Soon after my Conversion I became aware the term moral law was often used without a clear indication of what it denoted. I realized I wasn't sure what was indicated by the term, and my attempts to get a clear definition from those available failed to alleviate my ignorance. This was unsettling and provoked me to do some private study on this subject. This article contains some of the results of that study.

Lets begin by defining the word moral. Much of the confusion on this subject is because we think in terms of moral versus immoral. Frequent usage of the word in that context leads us to define moral as good and/or right in contrast to bad and/or wrong. However, this common usage of the word is too vague and simplistic to assist us in arriving at a clear definition of Moral Law. For example, using that definition we would say, "Moral Law is good. Moral Law is right." Or we might say, "Moral Law is not bad. Moral Law is not wrong." We may agree that these statements are true, but they tell us nothing. At best they merely convey that Moral Law has the quality of rightness. Defining Moral The basic meaning of the word "moral" is: relating to, or capable of making the distinction between right and wrong. The Ten Commandments do just that. In a simplistic and straightforward way, they clearly make the distinction between right and wrong behavior. It focuses on specific areas of human behavior and says, "Thou shalt do this, and Thou shalt not do that." The moral law makes it very easy for us to understand how we OUGHT to behave ourselves. Moral Law makes the distinction between right actions and wrong actions. God's Law is the ultimate Moral Law. The moral law or Ten Commandments, is God's law. He requires us to honor it. We honor it when we conform our behavior to it. When we choose to willfully violate God's law, we need to understand that we have gone the way of transgressors. The transgressor will sadly learn by experience the truth of the Proverb: "The way of transgressors is hard." Pr.13:15 Rather than that, let us with purposeful conviction keep the law and honor God thereby. "He that keepeth the law, happy is he." Pr.29:18

Man is a moral being.

When God created Adam, He created him with a moral faculty. Stated simply: Adam was created with the capacity to distinguish between behavior that is right, and behavior that is wrong. His moral faculty had the qualities of purity and uprightness. Therefore, Adam was inclined, by virtue of the moral excellence (in the image of God), to choose that which was right and agreeable with God's Moral Law. However, it must be noted this excellence was not incorruptible... that is, the possibility of it's corruption was present. In this case, possibility of corruption soon became reality of corruption. Original Purity and Uprightness Lost When Adam sinned, he retained his moral faculty but lost the qualities of purity and uprightness. In Genesis 5:3 we find that the children Adam begat were in his own likeness and image; that is, they bore his marred and defaced image. Avoiding Accountability follows Personal Sin When Adam was confronted about his sin he attempted to shift the blame to his wife. He didn't want to be held accountable for his actions. Don't we see this same tactic today? People are quick to blame their mess-up on the "other fellow", their parents, family, or society. There are other tactics used to avoid responsibility besides "blame shifting". One of the more common methods is excuses. The definition of an excuse is: "a reason or explanation one gives to avoid some duty or responsibility." We all have had situations arise which hindered us from performing our duty. This is understandable. What we are talking about here is the use of excuses habitually, as a pattern of behavior for avoiding duty or responsibility. God's children need to understand that there is no such thing as a "good excuse" for avoiding their duty responsibility! A major problem our generation faces is that God's moral law has been discarded as the standard to guide us in our decisions. The result is that young men and women have no absolute value to guide them when critical decisions must be made. God's Moral Law will give our children the "vision" needed to make the right decision in every situation. We have a great responsibility to honor God's Law and thereby set a good example for our children to follow. The challenge is ours and there is much opposition. This age, and the culture we live in is hostile to both virtue and godliness. Shall we seek some excuse to exempt us from this great responsibility? Rather, let us seek the grace we need to meet this challenge and be faithful to our calling.

Life is structured by Laws

Law provides stability and safety. All aspects of life are structured by law. There are safety laws, health laws, economic laws, and yes, moral laws. When these laws are ignored and violated, specific consequences may be predicted. For example, when fundamental economic laws are disregarded financial chaos results. Similarly, when health laws are persistently ignored (such as proper diet, exercise, and rest), organic health problems will develop. Likewise, when the moral law is disregarded the moral health of the person suffers. Declining Moral Health is Indicated by Recognizable Symptoms As moral health wanes, specific symptoms appear; apathy and unconcern for purity in life or lip, lethargy or sluggishness in religious duties. Another symptom to watch for is an increasing thirst for the watering pots this world offers. This of course, produces more advanced cases with symptoms which are progressively serious; a hardened heart, a seared conscience, and a darkened mind. Are any of these symptoms present with us? Are we as mindful of our moral health as we are of our physical health? Do you suppose a person's "lifestyle" is linked to and affects their moral health and well-being? Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2

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