Friday, May 22, 2009

Law & Grace

Periodically, on the Bible Forum, we get calls and/or comments regarding the Christian's responsibility to obey The Law. Some insist we follow Law, others can't see how the Ten Commandments become unimportant just because we're Christians, while others want us to follow The Torah.

The issue is one of Law v. Grace. A subject clearly discussed and settled in the New Testament. As early as Acts 15, the young Church took up the issue: do Gentiles have to come under The Mosaic Law in order to be saved? The clear and resounding answer was NO!

They made the point that even Jews had been unable to keep the law and that under no circumstance was law going to make anyone righteous. Therefore, why bind Gentiles to something even Jews couldn't do?

Later, Paul made it clear that Christians live by a new law (governing principle): the law of the Spirit of life, which made us free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2-3) Because Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (Rom. 10:4)

Salvation is NOT by The Law! But, what about the moral requirements? Can we simply ignore the Ten Commandments?

The answer is No. But what are the Ten Commandments? Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart -- this sums up the first 5 commandments. And that the second is like unto the first: to love others above ourselves -- this sums up the second 5 commandments.

Beyond that are a myriad of New Testament standards, Christians are to live by. None of which makes us righteous. Jesus simply said that if you love Me, you'd do the things He commanded.

The Law was given to Moses, to guide a rebellious and unregenerate people. When Jesus lived according to that Law, He fulfilled it's moral requirement. And when He died the sacrificial Lamb of God He fulfilled it's spiritual requirement. There's nothing left. The Law is fulfilled. It no longer serves any purpose.

According to the Book of Hebrews there is now a better priesthood and a better covenant (Heb. 7-10). The point is made that if the first could have done the job there would be no need for the second. But, since there is a second, the first has been done away with. Mosaic Law is for the Abrahamic Covenant. Christians are under The New Covenant, as will redeemed Israel, one day.

It is judaizers (those who mix law and grace) who constantly seek to drag Christians back under some form of law. And they were condemned in the New Testament in the strongest language.

Israel continues to live under some elements of the Law, however. Those portions that identify them as a peculiar nation of people. Feasts and celebrations of God's love and provision.

But for those who are declared righteous by God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is only love for Him, which is illustrated by our obedience to the things He has commanded.

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