From the Finger of God: The Biblical and Theological Basis for the Threefold Division of the Law

by Philip S. Ross

Publisher:

Christian Focus

, 2010

Overview

This book investigates the biblical and theological basis for the classical division of biblical law into moral, civil, and ceremonial. It highlights some of the implications of this division for the doctrines of sin and atonement, concluding that theologians were right to see it as rooted in Scripture and the Ten Commandments as ever-binding.

Key Features

• Combines systematic clarity with exegetical analysis
• Deals with the relationship between the laws and requirements of the Old Testament and those of the New
• Demonstrates how the finality of the person and work of Christ is the crux of the matter and how the atonement has law as its background

Contents

• A Catholic Doctrine
• What Would Moses Think?
• Law in Action?
• What Did Jesus Do?
• Jesus Preaches on the Law
• The Law in Acts
• The Apostles and Their Epistles
• The End of the Whole Matter

Praise for From the Finger of God

Philip Ross has dealt with issues lying near the heart of the Christian life (and indeed, of the healthy functioning of any human society) in this careful, fair, and, at times, humorous (or at least, entertaining and attention-holding) study of the continuing validity of God's law... I will be frequently referring to his volume in my classes, and warmly commend it

—Douglas F. Kelly, Professor of Theology Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina

Philip Ross has done the Christian church a marvelous service by on the one hand affirming the theological roots concerning the Reformation blessing concerning the three-fold use of the Law in the Covenant of Grace and at the same time, unfolding for the reader of this book implications and vistas for the effective use of God's Law in the Gospel ministry. Philip has, on the one hand, cleared away the underbrush and overgrowth which has grown up in today's efforts of Biblical scholarship which at times has sometimes superficial and other times speculative for the purpose of novelty. Yet simultaneously Philip has pressed forward with insightful highlights as to the New Testament role of the Law of God as it is fulfilled in Christ pressed upon the hearts of the lost thereby sending them to Christ and used in the Hands of the Holy Spirit to direct believers as they follow Christ in the pursuit of joyful holiness.

—Harry L. Reeder III, Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama

In this remarkable work Dr. Philip Ross studies the threefold Division of the Law as traditionally held by the Reformed, Orthodox and Catholic Churches and establishes this framework to be scripturally based. Ross's study is a welcome contribution to this topic especially in the context of challenges to this formulation from several modern authors who reject it as non-biblical, challenges which this study effectively refutes. This study is to be commended not only for its scholarly rigor but also for its ecumenical relevance.

—George Keerankeri, S.J.,, Reader in Sacred Scripture, Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi

Product Details

• Title: From the Finger of God: The Biblical and Theological Basis for the Threefold Division of the Law
• Author: Philip S. Ross
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Print Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 448
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• ISBNs: 9781845506018, 1845506014
• Resource ID: LLS:FNGRGDBBLDVSNLW
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:01:21Z

About Philip S. Ross

Philip S. Ross is a theological editor who studied in Wales. He worked extensively on the well-received Christian Heritage editions of The Marrow of Modern Divinity and subtitled seven John Owen works. Philip lives near Loch Lomond in Scotland with his wife and three children.