Thread: How do we reconcile apparent tensions in the law?

This is a much clearer, and I hope more clearly answerable, restatement of questions from a thread here (that thread contains specific examples of what I mean by 'tension').

Originally Posted by py3ak

Are the commandments hierarchical, so that in some situations (as of preserving life) the 6th commandment outranks the 4th or the 9th?

If the answer is "yes, they are hierarchical", how do we tell which commandment outranks which in a given circumstance?

If the answer is "no, they are not hierarchical" how do we know further what account is to be given of the exceptions we see practised and in some cases approved in the rest of Scripture.

Can they be harmonised by paying strict attention to the letter of the law? Does their justification depend on the spirit of the law?

I'm not sure, for example, that a work of necessity on the Sabbath should be thought of as an allowable breaking of the Sabbath, but rather as an understood element of the commandment itself (at least in so far as it pertains to an imperfect world after the fall). I am very open to correction, however.

-----Added 4/23/2009 at 10:50:58 EST-----

To specify by example: I would hold that fleeing on the Sabbath is not a case of the sixth commandment taking priority over the fourth; instead, I would argue that both commandments are being maintained, since this would be considered a work of necessity which is perfectly allowable on the Sabbath.

Thank you Paul: I think it's starting to come clear. You think we cannot possibly keep the fourth commandment by breaking the sixth (or any of the others)?

Ruben pointed out to me last night that the first part of the command is to 'Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy' -- and that we cannot keep anything 'holy' while breaking other commandments.

Does this go for all the commandments, so that what appear to be 'tensions' where one command takes precedence over another is actually the opposite: the keeping of each command by, not in opposition to, keeping the others?

Then the commands are a sort of commentary on each other, that teaches us more fully the true keeping of each?

It seems a person must be very liable to error in trying to implement this in extraordinary situations: it also seems like an action in a fallen world can't perfectly express the 'wholeness' of the desire, if that makes sense: I am wondering if that is another aspect of the seeming 'tension'. The actions come out lopsided, even when the desire is straining after something whole: to the outsider it looks like one thing is being sacrificed to another. Does God honor the intent of the heart in such situations? Is it possible that this is what we see going on in Scripture in some cases (as with deception being used) -- an action is being 'imperfectly expressed', but is still in keeping with a desire to fulfill each command by not breaking the others?

See rule 5 of Larger Catechism 99 -- not every particular duty is to be done at all times.

5. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done;[429] what he commands, is always our duty;[430] and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times.[431]

Here are the verses given in support:

[429] Job 13:7-8. Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him? Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God? Romans 3:8. And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. Job 36:21. Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Hebrews 11:25. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
[430] Deuteronomy 4:8-9. And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons.
[431] Matthew 12:7. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

-----Added 4/24/2009 at 08:26:12 EST-----

Originally Posted by armourbearer

See rule 5 of Larger Catechism 99 -- not every particular duty is to be done at all times.

Thank you Rev. Winzer. I will keep that in mind as I read and think more. Do you think then that all cases of tension in Scripture are capable of the explanation that a duty was being undone, rather than a forbidden thing being done?

Does God honor the intent of the heart in such situations? Is it possible that this is what we see going on in Scripture in some cases (as with deception being used) -- an action is being 'imperfectly expressed', but is still in keeping with a desire to fulfill each command by not breaking the others?

God does look at the intent of the heart. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (I Samuel 16:7b)

I don't believe we can fully understand the commandments without looking at the sermon on the mount which clearly teaches that obedience is about what is going on in our hearts. Even if our actions appear to be right on the outside, we can be completely wicked on the inside. If we even get angry with our brother, we're murdering him. If a man lusts after a woman, he's committed adultery. Jesus taught that the law went further than outward obedience. So if we are so busy focusing on our actions, I think we miss the point. Jesus also said that the law could be summed up in two things, love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. As I see it, there is more to those two statements about the law, then just a summing up of them.

If we get so caught up in the details of keeping the law, we miss the point. God wants us to love Him supremely and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. If we focus on those our obedience, the little things of the law seem to iron themselves out, and we find we are obeying without even thinking about it.

Originally Posted by JBaldwin

If we get so caught up in the details of keeping the law, we miss the point. God wants us to love Him supremely and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. If we focus on those our obedience, the little things of the law seem to iron themselves out, and we find we are obeying without even thinking about it.

Joy thank you; I agree with you on the whole. I am not sure in my own experience, that I can agree completely about how if our focus is right, details will iron themselves out. I come to realise my glaring need of not just the summary but the detailed explanations of the commands more, the more I try to focus on love of God and of my neighbor.

-----Added 4/24/2009 at 09:21:24 EST-----

Originally Posted by a mere housewife

5. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done;[429] what he commands, is always our duty;[430] and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times.[431]

Here are the verses given in support:

[429] Job 13:7-8. Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him? Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God? Romans 3:8. And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. Job 36:21. Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Hebrews 11:25. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
[430] Deuteronomy 4:8-9. And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons.
[431] Matthew 12:7. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

-----Added 4/24/2009 at 08:26:12 EST-----

Originally Posted by armourbearer

See rule 5 of Larger Catechism 99 -- not every particular duty is to be done at all times.

Thank you Rev. Winzer. I will keep that in mind as I read and think more. Do you think then that all cases of tension in Scripture are capable of the explanation that a duty was being undone, rather than a forbidden thing being done?

Just wanted to add that I realize thinking about this that I must take into account the rule that the opposites of the duties commanded, are indeed forbidden.

Originally Posted by a mere housewife

Do you think then that all cases of tension in Scripture are capable of the explanation that a duty was being undone, rather than a forbidden thing being done?

Certainly some are thereby explained. Other tensions are resolved by observing the priority of morals over rituals. Still others require us to accept God's prerogative during the history of revelation to give positive commandments which temporarily transcend his moral demands.

Thank you very much -- I understand what you are saying, and it helps clarify things.

I think we have to make room for sanctification. We are continually being conformed more and more to the image of Christ and, therefore, His Law. But the process does take time. Suppose there is a man who is supporting his family by way of a job that requires him to work on Sunday. The Lord convicts him that he is breaking the 4th. If he immediately quits his job without other prospects he is in danger of being an infidel. It might take a period of time for that man to arrange his life in a manner where he can properly honor the Lord's Day. In practice, during that time one commandment (providing for your family) may be taking priority over another (the 4th) but in theory it is not. The desire to love the Lord by keeping His commandments is the most important thing. God has always desired mercy and not sacrifice.

Originally Posted by KMK

In practice, during that time one commandment (providing for your family) may be taking priority over another (the 4th) but in theory it is not. The desire to love the Lord by keeping His commandments is the most important thing. God has always desired mercy and not sacrifice.

I think I understand this distinction; and that helps too, esp with what you said of our law keeping as a process of sanctification. Thank you for this (I'm currently out of thank you's).

Originally Posted by KMK

I think we have to make room for sanctification. We are continually being conformed more and more to the image of Christ and, therefore, His Law. But the process does take time. Suppose there is a man who is supporting his family by way of a job that requires him to work on Sunday. The Lord convicts him that he is breaking the 4th. If he immediately quits his job without other prospects he is in danger of being an infidel. It might take a period of time for that man to arrange his life in a manner where he can properly honor the Lord's Day. In practice, during that time one commandment (providing for your family) may be taking priority over another (the 4th) but in theory it is not. The desire to love the Lord by keeping His commandments is the most important thing. God has always desired mercy and not sacrifice.

This "rounds out" what I was saying above. It is a matter of sanctification, and over time, things become clearer.

Also, I think some of the struggle has to do with personality differences. If we tend to be a person who focuses on details, then that is most likely where we will struggle in our sanctificaiton. On the other hand, if we tend to see the big picture first and then look at details, our struggles in sanctification will tend toward carelessness about details. Again, I believe we constantly have to go back to where we are focusing our attention, and that is on the Lord.

Also, I think some of the struggle has to do with personality differences. If we tend to be a person who focuses on details, then that is most likely where we will struggle in our sanctificaiton. On the other hand, if we tend to see the big picture first and then look at details, our struggles in sanctification will tend toward carelessness about details. Again, I believe we constantly have to go back to where we are focusing our attention, and that is on the Lord.

Thank you Joy; that's a good point.

Originally Posted by JBaldwin

Originally Posted by KMK

I think we have to make room for sanctification. We are continually being conformed more and more to the image of Christ and, therefore, His Law. But the process does take time. Suppose there is a man who is supporting his family by way of a job that requires him to work on Sunday. The Lord convicts him that he is breaking the 4th. If he immediately quits his job without other prospects he is in danger of being an infidel. It might take a period of time for that man to arrange his life in a manner where he can properly honor the Lord's Day. In practice, during that time one commandment (providing for your family) may be taking priority over another (the 4th) but in theory it is not. The desire to love the Lord by keeping His commandments is the most important thing. God has always desired mercy and not sacrifice.

This "rounds out" what I was saying above. It is a matter of sanctification, and over time, things become clearer.

Also, I think some of the struggle has to do with personality differences. If we tend to be a person who focuses on details, then that is most likely where we will struggle in our sanctificaiton. On the other hand, if we tend to see the big picture first and then look at details, our struggles in sanctification will tend toward carelessness about details. Again, I believe we constantly have to go back to where we are focusing our attention, and that is on the Lord.

Good point. I was meditating on this thread this morning and came to this thought. When we look back at our sanctification over the last ten years or so we say, "Look what the Lord has done in me." But when we are in the moment we say, "Look what I need to do in me."

We normally look at the Ten Commandments from a normative perspective.

Some scholars - like John Frame - have also pointed out that they can be looked at situationally and existentially as well.

The normative perspective is that the Decalogue are rules or norms which always apply.

The situational perspective is that the rules only apply in the situations for which they were created. The same action, word or thought in one situation is sinful and a breach of the Ten Commandments; in another situation it is not.

E.g. re the Tenth Commandment : to desire your own wife would not be a breach of the Commandment, but to desire someone else's would.

E.g. re the Ninth Commandment : to lie to terrorists that were coming to kill your husband/wife/child would not be a breach of the Ninth Commandment, but normally it would be a breach of the Ninth Commandment to tell an untruth.

These rather poorly explained examples are not directly from John Frame.

See his "Doctrine of the Christian Life" portions of which are here:-

http://reformedperspectives.org/sear...y/pt#joh_frame

His lectures on ethics are here, including lectures on existential, situational and normative perspectives and the Decalogue:-

Monergism :: Search Results

He used to/ maybe still does(?) accept emailed Qs at his site at Reformed Theological Seminary. You could ask him what the Ten Commandments look/sound like from existential and situational perspectives:-

Reformed Theological Seminary

His own site with Vern Poythress:-

The Works of John Frame and Vern Poythress

Originally Posted by Richard Tallach

The situational perspective is that the rules only apply in the situations for which they were created. The same action, word or thought in one situation is sinful and a breach of the Ten Commandments; in another situation it is not.

This is unbiblical and unconfessional. The ten commandments are not "case" laws teaching what must be done if and when a certain situation occurs, but "moral" law which by definition is universally and absolutely applicable.

Mr. Tallach, thank you for taking the time to put in the links: my husband isn't a fan of John Frame's so I am hesitant to be overly influenced myself. I don't honestly understand all that goes into an 'existential' view of the law; but I have enough of an idea to think that I probably need more clarity and discernment on this issue before heavily exposing myself to that POV.

Just wanted to add that I found a review of John Frame's book on ethics on Greenbaggins here:

John Frame’s Newest Tome Green Baggins

Thoughts?

To ask for more specific thoughts: in the book review Rev. Keister says:

Frame is known for his tri-perspectivalism (normative, situational, and existential). While some may question whether this fits all the places he chooses to use it, it does seem to fit very well in ethics, since goal, motive and standard correspond respectively to situational, existential, and normative. He does claim, rightly I think, that this way of thinking finds its natural home in ethics (p. xxv).

If I understand, the moral law itself is not being advocated as 'existential' or 'situational'; it is rather 'normative'. But its application in redemptive history, and the way in which we must apply it to the heart, moves ethics into the 'situational' and 'existential'.

My question is about how this differs with recognizing that there are times when it is not wrong to leave some duties undone (as it seems circumstances must enter into this); and taking into account, when dealing with ethical tensions in Scripture, the aspect of redemptive history.

I have a dim idea that it has to do more with the 'existential': if what Mr. Frame is advocating is in any way adapting or using the law in different ways depending on our motives, rather than adapting our motives to the behaviour required of us in the specific circumstance: but I am not sure if my understanding of 'existential' in this context is correct, or how better to phrase this.

Originally Posted by a mere housewife

To ask for more specific thoughts: in the book review Rev. Keister says:

Frame is known for his tri-perspectivalism (normative, situational, and existential). While some may question whether this fits all the places he chooses to use it, it does seem to fit very well in ethics, since goal, motive and standard correspond respectively to situational, existential, and normative. He does claim, rightly I think, that this way of thinking finds its natural home in ethics (p. xxv).

If I understand, the moral law itself is not being advocated as 'existential' or 'situational'; it is rather 'normative'. But its application in redemptive history, and the way in which we must apply it to the heart, moves ethics into the 'situational' and 'existential'.

My question is about how this differs with recognizing that there are times when it is not wrong to leave some duties undone (as it seems circumstances must enter into this); and taking into account, when dealing with ethical tensions in Scripture, the aspect of redemptive history.

I have a dim idea that it has to do more with the 'existential': if what Mr. Frame is advocating is in any way adapting or using the law in different ways depending on our motives, rather than adapting our motives to the behaviour required of us in the specific circumstance: but I am not sure if my understanding of 'existential' in this context is correct, or how better to phrase this.

While I haven't read Frame's views, so I can't comment on what he says, I would like to add to my earlier comments. While I believe that God looks on the heart when we do things, and that is the way in which we are judged under the new covenant, I do not think that changes a law that says, thou shalt not lie, or thou shalt not steal. I tend to look at it more in a way that God "overlooks" or grant's mercy to a person whose heart is where it should be. Just as when a child unknowingly disobeys a parent because they did not fully understand how to obey or what the parent wanted.

We cannot fully obey the law, because we aren't perfect, and sometimes we want to do the right thing, but it is difficult to decide what is right or wrong in a situation. If we make a wrong choice out of ignorance, it didn't make the action right, but I think God looks beyond the action to the heart in those cases.

What comes to mind in all of this is Rahab lying to protect the spies.

Originally Posted by armourbearer

Originally Posted by Richard Tallach

The situational perspective is that the rules only apply in the situations for which they were created. The same action, word or thought in one situation is sinful and a breach of the Ten Commandments; in another situation it is not.

This is unbiblical and unconfessional. The ten commandments are not "case" laws teaching what must be done if and when a certain situation occurs, but "moral" law which by definition is universally and absolutely applicable.

Dear Mark,

I believe the Ten Commandments to be moral laws also. I do not believe them to be ethical wax noses that may be adapted in a situational way to our own whims. They must be applied to different situations in the light of the rest of Scripture.

E.g. if you are walking to church on the Lord's Day this maybe an application of the fourth commandment, even more so, existentially-speaking, if your heart is filled with love to God.

If you meet a man by the roadside who has been hit by a car and is badly injured then you are in a new situation. You would not be observing God's law by ignoring him, and the best way you could observe the Sabbath now would be to make sure he gets to hospital, rather than continuing your walk to church.

The application of the ten commandments changes depending on the situation you are in.

Richard.



Dear JBaldwin,

I think that John Frame would say that there is always a morally right choice available, otherwise God is obliging us to sin by His providence.

The right goal is God's glory; the right motive is love to God and Man; the right word, thought and action is obeying God's Word correctly.

Richard.

Originally Posted by Richard Tallach

The application of the ten commandments changes depending on the situation you are in.

This is a much better way of stating the matter. In this statement the ten commandments are seen as unchanging norms, but requiring application which differs according to the situation. The previous statement -- "the rules only apply in the situations for which they were created" -- rendered the normative value of the commandments dependent on the situation.

Originally Posted by JBaldwin

We cannot fully obey the law, because we aren't perfect, and sometimes we want to do the right thing, but it is difficult to decide what is right or wrong in a situation. If we make a wrong choice out of ignorance, it didn't make the action right, but I think God looks beyond the action to the heart in those cases.

We must uphold that there is always a perfectly moral choice. There is no situation in which we are choosing the "lesser of two evils." This is important for 2 reasons. First, God says that when we are tempted, we are never without a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). So, no sin can be excused because it was the "least" sin. Second, we must take note of Jesus' sinlessness. If Jesus lived a truly human life, and if human life places us in "lesser of two evils" situations, then Jesus must have sinned. However, Jesus didn't sin even though "in every respect [he] has been tempted as we are" (Hebrews 4:15). Thus, there are no "lesser of two evil" situations.

As Richard said, there is always a morally right choice.

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Thanks to all of you for your wise treatment of the application of the Law of God to morally ambiguous (to us) situations. I have learned alot from these short posts.

Originally Posted by armourbearer

Originally Posted by Richard Tallach

The application of the ten commandments changes depending on the situation you are in.

This is a much better way of stating the matter. In this statement the ten commandments are seen as unchanging norms, but requiring application which differs according to the situation. The previous statement -- "the rules only apply in the situations for which they were created" -- rendered the normative value of the commandments dependent on the situation.

Rev. Winzer:

What is the practical difference between an unchanging norm and a norm that is applied in different ways depending on the situation?

What would be an example of a norm that is applied differently yet still remains unchanged between each case?

JB

Wow, you have initiated a very helpful thread. (I'm rating it a 5 of 5)

Originally Posted by sotzo

What is the practical difference between an unchanging norm and a norm that is applied in different ways depending on the situation?

There is no difference. The unchanging norm is always applicable even though it is applied in different ways depending on the situation. The problem with a previous assertion is that it suggested moral commandments only serve as norms in certain situations.

Originally Posted by sotzo

What would be an example of a norm that is applied differently yet still remains unchanged between each case?

"Thou shalt not kill" or the value of human life is a norm, and always normative. In one situation it will require a man to save another's life, e.g., if he is drowning; but in another situation it will require a man to take another's life, e.g., in battle, or as an act of judicial punishment.