Loving the Law: The Law of God in the Life of the Believer

by Stephen Spinnenweber

Loving the The Law of God in the Life of the Believer by Stephen Spinnenweber offers a fresh, engaging exploration of the Ten Commandments and their enduring relevance for Christians today. In an era where many view God’s law as outdated or oppressive, Spinnenweber presents a compelling case for embracing the Moral Law as a gift of divine love and wisdom.

This accessible yet profound book unpacks the purpose and beauty of God’s law across six insightful

What Is the Law? – Clarifies the distinctions between Moral, Ceremonial, and Civil laws in Scripture.The Ten Commandments – The Moral law is clarified.The Law as Mirror – How the law reveals our sin and need for Christ.The Law as Muzzle – The law’s role in restraining evil in society.The Law as Map – How the law guides believers in sanctification and pleasing God.Spinnenweber skillfully addresses common misconceptions about the law’s place in the Christian life. He demonstrates how a proper understanding of God’s law enhances our appreciation of the gospel, rather than diminishing it. Readers will discover how the law and grace work in beautiful harmony to shape believers into the image of Christ.

Genres: Theology, Christianity

144 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Dylan Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A necessary primer on the law that is a great corrective to antinomianism. I appreciate that Spinneweber is especially strong on the Sabbath and the 2nd commandment. Likewise he masterfully breaks down the threefold division of the law.
However while I appreciate that he makes space for Sabbath laws, I find his arguments against the civil magistrates enforcing the first table of the law weak. He only roots enforcing laws that do objective harm to others, and I feel that this is not sufficient.

[Brett Rudder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful little primer on the Law of God and the Christian life. Helpful summaries, clear illustrations, and a motivation to follow Christ. Would recommend for anyone.

[Jim McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young Christian I wrestled with questions like: "If I am saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone and not by works, what if any obligation do I have to obey the law of God? What do I do with ceremonial and civil laws of the Old Testament that forbid the eating of shellfish and pork on the one hand, and require the execution of adulterers on the other? How do I know which laws remain in force and which have expired?"

This is the book I wish someone had given me years ago. In "Loving the Law," Stephen Spinneneweber explains what the law of God is, what it requires, and what it forbids one commandment at a time. What's more, he makes a compelling case for why the law of God is not just to be obeyed, but cherished by the believer striving to offer their bodies as "living sacrifices" in view of God's mercy (Romans 12:1). Since, as Thomas Watson said, "holiness is the badge and livery of Christ's people," studying God's law and striving to live in greater conformity to it must be the obsession of every Christian.

Be sure to read the helpful appendices as well! Appendix 1 addressing the 2nd commandment and the pedagogical use of images of God is worth the price of the book alone.

[Brendon Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was honestly kinda perfect if you want a short, to the point, confessionally reformed statement on the 3 uses of the law and understanding them from a gospel focused perspective. I’m already in an amazing church in my city (where this dude is also a pastor). But if I wasn’t, I would for sure be paying that church a visit.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the Reformed view of the law. The analogies and metaphors used serve well to understand the three-fold use of the Law. He does seem to cherry-pick sources on the degree to which the case-laws have any validity. There was much more diverse thought on this matter than is represented by the obscure source he uses.

[Kevin Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief and helpful introduction to a Reformed view of the Law of God. He elucidates some of the tricky questions on the topic in a way that is easy to understand. I also appreciated the many quotations of catechisms, confessions, and writers of an earlier age.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview of the reformed view of the law. Many quotes from Calvin and the puritans peppered throughout. Definitely recommend this brief work to the new believer or someone new to reformed theology

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, easy-to-understand primer on the Reformed view of the law and its role in the believer’s life. Enthusiastically recommended to newer and seasoned believers alike.

[Jonah Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid. Putting this into the hands of my seniors at the church who are about to go off to college.