Theonomy

Alexander S. Paterson (1805-1828)

The judicial law was that body of laws given by God for the government of the Jews, partly founded in the law of nature, and partly respecting them as they were a nation distinct from all others. See Lev. 25:13; Exod. 23:11; Num. 30:15; Deut. 16:16. As far as this law respects the peculiar constitution of the Hebrew nation, it is entirely abrogated; but, as far as it contains any statute founded in the law of nature common to all nations, it is still obligatory.

(From: “A Concise System of Theology on the Basis of the Shorter Catechism”)

Robert Shaw (1795-1863)

The judicial law respected the Jews in their political capacity, or as a nation, and consisted of those institutions which God prescribed to them for their civil government. This law, as far as the Jewish polity was peculiar, has also been entirely abolished; but as far as it contains any statute founded in the law of nature common to all nations, it is still obligatory.

(From: “An Exposition of the Confession of Faith”)

John Willison (1680-1750)

Though several of the Judicial Laws were peculiar to the Jewish Nation, yet such of them as are founded upon universal moral Equity, as these for suppressing Idolatry, Blasphemy, false Prophets, &c. are to be accounted moral and binding upon all Nations to the End of the World. It is most agreeable to common Reason and Equity, that Magistrates should have this Power now as well as of old, seeing the Truths of God and Souls of Men are as precious now as ever; and the seducing of Men to Heresy and Idolatry is as Criminal under the New Testament, as it was under the Old; and the Things which related to the Glory of God and Salvation of Souls ought to be minded and cared for, with as much Zeal now as then. Well, if it be true, that Heresy and Idolatry are as dishonouring to God and destructive to Souls in Gospel times as before, it must be granted that the magistrates Power for suppressing these Evils is as requisite and useful now as ever. Why? Do not Christians need it as well as Jews? And would not our Condition now be far more unhappy than theirs, if we had no coactive Power for restraining these who are mad upon idolatrous, blasphemous and damnable Courses, from seducing our Children and nearest Relations into these Ways that would ruin them to all Eternity? The Jews had an effectual Remedy against such Dangers, and have Christians none but bare Counsels and Admonitions? Surely it was not Christ’s Intention to put his People in a worse Condition by his coming in this Respect, than the Jews were in before it.

(From: unknown)