The Law Part 1
Eternity Online: John Edmiston (Editor)
Eternity-Inspiration for Saturday 1st November 1997
The Law Part 1
(Matthew 5:17-19 NKJV) "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law
or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. {18} "For
assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or
one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
{19} "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these
commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the
kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be
called great in the kingdom of heaven.
There are four main positions about Jesus and the Law (and a host of
minor ones).
1. The Law Is Not In Force In Any Way For Anyone.
Jesus completely abolished the whole Law on the cross. No-one is
under the Law since the cross even Jews. People may act as if they
are under the Law but God will not judge them that way. People are
judged solely on whether they have accepted Christ or not. The Law is
done away with. The commandments are kept out of love for God and
desire for holiness not as meritorious works. The Law is holy and
righteous and good and a guide to the Christian life but obedience to
it is not necessary for salvation. The Law has been completely
replaced by the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and is no
longer the ruling principle of the Christian life.
2. The Law Is Still In Force But Only For Unbelievers.
The essence of position 2 is the law abides but is restricted in its
application and is not in force for Christians. Christians have moved
"out of judgement" into life. Non-Christians have not moved out from
under judgement. The wrath of God abides on them and is directed by
the Law which is the encoding of the holy, righteous, just and
spiritual standards of God. The Law will thus continue until Heaven
and earth pass away and will be the chief instrument for judging
those who have not accepted Christ. Having moved out of judgement
Christians do not "have to" keep any of the laws, including the Ten
Commandments and observing Sabbaths for salvation. (much the same as
No.1 on this point). On the other hand non-Christians and those who
put their trust in the Law for salvation will be judged by the Law.
According to Romans 1 all unbelievers are under judgement. In Romans
2 this is further explained. The Jewish unbelievers are judged by the
Law while the Gentile unbelievers are judged by their own
consciences which will excuse or condemn them on the day of
judgement. The conscience of the Gentile is however "tuned into the
Law" so that a Gentile can intuitively obey God's commandments even
though they are not circumcised. Christians are not judged either by
the Law or their own consciences but only by Christ , and their
judgement is not for salvation but for a reward.
3. The Law Is Still Partly In Force For Christians.
The Law is still in force in its moral provisions but not its
ceremonial provisions. Some law-keeping is essential for salvation.
You cannot commit mortal sin such as adultery or murder as a
Christian and enter Heaven when you die. Keeping the Sabbath is
necessary as it is one of the Ten Commandments. The "moral law" is
still authoritative in the life of the Christian. The Holy Spirit
provides power and guidance but moral direction is mainly from the
Law.
4. Christians Are To Obey The Old Testament Laws In Their Entirety.
The Law is authoritative in both its moral and ceremonial provisions.
Society should be built around its principles and its guidelines for
diet and health observed. Sabbaths must be kept and pork and unclean
foods avoided. Circumcision is recommended. Jesus saves us so we can
keep the Law.
Tomorrow we shall look at which of these positions is the best fit
for the biblical data. (Its No.2!) Its much too long for now.
Prayer:
Lord You are a law-full God and holy and righteous and good. Yet we
can stand before You because of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your New
Covenant, thank you for Your mercy, thank You for Your Truth. Amen.
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