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Faith

IS OBEDIENCE ONLY FOR THE LEGALISTIC? PART 2

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Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 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. 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.”

Mathew 5:17-19

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Part 1 Summary

In the earlier blog, we looked to the word of God to answer the question about legalism and the role of God’s law in the heart of the believer.

Briefly, we saw that there are many laws in the Bible.  Some were temporary (Ceremonial and Sacrificial).  These laws or ordinances were like a school master that taught God’s people about sin, salvation, and the coming Messiah.

These had their purpose and their end came when  type (e.g. spotless lamb) met anti-type (i.e. Jesus).  When Jesus came, we no longer needed the School Master to teach us. We now had Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection as our teacher and hope.

But, the law that  is eternal is the moral law contained in the 10 commandments.  Jesus did not come to abolish it or to destroy it.  On the contrary, His life magnified the law and made it honorable.  Example:  Jesus told us men that looking upon a woman with lust was the same as committing adultery

“But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Mathew 5:28

Here we see Jesus “magnifying” the law.  He makes it bigger so we can clearly see or understand to scope of the law.  It also demonstrates that man is sinful to the core.  It tells us we need a Savior not only from eternal death but from the power of sin.

Sin is defined in one place as the breaking or transgressing of the law.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

1 John 3:4

John goes on to tell us something very important for the believer.

Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

1 John 3:6

Is it not clear that if someone sins, they don’t know Him?  But if the believer “abides” in Him, that person will not sin.  Now be careful here.  It is not saying you are perfect and never sin.  It means you do not practice sin as clarified in the the next verse:

He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

1 John 3:7

Before John ever gets into this discussion, he sets the boundaries of the discussion by saying this:

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 2:1

God’s desire is that we do not sin. We have Jesus as our advocate in heaven (another topic for another time) to cover us should we sin.  But this advocate is not an excuse to practice sin. That the true follower will not do.  The thief will not continue his life of stealing.  The adulterer will stop sleeping around.  The person with other gods will give them up.  Is this a fair statement?

Here is what we must remember:  We are born with a sinful nature. When we are born again, we are given a spiritual nature.  These two natures will compete against each other and it is our choice and God’s action as to which one will win the war between flesh and spirit.  Keep in mind that battles may be lost due to the carnal nature, but this does not mean the war is over and a victor crowned.  Paul describes this battle in Romans 8 (Another study for another time).

One of my favorite writers wrote something that I think is very appropriate here and supported by the grace of our great loving God:

“There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Said the beloved John,

“These things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1.

Steps to Christ, P. 64

The law, specifically the 10 commandments, point out to sinful man what is sin.  To know about the law and sin is to know more about the God who gave it and more about ourselves.  It points out how really sinful we are and that we need  a savior because we cannot “enter into the womb a second time” and be reborn.   We cannot give ourselves a new spirit.  The law enhances the reality of grace and His power, but God’s grace does not eliminate the law otherwise he could have simply eliminated the definition of sin instead of having his Son pay the penalty for sin i.e., death.  This would be a divine loophole of sorts. I don’t see where God provides loopholes, but He does supply grace and power.

The law, like God, is eternal and it is given the same description as God Himself.  The law expresses His character which is holy, just, and good.

For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

Romans 7:11, 12

We can not take the 10 commandments off the wall and wash our face with it,  the law points out the smudge on our face, which tells us we need to be cleansed.  To try to wash our face with the law would be the definition of legalism.  Instead, the law indicates God’s will for us and that we need a Savior not only for breaking it, but for the power to obey it as will be shown in the following discussion.

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When talking about the law of God, we must discuss the topic of new covenant versus old covenant.  Here many make a deadly mistake, thinking the old covenant was about keeping the law for salvation, but the new covenant is freedom from keeping the law and living under grace. This implies disobedience.  As we shall see both covenants include obedience to God’s law.  The new covenant does not diminish the requirements of the law, but there is a twist that should give encouragement to us and help us avoid legalism.

Jesus is the “Mediator of the new covenant.”

And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:15

By the sacrificial death of Jesus upon the cross, He redeemed everyone, including those under the first covenant.  This redemption for them and for all “who are called may receive the promise of eternal life.”

So again, we see that the cross is the central point for both those in the old testament and the new testament.  It is here where all, on both sides of the cross, look by faith to Jesus for eternal life.  Those in the old testament looked forward in faith and were instructed by the School Master or the sacrificial and ceremonial laws given by God through Moses to teach them about Jesus. They were not saved by works and obedience, but by faith in the spotless lamb of God (Jesus).

Those of us on this side, look to Jesus’ death on the cross by faith for eternal life and we  have the life of Jesus and the testimony of His followers to teach us.  Also, we have the experience of those before the cross to teach us as well.  In fact, those before the cross and the writings of the old testament can instruct us in righteousness.

Paul wrote to Timothy and reminded him of this fact.  Paul wrote it before the writings of the other new testament writers were known and brought together.  So Paul’s message to Timothy is referring to the writings of the old testament when he said,

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16

Those books in the old testament will reproof, correct and even instruct the new testament believer in righteousness.  Further, it will make us complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We should never say or believe things like, “That is in the old testament, I am a new testament believer.”  Rather, we should say, we are a believer of “All Scripture.”

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The experience of God’s people before the cross serve as examples of how we should both live and respond to God.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

Romans 15:4

Their lives and experiences become examples of how to live or not to live.  Their experiences will give us hope!

Jesus is also found in type all through the old testament.  To bypass these books is to miss Christ.

 “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them.”

1 Corinthians 10: 1-7

So as we look at the new covenant or the new testament, we must not forget the value of the old covenant and the old testament.  It still provides us help in our Jesus journey. It is even provides information that should be obeyed and understood by the Christian who appreciates the value of the new covenant.

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To understand the new  covenant, we must understand the old covenant.  Is that a fair statement? Why two covenants?  Did God make a mistake and create a new covenant because it was impossible or too difficult to live under?  Many think this because of somethings Paul states.

Generally, a covenant is defined as an agreement between two parties, but it can be simply a promise by the Lord. For example, the Lord made a promise to the people of earth to not destroy it by water ever again. This was a covenant or promise from the great Creator.

“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth… and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.”

Genesis 9:13,15

The Lord did the same type of “one-sided covenant” with Abraham when he promised him land and descendants:

“On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: ‘To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—’ “

Genesis 15:18

 “And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.”

Genesis 17: 2-7

However, these covenants (promises) of God are not the covenants distinguished as old by Paul.

There was a point where the people of God tried to make a covenant or agreement with God and they became “old.”

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” 

Exodus 19:5-7

In the next Chapter of Exodus (20) we see these words:

And God spoke all these words, saying:

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

Exodus 20: 1-2

Then the Lord spoke the 10 Commandments Himself as shown in Exodus 20: 3-17

Here was the covenant the people made.  It seemed to be the response God wanted, but noticed they agreed to obey God based on fear and their own efforts.  They state, “all that the Lord has said we will do.” They attempted to obey God under their grit and determination. Obedience was not from the heart but rather from duty and fear.  After a while their promises faded away and became old.

They were afraid of God and this formed their their response.

Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

Exodus 20:19

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Citing the fear and poor promises of the people, the writer of Hebrews cites the need for a new covenant:

 “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”

Hebrews 8:6

What better promises?  Did God make a promise that was inferior or had a fault? No!  The problem or fault was found with the people who made the covenant with God as shown in the verse that follows:

“For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them. He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.”

Hebrews 8: 7-9

The fault was with the people who made a promise they could not keep.

Have you ever made a promise to God while under fear?  “God if you will just get me out of this situation, I will serve you until I die.” But, after you are delivered, you forget your promise and go back to serving only yourself. In this situations, you are doing exactly what the children of Israel did.  They made a promise they could not keep.  Why?  Because they were attempting something without a changed heart.  They did not realize their own weakness. God desired them to obey out of love and through His power.

Continuing in Hebrews 8, we see the better promise, but it still contains God’s law and obedience.

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 

Hebrew 8:10

So the new covenant is one where God provides the promise and the people respond to His love in obedience because they have a new heart (rebirth). But notice that the new covenant still involves the law of God and obedience.  The law is never destroyed or eliminated, it is a new attitude about it where the obedience comes from the new heart.  If it is on the heart, do you think you will obey the letter?  The spirit and the letter of the law go together.  Let me explain:

If a born again Christian says to his wife, I obey the law concerning adultery in the spirit, but not by the letter.  What has he just told his wife?  Would the wife be comfortable about the separation of spirit and letter?  Could the husband sleep with her sister (letter) but keep the “spirit.”  NO!  If He is living in the spirit of the law, he won’t even allow himself to look at a woman with lust!  Especially, he will not tempt himself with pornography!  Men, if you are looking at porn, you need Jesus to both forgive you and to help you overcome it.  It is sin!

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“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.”

Romans 7:6

Paul is explaining how we often get the cart before the horse.  Many try to serve only in the letter.  These are the legalistic.

In a very difficult part of Paul’s writing, he continues to explain that the law is spiritual and we are carnal.  There are the two natures that live and fight within us until Jesus returns.  The purpose of the law is to tell us what God considers as transgression and how sinful we are:

I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”  Romans 7: 7

“…by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Romans 3:20

Here Paul understands that desiring the possessions of another person is sin, but he goes further:

“I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.”

Romans 7: 9

Paul was “foot loose and fancy free” as we say in the South. But, when he became aware of the words of the law, he came under great conviction and he saw his way of life meant death, for he had said earlier in the chapter,

“the wages of sin is death.”

Romans 6:23

The law points out what God calls sin regardless of what the world might think.  When we come to accept the fact that we are sinners, we seek God and find forgiveness and the power to live a life in Christ.  We don’t want to continue in an unsatisfying life of sin and disobedience.  God begins to write His laws in our hearts so that our obedience comes from a new heart powered by God himself.  The law does not go away.  In fact, it becomes a writing inscribed in our way of thinking so that the thief stops stealing, the liar stops lying, etc.  If, in our brand new way of thinking,  we do slip; we have an advocate with the father.

I have heard someone say, I obey the law with my spirit and not by letter.  I am under grace. How does that work?

Paul cautioned again such thinking when he said,

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Romans 6:15

 Being “under grace” does not mean one can disobey God’s law. We are not “under” the law because we are not under the penalty, because Jesus paid the penalty for our transgression of the law.  His death shows the permanence of the law.

The followers of God are shown to be true followers by obedience to it.  To claim we follow Jesus and willfully disobey is to not be a follower, for He said,

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”

Luke 6:46″

It is like saying I am a follower of Robert Atkins,but I don’t obey the diet plan.  I obey it in my spirit, but not the letter.  How much weight do you think that person would lose?

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It is no wonder that Satan himself is upset with the last day people who wish to testify of Jesus Christ through an experience of obedience to His words that include the 10 commandments.  This identifies them as true followers and not religious pretenders.

“And the dragon (Satan) was enraged with the woman (church), and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Revelation 12:17

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Conclusion

God’s 10 Commandment law has never been destroyed.  It is still a sin to have other god’s, to build statues of gods  and fall down before them.  It is still a sin to disrespect God’s name and character.  It is still a sin to forget the Sabbath of the Lord and dishonor his creation and the time He blessed.  It is still a sin to dishonor your parents, to murder, to commit adultery, to steal, to lie, and to covet your neighbors possessions.

All 10 of these commandments line up under the two great commandments.  The first being to

“love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” The second is like it, “to love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22: 37-39

The first 4 commandments hang (summarized) under the first principle and the last six under the second principle.

But notice the order.  If one fails to love God completely, they will not be able love their neighbor with a Christ like love.  They will in effect become legalistic (if connected to religion) and a worthless noisy show-off of a cymbal if God’s love is not the basis for their obedience:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”

1 Corinthians 13:1

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No.  Obedience is not for the legalistic although there are many who obey to somehow impress God or attempt to make themselves worthy of blessings and salvation.

Obedience is for those who have been born again, where love for their Creator and a testimony to the true God can be expressed through obeying his word.

To obey God is to have true freedom. Just ask the man in prison who murdered someone or the person whose life is run by lying.

To say that we love Him and not obey Him makes us a liar.

“He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

1 John 2:4

Obedience comes from a new heart supplied by the Redeemer.  It is not religious, but it is real.  Obedience is the walk with the One you love, not the requirement for walk. The walk, like a child, will be shaky at first, but as you hold the Father’s hand, you will get stronger to do his will, but unlike the earthly example, our hand must be in the hand of our Creator constantly, because if it isn’t, we have the possibility of returning to the mud from which we were cleansed (See 2 Peter 2: 18-22)

I close with the inspiring words from Steps to Christ, p. 60, 61

“But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love. The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth. If our hearts are renewed in the likeness of God, if the divine love is implanted in the soul, will not the law of God be carried out in the life? When the principle of love is implanted in the heart, when man is renewed after the image of Him that created him, the new-covenant promise is fulfilled, “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” Hebrews 10:16. And if the law is written in the heart, will it not shape the life? Obedience–the service and allegiance of love–is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the scripture says, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 5:3; 2:4. Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.”

Faith, Is This True?, The Law of God

IS OBEDIENCE ONLY FOR THE LEGALISTIC? PART 1

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Recently, I heard a radio preacher say, “The Old Testament was about obedience, but the New Testament is about grace.” I don’t want to read too much into this or interpret his statement incorrectly, but I hear this same idea said in different ways.  In almost all cases the implication is there are two methods of salvation:

1.) Obedience for those before the cross and

2.)  Grace and faith after the cross.

Obedience (Old Covenant)    Grace/Faith (New Covenant)

Only a few days later, I heard another speaker talk about Galatians in such a way that it lead me to believe that talking about obedience was “another gospel.” The preacher stated: “nothing can be added to the work of Jesus. To add anything else is “another gospel.”  Without a doubt, no one can add to what Jesus has done for sinful man. and we cannot do enough good works to merit salvation. including obedience.  Here is the proof:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:9, 10

“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Galatians 5:18

“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”

Romans 3:21-23

All three of the verses above were from Paul.  Paul was a highly educated and dedicated Hebrew.  Before his conversion, he considered himself “blameless” concerning the righteousness that comes by the law.  but then he discovered Jesus and his eyes were opened.

Paul, seemed to be concerned where people would take verses like those above.  He abruptly asks a question at the end of Romans 3 and again at the beginning of Romans 6 to clarify:

Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

Romans 3:31 

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 

Romans 6:1

The established law has a place in the Jesus Journey of the believer, but what is it?

Despite Romans 3:31 and other “obedience” verses we shall see, people continue to quote verses that would seem to say, we can pretty much ignore the 10 commandment law.  Here are a few:

We are not “….under the law, but under grace.”

Romans 6:14

“The law was done away with.”

Colossians 2:14?

“The law has been nailed to the cross.”

Colossians 2:14?

Obedience is “another gospel.”

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel”

Galatians 1:6

Incorrect application of these passage may make it sound like God does not want us to obey and if I want to obey God, I have reverted back to the Old Testament way of salvation and have become legalistic, perhaps even lost.  By choosing to seek to live in obedience, I have left the gospel of grace and faith. So is obedience only for the legalistic?

I have tried to boil this down to 5 important thought questions:

1.)  Has obedience ever been a method of salvation?  Was Moses, the prophets, the people of Israel saved by the works of the law? Has anyone ever been able to save themselves through obedience?

2.)  What is the relationship between obedience and grace?  Are they mutually exclusive of each other?

3.)  What does Salvation mean and what is the purpose of the law?

4.) Does God expect me to live a life in  disobedience to his commandments?  What happens if I start to try to obey?

5.)  Does Obedience have anything to do with the new covenant?

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Now I am certain, I don’t need to get up get dressed and head to the local temple and sacrifice a lamb for the sins I have committed.  This was definitely part of the instructions God gave Moses to give to  God’s people.  I also know that being circumcised is not a prerequisite to being a part of God’s people. But, how do I relate to God’s law?  What is the danger if I ignore it or if I obey it?

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What is God’s law?

Is it just the 10 commandments?

Is it the old sacrificial system given by God to Moses?

Is it some spiritual thing that I keep in my spirit but am careful to not obey the letter?

Here is what I know from God’s word;

The word “law” appears 529 times in the entire Bible.  If you throw in “statute” and “ordinance” we can add another 219 times.  So that brings us to 748 verses.  

Do they all mean the same thing?  This is where many people get confused. 

The three main categories  for these 748 verses are used primarily in 1 of 3 main ways:

A.)  God’s Ten Commandments written with His own finger.

“And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”

Exodus 31:18

B.) The laws given by God to Moses concerning the sanctuary services, sacrifices, feast days. The ceremonial laws contained in ordnances.  Written by Moses and placed in a pouch in the side of the Ark of the Covenant.

“Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.”

Deuteronomy 31:26

These ordinances and laws were ceremonial and gave identity and teaching to the chosen people before the cross.  After the cross, God made the Jew and Gentile one.

“And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.”

Exodus 18:20

“….having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.”

Ephesians 2:15

C.) The word of God contained in the “books of the law” a.k.a Torah (First Five books of the Bible)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 1:8

 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 1: 2, 3

So it is always important to understand which law God is referring to before making any decisions as to what God would have you do.

One last question before we start,  Does the freedom given me by the grace of God give me license to disobey?

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In this post, we will start with questions #1 and #2

1.)  Has obedience ever been a method of salvation?  Was Moses, the prophets, the people of Israel saved by the works of the law? Has anyone ever been able to save themselves through obedience?

The answer is NO!  The Jews of old were saved just like those of the New Testament:  By the grace of God through faith and not of any works.  Listen to Paul:

“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Galatians 2:21

There would have been no need for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins or the sins of those in the Old Testament time if “righteousness” could come through the law.

Through the ceremonial feast of Passover (Exodus 12), the Jews under those laws were taught that the unblemished innocent male sheep had to die for their sins.  They had to believe this in faith.  Merely following the directions of God through Moses was not the point of their forgiveness but led them to understand about the coming Messiah who was the “true lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” John 1:29

So by faith, the Jews looked forward to the Cross for their salvation not in obeying the law.  But the law was good in that it came from God himself through Moses and it taught (through an object lesson) the cost of sin, the price that had to be paid, and the transference of their sin onto the unblemished Son of God.

When Jesus came, type met anti-type.  There was no longer a need to have ceremonies and laws that pointed forward to Jesus.  Now they had the life and teachings of Jesus and that teacher (using types) ended.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:24, 25

All those ceremonial laws pointed forward to Jesus and His death on the cross that they might have faith in Him.  Today, we look back at Jesus and the cross that we might have faith.  Both of us are saved by faith, not by the works of the law of ceremonies.

Those laws had fulfilled their purpose of pointing the OT people to Jesus.  When He died on the cross they ended and we were no longer “under” those sets of laws.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Galatians 3: 23

This faith spoken of by Paul is another word for Jesus.  The faith that is revealed is Jesus.  It is clear from Hebrews 11 (Faith Chapter) that those of the OT lived their lives by faith as we do:

The term “By faith” or “through faith” appears at least 19 times in Hebrews 11!  They are all references to the OT people of faith!

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off…And these all, having obtained a good report through faith.”

Hebrews 11: 13, 39

Please keep in mind, faith is not a thing….a religious thing….It is “trust” in God.  It is made evident by a response.  A person can say they have faith in God, but their works will show it.  Faith is not based on nothing.  It has substance and evidence.  This substance and evidence comes through trusting in God’s word.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 

James 2:18

Paul shows the method of salvation i.e., grace through faith not of works.  James tells us that the works (obedience) produced from a believer is the evidence of their faith.  The two go together.

James goes on to say,

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

James 2: 8-12

James uses the term “law of liberty” twice.  Here is the hint that obeying the law gives liberty.  Just ask the murder in prison or the person who is trapped in a web of lies.  There is a blessing in obedience to God’s 10 commandments.  Wouldn’t you agree?  We are not talking about the method of salvation, but rather the results of salvation.

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:25

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2.)  What is the relationship between obedience and grace?  Are they mutually exclusive of each other?

How can anyone claim to be a follower of the only true God and not obey?

“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

1 John 2:4

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

Luke 6:46

“Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.”

Luke 6: 47-48

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 

Romans 6:1

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 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. 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.

Matthew 5: 17-19

Heaven and earth remains and so do the 10 commandments.  Anyone who teaches to break the least of the commandments is not doing the will of God.  I don’t want to be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.  Do you?  The best way here is to teach to obey the law of God.

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Conclusion:

The 10 commandments remain as does heaven and earth.  The ceremonial laws taught about Jesus and salvation, but they ended at the cross where type met anti-type.

Obedience does not save you, but a saved person will be obedient.  The thief will stop stealing.  The liar will stop lying.  All of this happens because of the new birth….the new heart God gives the person saved.

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people”

Hebrews 8:10

If you are thinking the new covenant spoken of here is for Jews only.  Remember there is neither Jew nor Greek and that if we belong to Christ we are “Abraham’s seed” (Father of Jews) and “heirs according to the promise.”

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:28

 “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Galatians 3:29

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“A woman is driving way over the speed limit. Suddenly, she sees in her rear view mirror the flashing red and blue lights of a police car and hears the familiar wail of the siren. She pulls over, grabs her purse, and takes out her driver’s license. The policeman approaches, takes her license, and returns to his car.

She wonders how much the ticket is going to be (she was wayover the limit); she also worries about how she will be able to pay it. A few minutes later the policeman comes back and says, OK, Miss, what we are going to do, so that you don’t have to face the penalty of the law again, is abolish the law. You no longer have to worry about the speed limit.

As ludicrous as that story is, it’s no more so than the theology that teaches that after Jesus died, the law, the Ten Commandments, was abolished.”  Dr. Keith A. Burton,

“Wages of sin is death.”

Romans 6:23

“Sin is the transgression of the law.”

1 John 3:

The definition of sin has never changed.

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“There are two errors against which the children of God–particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace–especially need to guard. The first, already dwelt upon, is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God. He who is trying to become holy by his own works in keeping the law, is attempting an impossibility. All that man can do without Christ is polluted with selfishness and sin. It is the grace of Christ alone, through faith, that can make us holy.

The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption.

But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love.”

Steps To Christ, page 59, 60

Faith, Reasons to Believe

Real Faith Part 2-What is the New Testament Church?

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There are Christian jargons, we often use, which sound good to many church members but are confusing to non-religious folks. These religious catch-phrases can sometimes imply something confusing and misleading. The phrase “New Testament Church” is one of those. What does it mean?

Bible.org provides 5 characteristics of a New Testament Church. The very first characteristic is, ” A New Testament church is a church which derives its doctrine from the New Testament.” Is this true? New Testament Church sounds right, but a closer look at the Bible teaching on the church reveals where the doctrines of the church originated.

The church foundation of Jesus is a radical change from the Israelite system of worship and mission. The church of the New Testament was raised up by the Apostles and disciples under the guidance of the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension to the Father and the Spirit descending on the day of Pentecost. In today’s language, they were “Church Planters.” To say this church-planting program was successful is an understatement! But, there has been division about doctrine and teachings throughout the centuries.

The 13 inspired writers of the New Testament wrote about their experience with Jesus and provided direction and instruction for the creation and administration of the new church plants (As found primarily in the book of Acts and the writings of Paul). The question we want to clarify is this: Was the doctrine of the “New Testament churches” different than the writers of the Old Testament as expressed by Bible.org? Did the Apostles direct that the Old Testament teachings (doctrines) be ignored in favor of the new teachings? As we will see, the answer to this question is No. However, there were some elements of the Old Testament services that have little application since the cross but are valuable to study because of their significance to the original people of God. But, be careful, there many who confuse this premise and may throw out the baby with the bath water!

Doctrine and the Church

When Paul wrote a letter to Timothy, he encouraged his young protege to follow the Holy Scripture he had known since he was a child:

“..and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

Young Timothy was raised up from childhood on the writings of the Tanakh, which is the Old Testament. Timothy did not have a New Testament pocket Bible, but rather the writings of Moses, the major and minor Prophets, and the Psalms. The entire Old Testament can be grouped under one of these headings. All of these were able, according to Paul to make Timothy and any reader “wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”So, Timothy could be wise from the Tanakh about salvation and Jesus Christ. Many would consider this primarily a New Testament teaching, but make no mistake, it is found throughout scripture.

Paul then tells Timothy that these scriptures of the Tanakh were good for teaching including doctrine:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

Don’t miss this! The reference Paul makes to “All Scripture” refers to what we Gentile Christians call the Old Testament! Timothy, as did Paul, got their doctrine from the Old Testament! In fact, The New Testament church members got their doctrine from the Old Testament, but connected Jesus with it as the Apostles began to preach about Jesus! Many who ignore the teachings of the Old Testament create a handicap in their experience because those divenly inspired books teach about Jesus, righteousness, and salvation from the start in Genesis all the way to Malachi. It is the basis for the beliefs of the New Testament writers and followers of Jesus.

All the writers of the New Testament taught from the Tanakh or the Old Testament. Why? Because the New Testament writings would not be written and canonized for many years after Jesus ascended to God the Father. The earliest texts were written sometime after 50 AD, some 20 years after the cross and the beginning of the original church plantings. The oldest New Testament letters came from Paul’s epistles including the two letters to young Timothy. The New Testament with its 27 books was not brought together and canonized until decades later, after the new churches were up and running. The earliest estimate is around 120 AD. Almost 100 years after the resurrection of Jesus!

When Jesus taught His disciples, he used the Tanakh only. That was all that was available. His explanation about His ministry and prophecies about Him are found in the Tanakh. It was the words of these books Jesus used to open the eyes of the disappointed and fearful disciples walking away from Jerusalem and the horrible scenes of the crucifixion to Emmaus and those who stayed behind cowered behind locked doors prior to His appearing to them. Look closely at this amazing story found in the book of Luke 24. Here are a few highlights:

Jesus and the two disciples leaving Jerusalem and the site of the crucifixion:

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:27

Jesus and the many disciples hiding in the room fearful for their lives on the First Day of the week:

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for FEAR of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. John 20:19

The disciples were not assembled to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, they were together afraid they would be killed by the Jews or the Romans. At this point, they didn’t believe Jesus was resurrected, It would take Thomas eight days after the following event to convince him that Jesus was alive.

” Then He said to them (the disciples in the locked room), “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Luke 24: 44-45

Jesus and Doubting Thomas:

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20: 26-28

Jesus referred His disciples to the Tanakh about the prophecies and elements of faith in Him i.e. His life, death, resurrection, His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary as well as His ascension, judgment, and His 2nd coming. All of this is in the books of the Old Testament. Often Christians ignore these books in favor of the easier to read and understand New Testament! But, the basis for belief and faith is found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. As Paul told Timothy, the scripture (Tanakh) is good and profitable for righteousness to make us complete in God and equipped to do the will of God.


To ignore the words of the Tanakh is to restrict the Christian experience. It is like trying to build a house on 1/3 of the instructions!

New Testament and Old Testament -The Two Witnesses

Please do not be confused. All of th discussion thus far is not to minimize or say that the New Testament is less than the teachings of the Old Testament. On the contrary! Both were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The New Testament writers wrote what they saw and what they learned through Jesus. As we have seen, Jesus threw light on the writing on the Tanakh to reveal himself and to claify things made confusing by the religious leaders of that day. He also gave them the Holy Spirit to write about their experience with Jesus. In fact, Peter referred to Paul’s writing as Scripture:

… as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 2 Peter 3: 15-16

Untaught and unstable people will make general statements about the Old Testament and the New Testament such as:

“Oh, the Old Testament has been done away with. I only go by the New Testament.” OR

“The law of God (10 commandments) were nailed to the cross. We don’t go by them anymore. We live by faith.”

To further confuse things, verses like the following will be used as evidence that the Tanakh is null and void:

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. Hebrews 9:16

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:6

There was a change after Jesus came, but it was not an elimination of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. They all are made clearer under Jesus. There is a prophecy in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah or the Lord’s Servant which states Jesus will magnify (expound or make larger and clearer) the law.


…he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. Isaiah 42:21

Jesus did this very thing…clarifying, but also adding honor to the law. These clarifications cut across the traditions and authority of the religious leaders of the day and have the same effect today. For example regarding the 10 commandments, He enlarged the law so we could see it better when He said,


“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5: 27-28

The religious leaders and the people now saw clearer the spirit of the law i.e. a sinful heart that desires to commit adultery. But this does not make the actual act permissible. The breaking of this law literally begins with a sinful heart. The spiritual application does not eliminate the literal application. If it did, our spouses would have a hard time dealing with our breaking of the literal law. Wouldn’t you agree?

To try to obtain righteousness and salvation by the letter of the law is destined for failure, but a changed heart that obeys God from within will also obey the letter…not for salvation purposes, but because it is the fruit of salvation.

Jesus was quick to tell His disciples that He did not come to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill. Some would say that fulfill means He kept the 10 commandments and we don’t have to any more. How absurd is this! We can now lie, cheat, and steal because Jesus “fulfilled” the Law?! Listen closely to the words of Jesus Himself.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 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. 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. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5: 17-20

Jesus told us we are not even to think He came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. Both of these he fulfilled in doing the law and being the fulfillment of the prophecies! He emphasizes that not even the smallest stroke of the pen in the law will change until heaven and earth passes away which is the final fulfillment of prophecies found in both the Old and New Testaments. The heavens and earth have not passed away yet, so I would say, the law is still valid. Christ does not minimize the law rather He minimizes those who don’t teach and do them!

Now comes the big ending. Our righteousness has to exceed the scribes and Pharisees who often bragged about the meticulous keeping of the law! If we fail here, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven! So I would say the law of God as contained in the 10 Commandments is very important. But keep in mind, the only righteousness we can obtain is found in Christ alone, not by works or even an attempt to keep the law with a sinful heart. The righteousness that exceeds the scribes and Pharisees is Christ working in us to will and do His good pleasure from a renewed and sincere heart.

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Righteousness does not exclude obedience. The topic of righteousness by faith we will explore at another time, but the main idea is that without Jesus we can do nothing, including obedience to His law, but through Him we can do everything.

What Ended at the Cross?

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Galatians 3: 24,25

The laws in the Bible are grouped as Sacrificial, Ceremonial, Moral, Health laws, and sometimes all of the writings of the Old Testament. So, what was ended at the cross that we don’t have to follow? It was not the moral law! But it was the sacrificial laws and ceremonies!

Why would the moral law end? Is it still not a sin to lie cheat, steal, kill, covet, have other gods, etc? Of course, the definition of sin has never changed, “Sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4

The laws regarding diet were meant to keep the Israelites healthy. Why would they end? They had no religious meaning. They were never given as a requirement for salvation, but to rather what the great Creator knew would make them healthy. If they followed God’s command, He promised to keep them free from diseases:

I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians.  Exodus 15:6

Do not confuse the unclean foods from foods that were actually unclean. Food sacrificed to idols was considered unclean, but were not necessarily unclean animals. Paul stated he had no problem eating foods sacrificed to idols, but he respected those who wished not to do so and would not weaken someone’s faith because of what He ate.

Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no other God but one… However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled…
Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. ” 1 Corinthians 8: 4, 7, 13

Peter never ate unclean meat even when he was told in a vision three times to eat them. He understood later that the purpose of the vision was to show that the Gentiles were not to be considered unclean

But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean…
But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean Acts 10: 14,28

My digestive system and body is no different from those who received these health laws. I can benefit from abstaining from unclean food just as did the disciples. Science has caught up with God’s word. These unclean foods as described in Leviticus are not healthy to eat.

The optimal diet is found in the garden of Eden before sin entered into the world. It is a plant-based diet. Since there will be no death in heave and the new heaven and the new earth that the Lord will make, animals will not be slaughtered for food. Our diet will return to a plant based diet.

Nailed to the Cross

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Colossians 2: 13-14

No doubt, something was “nailed to the cross” and “taken out of the way.” Is it the 10 commandments? Is it the health laws meant to keep Israel and any other person from the diseases? Was it all of the Old Testament?

There are two key words that tell us what was nailed to the cross: 1.) handwriting 2.) ordinances. These ordinances written by Moses’ own hand were against us and contrary to us. What was against us and contrary to us? How could the moral law, written by the finger of God, to document in stone how we are to relate to God and our neighbor be against us? The context of this chapter has to do with legalism and circumcision and the dreadful duty of sacrifices. Doing these things were contrary to our nature and burdens to the good news of Jesus’ sacrifice. They would be difficult to maintain with the conversion of the Gentiles and the spreading of the gospel.

Image result for images of comparison of ceremonial sabbaths

These ordinances (ceremonial and sacrificial laws) had their purpose. God initiated them for the nation of Israel as a “School Master” to teach them about Jesus and His coming sacrifice for our sins. But the blood of bulls and goats and lambs did not save anyone. Each participant in the daily sacrifices looked forward, by faith, to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. Just as today, we look backward in faith to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for salvation. The cross is the central meeting point for both systems of worship and teaching.

This chart will help demonstrate the difference between God’s 10 commandments and the ordinances that were against us.

Image result for images of comparison of law of god and ordinances

“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Galatians 3: 24-25

The ceremonial laws taught about the plan of salvation in Christ and were the shadows that pointed forward to the Cross.

Let no man, therefore, judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holiday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2: 16, 17

There were meat and drink offerings under the sacrificial system and special days for them to celebrate that were “shadows” Their substance was found in the “body of Christ” There were special celebration Sabbaths that had nothing to do with the weekly Sabbath. These Sabbaths were sometimes counted from days different than the first day of the week.

The Sabbath of the 10 Commandments was from the beginning and was not a shadow like the feast days and sacrifices. It is a commandment for all mankind initiated on the 7th day of Creation. It was a day to remember because of God’s creative and redemptive powers. He is Lord of the Sabbath which makes it the Lord’s day.

So, the sacrificial and ceremonial laws were nailed to the cross. We no longer need to sacrifice lambs in faith because it was only a shadow and figure of the true Lamb of God. When Jesus died on the Cross, type (sacrificial law) had met Antitype (Jesus). The system of priests, sacrifices, and feast days all ended. They were blotted out as demonstrated by what happened in the temple on the day Jesus died:

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom Matthew 27: 50, 51

This large veil in the temple split open and the Most Holy place, allowed to be seen by a priest once a year, was now open for all to see signifying that we had direct access to the throne room of God through Jesus.

Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Image result for images of the veil being torn in two

Those services performed by earthly priests every day were but a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary and its services that are conducted now by Jesus as our one and only high priest.

For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;  who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. Hebrews 8: 4-5

The New Testament Church

There have never been two methods of salvation i.e. works VS Grace. God’s people from the Old Testament days knew of grace and faith as well as the people of God in New Testament. Both are saved by faith through the blood of Jesus alone and not by any amount of works. Good works originate from God and are evidence of salvation and a new birth experience not as a method of salvation.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Hebrew 10: 4

To imply the Old Covenant was a method of salvation of works and the New Testament is by Grace alone shows a lack of knowledge of the plan of salvation. Man sinned. Death passed upon all men for all have sinned and have an ancestry of sinners. Jesus paid for the penalty of sins (eternal death) and He will resurrect them to eternal life when He returns. Man is saved by Grace alone through faith and not of works. It has always been that way. But our works or obedience demonstrates real faith.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2: 8-9

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.”  Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2: 18

The New Testament Church, therefore, includes the teachings of the Old Testament, but the ceremonial laws and sacrificial laws ended at the cross of Jesus. They met their significance in the body of Jesus. But the prophecies and the moral laws continue today. Pick any of the 10 commandments. It was a sin back then to break it and it is a sin today.

Want to be healthy? Follow the health laws God gave to the children of Israel.

The New Testament Church received its instructions from Jesus and the Holy Spirit for organization, leadership, and the work of taking the good news of Jesus to the world. This is found in Acts and the letters of the Apostles to the growing Christian churches. However, It is supported by the willing giving of tithes (10%) and free-will offerings (An Old Testament teaching).

The moral law uplifts the principals of love to God and to our neighbors as demonstrated by the 10 commandments. These laws are divided into two tables and written by the finger of God. Each commandment lines up under one of the two loves: Love to God and Love to our neighbor.

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it:‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Mathew 22: 27-30

The New Testament Church upholds the entire word of God knowing that the gospel is not limited to only 27 letters.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

The sacrifices and ceremonies of the Old Testament were taken out of the way by the death of Jesus. He replaced them with only two ceremonies: Baptism and the Ordinance of Humility (The washing of feet and followed by the Lord’s Supper.

Conclusion:

The church after the death, resurrection, and ascension is built on the rock of Jesus who is revealed throughout the Old Testament. The administration and structure are clearly described in the New Testament. The church’s members and workers include not just Jews, but everyone else without the respect of persons if they are “in Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Without a doubt, God’s marching orders are communicated through 27 letters of the New Testament to church members and leaders. But, its teachings and clarifications are founded on Jesus’s teachings who never once indicated that the Old Testament writers (also inspired by God) were to be ignored. On the contrary, the Tanakh is considered “Scripture” providing the backbone and depth of understanding to the New Testament church. its teachings provide a deeper understanding of Jesus, and the things yet to come…

The phrase, New Testament church can be misleading. The more Biblical pronouncement should be: “We are all members of the body of Christ.” “We base our doctrine on All Scripture.”

so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:5

Essential Christian Beliefs

28 Fundamental Christian Beliefs-#1-The Holy Scriptures

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The Holy Scriptures

The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration. The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history.

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How Does the Old Testament relate to the modern Christian?

The great dividing mark in the experience of many Christians is that space between Malachi and Matthew.  The proclamation of many churches is, “We are a New Testament church, who live by the new testament. The old testament was done away with at the cross”

Some will go so far as to say, “The old testament was about obedience to God’s law, the new testament is about grace and forgiveness.” They will go on to say, “We couldn’t keep it so Jesus kept it for us and we are no longer under the law, so we don’t have to keep the letter, we just keep it in our hearts.” I will address this misunderstanding throughout and, hopefully, provide a better reasoning that will lead to a better experience.

Jesus said,

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:4-(Quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3)

This is from Genesis to Revelation!

At the time Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, there was no new testament.

There is a huge misunderstanding about the old testament and it relevancy to us today;  mostly because much of the teaching in our churches look through the tinted glasses of denominationalism rather than  every word of God.

The books of the Tanakh (The old testament, as referred to by the Jews) are often confused with the old covenant and the new covenant.  Did you know that the new covenant can be found in the old testament? This we will explore from scripture itself.

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Jesus spoke very plainly to the Sadducees about their error on a doctrinal topic.  Why did they “err” in their understanding on the religious topic being discussed?  Two things:

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”

Matthew 22: 29

It is important that each individual who follows Jesus understand and know every word that proceeds from the mouth of God and experience His power in their own lives.

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What are the scriptures and the power of God?

A few decades after the cross (66-67 AD), Paul encouraged young Timothy about the Holy Scriptures:

 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,  and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Then he goes on to say in the next verse:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3: 14-17

Let’s break this down and observe a few points knowing that the new testament writings and letters were not considered scripture until later.  So, Paul is talking to Timothy about the old testament (aka Tanakh)

1.) Paul encourages Timothy to pay attention to what he has learned since childhood from the Scriptures.  The Scriptures were (at this time) only the old testament.  There was no new testament when Paul encouraged Timothy.

2.) The Holy Scriptures will make him “wise about salvation that comes through faith in Jesus.”  Again, the only scripture at that time was the old testament. If it is true for Timothy, it is true for us!  The old testament can make us wise about salvation through faith in Jesus.

3.) All Scripture (old testament) is profitable for:

Doctrine

Reproof

Correction

Instruction in Righteousness

To equip the worker for God

Look at all that is missing in the Christian experience if we don’t live by EVERY word that proceeds from the mouth of God! Is our experience with Jesus not all it can be because we limit our “living by every word of God” to the New Testament books only?

Jesus Used the Old Testament to Teach and Encourage

When Luke described the story of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus on the day of Christ’s resurrection, he referred to the books of Genesis through Malachi as “Scripture.”

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

“Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24: 27, 32

Think of how deep the understanding about Jesus would be if more people were searching Him in the books of the Old Testament

Scripture is God’s word and it is what changes a sinful human being.  It has power to sanctify us (grow in our experience with Christ). Jesus prayed to the Father:

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

John 17:17

Jesus is actually praying to God the Father to “sanctify” His followers through the books of the old testament.  In addition, Jesus is referred to as the Word (John 1).  He is the embodiment of God’s written word!

Jesus’ prayer demonstrates that growing in Christ and moving from sinful habits to sanctified habits happens through a right understanding of God and His  word. This includes the old testament!

God’s word is powerful for those who come in contact with it. It will affect their  thoughts and their attitudes.

But, did you notice that it is God The Father’s words that are truth.  When Jesus prayed this prayer it included the Tanakh (old testament books) as well as when he inspired men of the new testament books to write His words.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

It provides a light to direct the daily walk through life:

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

But, the words must be mixed with a personal knowledge and experience with the Giver of the Word:

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3

Eternal life is more than just memorizing words.  It is having a personal relationship with the Giver of the Word and Jesus Christ.  By doing so, you become to know Him!  By studying Jesus (referred to as “The Word” in John 1), we can get a clear picture of God the Father:

If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

John 14:7

I believe we can safely say,  “Knowing Him is not limited to the words of the New Testament.”

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Here is an interesting fact:

Scripture is used 53 times in the entire Bible, but only once in the Old Testament. The other 52 times are all used in the New Testament referring back to the Old Testament.

We can safely conclude the word “Scripture” as found in the both the old and new testament is referring only to the old testament.  Jesus and all the disciples quoted it and used it to prove Jesus was the Messiah and to give hope.

Proof of Jesus in the Old Testament:

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

John 5:39

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.

Acts 8:35

Which word did Philip open?  It was the books of the old testament!

The Old Testament Teaches us and Gives Us Hope:

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15:4

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Peter said,

 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1: 19-21

The prophetic word  (reference to the old testament) should  be heeded until the lights start to come on about Jesus!

Many of the problems with appreciating and following the books from Genesis to Malachi are the words “old” and “new”

The Old and New Covenant

Paul said,

 In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Hebrews 8:13

What is ready to vanish?  Is it the books of the old testament?  No! It is the old covenant!

John said,

Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.

1 John 2:7

There is a difference between concept of the “old covenant” and the “”old commandments.” While the “old covenant” is “vanishing away,” we must be careful that we don’t throw out the baby with the bath water!

Jesus confirms this:

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:17

Some will reason incorrectly, “Well, Jesus fulfill the Law and the Prophets therefore it has vanished away.”

But listen to the remainder of the words and ask if Jesus has destroyed the law and prophets by fulfilling the requirements and the prophecies.

 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.

Matthew 5:18

The Naysayers will continue to teach, for example, that the ten commandments have been replaced by grace.

But again, let’s let Jesus tells us what He is talking about.

 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.

Matthew 5:19 

Is there any doubt that our Lord expects us keep or obey the great 10 commandment law written by the finger of God?  Which one of the laws would you feel comfortable breaking?  Which one is the least of the commandments?

If we break one, we have broken them all

 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

James 2:10

But, never forget that we cannot obey our way into eternal life.  It is first the grace of God,  the death of Jesus for our breaking of the law (aka sin), and  then faith in Him and His word that gives eternal life to us from a life of sin and eternal death:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

Ephesians 2:8

But, this grace and faith does not make the need for the law to go away.

Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Romans 3:31

This 10 commandment law was given by God Himself in the Old Testament.  It has never gone away or nailed to the cross.

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

Psalm 119:160

 We must be sure to not confuse the books of the old testament with the old covenant.

Paul said this about the old covenant:

But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.  Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

2 Corinthians 3: 14-16 

There was a covenant with the people of God referred to as the old covenant and this “veil” blinds them unless they turn to the Lord  their eyes would be opened.

When someone reads about the old covenant (not the old testament books) they cannot see spiritually, but when they insert Jesus into it, the veil is taken away. This happened to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus and the other disciples when they were meeting in fear and Jesus showed up.  Jesus himself lifted the veil of understanding about Himself.

What is it we should see?  Jesus was the point of the sacrificial system, the feast days, circumcision.  All of these pointed to Jesus and demonstrated His character, God the Father’s character and how salvation works.  They were all shadows of the actual work and being of Jesus.

Image result for images of shadow of God's word

These shadows had their end when Jesus died on the cross:

The law (sacrificial and ceremonial) is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.

Hebrews 10:1-2

Notice that the context is the “sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year.”  It is not talking about the 10 commandment law or even the old testament books rather the system of worship and teaching that came to an end with Jesus. This system was a teacher to introduce the work and being of Jesus:

Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor

Galatians 3:24

Those sacrificial laws God gave to Moses was to teach them about Christ.  When Christ came, they were no longer obligated to perform these sacrificial and ceremonial laws.

It also demonstrated that we were all sinners and could not save ourselves, nor work our way into God’s salvation.  There has never been two methods of salvation i.e. By works in the old testament and grace/faith in the new testament.  We are saved only by the grace God provides and faith (trust) in Him.  God even supplies us the faith if we are willing.

The New Covenant and God’s Law

So we can see there are some things in the old testament books that came to an end, but not the old testament books themselves.  The old covenant came to an end, but what is it compared to the new covenant.  Let’s look at a couple of verses:

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Hebrews 8:10 (Paul quotes Jeremiah 31:33)

Notice the new covenant still includes the law (law of morality contained in the 10 commandments), but it is written on the hearts.  It cannot include those laws that passed away.  Therefore, it must include the laws that remain i.e., the eternal law that we have had from the beginning

I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning.

1 John 2: 7

There was something wrong with the first covenant that required a new covenant. But, did God make a mistake and had to rewrite the covenant?  Paul explains the problem was not with God, but with a people who would not keep their end of the agreement.

 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.  Because finding fault with them, He says:“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.

Hebrews 8: 7-9

So the old covenant had to be disregarded because it was made null and void by the people who would not continue in the Lord’s covenant.

Paul then tells us because of the failure on the part of the people, the Lord does something dramatic:

The New Covenant and Better Promises

But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

Hebrews 8:6 (NIV)

God did not make a mediocre promise and then a better promise. The problem with the first covenant was with the people.

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, 

Hebrews 8: 7

Did you catch that?  The second covenant (new covenant)  would not have been needed if the first one was faultless.  The agreement was not bad, but the fault was with the people.  They disobeyed!  Why?  Because they were not living by trust and faith in the Lord even though they agreed to do everything the Lord asked.

And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him.

And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.

Exodus 19: 7-8

Exodus 19:8 above is their promise that went bad.  They did not obey God and they broke their covenant often.

So God’s covenant with His people (those in Christ who are the real Israel) will follow and obey the Lord’s will because His laws are written upon their heart and their will be a relationship between God and His people:

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Hebrews 8:10-12

So you can see that both the old and new covenant dealt with obeying the will of God which are contained in His law. Not the ceremonial and sacrificial laws, but the law that remains forever written upon the hearts of people.  It is the moral law contained in the 10 commandments.

 In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Hebrew 8: 7-13

The following chart should help see the difference between God’s word found in the old testament and the old and new covenants found therein.

Old Testament Books
Old Covenant
New Covenant
Jesus and His disciples used it to teach and encourage God made an agreement with the people of Israel God makes a new agreement. The old one vanishes when Jesus’ is revealed.
  Eternal  Becomes obsolete  Eternal
Is a light and perfect Had faults because of the people. They made a promise they didn’t keep God writes the law on the heart which perpetuates obedience to his law.
 Testifies of Jesus Based on poor promises of the people. They failed to believe God  Based on better promises because of Jesus
 Has all wisdom, instruction, and revelation to make one secure in the Lord  God kept his part of the covenant. The people made a promise they couldn’t keep without God in their hearts.  They rejected Him.  Through Christ, the person is born again. The attitude about sin changes. The person obeys God from a new heart and a desire to glorify Him.
Endures forever: 

The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of our God endures forever.

Isaiah 40:8

The people’s promise Obsolete. Vanished

Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. Hebrews 8:13

 New Covenant is eternal

But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one. Hebrews 8: 6

 
Summary:

All of scripture (including the old testament) was inspired by God.  It is good for the Christian to base His or Her belief in Jesus and discover more about Him in its pages.  It also contains important information about God’s plan of salvation.  To ignore it or claim it is no longer valid is to miss not only guidance, but also encouragement and more information about Jesus.

The old agreement that the people made with God never worked because they made an empty promise and it is replaced by a covenant where Jesus becomes the mediator and puts God’s law in our heart.  Note: if it is in the heart, a born-again person will obey the letter.

Referring back to beginning of this post What if I told my wife, “I can not keep the law regarding adultery, but it is written in my heart so that excuses me from keeping the letter of the law. Therefore, I am free to take my girlfriend out to supper and spend the night with her.”

I wouldn’t have a wife long if I said this.

Under the new covenant, that law is written on the heart, that means you will obey because your heart has been changed and you love God and your wife.  So you obey the letter, but motivated by a born-again heart that desires to do the will of God.

There is so much confusion in God’s community about the old testament VS the old covenant.  I hope this has helped in someway to demonstrate the value of the books of the old testament; the failure of God’s people who did not obey God; and the people under the new covenant who obey because the Lord has changed them.

Next time, we will look at fundamental belief #2, The Trinity.  Until then, may the Lord bless and keep you and your family.