The Law of God Written on the Heart (Chapter 19, Paragraph 1)

“God gave to Adam a law of universal obedience written in his heart…”

This sentence teaches the existence of what theologians call the “natural law” or “moral law.” Before Scripture was written, before Sinai, before the fall—God gave Adam a law. This law was not external but internal: it was written on the heart. This is consistent with Romans 2:14–15, where Paul says that even Gentiles who do not have the law show that its work is written on their hearts.

The law was not an arbitrary set of rules. It reflected God’s own holy, moral character. As the image of God, Adam was made to reflect His righteousness. The law was how he was to walk in covenantal communion with God.

“…and a particular precept of not eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil…”

In addition to the internal moral law, Adam was given a specific external command—not to eat from the tree (Gen. 2:16–17). This command was a test of obedience and a symbol of God’s authority. The prohibition was not moral in the abstract but became a matter of obedience by God’s decree.

“…by which he bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience…”

God’s law required—and still requires—absolute perfection. It is not enough to do our best. The demand is entire, exact, and unceasing obedience. This is echoed in Galatians 3:10, which says, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Adam was not just representing himself—he stood as the federal head of the human race. When he broke God’s law, he plunged all his posterity into sin and condemnation (Rom. 5:12–19).

“…promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it…”

The law included both promise and penalty. Leviticus 18:5 states, “If a person does them, he shall live by them.” The implication is that if Adam had obeyed perfectly, he would have continued in life and blessing. But the penalty for disobedience was clear: “In the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die” (Gen. 2:17). This was not just physical death, but spiritual and eternal death.

This conditional covenant, often called the “Covenant of Works,” laid the foundation for the Gospel. When Adam failed, Christ came as the second Adam to do what Adam could not—render perfect obedience to the law and bear the penalty for sin. Where Adam failed, Christ triumphed (1 Cor. 15:22, 45).

Do All People Still Have This Law?

Yes. Romans 1–2 teaches that Gentiles who do not have the written law still know God’s moral requirements through conscience and creation. They are “without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). The law may be obscured by sin, but it is not erased. It continues to convict and hold all people accountable.

This explains the universal human sense of right and wrong, of justice and guilt. Even in a fallen world, humans reflect the moral image of God. They may suppress the truth (Rom. 1:18), but they cannot escape it. The moral law still speaks.

Is the Moral Law the Same as the Ten Commandments?

Yes. Though given in a fuller written form at Sinai, the Ten Commandments reflect the same moral law written on the heart of Adam. They are not mere Jewish regulations—they are universal moral principles. That’s why the Confession will go on to distinguish between moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws. The moral law remains binding; the others have been fulfilled in Christ and abrogated.

Application for the Believer:

The moral law of God reveals who He is—holy, just, and good. It exposes our sin and shows our need for Christ. Have you let the weight of God's perfect standard drive you to the Savior?

Though we are no longer under the law as a covenant of works, it still serves as our guide for godly living. As believers, we delight in the law—not to earn God’s favor, but to reflect His character.

Examine your heart. Are you walking in the light of God’s law? Are you sensitive to the Spirit’s conviction? Let God’s perfect law shape your understanding of sin, your appreciation of grace, and your pursuit of holiness.