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Delighting in the Law of the Lord: God's Alternative to Legalism and Moralism
God’s people have neglected God’s law . We are steeped in a culture in which people hate being told how to live and idolize uninhibited “freedom.” What’s more, many Christians seem to think the law only leads to legalism and therefore doesn’t have a role to play in the Christian life. Yet, regardless of what society or even fellow believers say, we need guidance to truly honor God in everything we think, say, and do. Jerram Barrs helps us recognize and articulate the immense importance of God’s commands for godly living as he clears away unbiblical ideas that have crept into our thinking. Looking to the teachings of Jesus, this book will lead you to delight in the eternal beauty and life-changing significance of God’s perfect law.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2013
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227 people want to read
About the author
Jerram Barrs
26 books49 followersJerram Barrs is Professor of Christianity and Contemporary Culture at Covenant Theological Seminary, as well as a founder and Resident Scholar of the Francis Schaeffer Institute there. He was a part of Schaeffer's L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland shortly after becoming a Christian and he and his wife were on staff at English L’Abri for many years. "During our 18 years at L’Abri and in my role as a pastor, we provided constant hospitality, talked through endless questions received from both believers and unbelievers, led discussions, taught and preached, offered pastoral care, participated in lots of practical work serving people and doing home and garden chores with them" (Interests).
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 2, 2023
4.5 stars. Wise, pastoral, and worshipful. I think I highlighted 50% of the entire book! (It’s also a bit repetitive and probably 80 pages longer than needs to be.) It will help you delight in God’s law, avoid legalism, and apply the law better. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2013
This is really like a 4.5. Really good study of the Law and its place in the Christian life. Easy to follow, kind of repetitive, but in a good way. Lots of food for thought on how the law and gospel connect.
October 6, 2013
What is your relationship with the Law of God? Is it a hurdle to be gotten over? A necessary evil from your spiritual past? A badge of honor, a feather in your cap? A precursor to the Gospel? Whatever you think your know or live out regarding the Law of God, this book is for you. My plan is to use this as the centerpiece in an outreach to Jews seeking to understand Christianity. We are people who love the Law of God and at the same time view Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law. This doesn't mean it doesn't continue to have a central role in our lives however! You will be challenged theologically and personally. I highly recommend this book for everyone.
October 19, 2014
Time and again we find in Scripture declarations such as “The law of the Lord is perfect”, “If you love me, then keep my commands”, and “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.” Despite those clear admonitions and statements, the word law seems to continually be treated as the ugly stepchild of the faith in favor of terms such as grace and freedom. On the other hand, there are those who seem to place an overemphasis on legalities. This leaves one perhaps wondering why the statements about the law of the Lord being perfect and the wise walking in it and being blessed if the law is something that is of no concern or for that matter, how much concern to place on such a topic. Jerram Barrs in his excellent book Delighting in the Law of the Lord: God’s Alternative to Legalism and Moralism seeks to set the biblical record straight.
We certainly live in a society that promotes the go your own way mentality. Morality seems to be a thing of the past and as noted by Barrs, “at the heart of our culture there is a steady drift from seeing law and morality as God’s gifts to us. Instead, law and morality are seen as having their origins on earth, as arising from human reflection about the nature of our lives and about how we should live.” When one turns from God’s perfect law, what is left is self to try and determine right and wrong. Such an approach results in the shifting sands of personal opinion we observe in society. Ultimately, this results in societal chaos with either each and every individual doing what is right in their own eyes or those in power deciding what is right. Barrs rightly notes “We can only find a true fountain for the good life for ourselves and our societies if we turn back to God himself.”
Turning back to God involves a love for the law of God. It is this love for God’s commands found in Scripture which Barrs spends a great deal of time exploring. Before one has an opportunity to misunderstand the law which Barrs is discussing, he aptly explains the law for example David had in mind when he declared the “law of the Lord is perfect” is the moral law of God. Barrs notes “The law should be seen as God’s gracious provision for his people, even in its moral demands, for these moral demands set out for us the way of life that God himself observes – and his way of life is altogether lovely!”
Barrs does an excellent job of noting why it is important when studying and appreciating the law of God to take a look at when and why the law was given in the first place. He rightly states “The law is given by the covenant-keeping, faithful God who has already delivered and redeemed his people.” Furthermore, Barrs correctly notes that the law was not given so that the Israelites might obey their way to deliverance from Egypt. Conversely, Barrs declares and rightly so, “The purpose of obeying the law is not to achieve salvation, nor to inherit eternal life, but to express one’s love and gratitude to the Lord because of the salvation he has already given to his people.” This is the model we see at Mt. Sinai and the model that still exists for believers today. We obey God in response to His merciful grace and we should do so with thanksgiving for God’s perfect and beautiful law He has provided us so that we can better know how to love Him and love others.
I fully appreciated Barrs’ discussion on the different approaches to the law that have been taught over the years in different denominations and theological systems. It was rather enlightening and informative to read the various positions on the law which unfortunately have resulted to a large degree in the incorrect perceptions of what the law is and why it remains important. For example, the dispensationalist approach have traditionally viewed “the law of Moses as having been given to Israel as the means by which the people were to establish and maintain a relationship with God. It is only with the death and resurrection of Christ that salvation by grave through faith is revealed.” Barrs avers that such an approach incorrectly understands that “The law is given to us by the God of all grace.” He further elaborates on that statement by noting “The truth is that we need to delight in the law in our inmost being and to teach this delight to others. Only this love for the law will bring utter dependence on Christ and on his grace for both our justification and our sanctification. There are no shortcuts, no quick routes to sanctification.”
To those who might view such a statement as a lead in to legalism, Barrs responds by commenting that “Legalism produces self-righteousness and pride because we can keep our rules about food and clothing, books and movies, times for prayer, amounts given, services attended, and the like.” Obeying God’s law in a spirit of love and in response to God’s grace bestowed towards His people does not result in legalism. In fact, quite the opposite approach results and Barrs correctly notes “God’s law, when properly understood as aimed at our hearts, does not produce self-righteousness and pride. The reason God’s law does not is that we cannot keep it.” That recognition continually drives us to depend on the work of the Holy Spirit working that process of sanctification.
One final helpful aspect of this book is the questions for further reflection and discussion provided at the end of each chapter. The topic of God’s law and the correct understanding of it might be a new point of emphasis for some. Thus, having additional questions provided to the reader which will help process and think through what might be new concepts is certainly an added bonus. Furthermore, these questions make this book quite useful in a small group setting.
I highly recommend this book as an excellent primer on the importance of God’s law. In an age where self is king and laws are flouted with regularity, it is more important than ever to understand that the source of truth and life is found within the pages of Scripture. God’s law is the foundation for life and it should not be viewed negatively or as a burden. Barrs does an excellent job of noting for the reader what God’s law is, why it is important, and what we are to do with it in daily life. This will be a resource I will refer to in the future on this important theological and life subject.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
We certainly live in a society that promotes the go your own way mentality. Morality seems to be a thing of the past and as noted by Barrs, “at the heart of our culture there is a steady drift from seeing law and morality as God’s gifts to us. Instead, law and morality are seen as having their origins on earth, as arising from human reflection about the nature of our lives and about how we should live.” When one turns from God’s perfect law, what is left is self to try and determine right and wrong. Such an approach results in the shifting sands of personal opinion we observe in society. Ultimately, this results in societal chaos with either each and every individual doing what is right in their own eyes or those in power deciding what is right. Barrs rightly notes “We can only find a true fountain for the good life for ourselves and our societies if we turn back to God himself.”
Turning back to God involves a love for the law of God. It is this love for God’s commands found in Scripture which Barrs spends a great deal of time exploring. Before one has an opportunity to misunderstand the law which Barrs is discussing, he aptly explains the law for example David had in mind when he declared the “law of the Lord is perfect” is the moral law of God. Barrs notes “The law should be seen as God’s gracious provision for his people, even in its moral demands, for these moral demands set out for us the way of life that God himself observes – and his way of life is altogether lovely!”
Barrs does an excellent job of noting why it is important when studying and appreciating the law of God to take a look at when and why the law was given in the first place. He rightly states “The law is given by the covenant-keeping, faithful God who has already delivered and redeemed his people.” Furthermore, Barrs correctly notes that the law was not given so that the Israelites might obey their way to deliverance from Egypt. Conversely, Barrs declares and rightly so, “The purpose of obeying the law is not to achieve salvation, nor to inherit eternal life, but to express one’s love and gratitude to the Lord because of the salvation he has already given to his people.” This is the model we see at Mt. Sinai and the model that still exists for believers today. We obey God in response to His merciful grace and we should do so with thanksgiving for God’s perfect and beautiful law He has provided us so that we can better know how to love Him and love others.
I fully appreciated Barrs’ discussion on the different approaches to the law that have been taught over the years in different denominations and theological systems. It was rather enlightening and informative to read the various positions on the law which unfortunately have resulted to a large degree in the incorrect perceptions of what the law is and why it remains important. For example, the dispensationalist approach have traditionally viewed “the law of Moses as having been given to Israel as the means by which the people were to establish and maintain a relationship with God. It is only with the death and resurrection of Christ that salvation by grave through faith is revealed.” Barrs avers that such an approach incorrectly understands that “The law is given to us by the God of all grace.” He further elaborates on that statement by noting “The truth is that we need to delight in the law in our inmost being and to teach this delight to others. Only this love for the law will bring utter dependence on Christ and on his grace for both our justification and our sanctification. There are no shortcuts, no quick routes to sanctification.”
To those who might view such a statement as a lead in to legalism, Barrs responds by commenting that “Legalism produces self-righteousness and pride because we can keep our rules about food and clothing, books and movies, times for prayer, amounts given, services attended, and the like.” Obeying God’s law in a spirit of love and in response to God’s grace bestowed towards His people does not result in legalism. In fact, quite the opposite approach results and Barrs correctly notes “God’s law, when properly understood as aimed at our hearts, does not produce self-righteousness and pride. The reason God’s law does not is that we cannot keep it.” That recognition continually drives us to depend on the work of the Holy Spirit working that process of sanctification.
One final helpful aspect of this book is the questions for further reflection and discussion provided at the end of each chapter. The topic of God’s law and the correct understanding of it might be a new point of emphasis for some. Thus, having additional questions provided to the reader which will help process and think through what might be new concepts is certainly an added bonus. Furthermore, these questions make this book quite useful in a small group setting.
I highly recommend this book as an excellent primer on the importance of God’s law. In an age where self is king and laws are flouted with regularity, it is more important than ever to understand that the source of truth and life is found within the pages of Scripture. God’s law is the foundation for life and it should not be viewed negatively or as a burden. Barrs does an excellent job of noting for the reader what God’s law is, why it is important, and what we are to do with it in daily life. This will be a resource I will refer to in the future on this important theological and life subject.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 2, 2017
Barrs presents the law of God as the delight of the believer. Most of the book is devoted to a right view of the law in the life of the Christian. He writes of its application today, even Old Testament law, in that it instructs us about who God is and what he requires. He writes:
"God’s law reflects his character. His law reveals what human life is to be like as we live in a way that reflects the image of God and so become more fully human. His law teaches us what it means for us to love God and to love our neighbors. His law aims for the heart, not the outside. His law encourages growth in moral wisdom as we seek to walk in the Lord’s ways and to apply the inner meaning of the law to every aspect of our lives."
He rightly leads away from the two pitfalls that are so easy to run into, namely legalism and antinomianism. He notes that both nullify the law of God. The book is full of personal examples applicable to the points he's making in each chapter.
My biggest criticism is the all too brief, and hastily layed out arguments for applying the Old Testament law to he state today. He generally gets things right, but doesn't do a good enough job in arguing his point, nor giving fixed principles that aid his reader to fully understand this application.
All in all a very good book.
"God’s law reflects his character. His law reveals what human life is to be like as we live in a way that reflects the image of God and so become more fully human. His law teaches us what it means for us to love God and to love our neighbors. His law aims for the heart, not the outside. His law encourages growth in moral wisdom as we seek to walk in the Lord’s ways and to apply the inner meaning of the law to every aspect of our lives."
He rightly leads away from the two pitfalls that are so easy to run into, namely legalism and antinomianism. He notes that both nullify the law of God. The book is full of personal examples applicable to the points he's making in each chapter.
My biggest criticism is the all too brief, and hastily layed out arguments for applying the Old Testament law to he state today. He generally gets things right, but doesn't do a good enough job in arguing his point, nor giving fixed principles that aid his reader to fully understand this application.
All in all a very good book.
March 31, 2021
A little repetitive at times but over all very good. Barrs first and foremost is an evangelist and his heart for the lost carries over into this book on the Law. It is not hard to see that antinomianism and legalism are both alive and well. Barrs will help Christians think through the dangers of both of those errors and how to correct them by looking at the life of Jesus.
March 24, 2014
Excellent book, but could have been so much more. Jerram (as all his students called him) likes to chase rabbit trails. The first half of the book is a discussion of the goodness of the OT law. The second half, though, gets bogged down in other discussions, usually about evangelism. These are fine in and of themselves, but don't really address the thesis directly. I wish Jerram had replaced those chapters with more discussion of incorporating the principles behind the OT laws into Christian piety today.
That said, I affirm wholeheartedly his contention that the law was never given to earn merit, that the law shapes God's people instead of forming it. I definitely agree that the principles that stood behind the OT laws are still binding today, even if the particular applications are not.
Jerram has a reputation for hating legalism, so much so that a group of students gave him a dragon figurine to depict his hatred of it. But in this book he shows how you can (and must) hate legalism but still love Law.
That said, I affirm wholeheartedly his contention that the law was never given to earn merit, that the law shapes God's people instead of forming it. I definitely agree that the principles that stood behind the OT laws are still binding today, even if the particular applications are not.
Jerram has a reputation for hating legalism, so much so that a group of students gave him a dragon figurine to depict his hatred of it. But in this book he shows how you can (and must) hate legalism but still love Law.
October 26, 2014
I started this book with a group but then the group fell apart. I wanted to complete the book because I had questions about "the law" after studying the book of Romans last year. I admit some questions were answered. And I appreciated the thought that the law shows us God's character. However I think I would have appreciated the book more if I had had the chance to discuss each chapter with others.
The writing style is academic with a few personal stories added in. I'll keep this book on my shelf for reference.
The writing style is academic with a few personal stories added in. I'll keep this book on my shelf for reference.
January 13, 2014
I had the privilege of studying under Prof. Barrs at Covenant Seminary. In those years, his lectures turned my world upside-down, and I often wished the content was committed to a book format so I could revisit them. I am grateful Crossway published these reflections on the Law of God.
April 29, 2014
This was a very different and valuable work on the Law. Jerram brings his uniquely pastoral eye to the task and one is not disappointed. It is less systematic than I would like, but it what it lacks in clarity and organization it makes up for in insight and pastoral usefulness.
August 22, 2014
I really liked most of this book, but other parts of it not so much—though it was still good. In fact, there was so much here that made me ponder what the author was writing, that I actually want to spend some more time to read it again.
March 21, 2014
A good overview of the interaction between OT and NT. The early chapters are more helpful than later chapters as they specifically deal with the OT.
July 8, 2015
Interesting read. Very much enjoyed the author's development and exposition of Jesus' principled use of the Law.
April 18, 2017
A very refreshing work on the Law of God from the Reformed perspective. Barrs does a great job hitting almost every topic in a way that is concise, easy to follow, and helpful for most readers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews