From the time of Moses, the concept of law is a key element in the Bible. Representing more than mere rules or ethical guidelines, divine law is portrayed as the very foundation and fabric of existence. As the author of Psalm 119 states: “Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your decrees are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts” (verses 97–100, New Revised Standard Version).

The Israelites found that understanding and obeying divine law defeated despair and led to prosperity. Mosaic law, including the Ten Commandments, was seen as divine instruction, obedience to which enabled the Jewish nation to flourish, even during times of captivity and oppression. For instance, Daniel rose to prominence in Babylonia despite exile to a foreign land and malicious attempts by native princes to destroy him. This demonstrates how adherence to divine law transcends earthly challenges.

Jesus preeminently advanced the understanding of God’s law and its spiritual substance. In the Gospel of Matthew, he states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” (5:17, NRSV). Jesus lived and taught a pure form of law, untainted by human tradition, that empowered him to heal the sick, reform the sinning, and raise the dead. His disciples continued this work, learning from him how to apply the law of all good, of total harmony, to heal and uplift others. This law of the one, infinite Mind, God, governs and controls the universe.