The book of Deuteronomy, not withstanding the coming of the New Testament, retains its primary purpose: serving as a book of reproof to man. When the apostle Paul declares that Scripture is profitable for reproof and correction (II Tim. 3:16), the book of Deuteronomy is central to what he has in mind. It is one of the most quoted Old Testament books in the New Testament, and remains the primary source for both Jews and Christians when referencing the most noteworthy portions of the Law. This is why Deuteronomy is the constitution of theocracy: it was a covenant document legally binding between God and His people, and it left no area of life and thought outside of God's authority.
Because of our relationship with God as a people is determined by a covenant, uncompromising allegiannce is expected on our part; and the idea of "grace" is in no way contradictory to the demands God has placed upon us through His commandments. For this reason, the book of Deuteronomy remains the source document for all of God's greatest blessings for covenant-keeping and cursings for covenant-breaking.
As the last installment of R.J. Rushdoony's commentary series on the Pentateuch, it stands as one of the more dynamic expositions in the series in that it addresses God's demands upon man, family, church, and state. In short, Deuteronomy is the defining volume on theocracy, and could easily stand alongside Rushdoony's Institues of Biblical Law in its equally comprehensive application of Biblical law.
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