Article August 9, 1952 ISSUE

DIVINE EQUITY VERSUS HUMAN LAW

ISAAC S. GROSSMAN

DIVINE equity is the will of God made manifest in answer to righteous prayer, while human law is a rule or mode of conduct made obligatory by common consent and enforced through sanctions and penalties. Civil laws, which belong in the category of human law, must be enforced and obeyed, or else anarchy would prevail. Jesus cautioned us (Mark 12:17), "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's." We must abide by the law of the land, for by its discipline we are protected collectively and individually.

The will of God is a divine decree or law, just and benevolent. Human law, unless it patterns the divine, may be malevolent. God's law establishes liberty and deliverance, while human law may shackle men to sin, sickness, and death. Jesus, warning us of those who enforce material laws, said (Matt. 23:4), "They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders."

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