The Moral Law Still Binding (Chapter 19, Paragraph 4)

“The moral law does forever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof…”

This opening statement reinforces that the moral law of God is not limited to a specific time, people, or covenant—it “does forever bind all.” The Ten Commandments are not merely Jewish laws or old covenant regulations; they are the expression of God’s righteous character and His will for all people in every age.

The law binds both “justified persons” (believers) and “others” (unbelievers). Justification by faith in Christ does not set the believer free from moral obligation. Instead, it sets the believer free from condemnation (Rom. 8:1) and enables true obedience from the heart (Rom. 6:17). For the unregenerate, the law stands as a mirror showing their guilt. For the regenerate, the law becomes a lamp to their feet (Psalm 119:105).

“…as well justified persons as others…”

Justified persons are not antinomian (lawless). Grace does not abolish the law but establishes it (Rom. 3:31). The gospel does not set aside obedience—it empowers it. Paul declares in Romans 6:14 that “sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” That is, believers are not under the curse of the law, but they remain under the rule of God’s law as a guide for godliness.

“…and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it…”

The law is to be obeyed, not just because of what it commands (i.e., its content), but because of who gave it—God Himself. Its moral content is righteous, and its source is holy.

“…but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator, who gave it.”

Here lies the deepest reason for obedience: the authority of God. To disobey the law is to defy the Lawgiver. Every commandment is a personal word from the Creator to His creature. This is not about legalistic performance but covenantal relationship. We obey because God is Lord. We obey because He is worthy.

“Neither does Christ in the Gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen this obligation.”

This is a direct rebuttal to the idea that the gospel nullifies the law. Jesus did not abolish the law; He fulfilled it (Matt. 5:17). His life was one of perfect obedience. His death was the satisfaction of the law’s penalty. His resurrection empowers His people to walk in newness of life—lives marked by the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2).

The gospel does not relax the law’s demands—it meets them. It does not make sin less sinful—it shows how deep our sin runs and how great our Savior is. Far from releasing us from obedience, grace trains us to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” and to “live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” (Titus 2:11–12).

What Does This Mean for the Believer?

This paragraph reminds us that grace and law are not enemies. Legalism and antinomianism are both errors. Legalism seeks justification by the law; antinomianism denies the law’s relevance altogether. But biblical Christianity embraces the law as a rule of life and Christ as our righteousness.

Believers obey not to earn favor, but because we have received favor. The Spirit does not lead us into sin, but into holiness (Rom. 8:4). The law of God is now written on our hearts (Jer. 31:33), so that we love what God loves and hate what He hates.

The moral law remains the standard for Christian ethics. Jesus summarized it in two great commands: love God and love your neighbor (Matt. 22:37–40). That is not a departure from the Ten Commandments but a restatement of them in relational terms.

Application for the Believer:

Are you tempted to think that obedience doesn’t matter since you’re saved by grace? Or do you feel crushed by the law’s demands, forgetting the freedom found in Christ?

Let this paragraph recalibrate your heart. The law still binds you—but not as a curse. It is now your delight (Ps. 119:97). It is your roadmap for walking in the light of Christ.

Don’t despise the law; embrace it as God’s will. Meditate on it, examine your life by it, and pray for grace to obey it. Let the Spirit of God, working through the Word of God, form in you the likeness of the Son of God.