| 1977 Christ is the end of the law (cf. Rom 10:4); only he teaches and bestows the justice of God. |
| 1978 The natural law is a participation in God's wisdom and goodness by man formed in the image of his Creator. It expresses the dignity of the human person and forms the basis of his fundamental rights and duties. |
| 1979 The natural law is immutable, permanent throughout history. The rules that express it remain substantially valid. It is a necessary foundation for the erection of moral rules and civil law. |
| 1980 The Old Law is the first stage of revealed law. Its moral prescriptions are summed up in the Ten Commandments. |
| 1981 The Law of Moses contains many truths naturally accessible to reason. God has revealed them because men did not read them in their hearts. |