The law of Christ
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Only takes one scripture to refute this comment...
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Murder has always been wrong. It did not become a law at Mt. Sinai, it has ALWAYS been God's Law.
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Murder has always been wrong. It did not become a law at Mt. Sinai, it has ALWAYS been God's Law.
Israel's words to the covenant in Exodus chapter 24 were vain and their actions didn't back up their words of agreement.
Exodus 24:7-8
7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.
Numbers 14:21-22
21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.
22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
Do we react to the law of Christ the same as Israel reacted to the law of Moses because we want to make the God of the Old Testament a different God than the God of the New Testament? I think so.
We don't want to see that the God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament, because the first one was mean and a dictator but the second is compassionate, understanding, and graceful, not really holding mankind accountable for their actions like the God that gave Moses the law. We desire the God who gave the law to Moses to change according to what we desire Him to be. The day that we wake up and realize that it was God's grace that gave the law to Moses we will see the truth. If transgression would never have been revealed we would have no reason to seek salvation, forever being separated from God with no hope. If the law would never have been given we would not know how to live productive blessed lives within the confines of creation, for the law giver and the creator are the same and He desires to bless and not curse. I thank God that the law was given, and Spiritually it is still effectual.
Exodus 24:7-8
7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.
Numbers 14:21-22
21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.
22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
Do we react to the law of Christ the same as Israel reacted to the law of Moses because we want to make the God of the Old Testament a different God than the God of the New Testament? I think so.
We don't want to see that the God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament, because the first one was mean and a dictator but the second is compassionate, understanding, and graceful, not really holding mankind accountable for their actions like the God that gave Moses the law. We desire the God who gave the law to Moses to change according to what we desire Him to be. The day that we wake up and realize that it was God's grace that gave the law to Moses we will see the truth. If transgression would never have been revealed we would have no reason to seek salvation, forever being separated from God with no hope. If the law would never have been given we would not know how to live productive blessed lives within the confines of creation, for the law giver and the creator are the same and He desires to bless and not curse. I thank God that the law was given, and Spiritually it is still effectual.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The Law CONVERTS the soul. The Law makes the simple wise.
Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The Law brings enlightenment to the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
The Law warns us of the punishment for wrong doing and rewards us for keeping it.
The Law CONVERTS the soul. The Law makes the simple wise.
Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The Law brings enlightenment to the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
The Law warns us of the punishment for wrong doing and rewards us for keeping it.
Throughout the OT - believers had to please God in the flesh - The OT believers were held in bondage to outward ordinances, rituals, and symbols in the realm of the five senses. In the NT, scripture says we cannot please God in the flesh [Rom. 8:8; Rom. 7:18]. Did God change or did his way of dealing with people change? God relates to mankind in different ways at different times. The children of Israel had to obey the Law in order to have a relationship with God - we are born again of the Spirit to have a relationship with God. One brings death by bondage - one brings life by the Spirit. Does that negate the Law in the OT? NO . . but we fulfill the law by loving God and serving others.
Romans 13:8-10 Owe no one anything except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet; and any other commandment are summed up on this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. NRSV (I think Jesus said on these two commandments hang the law and the prophets - Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself)
Galatians 5:13,14 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. NRSV
I love God's word and I love to learn from it and there is MUCH to learn, MUCH to drink in! Like Jeremiah in Jeremiah 15:16 -Thy words were found and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mineheart: for I am called by they name, O LORD God of hosts.
The Law meant much more to the OT believers for it set the standard for their relationship with God - but to the church, the body of Christ; this is what is written:
2 Cor. 3:9-18 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory! Indeed, what once had glory has lost its glory because of the greater glory; for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanent come in glory! Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. NRSV
Our relationship with God as the church, the body of Christ is a much more personal, up close relationship as a Father relates to his sons/daughters. Gotta love it!
Romans 13:8-10 Owe no one anything except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet; and any other commandment are summed up on this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. NRSV (I think Jesus said on these two commandments hang the law and the prophets - Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself)
Galatians 5:13,14 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. NRSV
I love God's word and I love to learn from it and there is MUCH to learn, MUCH to drink in! Like Jeremiah in Jeremiah 15:16 -Thy words were found and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mineheart: for I am called by they name, O LORD God of hosts.
The Law meant much more to the OT believers for it set the standard for their relationship with God - but to the church, the body of Christ; this is what is written:
2 Cor. 3:9-18 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory! Indeed, what once had glory has lost its glory because of the greater glory; for if what was set aside came through glory, much more has the permanent come in glory! Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. NRSV
Our relationship with God as the church, the body of Christ is a much more personal, up close relationship as a Father relates to his sons/daughters. Gotta love it!
All the examples of the faithful patriarchs in the Old Testament who pleased God were obedient from their heart. Those that weren't suffered the curse of righteous judgment because of their unrighteousness. Is there any difference between God's reactions recording in the Old Testament and His judgments today?
Isaiah 1:10-12
10 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
God's reactions are no different in the Old Testament law than they with the law of Christ.
Isaiah 1:10-12
10 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
God's reactions are no different in the Old Testament law than they with the law of Christ.
God's justice in the OT was swift . . . and immediate. We, the body of Christ, have been judged and been justified in and through Christ. The unrighteous are not dealt with swiftly or immediately now but their day is coming when they shall be judged.
14 - 17 Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hand, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; . . .
How did they wash themselves, make themselves clean? by sacrifices and offering; by obedience to the law - How do we make ourselves clean? Through the blood of Jesus and belief in him as our atonement and as our righteousness NOT BY WORKS OF THE LAW for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Sounds like a change to me.
14 - 17 Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hand, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; . . .
How did they wash themselves, make themselves clean? by sacrifices and offering; by obedience to the law - How do we make ourselves clean? Through the blood of Jesus and belief in him as our atonement and as our righteousness NOT BY WORKS OF THE LAW for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Sounds like a change to me.
Exodus 19:4-6
"4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.5 Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”
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In Galatians 3-5, Paul discusses two covenants.
It's interesting to see which words are associated with each covenant in this passage of scripture.
Mount Sinai Covenant Gal 4:24-26
The covenant of the Jerusalem from above. Gal 4:24-26
Let's take a look at words Paul associates with each covenant.
He's creating two clear categories and associating one category with a set of words, and another category with a set of words.
Covenant from Sinai.
Works of the law Gal 3:25
Flesh Gal 3:3
Curse Gal 3:10,12
Law Gal 3:12
Not of faith Gal 3:12
Doesn't impart life Gal 3:21
Slave Gal 4:1,7,8
Guardian, manager, bondage Gal 4:2-3
Weak, worthless elemental things Gal 4:9
Observation of days months seasons years. Gal 4:10
Bondwoman, Flesh Gal 4:22
Slavery covenant Gal 4:24-26
Born according to flesh. Gal 4:29
Yoke of slavery Gal 5:1
Circumcision linked to law keeping. Gal 5:3-4.
Covenant from Jerusalem of above.
Christ crucified Gal 3:1
Spirit Gal 3:1
Hearing with faith Gal 3:2,5
Believing God righteousness Gal 3:6
Faith Sons of Abraham Gal 3:7,9
Righteous faith Gal 3:11
Promise of Spirit Gal 3:14
Christ=Abraham's seed Gal 3:15-18
No longer under tutor Gal 3:25
Sons of God Gal 3:26
Clothed with Christ 3:27
One in Christ Gal 3:28
Redeemed from being under law Gal 4:5
Adopted as sons Gal 4:5
Crying Abba Father Gal 4:6-7
Known by God Gal 4:9
Free woman, Promise Gal 4:21
Children of promise born according to Spirit Gal 4:28-29
Walking by Spirit Gal 5:16
Take a look at the two categories Paul is building.
Take a look at words and things associated with each.
Now what does he tell us to do with each category?
Why are people trying to bring themselves under things in the category Paul told us to cast out?
It's interesting to see which words are associated with each covenant in this passage of scripture.
Mount Sinai Covenant Gal 4:24-26
The covenant of the Jerusalem from above. Gal 4:24-26
Let's take a look at words Paul associates with each covenant.
He's creating two clear categories and associating one category with a set of words, and another category with a set of words.
Covenant from Sinai.
Works of the law Gal 3:25
Flesh Gal 3:3
Curse Gal 3:10,12
Law Gal 3:12
Not of faith Gal 3:12
Doesn't impart life Gal 3:21
Slave Gal 4:1,7,8
Guardian, manager, bondage Gal 4:2-3
Weak, worthless elemental things Gal 4:9
Observation of days months seasons years. Gal 4:10
Bondwoman, Flesh Gal 4:22
Slavery covenant Gal 4:24-26
Born according to flesh. Gal 4:29
Yoke of slavery Gal 5:1
Circumcision linked to law keeping. Gal 5:3-4.
Covenant from Jerusalem of above.
Christ crucified Gal 3:1
Spirit Gal 3:1
Hearing with faith Gal 3:2,5
Believing God righteousness Gal 3:6
Faith Sons of Abraham Gal 3:7,9
Righteous faith Gal 3:11
Promise of Spirit Gal 3:14
Christ=Abraham's seed Gal 3:15-18
No longer under tutor Gal 3:25
Sons of God Gal 3:26
Clothed with Christ 3:27
One in Christ Gal 3:28
Redeemed from being under law Gal 4:5
Adopted as sons Gal 4:5
Crying Abba Father Gal 4:6-7
Known by God Gal 4:9
Free woman, Promise Gal 4:21
Children of promise born according to Spirit Gal 4:28-29
Walking by Spirit Gal 5:16
Take a look at the two categories Paul is building.
Take a look at words and things associated with each.
Now what does he tell us to do with each category?
Why are people trying to bring themselves under things in the category Paul told us to cast out?
With all due respect, the old and new covenants are not the issue on this thread even though I can understand why they are thought of concerning the law. Covenants come up in discussion quite often when talking about the law of Christ and the law of God in order to prove a doctrinal difference.
This thread is to define the difference between the law of Christ and how it is viewed differently than the law of God that He gave to Moses. Many see it differently when talking about the covenants, but in reality, are the words contained in the old covenant really different than Christ's concerning God's intentions from the beginning? My take on the whole matter is the same as Solomon's.
Ecclesiastes1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Was not this wise one talking about history, instructions, and examples given by God for our benefit? When taking our heartfelt reactions toward God into consideration, is there a difference between God's righteous judgment of the Old Testament and what it is today?
This thread is to define the difference between the law of Christ and how it is viewed differently than the law of God that He gave to Moses. Many see it differently when talking about the covenants, but in reality, are the words contained in the old covenant really different than Christ's concerning God's intentions from the beginning? My take on the whole matter is the same as Solomon's.
Ecclesiastes1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Was not this wise one talking about history, instructions, and examples given by God for our benefit? When taking our heartfelt reactions toward God into consideration, is there a difference between God's righteous judgment of the Old Testament and what it is today?
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It was their relationship with God and it included pleasing God through outward acts - their works were their righteousness.
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us. Deut. 6:25
Is that the same way we, the body of Christ, receive righteousness?
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us. Deut. 6:25
Is that the same way we, the body of Christ, receive righteousness?