believer to rejoice. It tells you that you are not bound under the law’s curse, but you are still called to walk in its truth. Why? Because the law reveals God's character, and you are being conformed to Christ.

Don’t fear the law—delight in it. Don’t try to earn salvation by it—walk in it because you have salvation. The Spirit within you enables what the flesh never could. Grace does not make obedience optional—it makes it possible.

Ask yourself today: Do I view God's commands as a burden or as a blessing? Do I pursue holiness out of love, or am I still trying to earn what Christ has already purchased?

Let the law guide you to Christ. Let Christ send you back to the law—not as a ladder to climb, but as a path to walk. And let every step be powered by grace, for the glory of your gracious King.