Law (Moral)

The Rule of Conduct

The moral law is the work of divine wisdom. It prescribes for man the ways, the rules of conduct that lead to the promised beatitude; it proscribes the ways of evil which turn him away from God and His love. It is at once firm in its precepts and, in its promises, worthy of love (CCC 1950).

Expressions of the Moral Law

The moral law finds its expression in several interrelated forms: the eternal law (the source in God), the natural law (written on the human heart and knowable by reason), the revealed Law of the Old Testament (the Decalogue), and the New Law of the Gospel (the law of love, grace, and freedom given by Christ). All of these work together to instruct humanity on how to live rightly (CCC 1952).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral law? The moral law is the work of divine Wisdom, prescribing the ways and rules of conduct that lead to the promised beatitude and proscribing the ways of evil.