For Our Sakes This is Written

In 1 Corinthians 9:7-10, Paul applies the principle of Deuteronomy 25:4 to a New Testament Church situation, which he adds is the purpose of Israel’s Old Testament Civil Laws. The Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 19, especially section 4, is used with this verse as a topical sermon to transition from the Moral Law (Exodus 20, always abiding and binding) to the Judicial Case Laws (Exodus 21ff, only general equity still binding). Theonomy is touched on as anti-confessional with WCF 19:4 with an overview of reasons why; still the abiding nature of the Moral Law and its general equity and guidance in the judicial case laws is emphasized as “Written no doubt for our sakes” and to be ignored at our own demise as a Church and Nation. Please note, what some may want to confuse as theonomy with the first move will be seen later to rather be a Mediatorial Reign commitment (much overlap, but very important distinctions).

God’s Moral Law is the abiding standard and rule of all mankind. Israel’s peculiar laws are no longer binding in detail, but they point to King Jesus. Israel and its temporary laws still teach us important life lessons for a people. For Our Sakes This is Written.