The importance and authority of Scripture for Christian Ethics, the role of the Mosaic Law in Christian morality, but not to engage in covenantal continuity and discontinuity or biblical theology or hermeneutics, Christians are not directly under the authority of the Mosaic Law, since the Law was part of the Mosaic covenant. CHRIST's new covenant has brought about a change in law, as the Book of Hebrews makes clear. The church is not a theocracy, and CHRIST has brought about an end-by fulfillment-of the old covenant sacrificial system. Nevertheless, since all of Scripture is GOD-breathed and useful, many particular laws in the Mosaic Law still find application today in both the church and society. The two greatest commands identified by JESUS are enshrined in the Pentateuch and apply to all of CHRIST's disciples. However, there are cultural factors that require Christians to discern the principles of the law rather than applying it in a literal way. One example is to built parapet around the roof, for it is not applies in every culture. The principle is the same, even if some of the forms of application in a particular culture can differ. Although the morality of an act is not based on consequences alone, there are many warnings and encouragements in Scripture that hold out either the positive or negative consequences of obeying or disobeying GOD. We are to look at the consequences for disobedience, and rewards for following GOD's path. To properly assess ethical conduct requires knowledge of the action the circumstances in which the action occurred, the agent's character and intentions, and the consequences. The Pharisees may impress others by their religious good works, but GOD looks at the heart. Even praying and giving gifts to the poor displease GOD if the heart's motives are wrong.
