‘A Biblical View of Law and Justice’ is a book by David McIlroy which answers the ever-present question of what the Bible teaches with regards to human laws and legal systems. However, McIlroy addresses the reality that the focal point of the Bible is the relationship between God and man(kind) thus when seeking to find answers to questions, such as the purpose of obeying human laws and the extent to which they should be obeyed, “we are asking the Bible to answer questions which it does not address”[1]. Nevertheless, McIlroy presents an excellent guide to understanding the biblical topic of law and justice by analysing several aspects of the justice system and explaining the biblical positions that underpin them. This article will be reviewing the way in which this book illustrates God’s purpose for law and justice.
I. Law and justice reflect God who is just
As previously mentioned, McIlroy highlights the fact that the Bible wasn’t written as a handbook for lawyers but describes God’s relationship with man. Rather than opening with an analysis of the different judicial structures, he opens the book with an explanation of God’s attributes, noting that He is just.
McIlroy recounts the creation of man and the transgression of God’s law which brought grave repercussions. He demonstrates that God, being true to His character, could not overlook their sin but would have to exercise justice. “God created a perfect world, but human beings have damaged it and marred its beauty. Ultimately, the rebels, the criminals, who are disturbing, defacing, devastating and destroying his creation must be called to account and dealt with.”[2] (pg 23).
This framework of God as the One who is wholly and perfectly just directs the rest of the book as McIlroy emphasises that God has designed law and justice because He is just. Consequently, the execution of laws and the administration of justice reflect the character of God.
II. Law and justice restrain evil
The Bible, in recounting the fall of humanity, goes on to demonstrate not only the descent of man’s relationship with God but also with one another. Shortly after Adam’s sin, Genesis 4 narrates the fratricide that ensued which develops into further depths of sin and ultimately highlights the reality that God’s image in man had been marred. Accordingly, the injustice, oppression and broken relationships with one another are the result of the broken relationship between mankind and God.
However, in the face of such depravity, God, being true to His character, could not allow such injustice and perversion to prevail. Thus, through the various laws and commands, God restrained the full extent of man’s depravity. Rather than give him over to the fullness of his sinful heart’s demands, the law and legal system are means through which God restrains man’s wickedness, particularly protecting the most vulnerable. McIlroy discusses this at length in his examination of various Mosaic laws and the intent behind them with the following examples:
(1) The treatment of slaves in equal manner to the Israelites which promoted equality before the law.
(2) Landholding and the Year of Jubilee to protect family life by preventing annexation and encroachment[3].
(3) Social justice laws, such as the release of debts in the seventh year or levirate marriage, protected the poor from enslavement to debt but also provided for those who were relationally poor[4].
McIlroy elaborates that the restraint of man’s evil through the justice system permits the enjoyment of that which is naturally “good”. In other words, it allows man (especially the most vulnerable) to enjoy God’s creation the way He intended, albeit in its imperfect state.
III. Law and justice are instruments of God’s grace for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ
This point is excellently drawn out in the book as McIlroy emphasises God’s common grace which is demonstrated in God permitting man to face a fraction of the repercussions of his sin to lead him to repentance and ultimately to the cross of Christ.
McIlroy highlights that, in the Mosaic law, there were few penal laws, or laws which concluded with being “cut off” from the people of Israel, as the intent behind the law was that of restoration. Similarly, the intent behind the exercise of law and justice is to show man the penalty of his sin, lead him to repentance that he may turn in faith to Christ.
In spite of man’s fallen and sinful nature, law and justice are ways in which God can reveal his common grace to all mankind by not only restraining the fullness of man’s wickedness but by using the painful consequences of sin as a means to restore him to the communion with God, which can only be attained through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
This book is recommended for those studying law because it presents a nuanced view of law and justice. As a Christian studying law, I found it quite difficult to understand how I was to approach certain aspects of the law but, in hindsight, I wish I had read this book as McIlroy does a fantastic job of calling the Christian to engage with topics which are at the heart of the Mosaic law such as (but not limited to) dignified family life and the protection of the defenceless. This allows the Christian student to approach law and justice with that which lay at the heart of God’s commands as his/her guide when navigating the deep and muddy waters that is law and justice.
[1] ‘A Biblical View of Law and Justice’ (Chapter 1, page 1)
[2] ‘A Biblical View of Law and Justice’ (Chapter 1, page 23)
[3] See Numbers 32 where this prevention of annexation is highlighted in the circumstances that befell Zelophehad’s daughters.
[4] ‘A Biblical View of Law and Justice’ (Chapter 3)
