The Old and New Law
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
A Need for Revelation (1960)
The natural law precepts are not easily perceived by everyone. Therefore, man needs God's revelation to know these truths "firmly and with no mixture of error" (Pius XII). Natural law is God's preparation for revealed law.
Law Revealed to Israel (1961-1962)
In preparing for Christ, God chose Israel and revealed his law. This Law of Moses authenticates many truths which can also be known by reason.
The Old Law (summed up in the Ten Commandments) is the first stage of revealed law and is the foundation for man's vocation. This light is offered to everyone's conscience to make God's ways known and to protect men from evil. "God wrote on the tables of the Law what men did not read in their hearts" (St. Augustine).
Imperfect - Yet Preparing for the Gospel (1963-1964)
This Law is holy but imperfect and does not provide the strength to keep it. It is, therefore, a "law of bondage." This Law "discloses sin" (concupiscence in the human heart). It is the first stage, disposing all (Jews and Christians) for conversion.
The Old Law prepares for the Gospel. It is a "prophecy of things to come," (St. Irenaeus) prophesying the full liberation from sin in Christ. The Law is completed by the Wisdom books and the prophets. Although the Old Law prescribed charity, it did not give the Holy Spirit. "Some under the Old Covenant possessed the grace of the Holy Spirit and longed for the promises of the New Law. Conversely, there exist carnal men under the New Covenant for whom only fear incites them to virtue" (St. Thomas Aquinas).
A New Law Given by the Spirit (1965-1966)
The Law of the Gospel (expressed by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount) perfects divine law, natural and revealed. Christ's Law is a work of the Spirit. "I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts" (Jer 31:31-34).
The New Law teaches us through the Sermon on the Mount, and uses sacraments to give us the needed grace. "If anyone should meditate on the sermon on the mount, he will doubtless find there the perfect way of the Christian life" (St. Augustine).
Surpassing but Not Abolishing (1967-1968)
The New Law surpasses the Old Law. Being addressed to the poor and the afflicted, the New Law marks out the kingdom's surprising ways.
The New Law does not abolish or devalue the Old Law. It releases its hidden potential and reveals its divine and human truths. It reforms the heart of man (where he chooses good or evil) and imitates the heavenly Father by forgiveness and prayer for enemies.
Practices of the New Law (1969-1971)
The New Law wants almsgiving, prayer, and fasting directed to the "Father who sees in secret."
The Gospel Law (summed up in the new commandment to love one another as Jesus has loved us) demands a decision to put Christ's words into practice.
The New Testament also contains moral teachings which have apostolic authority (Rom 12-15, 1 Cor 12-13, Col 3-4, Eph 4-5, etc.). This catechism uses the light of Christ and of the Church to guide all men in questions of conscience.
Many New Names (1972)
The New Law has many names:
- Law of love - We act from the Spirit of love not of fear.
- Law of grace - We act from the strength of grace.
- Law of freedom - We act in freedom. We are friends of Christ, children of God, and heirs of the kingdom.
Precepts and Counsels (1973-1974)
The New Law contains both precepts and evangelical counsels (distinguished by their relation to charity). Precepts remove what is incompatible with charity. Counsels remove what hinders the development of charity.
Living by the evangelical counsels means that the person's charity is never satisfied. These counsels point out more direct ways to love God and neighbor. "God does not want each person to keep all the counsels but only those appropriate to their diverse state as charity requires (St. Francis de Sales).
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