Section XIV: The Definition of the Moral Law, § 208.
SECTION XIV: THE DEFINITION OF THE MORAL LAW
§ 208. This concludes our discussion on the moral Law. If one wishes to define it precisely, he should give special attention to the following points.
(1) It is a heavenly and divine doctrine, not given first on Mount Sinai, but revealed in creation, later solemnly repeated, and explained by the prophets and apostles.
(2) It is the eternal and immovable rule of righteousness, subject neither to change nor abolition. In this respect it is distinct not only from human laws but also from the ceremonial and forensic laws of Moses.
(3) It is not only the rule of outward works but also of thoughts. In fact, it requires fullness of [man’s] entire nature, that is, perfect inner and outer obedience.
(4) It does indeed promise blessing and life—that is, the physical and the spiritual rewards of this life and of that which is to come—but under the condition of perfect obedience.
(5) Because of the corruption of man’s nature introduced through sin, no one can perfectly obey the Law in this life, and therefore the promises of the Law are rendered useless to us.
(6) With respect to our corrupted nature, the Law is a universal judgment which accuses and condemns man. Thus it drives us to Christ, who is “the end of the Law for righteousness for all who believe” [Rom. 10:4].
(7) It is the norm of the good works in which the reborn should walk.
All of these, or at least the most important ones, are included in Philipp [Melanchthon’s] definition: “The moral Law is the eternal, immovable wisdom and rule of righteousness in God, dividing right from wrong. It was revealed to man at creation and was afterward often repeated and explained by God’s Word, that we may know what God is and what sort of a God He is. It is binding upon all rational creatures and demands that they all be conformed to God. It condemns and destroys all who do not conform, unless there be remission and reconciliation on account of the Son, the Mediator,”1 to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be honor, praise, and glory forever. Amen.
1 Melanchthon, Ethicae Doctrinae Elementorum Libri Duo (1550), CR 16:168; cf. Melanchthon, “Definitions of Many Terms,” trans. Benjamin T. G. Mayes, in The Chief Theological Topics: Loci Praecipui Theologici 1559, trans. J. A. O. Preus (St. Louis: Concordia, 2011), 505.