律法的恩典
THE GRACE OF THE LAW
作者：Timothy Keller  譯者/楊忠道 編校/誠之
https://corechristianity.com/resource-library/articles/the-grace-of-the-law
https://yimawusi.net/2021/06/28/the-grace-of-the-law/
 
在救贖主教會，我們經常談論我們是如何因著恩典得救的，而不是靠我們自己的好行為或對律法的遵行。誠然，保羅說我們「不在律法之下」，而是「在恩典之下」（羅六15）。但我們仍有義務去順服上帝的旨意，也就是記載在聖經裏的祂的話，這是什麼意思呢？我們仍然要遵守律法嗎？絕對是的。
At Redeemer we talk a lot about how we are saved by grace, not by our good works or obedience to the law. Indeed, Paul says we are not ‘under law’ but ‘under grace’ (Romans 6:15.) But what does that mean as far as having an obligation to submit to God’s will as written in his Word? Do we still have to obey the law? Absolutely.
 
「在律法之下」不是指「遵守」律法，而是指「倚靠」律法（加三10~11）。當我們以為，我們可以透過道德的表現來贏得上帝的稱許，而順服成為一種壓迫人的重擔時，我們就是「在律法之下」。但是，當我們認識到，基督已經為我們成全了律法，並且現在我們這些信靠祂的人，在上帝的愛裏都是穩妥的，那麼我們就自然會想要去愛慕、效法並認識完成這事的那位。我們怎樣才能做到這一點呢？藉著轉向律法！
To be ‘under the law’ refers not to law obeying but law relying (Galatians 3:10-11). When we think we can win God’s approval through our moral performance and obedience becomes a crushing burden, then we are ‘under law.’ But when we learn that Christ has fulfilled the law for us and that now we who believe in him are secure in God’s love, then we naturally want to delight, resemble, and know the One who has done this. How can we do this? By turning to the law!
 
保羅是這樣說的。儘管他不在律法之下，但「我不是在　神的律法以外，而是在基督的律法之下」（林前九21；《新譯本》）。雖然他不是在律法「之下」（靠著遵行律法來賺取救恩），但他現在已經得著釋放，可以明白在基督裏已經成全的上帝的律法是何等的美，並且順服律法，藉此來愛他的救主。這是如何做到的呢？
Paul puts it this way. Though he is not under the law, “I am not free from God’s law, but I am under Christ’s law” (1 Corinthians 9:21). Though he is not ‘under’ the law (as a way to earn salvation) he now is freed to see the beauties of God’s law as fulfilled in Christ, and submits to it as way of loving his Savior. How does this work?
 
首先，我們擁抱上帝的律法，好叫我們更加認識我們的上帝究竟是一位怎樣的上帝。
First, we embrace the law of God in order to learn more about who our God really is.
 
利未記十九章是一篇精彩的篇章，不僅擴充了十誡的全部內容，更將十誡總結為「愛人如己」。它表明了上帝的律法如何不僅僅關乎禮儀的純淨，更是要改變一個人實際生活的每個細節。
Leviticus 19 is a magnificent chapter which both expands on all the Ten Commandments, and also summarizes them into ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ It shows how God’s law was not a matter only of ritual purity, but was to transform every corner of one’s practical life.
 
然而，在利未記十九章2節，上帝藉著說，「要分別為聖，因為我耶和華你們的　神是聖潔的」，而將整個律法介紹出來。換句話說，如果你想知道我是誰、我所愛的是什麼、我所恨的是什麼，如果你想知道我的心意，想要變得像我一樣，就遵守我的律法吧！
In Leviticus 19:2, however, God introduces the whole law by saying, ‘be holy, for I am holy.’ In other words, if you want to know who I am, what I love and hate, if you want to know my heart and become like me, obey my law.
 
其次，我們擁抱上帝的律法是為了發現我們真實的自我。
Second, we embrace the law of God in order to discover our true selves.
 
申命記（十12）說：「耶和華你的　神向你要的是甚麼呢？只要你敬畏耶和華你的　神，行在祂的一切道路上，愛祂，一心一意事奉耶和華你的　神，遵守耶和華的誡命和律例，就是我今日吩咐你的，為要叫你得福。」（《新譯本》）我們在這裏看到，上帝的律法是恩典的禮物，是人類繁榮昌盛的基礎。這不僅僅是要取悅一個反覆無常的神明，其天馬行空的妄想而指定的「消磨時間的工作」（busywork）。
Deuteronomy says, “What does the Lord require of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you this day for your good?” Here we see that the law of God is a gift of grace that is the foundation of human flourishing. It is not “busywork” assigned just to please the arbitrary whims of a capricious deity.
 
上帝的律法只是向我們顯明了人類是為何受造的——為了要唯獨敬拜上帝、愛人如己、說真話、信守承諾、凡事寬恕、以公義行事。當我們違背這些律法時，就是在違背我們的本性和幸福。對上帝的不順服會讓現實生活變得十分緊繃，最終只能導致崩潰。
The law of God simply shows us what human beings were built to do—to worship God alone, to love their neighbors as themselves, to tell the truth, keep their promises, forgive everything, act with justice. When we move against these laws we move against our own natures and happiness. Disobedience to God sets up strains in the fabric of reality that can only lead to break down.
 
第三，我們認識到上帝的律法在基督裏已經成全了。
Third, we understand the law of God as fulfilled in Christ.
 
這意味著兩件事，一件是我們已經提到的，基督已經代替我們完全滿足了律法的要求，所以當祂承擔了我們的罪所贏得的刑罰時，我們就可以領受祂的義所應得的祝福（林後五21）。然而，我們也認識到，舊約律法的許多部份不再與我們這些信徒有直接的關聯了。因為耶穌是最終的祭司、聖殿、祭物，我們就不必再遵守那些儀式、飲食和其他與禮儀潔淨有關的律法了。
This means two things. One we already mentioned. Christ completely fulfilled the requirements of the law in our place, so when he took the penalty our sins deserved, we could receive the blessing that his righteousness deserved (2 Corinthians 5:21). However, we also recognize that many parts of the Old Testament law no longer relate directly to us as believers. Since Jesus is the ultimate priest, temple, and sacrifice, we observe none of the ceremonial, dietary, and other laws connected to ritual purity.
 
而且，世上萬國的基督徒如今都是上帝子民的成員，上帝的群體不再以神治國度政府下的單一民族國家而存在。因此，舊約聖經中的「民事法」已不再適用。通姦在舊約中是處以死刑的，但在新約聖經裏是透過勸誡和教會懲戒來處理的（林前六~七章）。
Also, Christians of all nations are now members of the people of God, and God’s community no longer exists as a single nation-state under a theocratic government. Therefore, the ‘civil legislation’ of the Old Testament is no longer appropriate. Adultery in the Old Testament was punishable by a death, but in the New Testament it is dealt with through exhortation and church discipline (1 Corinthians 6-7).
 
第四，我們認識到，律法那令人痛苦、定罪的工作，最終是一件滿有恩惠的事。
Fourth, we realize that the law’s painful, convicting work is ultimately a gracious thing.
 
當我們完全明白律法要求我們過什麼樣的生活時，必定會讓人感到不安。主耶穌在登山寶訓裏，以這種全面的方式來闡述十誡。祂向我們展示了我們對這世界應有的態度，那就是：我們既然是鹽也是光，就應該投身在我們群體的需要上。
When we fully comprehend the kind of life the law requires of us, it can be intimidating. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus expounds the Ten Commandments in this comprehensive way. He shows us the attitude we should have to the world, being salt and light, investing ourselves in the needs of our communities.
 
祂向我們表明，如果我們鄙視和忽視我們的鄰舍，稱他們謂「傻瓜」，我們就是在攻擊他們的造物主，因為他們是按照祂的形像造的。祂呼召我們永遠不要對其他人起貪戀的心，要過純正和貞潔的生活。祂堅持認為我們在日常一切的交往中要盡可能誠實，好像我們發過誓，正在法庭作證一樣。
He shows us that if we even disdain and ignore our neighbors, calling them ‘fools’, we are attacking their creator, in whose image they are made. He calls us to never look on another with lust, living lives of purity and chastity. He insists we should speak with as much honesty in all our daily interactions as if we were testifying in court under oath.
 
祂告訴我們，要饒恕我們的仇敵、愛我們的仇敵，把另一邊的臉也轉過去，而不是尋求報復。我們應當施捨給窮人，而不期望得到任何感謝或稱讚。我們要以驚人的比例把捐出我們的錢財，並且過一個充滿動力、隱密的、內在的禱告生活。我們絕不可成為愛論斷或愛定罪他人的人，應當過著無憂無慮的人生。
We are told to forgive and love our enemies, turning the other cheek rather than seeking revenge. We are to give to the poor without expecting any thanks or acclaim. We are to give our money away in astonishing proportions, and carry on a dynamic, secret, inner prayer life. We are never to be judgmental or condemning of others, and we are to live a life free from worry.
 
一位傳道人在仔細閱讀過馬太福音五～七章後說到：「上帝把我們所有的人都從登山寶訓拯救出來了！」如果你真完全聽從上帝的律法，你就會感到赤身露體、羞愧、無助，然後你會尋求上帝的憐憫。這就是保羅說的，若我們聽從律法，儘管律法的破壞力極大（羅七9~11），但律法還是「屬靈的、公義的、良善的」（羅七12、14）並且律法的工作最終是恩慈的（羅七7）。它充當一位和藹卻嚴格的師傅，為要領我們到基督那裏（加三24）。
One minister said, after reading through Matthew 5-7 carefully, “God save us all from the Sermon on the Mount!” If you listen at all to the law of God, you will feel naked and exposed, ashamed and helpless, and you will seek out the mercy of God. That is why Paul says that though the law, when listened to, is devastating (Romans 7:9-11), it is nevertheless ‘spiritual, righteous, and good’ (Romans 7:12, 14) and its work is ultimately gracious (Romans 7:7). It acts as a kind but strict schoolmaster who leads us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
 
第五，我們求助於上帝的律法，以便在我們與別人的關係中，也在整個社會中，真實地定義什麼才是愛其他人。
Fifth, we turn to the law of God in order to get a true definition of what it means to love others in our relationships and in society as a whole.
 
曾經有一個被稱為「情境倫理學」的倫理學拒絕接受聖經的律法，認為它過於死板。相反，我們被告知，我們只需要去做有愛心的事，也就是對那人來說最好的事。但這引出了一個問題——「你怎麼知道對這人來說，最好的事是什麼？」在婚前跟某人睡在一起，對他或她來說，是最好的事還是最糟糕的事呢？你怎麼知道？律法就是上帝說以下這些話的方式：「如果你要去愛其他人，就這樣去做。我創造了人，我知道對他們來說，什麼才是最好的事。」這就是為什麼保羅可以寫到：
There was once a school of ethics called ‘situation ethics’ that rejected the Biblical law as too rigid. Instead, we were told, we only need to always do the loving thing, what is best for the person. But this begs the question—‘how do you know what is the best thing for a person?’ Is sleeping together with someone before marriage the best thing or the worst thing for him or her? How do you know? The law is God’s way of saying, ‘If you want to love others, act this way. I created people. I know what the best thing for them is.’ That is why Paul could write:
 
「那『不可姦淫，不可殺人，不可偷盜，不可貪心』等等的誡命，都包括在『愛人如己』這一句話裏面了。愛是不加害於人的，所以愛是成全律法的。」（羅十三9~10；新譯本）
The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:9-10).
 
如此，上帝的律法不僅在個人關係裏給予基督徒指引，更會在我們追求使我們的社會變得更加公義、更加仁慈時幫助我們。人需要的是什麼？以尊嚴待人是什麼意思呢？基督徒參與政治和社會活動時，律法會提供指導。
The law of God, then, gives Christians guidance not only in personal relationships, but helps us as we seek to make our society a more just and merciful one. What do people need? What does it mean to treat people with dignity? The law informs Christians’political and social involvement.
 
最後，我們轉向律法，是因為有些時候，我們必須去做一些事，只因上帝這樣說了。
Finally, we turn to the law of God because sometimes we need to do things just because God says so.
 
在伊甸園裏，上帝告訴亞當和夏娃不可吃分別善惡樹上的果子，但從未告訴他們「為什麼」。我們當中有些人，除非知道了頒布這道命令的所有原因，對我們有什麼好處，等等，否則就討厭服從一個指令。但我認為，上帝是這樣告訴亞當和夏娃的：「服從這個指令，不是因為你明白，而是因為你承認我是你的上帝，而你不是。」他們在這一點上失敗了，但每天我們都有機會挽回這事。
Some of us simply hate to follow a direction unless we know all the reasons why the direction was given, how it will benefit us, and so on. But God was saying to Adam and Eve, I think, ‘Obey this direction, not because you understand, but because you recognize that I am your God and that you are not.’ They failed in this. But every day we have the opportunity to put this right.
 
遵行上帝的旨意，不是因為它很刺激（儘管它最終會是一種冒險），不是因為它能滿足你的需要（雖然最終會成為一種喜樂），不是因為你明白為何這是智慧之路（雖然這最終會變得更加清晰）。遵行上帝的旨意是因為祂是你的主、你的救主，而你不是。這樣作是因為這是耶和華的律法。如果你這樣做——如果你連最小的事也聽從祂——你就會認識上帝、認識你自己、找到神的恩典、愛你的鄰舍，並單單尊祂為上帝。這是個很划算的買賣。
Do God’s will, not because it is exciting (though it will eventually be an adventure) not because it will meet your needs (though it will eventually be a joy) not because you understand why this is the path of wisdom (though it will eventually become more clear.) Do it because he is your Lord and Savior and you are not. Do it because it is the law of the Lord. And if you do it—if you obey him even in the little things—you will know God, know yourself, find God’s grace, love your neighbor, and simply honor him as God. Not a bad deal.
 
This article originally appeared in Redeemer Presbyterian Church’s monthly Redeemer Report. Used with permission.