Lawless America? What the Bible, the Trinity, and Our Laws Reveal About God and Society
Lawlessness seems to be everywhere these days, but is it really a new problem? From ancient commandments etched in stone to the moral debates of modern times, people have long wrestled with laws that conflict with God’s will. While the Bible shows us a God who is unchanging—just and loving throughout both Testaments—many laws in America today contradict these principles. Why is that? And what happens when a society drifts from God’s guidance? Stay with us as we unpack these questions, explore how God’s unchanging nature provides clarity, and understand why His example matters more than ever.
What Laws in America Are Contrary to the Bible?
America is a nation that thrives on religious freedom and diversity. Yet, this same freedom often results in laws that directly oppose Biblical principles. From redefining God’s design for marriage to disregarding the sanctity of life, modern society has legalized practices that conflict with Scripture. Let’s explore some of these areas where lawlessness seems to challenge God’s law.
Redefining Marriage
The Bible lays out a divine blueprint for marriage in Genesis 2:24, where it says, “A man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The New Testament echoes this truth in Matthew 19:4-6, affirming marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. However, contemporary laws in America have redefined marriage to include same-sex unions and other non-biblical arrangements.
While civil law may call these relationships marriages, Scripture’s definition remains unchanged. This isn’t about intolerance; it’s about adherence to Biblical design. Just as a blueprint ensures a building stands sturdy, God’s framework for marriage promotes stability and growth in society.
Further reading on this topic is available at The Ten Commandments and American Law.
Abortion Rights
Laws supporting abortion stand in direct opposition to the Bible’s teaching on the sanctity of life. Jeremiah 1:5 declares, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,” illustrating that God values life from conception. Exodus 20:13 leaves no room for ambiguity: “You shall not murder.”
In today’s America, abortion is considered a right. Yet, in Biblical terms, it’s a tragedy and a glaring example of lawlessness. Would society claim such rights if the law mirrored God’s heart for life? The contrast is stark. You can learn more about the sanctity of life in legislation from God’s Law and Legislation.
Freedom for Idolatry
God commands us in Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before me,” underscoring God’s exclusivity. Despite this, freedom of religion in the United States often extends to practices like idol worship and occultism, which are forbidden in Scripture. We don’t all worship the same God. We Christians personally know our God, and if you don’t personally know our God and you are a Christian, then don’t worry, you have eternity to get to know Him.
If you don’t personally know God, just don’t attack other Christians who actually know Him because in doing so, you may lose what little hedge of protection you have and God will give a bigger hedge to those who already have a large hedge. Jesus said, “For whoever has [spiritual wisdom because he is receptive to God’s word], to him more will be given, and he will be richly and abundantly supplied; but whoever does not have [spiritual wisdom because he has devalued God’s word], even what he has will be taken away from him.” Matthew 13:12
When God first started talking to Abram, before God changed his name to Abraham, well, Abraham came from a family of idolators. In fact, he came from an entire nation of idolators. They all worshipped many gods until the only real God, Yahweh, showed up. His name was never Allah. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit have always been named Yahweh.
Don’t get all hyper about us using God’s name because to use God’s name in vain actually means you are in God’s family and give the family a bad reputation to the world who does not know our God. You are representing our God and taking His name literally means you have God’s last name and the spirit world can see that on you, but if you are consistently going against God’s will, then you are taking His name in vain.
People who don’t know our God, they think talking bad about Him or saying a cuss word about Him bothers us, but we know sinners are sinners. Us, God, the angels and all of Heaven expect a sinner to be a sinner, and that is the point of what we are doing here. We are here to tell the world about what we have found knowing God, that is our testimony.
You might wonder, doesn’t religious freedom protect lawless actions? Sure, but the spiritual consequences can’t be legislated away. Laws may allow people to worship anything they choose, but the Bible warns of the perils associated with idols, likening them to sinking ships that take everything down with them.
Dishonesty in Business
The Bible calls for integrity in all dealings. Proverbs 11:1 says, “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” Yet, American laws often enable practices like predatory lending and corporate deceit. Have you seen the interest rates on your credit cards lately? Those credit cards were easy to get, weren’t they? But, they sure are hard to get rid of without ruining your credit. That is the Babylonian System, get people quickly in debt and make it difficult for them to get out of debt so they work to pay interest to the system.
Such loopholes erode trust and promote a culture of dishonesty. Biblical principles encourage fair, honest dealings. Imagine a world where every business deal reflected the love and truth of God—it would be a financial Eden compared to today’s lawless practices.
For deeper insights into the Bible’s relevance to current law, explore The Bible and American Law.
In each of these cases, America’s laws prioritize cultural shifts over Biblical teachings. This tension between God’s principles and legal practices highlights our desperate need for a moral compass—and ultimately, a Savior.
The Consistency of God: Old Testament vs. New Testament
To many, the Bible may seem like a story with two very different characters: the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. Some say the first God is angry, filled with fire and brimstone, while the second is all about grace, love, and forgiveness. But this is a misunderstanding of Scripture and the nature of God Himself. Let’s dig into how God is unchanging and explore why these misconceptions exist.
God’s Justice and Mercy Across Testaments
God’s nature doesn’t flip-flop between angry and loving—it’s consistent. Both the Old and New Testaments reveal a God who balances justice and mercy perfectly. Take the story of Jonah: God sent the prophet to Nineveh, a city brimming with wickedness. After Jonah’s reluctant warning, the city repented, and what did God do? He showed mercy (Jonah 3:10). Boom! Mercy in the Old Testament.
Now fast forward to the New Testament. Look at the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). The legalistic crowd was ready to stone her, but Jesus spared her life, saying, “Go and sin no more.” Mercy, yet again. But did Jesus ignore justice? Nope! He acknowledged her sin and urged her toward repentance.
Both examples illustrate one God who is just and merciful—never one without the other. Justice without mercy is cold; mercy without justice is chaos. God’s actions, whether in ancient Nineveh or first-century Jerusalem, demonstrate His complete and consistent nature.
How Jesus Fulfills, Not Abolishes the Law
Some people think Jesus came to toss the Old Testament laws in the trash bin. Spoiler alert: He didn’t. In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus explicitly says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Think of it this way: the Old Testament law was like a roadmap guiding us toward Jesus, and He is the destination.
Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial laws (like animal sacrifices) by becoming our ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). He also exemplified moral laws, like loving God and your neighbor, as explained in Matthew 22:37-40. The law wasn’t canceled—it was perfected.
The Apostle Paul even reminds us in Romans 3:31, “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” Through Jesus, we see the Old Testament law in action and its eternal relevance, not its irrelevance.
What Does ‘Obsolete’ Really Mean?
Cue the confusion: Hebrews 8:13 declares the Old Covenant “obsolete,” and suddenly people think the Old Testament is irrelevant. But wait—what does “obsolete” really mean? The writer of Hebrews refers to the old sacrificial system. It was a temporary arrangement foreshadowing Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Think of it like an old phone: it served its purpose, but when the latest model came out, the old one wasn’t as necessary. Yet its lessons and functions remain informative.
The moral and ethical laws of the Old Testament? They didn’t expire. Hebrews focuses on covenants, not commandments. God’s eternal principles—love, justice, mercy—are as unshakable as ever. Dismissing the Old Testament entirely is like throwing out history books because “we live in the present.” Obsoleteness pertains to the method, not the message.
By understanding this, we see God isn’t inconsistent, nor is His Word. His plan is unified from Genesis to Revelation.
God is the Trinity: Biblical Evidence
The truth of the Trinity, or God as three persons in one—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—may seem mysterious, yet it is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible reveals God’s triune nature consistently throughout its pages, showing that God’s unity and His diversity are not contradictions but complement one another. Let’s dive into the Scriptures to explore how the Trinity is woven into the fabric of God’s revelation to humanity.
Genesis: The Trinity in Creation
In the very first chapter of the Bible, Genesis 1:26 declares, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.’” This verse raises an obvious question: Who is “Us”? The Hebrew word for God used here is Elohim, a plural form of the word Eloah. While certain interpretations claim this plural refers to a “royal we,” Biblical context makes it clear—this is a glimpse of God’s triune nature.
Think about it: throughout creation, God speaks in a singular voice (“And God said…”), yet when deliberating over humanity, He speaks plurally. This reflects the relationship and collaboration within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—united in essence but distinct in roles. It’s not three gods creating in chaos; it’s one harmonious God expressing His fullness.
For those seeking deeper insight into the Trinity’s role in creation, consider exploring Biblical Evidence for the Trinity.
The Angel of the Lord as Pre-Incarnate Christ
The Old Testament also introduces us to the Angel of the Lord, a mysterious figure who speaks and acts as God. One striking example occurs in Exodus 3:2-6, where Moses encounters a burning bush. Verse 2 says, “The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire,” but just a few verses later, it is God Himself who is speaking. The Angel doesn’t simply represent God; He is God.
Could this be Jesus before His incarnation? Many theologians believe so. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I am,” tying Him directly to God’s statement in Exodus, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This connection shows the Trinity isn’t just a New Testament idea—the Trinity is anchored in God’s eternal nature.
Curious about how this concept develops? Check out 50 Biblical Evidences for the Holy Trinity.
Trinity in the New Testament
The New Testament solidifies the Trinity’s reality, especially in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Notice it says name, not names. One name embodies three persons—a succinct yet profound testament to the unity within the Trinity.
Another foundational scripture is John 1:1-14, which begins, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Verse 14 identifies this “Word” as Jesus, who became flesh. This passage not only confirms Jesus’ divinity but emphasizes His eternal coexistence with the Father.
Moreover, the interaction at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17) provides a clear image of the Trinity in action: Jesus being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father’s voice affirming, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” It’s a divine symphony showcasing God’s triune relationship in one moment.
For further exploration, What does the Bible teach about the Trinity? offers additional insights into these foundational truths.
By seeing the fingerprints of the Trinity throughout Scripture, we understand that God’s essence has always been relational, dynamic, and unchanging. This truth, far from abstract theology, impacts every area of life and even serves as a model for our institutions, such as the separation of powers in government. God isn’t just distant and holy; through the Trinity, He is deeply personal, involved, and invested in His creation—then, now, and forever.
The Trinity and the Three Branches of Government
America’s founding principles are often associated with Biblical truths, and the structure of its government is no exception. The concept of three branches—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—isn’t just a clever framework for checks and balances. It mirrors something divine: the Trinity. Just as God exists as One Spirit in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—American governance reflects a balance of unity and distinction. Let’s explore how each branch parallels God’s triune nature.
The Executive Branch: Reflecting God’s Authority
The Executive branch, led by the President, is the governmental face of authority—charged with enforcing laws, managing the nation’s affairs, and providing direction. Similarly, God the Father embodies ultimate authority within the Trinity. Scripture often depicts God as the Ruler and Sovereign, the One who orchestrates His plans with precision and purpose.
Consider Isaiah 33:22, which declares, “The Lord is our King; He will save us.” Here, God’s governance mirrors the Executive role, emphasizing leadership and action. The Founder’s choice to include a President aligns seamlessly with this blueprint, showcasing that authority flows from and requires a higher standard of moral leadership.
Want to see another perspective? Check out Government’s Trinity—A Separation of Powers, which explains how America’s separation of powers connects to divine principles.
The Legislative Branch: Reflecting God’s Law
Laws govern nations, giving structure and fairness to society. But what does the Legislative branch—Congress—really represent? This branch is responsible for drafting and passing laws, a reflection of God as the Lawgiver. Throughout the Bible, God provides His people with divine laws, beginning with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). These laws aren’t just rules—they are moral guidelines meant to shape a Godly society.
Isaiah 33:22 also speaks to this parallel, saying, “The Lord is our lawgiver.” Just as Congress debates and drafts legislation to guide America, God’s commandments set the ultimate standard. However, unlike Congress, God’s law remains perfect, eternal, and infallible. The Legislative branch highlights humanity’s attempt to organize society, but it will always fall short compared to God’s wisdom.
Learn more about these connections by exploring Isaiah 33:22 – Our Form Of Government.
The Judicial Branch: Reflecting God’s Justice
Finally, we arrive at the Judicial branch, which interprets laws and resolves disputes. Sound familiar? God’s role as Judge shines time and again in Scripture, where He evaluates humanity’s actions with perfect justice. Judges in American courts strive to uphold what is fair and right but lack God’s omniscient insight.
In Isaiah 33:22, we read, “The Lord is our Judge.” Here, the Judicial branch directly draws from the character of God. From the Supreme Court to lower courts, the judiciary seeks impartiality and justice. Yet, even human attempts at justice pale in comparison to God’s flawless judgment, as seen in passages like Psalm 9:8, which says, “He judges the world with righteousness.”
For further details on the Biblical roots of the Judicial branch and its divine parallels, visit Three Branches of Government | Harry S. Truman.
The design of the American government isn’t random or purely political—it’s deeply spiritual. The Trinity served as a model, ensuring a balance of power that reflects God’s nature. Yet, as we reflect on these parallels, we must ask ourselves: Are we honoring this divine blueprint, or are we drifting away?
Why Does the Government Pass Laws Contrary to God’s Will?
From the beginning of time, mankind has wrestled with aligning laws and societal standards with God’s commandments. America, a country built on principles of freedom, often sees its government craft laws that directly oppose Biblical teachings. Why is that? Let’s break it down.
The Role of Free Will
God granted humanity an incredible gift: free will. This choice allows individuals—and by extension, human leaders—to decide their path, even if it deviates from His perfect design. Why would an all-powerful God do this? Love. True love requires choice. If God forced us into obedience, it wouldn’t be authentic worship but coercion, which is the main issue that makes Islam a false religion. Islam converts people by force. It is more of a military disguised as a religion than an actual faith people choose to embrace.
However, freedom of choice also gives room for governments to enact laws that contradict God’s will. When lawmakers focus on societal pressures over God’s truth, they might lose sight of Biblical principles. Free will can be a beautiful gift, but without God’s guidance, it often leads to chaos.
For deeper insight into how God’s sovereignty and human legislation interact, explore God’s Law and Legislation.
The Influence of Secularism
Secular ideologies dominate much of modern governance, focusing on inclusivity and progress rather than upholding Biblical morality. What does this mean? Secularism seeks to separate religion from public life, often removing God’s laws from the equation entirely. Without Biblical grounding, governments succumb to societal trends, passing laws that prioritize individual desires over moral absolutes.
For example, cultural shifts have driven changes in marriage laws, abortion rights, and freedoms supporting idolatry. These actions reflect a worldview that says “man knows best.” Yet the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Without God as an anchor, secularism tends to drift toward lawlessness.
To understand the tension between God’s authority and government-driven legislation, check out When Human Laws Collide With Divine Laws.
The Consequences of Lawlessness
What happens when society strays from God’s commands? Lawlessness inevitably takes root, leading to moral confusion, broken families, and societal decay. Jesus said in Matthew 24:12 when talking about the times we now live in, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” Laws contrary to God’s will create ripple effects:
- Marriage redefinitions weaken the traditional family structure.
- Abortion laws disregard the value God places on life.
- Dishonesty in business practices fosters greed and corruption.
Romans 1:28-32 depicts this lawlessness vividly, outlining behaviors that arise when people turn away from God. These societal impacts aren’t just hypothetical—they’re already evident. When God’s truth is sidelined, confusion replaces order, and suffering takes its place.
Curious about how Christians should navigate this disconnect? Explore Do Christians Have to Obey the Laws of the Land?.

Why do governments pass laws counter to God’s will? The answer lies in free will, secular influences, and the slippery slope of lawlessness. This is why we need a Savior—a moral compass to bring us back to alignment with God’s eternal truth.
Biblical Punishments vs. Modern Legal Systems
From the Old Testament to present-day America, how we handle crime and justice has shifted drastically. The differences between Biblical punishments and modern laws are stark, begging the question: Are our current legal systems aligned with God’s intentions? Let’s explore this topic by comparing Biblical standards and punishments to the way these issues are handled in modern legal frameworks.
Adultery and Marriage Laws
In Biblical times, adultery was considered not just a sin against one’s spouse but a grave offense to God. Leviticus 20:10 lays it out plainly: “If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” The underlying reasoning was clear—marriage was instituted by God, and violating this covenant carried severe consequences.
Fast forward to today’s America, and we see a drastically different approach. Adultery may cause emotional and relational havoc, but the courts rarely touch it unless it directly affects divorce proceedings or custody battles. In fact, the law views marriage primarily as a civil contract, leaving moral accountability largely absent. No death penalty, no significant legal ramifications—just a matter for private resolution. Is this what justice looks like? Or is something greater being overlooked?
For more on how Biblical principles shaped early governance and legal frameworks, check out this insightful article: American Law & the Bible.
Theft and Economic Laws
If you stole something in Biblical times, the punishment wasn’t just a slap on the wrist or time behind bars; it often required restitution. Exodus 22:1 is clear: “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.” The focus was not just on accountability but also restoration for the victim.
Modern legal systems, however, operate differently. Most theft cases today lead to fines or incarceration, neither of which necessarily benefits the victim. Instead of making amends, the offender “pays their debt to society” while the wronged party may still be left to deal with their loss. Doesn’t restitution make more sense? If a thief were required to repay their victims, they’d experience personal accountability while actively righting their wrong.
Dive into an enlightening perspective on how Biblical laws influenced current justice systems in Biblical Atonement and Modern Criminal Law.
Sacrilege and Freedom of Religion
Sacrilege, particularly idolatry, was no small matter in the Bible. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 commands the death penalty for leading others to worship false gods. Why so harsh? Because idolatry wasn’t seen as just a personal choice—it was viewed as a rejection of God and a danger to societal stability. It’s not something that mercy simply overtook; it reflected the seriousness of leading people away from truth.
Contrast that with modern America, where freedom of religion reigns supreme. The U.S. Constitution protects everyone’s right to pursue their own spiritual path, whether that involves worshiping nature, idols, or no god at all. While inclusivity promotes harmony in a diverse society, the spiritual consequences outlined in Scripture remain severe. How do we reconcile these freedoms with Biblical warnings?
To better understand the difference between ancient and modern laws, explore this resource: What Makes Jewish Law Different from Both Ancient and Modern Law.
Biblical laws prioritized morality, restitution, and spiritual truth. Modern legal systems lean toward rehabilitation and equality. But do they always align? Comparing ancient Biblical principles with today’s laws reveals how far society has come—and how far it may have strayed.
We Need a Savior
In a world where human laws often clash with God’s mandates, the need for a Savior becomes undeniably clear. Without Christ, our sense of morality is at the mercy of societal shifts, leaving us lost in lawlessness. Let’s explore why we need His grace, especially in a culture that increasingly prioritizes earthly governance over eternal truth.
Salvation Through Grace
In a lawless society, salvation cannot be achieved through our works or intentions—it is a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Think about it, no matter how many good deeds we perform, they can never outweigh our sins. Why? Because we’re inherently flawed.
Our brokenness is like a cracked foundation under a house—it can’t support the structure no matter how much paint you slap on the walls. God knew this and provided a Savior as the only solution to restore us. Jesus came because all our efforts would fall short, leaving us spiritually bankrupt. Without Him, we’re trying to fill a bottomless pit with a spoon.
Curious about why grace matters so much? Desiring God offers deeper insight into the spiritual helplessness we face without Christ.
Living Under God’s Kingdom Rules
Instead of fixating solely on earthly government decisions, Christians are called to live under God’s Kingdom rules. What does this look like? It’s recognizing that while we respect earthly laws (Romans 13:1), our ultimate allegiance is to God’s law. His Word lays out moral and spiritual guidelines that transcend cultural trends and political changes.
Living Biblically means loving our neighbors, defending the weak, and standing firm in truth—even when it’s unpopular. Think of it like playing a role in a larger story: God is the ultimate Author, and we’re His characters, called to reflect Him in everything we do. Earthly nations may pass laws contrary to Scripture, but as believers, we hold a higher accountability—to live as ambassadors for Christ.
For an inspiring read about aligning our lives with God’s guidance, visit Why do we need a Savior?.
Through Christ, we have the moral compass to navigate a lawless world while staying rooted in truth. His grace not only saves but equips us to live in a way that honors God above all. Isn’t that the only framework that truly stands the test of time?
Conclusion
America’s laws often stray from Biblical principles, but God’s consistency offers clarity in a shifting world. His justice and mercy span both Testaments, proving His love never wavers. The Trinity reveals God’s relational and unchanging nature, serving as a divine model for human institutions like the government.

Still, laws opposing God’s will showcase our brokenness—and our undeniable need for a Savior. Only through Christ can we navigate the chaos of lawlessness and align with eternal truth. Now’s the time to reflect: Are we ready to embrace His grace in a world gone astray?