Vos Group #27 — The Function of Law

We continue our #VosGroup series by opening pages 126–129 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider the function of the law. Why was the law given? How does it function in the life of Israel, the redeemed typological son? God graciously gave a typological kingdom to his people, and they were commanded to obey the Lord in order to retain this kingdom. But how are we to understand this obedience? Is it a new covenant of works? Israel were to walk in the faith of Abraham, not in the sin of Adam. The obedience they offer unto the Lord is not understood in terms of strict merit, but as Vos says, in terms of “appropriateness of expression” (p. 127).

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton