Natural laws, also known as “ius naturale” or “lex naturalis,” are a system of laws based on a close observation of natural order and human nature. These laws are thought to be intrinsic to human nature and can be deduced and applied independently of laws enacted by society.
(Romans 1:20)1NIV New International Version Translations – “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
The verse above emphasizes that God’s eternal power and divine nature are evident in the world around us. We can see it in the beauty of nature and the complexity of the universe, reflecting God’s invisible qualities. Thus, people are without excuse for not acknowledging God’s existence and majesty. The concept of natural law has been documented in ancient Greek philosophy, including Aristotle, and was referred to in ancient Roman philosophy by Cicero. It has also been embraced and developed by many Christian philosophers, such as Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas.
(Jeremiah 31:33) – “’This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel, after that time,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.’”
The natural laws were expanded to all of humanity with a new covenant established through Jesus Christ. God will forgive sin and restore communion with those whose hearts believe in His Son. The defeat of death by Christ’s resurrection and restored life is available for those who believe in Him. This covenant is no longer one of law, but one of grace. It’s a covenant in which God’s people are born again, made new creatures, and now delight in God and delight in God’s law. Natural laws are important to us because they cover those behaviors that are intrinsically good. Life, liberty, and your right to pursue happiness would be prominent examples of natural laws.
Natural laws are a set of universal truths, principles, and rules that properly govern moral human conduct. Unlike societal law, natural law is pre-existing. Natural law can be discovered through human reason and rational analysis (common sense), and validated by revelation from the Holy Spirit. Galatians 3:25–26 states, “Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.”In politics and jurisprudence, natural law is a body of rules prescribed by an authority superior to that of the state. Faith in Jesus Christ frees believers from the law as a means of justification. Natural law protects our rights from infringement by other individuals, nation-states, or political orders.
(Romans 2:14) – “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law.”
The “Gentiles” referred to in the verse are non-Jewish people (the rest of humanity). The “law” refers to the Mosaic Law, the body of religious laws God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites. The Apostle Paul tells us that even without the explicit knowledge of God’s law, Gentiles (the rest of humanity) can still live morally and ethically by following the natural law written in their hearts. Natural law is a sense of right and wrong that God has instilled in everyone. So, even though much of humanity does not have or adhere to the Mosaic Law when they do what is morally right, they are a law unto themselves. They have no excuse!
Natural law is significant because emphasizes that moral law is universal and accessible to all people, regardless of their religious or cultural background. It underscores the belief in all human beings’ dignity and moral capacity.
(James 1:25) – “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
God’s laws are written in our hearts and are evident in the natural world. By observing nature and listening to our conscience, we can begin to understand some aspects of God’s laws. Humanity is to be governed by an inherited set of universal moral rules. They apply to everyone, everywhere, in the same way. This provides a common ground for understanding basic human rights and responsibilities. Most of the world’s legal systems are based on the concept of natural law and have served as a basis for morality and justice throughout human history. Natural law assumes people want to live “good and innocent” lives. By adhering to natural laws, societies can promote ethical behavior and social harmony (peace). The concept that people have rights, values, and responsibilities is inherent in human nature.
But What About Evil?
Evil actions and injustices work to distort humanity’s understanding of natural law. When societies or individuals engage in or witness evil acts, their perception of what is inherently right or wrong becomes clouded. This results in a weakened moral compass. Natural law is based on the inherent rights granted by a superior power, God, to humans. The presence of evil serves as a test of moral integrity and adherence to natural law. The struggle against evil should be seen as an opportunity for individuals and societies to demonstrate their commitment to natural moral principles. In practice, the prevalence of evil influences the creation and enforcement of more societal laws. Legal systems are designed to curb and address evil actions, reflecting an attempt to align human laws with natural law principles. However, when legal systems become corrupt or unjust, they can perpetuate evil, further distancing society from the ideals of God’s natural law.
Contemplations
- Do you think that evil, sinful people, cannot see the natural laws that God has given us?
- Ideas to Explore: Do evil people know they are evil? Is there a sense of good in everyone? What blinds people to the natural law that God has given us?
- What do you think is the most obvious natural law?
- Ideas to Explore: Please add your observations. For Lostpine, it would be that death comes to all. No one escapes. As such, the “things” we accumulate, the “wealth” we amass, and the “power” we command, all end. None will be brought forward into eternity.
- 1NIV New International Version Translations