TIP OF THE DAY 68: Reformed division of the law; Noahide law

MJ. Smith

I am adding these posts to the previous tip list L/V 10 Tip of the Day ; I am running into limits on the length of posts that may make me rethink presentation.

QUESTION: In the Reformed tradition, what is the threefold division of the law?

SOFTWARE: An all search for reformed threefold division of law provides useful results.

ANSWER: from the Synopsis:

The Reformed tradition typically divides the Mosaic law into three categories: moral, ceremonial, and judicial (or civil). This threefold division, while common in Reformed churches, has been subject to debate. The moral law, exemplified by the Ten Commandments, is considered permanently binding, while the ceremonial laws are seen as fulfilled in Christ and thus abrogated. The judicial laws are understood to have expired with the nation of Israel, though their "general equity" may still apply. This division is reflected in documents like the Westminster Confession of Faith. Some scholars argue that this categorization is too simplistic and not explicitly made in the New Testament. However, Reformed theology generally affirms this division as part of its confessional heritage. The Reformed view also emphasizes the ongoing relevance of God's law, recognizing its threefold function: to preserve order, convict sinners, and teach God's will to Christians.1

From Cairns, Alan. Dictionary of Theological Terms. Belfast; Greenville, SC: Ambassador Emerald International, 2002.

The Confession lays down the usual Reformed construction that classifies the law in three categories: moral, ceremonial, and judicial, or civil. According to this classification, the moral law is of abiding force and can in no way be abrogated or altered. The ceremonial law found its fulfilment in Christ and the gospel and is therefore abrogated, though it is of great value in shedding light on the full biblical significance of the NT realities it prefigures. The civil law governed the theocratic state of Israel and expired with that state. It places no obligation on any other state “further than the general equity thereof may require.”

There is little dissention about the abrogation of the ceremonial law, but about the “expiring” of Israel’s civil law with the passing away of the theocratic state there has in the last thirty years or so been a raging controversy. In the traditional Reformed view, Israel’s civil law was part of the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles that Paul said was removed by Christ. Christian Reconstructionists, espousing the theory of theonomy, have argued strenuously against this position. The father of Reconstructionism,* Rousas J. Rushdoony, held that the Westminster divines adopted their view “without any confirmation from Scripture.” He further alleged that it is impossible “to separate any law of Scripture as the Westminster divines suggested.” He did not hesitate to conclude that “at this point, the Confession is guilty of nonsense” (Institutes of Biblical Law, p. 551). This final charge is a cheap shot, for the Confession does not teach what he accuses it of teaching: namely that “Thou shalt not steal” is valid as a moral law, but not as a civil law; that stealing is wrong for the individual, but not the state. In fact, in teaching the temporary nature of the civil law, the Confession draws attention to the fact that both ceremonial and civil laws have moral aspects to them and that these aspects are permanently binding on all men. And it makes reference to the principle of “general equity”—that is, whatever in a civil law corresponds to the general principles of justice laid down in the moral law, or indeed in the law written on all men’s hearts, is of abiding force.[2]

QUESTION: Do any other Abrahamic religions have a concept similar to Noahide law?

ANSWER: From Perplexity:

While the concept of Noahide laws is specific to Judaism, there are some analogous ideas in other Abrahamic religions and traditions:

1. Islam:

Islam has the concept of "fitra" - the innate disposition and natural religion of mankind. This includes basic moral principles that all humans are expected to follow.

Some Islamic scholars have drawn parallels between the Noahide laws and what they consider universal ethical principles in Islam.

2. Christianity:

Some Christian denominations, particularly those with close ties to Judaism, recognize the validity of Noahide laws for non-Jews.

The concept of "natural law" in Christian theology bears some similarities to Noahide laws as universal ethical principles.

3. Samaritanism:

While not having an exact equivalent, Samaritans have their own interpretation of the Torah and its laws that apply to all humanity.

4. Mandaeism:

This small Gnostic religion has ethical teachings that are considered universal, though not codified in the same way as Noahide laws.

5. Druze:

The Druze faith includes ethical precepts considered applicable to all humanity, though not formulated as a specific set of laws like the Noahide code.

6. Baha'i Faith:

While a more recent religion, Baha'i teachings include universal ethical principles that bear some resemblance to the concept of Noahide laws.

7. Some extinct or little-known sects:

Various small or extinct Abrahamic offshoots may have had similar concepts, but detailed information is often lacking due to limited historical records.

It's important to note that while these traditions may have analogous concepts, none have an exact equivalent to the specific formulation and religious significance of the Noahide laws in Judaism. The Noahide laws are unique in their explicit codification and their role in Jewish theology regarding non-Jews.3

1 Kevin DeYoung, Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2024), 154. and Alan Cairns, Dictionary of Theological Terms (Belfast; Greenville, SC: Ambassador Emerald International, 2002), 254.and Kelly M. Kapic and Wesley Vander Lugt, Pocket Dictionary of the Reformed Tradition, The IVP Pocket Reference Series (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2013), 100.and John Stott, The Preacher’s Notebook: The Collected Quotes, Illustrations, and Prayers of John Stott, ed. Mark Meynell (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).

NT New Testament

[2] Alan Cairns, Dictionary of Theological Terms (Belfast; Greenville, SC: Ambassador Emerald International, 2002), 254–255.

3 and https://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies/rlst-145/lecture-1 and and https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Stoning and and https://brackenhurstbaptist.co.za/crime-and-punishment/ and and https://rsc.byu.edu/vol-19-no-1-2018/torah-mouth-introduction-rabbinic-oral-lawhttps://bible.org/article/wrath-god-old-testament-law-brings-wrath https://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies/rlst-145/lecture-5 https://sarata.com/bible/basic/verses/about/stoned.html https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Crimes-Punishments