After more than a decade of careful study and cross-referencing Scripture in multiple languages, author Abe Schellenberg is preparing to release a new edition of the New Testament that brings long-awaited clarity to one of the most debated topics in Christian theology, the meaning of “the law.”
For centuries, Christians have wrestled with questions surrounding the law in Scripture. When the Bible says the law was “done away with,” does that include the Ten Commandments? Are believers still called to obey God’s moral principles, or has grace replaced obedience entirely?
Schellenberg’s Definitive Law Bible seeks to untangle these questions by showing readers exactly which law each passage is referring to: moral, ceremonial, civil, or sacrificial, so the Word of God can be read and understood in its proper context.
A Twelve-Year Mission for Biblical Accuracy
The creation of this work was not a quick undertaking. Over a span of twelve years, Schellenberg compared different translations of the Bible in English, German, Spanish, and Dutch to identify a consistent gap. Most versions, he found, use the term law without specifying which kind. As a result, entire doctrines have been shaped by misinterpretations, leading some to believe that all laws were abolished after Christ’s crucifixion, while others continue to see every law as binding.
Schellenberg, after doing an extensive study, concluded that this misunderstanding can be cleared up by differentiating between two main types of biblical law: the moral law and the ceremonial law. The moral law, symbolized by the Ten Commandments, is termed as eternal, the mirror of God’s immutable character.
On the other hand, the ceremonial or Mosaic laws, which encompassed sacrifices, rituals, and circumcision, were a temporary arrangement that directed the people to Christ’s death on the cross. The moral law, however, remains applicable to every generation, while the ceremonial laws ceased to exist the moment Christ accomplished his role.
Restoring Context to Scripture
Schellenberg’s Definitive Law Bible provides brief notations within the text that identify which type of law is being referenced in each passage. This distinction allows readers to see, for example, that when Paul writes about being “justified by faith without the deeds of the law,” he is addressing ceremonial practices, not moral commandments. By restoring that context, the text becomes more coherent and less contradictory.
This method does not alter the message of Scripture but enhances it, helping readers understand the harmony between faith and obedience. It supports the idea that salvation through faith and adherence to God’s moral principles are not opposing concepts but complementary expressions of a sincere relationship with God.
A Work of Faith and Dedication
The project started off as a personal effort to gain deeper insight into the Scriptures, and it was later converted into an extensive work that could help others.
Schellenberg put in a lot of time and effort in studying and revising patiently through the years, making sure that his exegesis was always grounded in the primary meaning of the biblical text. He met with different scholars and religious leaders at different points of his research, but decided to wrap up the project alone in the end to retain its accuracy and intention.
This approach of his expresses a modest devotion to illuminating the text rather than that of being engaged in controversy. Rather than giving a new interpretation of the Bible, Schellenberg’s book is a facilitator for a new, clearer road through the text that emphasizes being consistent rather than contradicting.
A Practical Guide for Modern Believers
The Definitive Law Bible is meant to be used for personal and academic purposes. It will be a study tool for those who want to solidify their comprehension of God’s Word and also a resource for church leaders, educators, and theology students who want to investigate the interconnectedness of law, grace, and faith.
By offering a contextual reading of the Bible, the book makes it clear to the believers that faith is not just a matter of belief but also a matter of action. Moreover, it points out that the moral law isn’t outdated. It is still in force and can implicitly shape the qualities of righteousness, mercy, and justice that characterize a life of faith.
Launch and Availability
Schellenberg’s Definitive Law Bible is set to launch soon and will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and several major Christian retail platforms, both in print and digital formats. The book is positioned as an accessible yet scholarly contribution to modern theology, one that bridges the gap between biblical interpretation and practical understanding.
By bringing clarity to the concept of “the law,” this work invites believers to rediscover Scripture with fresh eyes and renewed confidence. It encourages readers to see that faith and obedience were never meant to compete, but to coexist as guiding principles for a life rooted in truth and devotion.
