Should We Do Away With All Law?

Q: There is a man in my community that has three out of four sons in prison. He claims their imprisonment is unjust. He surely must know that his efforts will be futile, but he advocates doing away with all law. What is the best way to respond to such a ridiculous endeavor? — L.F.

A: Many people advocate doing away with all law until it begins to impact their own lives. What would happen if travelers got out on the roadways of the world without signposts, speed limits, rights-of-way, and stoplights? What would happen if planes took to the skies without air-traffic control? Who would enjoy sports without rules or boundaries?

Rules of the game are necessary. Laws are necessary and we should be thankful for them. They protect the innocent. And when the guilty are judged by the law there are consequences. Likewise, there is a penalty to pay when we transgress the laws of God. When we violate His perfect law it proves we do not measure up and sin overtakes us. So what is mankind to do?

God gives us the answer. He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty of breaking God’s law. Jesus alone paid the price to redeem us from our guilt and shame. Through the shed blood of Christ on the cross He said to the world, “I forgive you.” The question is whether we are willing to admit our sin and turn from it and believe that Christ is the answer to fulfilling the law of God. He will bring peace to our hearts and give us a new pathway to walk. “(God) condemned sin … that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled” (Romans 8:3-4). This is a glorious truth.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)