By This Standard: The Authority of God's Law Today

By This Standard examines the role and authority of Biblical law in modern Christian life and society. The text presents scriptural arguments for the continued relevance of Old Testament laws while addressing common objections to their application today. Bahnsen analyzes specific passages from both testaments to establish the relationship between Mosaic law and New Testament teaching. The work contains detailed explorations of how Biblical law relates to civil government, personal ethics, and church authority in contemporary contexts. Through systematic theological reasoning, Bahnsen builds a case for how Christians should understand and apply God's law in different spheres of life. The text includes responses to antinomian positions and dispensationalist interpretations that reject the ongoing validity of Old Testament law. This work represents a significant contribution to reformed theology and the broader discussion of Christianity's relationship to civil law and social order. The text engages fundamental questions about the nature of divine law and its role in shaping both individual conduct and societal structures.

Readers describe this book as a clear, systematic defense of God's law applying to modern society and civil government. Many praise Bahnsen's methodical Biblical arguments, though note it can be dense reading. Readers appreciated: - Detailed Scripture references and theological foundations - Refutation of common objections to theonomy - Concise chapters building a cohesive case - Accessible introduction to theonomic views Common criticisms: - Academic writing style intimidates some readers - Could better address practical application - Some find the argumentative tone off-putting - Limited engagement with opposing viewpoints Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (46 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (28 reviews) One reader noted: "Clear and cogent defense of God's law, though it requires careful study." Another said: "Important content but the writing is dry." Most reviewers recommend it for those interested in Reformed theology and theonomy, while cautioning it requires focused reading.

Theonomy in Christian Ethics by Greg Bahnsen Presents biblical arguments for the continuity and application of Old Testament law in modern civil government and society.

God's Law and Society by Kenneth L. Gentry Jr. Examines how biblical law relates to modern social issues through a systematic analysis of scriptural principles.

Tools of Dominion by Gary North Provides detailed exposition of the economic implications of biblical law in Exodus with applications for contemporary economic and social structures.

The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony Offers comprehensive analysis of the Ten Commandments and their modern applications across social, political, and economic spheres.

Law and Liberty by Michael Butler Explores the relationship between God's law and human freedom through biblical and historical analysis of Christian legal theory.

🔹 Greg Bahnsen was a pioneering figure in Christian Reconstructionism and studied under Cornelius Van Til, earning his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California at age 24. 🔹 The book argues that God's law, as revealed in the Old Testament, remains morally binding today - though not all aspects (such as ceremonial laws) apply in the same way they did in ancient Israel. 🔹 Bahnsen engaged in a famous debate with atheist Gordon Stein in 1985, which is still widely studied as an example of presuppositional apologetics in action. 🔹 The concept of theonomy (God's law) discussed in the book influenced various Christian political movements in the 1980s and continues to shape discussions about the relationship between biblical law and civil government. 🔹 By This Standard was written as a more accessible introduction to the concepts Bahnsen had previously explored in his more academic work, Theonomy in Christian Ethics.