God's Truth in Our Law

I discovered another example how Biblical truth is upheld in our present justice system. This time it was related to auto insurance. My concern was raised because my agent said I could be held liable if my adult children were at fault in an accident. The only condition required was that they reside in my home. This did not seem fair to me. So I asked a lawyer. One thing led to another and I ran into things that are part of our law and reflect the truth of scripture. First, there’s something in the law called “the Doctrine of Vicarious Liability.” This “doctrine” in our laws is expressed by a Latin phrase: "respondeat superior," which means, "let the master answer." And there is also another “doctrine” in today's laws called the “Family Purpose Doctrine.” This “doctrine” is a form of vicarious liability. Under the “Family Purpose Doctrine,” a relative is liable for actions of a family member who resides in their home and uses their vehicle. I find all of these “doctrines” in our present law very interesting because they show the doctrine of Christ’s vicarious sufferings, of His sin-bearing, sin-atoning death and of His answer of satisfaction and obedience by His propitiating death for all who are in Him. These “doctrines” are all argued in our courts with great success by lawyers according to the present laws of our land. Legislators and lawyers understand and recognize the justice of these doctrines. They use them when it suits their purpose. That purpose seems to be to protect innocent victims against the negligent entrustment of a vehicle to an irresponsible driver. The law assigns liability to the person who grants permission, whether that permission is explicitly or implicitly given. But God’s law is perfect and the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Rom. 1:16-17). That one (Christ) should be obligated before the law of God for another (elect) because of his relation (in Christ), because of His purpose, because He is willing to pay, able to pay and by the love of His heart posted the bond of His word to pay with His blood, this is the glorious good news of the Gospel! God’s law is perfect. He charged Christ with the sins of His people. And our Lord Jesus bore the guilt of their sins. Their guilt became His guilt. He was held liable. And He paid the full price justice required. His obedience was complete and perfect. His sufferings and obedience were vicarious. This is not the doctrine of men. It is the doctrine of the Gospel. We serve the God of truth, holy in all His ways, our God and Father, our God and Savior. He holds perpetrators liable for their crimes unless the “perp” has a Master to answer for him. Christ answers for us because we are in Him by eternal election, in Him by His glad, voluntary love (Eph. 5:25). “It is God that justifieth, who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died” (Rom. 8:33-34)! This is God’s “family purpose doctrine.” We are utterly dependent upon both the justice and mercy and grace of God our Father, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

Rick Warta