Is the Law New?

The phrase “law new” is being used in reference to legal issues, firms and businesses that focus on innovative ways of handling business. Often this involves non-traditional business practices and fees structures. It also may refer to a new or revitalized legal theory or approach. Those that describe themselves as “law new” tend to be firms, businesses or lawyers who have recently started their own firm or made a name for themselves in an area of law where they have carved out a niche.

The legislative process begins with a new policy idea. These ideas can come from many sources such as a senator’s constituents, an organization calling for a change in the law or a State official. Once this idea has been formed, it is called a bill. Once the bill is introduced, it goes through several stages including first reading, committee stage, report stage and third reading. If the bill is agreed upon by both houses of parliament, it then goes to the president where he can assent, withhold assent or return it for reconsideration. If he assents to the bill, it becomes a law.

Those who say that the law is new argue that the New Law is not simply a written code but rather it is instilled in man’s heart by Christ, and it is this Gospel Law which transforms human nature. This Gospel Law, centered on the commandments to love God and love one’s neighbor as oneself, reforms our hearts by teaching us how to obey God’s laws of the kingdom. The Gospel Law is not only the foundation of Christian ethics, it is a source of apostolic authority.

It is for this reason that the Apostle Paul says in Romans 3:21, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” But some ask why it was not fit that the New Law should have been given from the beginning of the world? Three reasons may be assigned for this. The first is that the New Law, like the Old, consists chiefly of grace; and it behoved not to be given until sin, which was an obstacle to its reception, had been cast out of man through the accomplishment of his redemption by Christ. The second reason is that the New Law does not justify. The Apostle proves this by saying in the following words (Romans 4:15): “For the Law worketh wrath: for where there is no law, there is no transgression.” The third reason is that the New Law increases transgression. This argument is made on the grounds that the Apostle says in Hebrews 10:28-29, “Whosoever transgresseth and doeth not keep the commandment shall be slain without doubt.” For this reason it was not fit that the New Law should be given from the beginning of the world.