Three Functions, One Purpose

UV 915/10,000 Three Functions, One Purpose For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. Isaiah 33 v 22 We all know that government consists of the Executive-the head , the Legislature-the law-making wing and the judiciary- the judge. Long before such institutions were set up as the three separate branches of government, the Word indicated this functional division. But the Lord combines in Himself the functions and positions of judge, lawgiver and king. As Judge, His chief qualities are His justice and mercy. As lawgiver, His chief qualities are His wisdom, knowledge and understanding. As King, His chief qualities are His graciousness, majesty and power to execute His will. He is also the lone author of eternal salvation. He uses His good offices of judge, lawgiver and king to save us. As Judge, He shows us mercy on the basis of our faith in Jesus. He justifies us or sets us right with God as if we have never fallen short of His law or justice, as if we have never sinned. As lawgiver, He gives us His Word to guide and lead us, to comfort, strengthen and nourish us. As King He commands His deliverances for us. He rewards us for our faithfulness. In all three roles and functions, His chief goal or priority is to save us. The justice, law and power of God are tailored for our salvation, not for our condemnation. Whatever be our shortcomings in every area of life, He shows us mercy and gives us grace to overcome. He removes earthly kings and installs new ones in their place. He weighs every leader and authority, measures them and numbers their days. There is no conflict between the executive, legislative and judicial functions of God unlike our human institutions that are often at loggerheads with each other. We can be confident and trust the Lord that He never errs in His judgements. His statutes and decrees are also wise, perfect and trustworthy. In His executive function, the Lord acts consistent with His law. His decrees or decisions based on His law is what operates in our lives. What is impossible for man is only improbable for God. He takes a decision and the impossible happens. As a merciful Judge, we need to trust Him. As a wise lawgiver, we need to respect the law we have received at the mouth of God- the Word. As an all powerful King, we need to be loyal, faithful and obedient. The uni-verse states that the Lord has three supreme functions but only one purpose in mind – the salvation of those who trust, revere and depend on Him. The word “ is” is repeated thrice to emphasize that we need to know Him as Judge, Lawgiver , King and Saviour in this lifetime and not just as a future King or Judge or Lawgiver. Prateep V Philip