Written on the Heart

In Written on the Heart, Stephen Steele shows how the law of God is still relevant and needs to be remembered today. In a world that increasingly disregards any fixed standard of law or morality, this book is a timely reminder that God’s commands are good, wise, and enduring.

I was most helped by his explaining of the threefold division of the law: the moral law (the unchanging core, summarized in the Ten Commandments), the ceremonial law (regulating Israel’s sacrificial system and matters such as ceremonial cleanliness), and the judicial law (specific laws to be obeyed by the nation of Israel in the Promised Land). While the last two have become obsolete, they are still relevant for understanding God. He uses the language of “expansion packs,” which is helpful for understanding how the later laws relate to the Ten Commandments.

God’s Laws, Our Good

Chapter 5 gives eight principles for teaching the Ten Commandments to others. I was most moved to see that the believer receives them from Christ, who has kept them perfectly. And we can please God in faith. Interestingly, the book goes into errors of New Covenant Theology. I was most affirmed to read that progressive revelation does not require progressive morality.

Toward the end of the book, Steele looks at legalism, reminding us that God can still be gracious and give us laws. He concludes by helping us see that the law is good, especially when connected to Christ. Written on the Heart is a thoughtful and encouraging book that helps Christians better understand the goodness, purpose, and continuing relevance of God’s law.

I received a promotional copy of Written on the Heart and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.