My sister-in-law commented that she’s been enjoying my study questions on the Westminster Confession of Faith. It’s been awhile since I put some material up here. So today I’m covering the Law of God and Christian Liberty. Some good things to consider (the same caveats apply- I’m not arguing with anyone: if I misrepresented a position let me know).
Chapter XIX: Of The Law Of God
194. Demonstrate that the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments. Jesus said that the Law and Prophets hang upon the commands to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength,” and to “love your neighbor as yourself. (Mt. 22)”
195. Recite for us the Ten Commandments. No gods before me, not take the name of the Lord in vain, no graven images, keep the Sabbath, honor your parents, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t commit adultery, don’t bear false witness & don’t covet.
196. What the three “uses” of the law? To restrain sin, to expose our sin & drive us to Christ, and reveal God’s character which pleases him.
197. What is the proper use of the Law for the life of the Christian? To expose our sin that we might live lives of repentance, and direct us that we might please God.
198. What distinctions or overlap exist between the three categories of law – moral, ceremonial, civil? Are they all still valid? The moral law is eternal, based on the character of God. Ceremonial law governed the worship of Israel prior to the fulfillment of the ceremonial law in Christ. The civil law was the application of the moral law to theocratic Israel. Those applications are helpful to direct us in our application of the Law but not binding.
199. What is legalism? Legalism is depending on the performance of the law to gain merit before God.
200. If someone is concerned about the detailed application of the law, is he a legalist? Not necessarily.
201. What is antinomianism? The antinomian rejects any place for the law in the Christian life, but misunderstands grace and the leading the Spirit.
202. Is all humanity under obligation to the moral law of God? Yes- they shall be held accountable for any want of conformity or transgression of the moral law.
203. What does theonomy offer to our understanding of the law today? In what ways do you call yourself a theonomist? If not, why not? I don’t really find theonomy helpful. Based on post-millennialism, it wants to apply God’s law to a time that does not exist (and may never). I have theonomist friends but find their method of interpretation as literalistic as the dispensationalists. I love God’s law.
204. In what sense is the law fulfilled for the Christian? Christ has fully obeyed the moral law on our behalf, and that righteousness is imputed to us as the basis of our justification. Jesus has fulfilled the ceremonial law as our Great High Priest, removing our sin and enabling us to fellowship with God.
205. In what sense are we not under law, but under grace? We are not under the penalty of the law (Rom. 8:1, Galatians).
206. How might a dispensationalist view the law? He views the Law as for God’s OT people unless it is repeated in the NT.
207. Must God repeat in the New Testament the Old Testament laws for those laws to remain applicable? NO! 2 Timothy 3 says that the Scriptures, and Paul was speaking of the OT, make us wise for salvation and prepare us for works of righteousness. We learn to live, in part, by reading the OT and making epochal adjustments.
Chapter XX: Of Christian Liberty & Liberty of Conscience
208. What is Christian liberty? Freedom from guilt, the condemnation of God, the curse of the law and bondage to Satan.
209. Give examples of Christian liberty in your life. I led a life marked by grievous sin prior to my conversion. At times Satan reminds me of my excess and guilt- but the gospel reminds me that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Not only that, but in Romans 6-7 Paul instructs me that I am no longer under obligation or debt to the sinful nature- I don’t have to obey its clamoring.
210. What does it mean to “offend a weaker brother”? It means to engage in an activity that a weaker brother thinks is sinful, but isn’t. He violates his conscience by engaging in that activity though he thinks it sinful.
211. What are the two limits of Christian liberty? We are not free to pursue sin, or to disobey any rightful authority exercising its authority properly.
212. Where in the Bible is the issue of Christian liberty addressed in detail? Romans 14-15.
213. What are some of the positive consequences of Christian liberty? What are some of the abuses? Our consciences may not be bound by other Christians, but only the Word of God. We are not enslaved by others. We can abuse it to avoid our responsibility to other Christians, or justify our own sinful cravings.
Cavman Considers 
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