The Reading of the Law: Confronted by God’s Righteousness
In the rhythm of our worship, the Reading of the Law is the moment where God’s holiness and our sinfulness meet.
Positioned early in the service, following our adoration of God, this reading is a solemn reminder of God’s righteous standards, His will for our lives, and our need for His grace. It is not merely a formality but a significant part of our liturgical conversation with God, designed to prepare our hearts for confession and the assurance of pardon that follows.
Understanding the Reading of the Law
The Reading of the Law involves the public recitation of God’s commandments as found in Scripture, particularly in the Ten Commandments or other imperatives, that are found throughout the Bible. This reading is intended to reveal God’s character, show us His will, to expose our sin, and remind us that we all stand in the same need of His grace.
Scriptural Foundations of the Law
The Law of God is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, serving various roles in the life of God’s people:
- Exodus 20:1-17: The giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai is perhaps the most well-known expression of God’s law. These commandments outline God’s standards for holy living and His expectations for His people.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-9: Here we find included the command to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength. This text encapsulates the essence of the Law.
- Psalm 19:7-11: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple…” This passage shows us the goodness and righteousness of God’s law. The Law of God is good, the problem is that we are not.
- Romans 7:7: The Apostle Paul writes, “… I had not known sin, but by the law.” The Law serves to reveal sin and our need for Christ.
Theological Significance
The Reading of the Law carries deep theological significance in worship:
- Revelation of God’s Holiness: It reveals God’s holy character and His righteous standards. By hearing the Law, we are reminded of God’s perfection and the demands of His covenant.
- Conviction of Sin: It brings conviction of sin, showing us where we fall short of God’s standards. This awareness leads us to an understanding of our need for a Savior.
- Guide for Living: It serves as a guide for Christian living. The Law is not only a mirror showing us our sin but also a lamp guiding us in how to live a life pleasing to God (Psalm 119:105).
- Preparation for Confession: It prepares our hearts for confession and the assurance of pardon. Recognizing our failure to keep the Law moves us to confess our sins. (1 John 1:9)
The Impact of the Reading of the Law on Worship
The Reading of the Law shapes our worship, as it:
- Cultivates Humility: It cultivates a posture of humility and dependence. Hearing God’s righteous standards reminds us of our sinfulness and our need for His mercy.
- Deepens Repentance: The Law functions as a mirror, reflecting our true state and prompting us to repentance.
- Brings Gratitude: It enhances our gratitude for the gospel. Recognizing our inability to keep the Law perfectly makes us through ourselves in thankfulness upon Christ’s fulfillment of the Law on our behalf.
- Guides Living: It provides direction, reminding us of the imperatives of Scripture.
As we hear the Reading of the Law each Sunday, we should understand that this reading is not meant to burden us with guilt, but to lead us to the cross, where we find forgiveness and grace in Christ. The Law drives us to Christ, who perfectly kept it on our behalf.
This post is part of our series: Liturgy, A Gospel Conversation