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Now that we know of what Law Paul speaks of from the 7th through the 10th chapters of Heb., let’s go to some of Paul’s other writings for better understanding of what he means by the phrase 'works and deeds' of the law;
Col.2
[14] 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;
Now didn't we just read about a set of 'divine ordinances' that were part of the 'old covenant'? And did not Paul tell us that these laws could not make the comers there unto perfect. These laws of the Levites are the laws that were against us and contrary to us. Why? Because they could not justify or clear man of his sins once and for all. So what was the set of laws that were 'nailed to His cross'? What law HAD to end when Christ died? What law was only to be around for a little while to give us hope? The answer to that is easy....let's read what happened the moment Christ died;
Matt.27
[51] And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Mark 15
[38] And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
Luke 23
[45] And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Behind the veil is where the Levites performed their works/deeds of animal sacrifice. If there was no more veil....their job was over. The Levitical Priesthood ended the moment Christ died. This is the law that was nailed to His cross. (Answer to "What law of God was nailed to His cross?") ALL of the others are yet to be observed.
Let's read some more of Paul's writings.......
Rom.3
[20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Here we have Paul speaking about BOTH sets of God's laws in (1) verse. The "deeds of the law" are the laws of the Levitical Priesthood and as we were already told by Paul, the blood of bulls and goats could not make the comers there unto perfect. The deeds/works of the law of the Levites could not clear man of his sins. But then Paul speaks of 'another' law, whereby we know what God considers sin.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
And this is true...man is justified NOT by the deeds/works of the law of the Levites, but by the faith in Christ which comes from hearing, believing AND obeying the words of God.
Gal.3
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
[5] He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
By the works of WHAT law? The only law that required works/deeds; The law of the Levitical Priesthood. And what flesh would Paul be speaking of that the Galatians thought could make them perfect? The flesh of bulls and goats. Even here Paul is speaking of the Law of the Levitical Priesthood. Paul is telling them that going back to killing animals is not going to clear them, or justify them, of sin. Now that we know this let's read more....
[11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
And which law is it that no man is justified by? The one that Paul mentioned above. The law that requires works/deeds; the one that required the flesh of bulls and goats for the removal of sin. The law of the Levites.
[19] Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
And which law was added? The Law of the Levites/Animal Sacrifice. And why was it added? Because God's 'OTHER' laws, the ones that were already given since the beginning of time were continuing to be broken.
Think about it......
God sent a Flood because man did not keep His laws.
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because man did not keep His laws.
Over and over again God punished man BEFORE the was even a nation of Israel, because man did not keep His laws.
So what law did God add to give man hope until the seed would come?
God added the law of the Levitical Priesthood.
And how long was this law to be around? How long were the Levites to continue to sacrifice animals?..."...till the seed should come to whom the promise was made..." (Answer to "What law of God was only to be around for a short time?")
[21] Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
And what law could NOT give life? The law of the Levites. Because if the law of the Levites could give life there would not have been a need of a change in the law; that change being allowing one from another tribe to perform sacrifices...Jesus Christ of the tribe of Judah.
[23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
What law were they kept under that would later be revealed? The law of the Levites.
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
And what law was our schoolmaster? What law are we no longer under? The law of the Levites! Why? Because once Christ made the perfect sacrifice with His blood there was no need of the Levitical Priesthood. There was no need to kill bulls and goats. The veil of the temple was torn in two. (Answer to "What law of God was to be a school master to man?")
Now let's read a few more....
Rom.3
[31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Rom.6
[1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[2] God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
So....do we continue to sin? Do we make void the law? Do we continue to break God's laws? Well....how can we if ALL of them have been nailed to His cross?
So....back to my questions;
1 & 2. What law of God required the 'works/deeds"' that Paul speaks of? The law of the Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Heb.7
[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
3. What law of God was only to be around for a short time? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Heb.10
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
[6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
[8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
[9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
4. What law of God was added to His other laws? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Gal.3
[17] And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
[19] Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
5. What law of God could not make the comers there unto perfect? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice..
Heb.10
[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
6. What law of God did He not like? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Heb.10
[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
[6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7. What law of God had to be changed? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Heb.7
[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
8. What law of God was to be a school master? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Gal.3
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
9. What law of God was nailed to His cross? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Col.2
[14] 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;
Heb.10
[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Hopefully when you come across the writings of Paul and read the words 'works and deeds' of the law, or even the word 'law' by itself, you will stop to consider.....just which law it is Paul is speaking of. For we know Paul kept the laws of God to the best of his ability AND he told all that he preached to to do the same.
Paul speaks of (2) sets of laws in his writings; those that were nailed to Christ cross, the Levitical Priesthood/animal sacrifice laws.....and ALL of God other laws! One set have been done away with.....for a time. The others still must be kept by man to the best of our ability.
.
Col.2
[14] 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;
Now didn't we just read about a set of 'divine ordinances' that were part of the 'old covenant'? And did not Paul tell us that these laws could not make the comers there unto perfect. These laws of the Levites are the laws that were against us and contrary to us. Why? Because they could not justify or clear man of his sins once and for all. So what was the set of laws that were 'nailed to His cross'? What law HAD to end when Christ died? What law was only to be around for a little while to give us hope? The answer to that is easy....let's read what happened the moment Christ died;
Matt.27
[51] And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Mark 15
[38] And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
Luke 23
[45] And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Behind the veil is where the Levites performed their works/deeds of animal sacrifice. If there was no more veil....their job was over. The Levitical Priesthood ended the moment Christ died. This is the law that was nailed to His cross. (Answer to "What law of God was nailed to His cross?") ALL of the others are yet to be observed.
Let's read some more of Paul's writings.......
Rom.3
[20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Here we have Paul speaking about BOTH sets of God's laws in (1) verse. The "deeds of the law" are the laws of the Levitical Priesthood and as we were already told by Paul, the blood of bulls and goats could not make the comers there unto perfect. The deeds/works of the law of the Levites could not clear man of his sins. But then Paul speaks of 'another' law, whereby we know what God considers sin.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
And this is true...man is justified NOT by the deeds/works of the law of the Levites, but by the faith in Christ which comes from hearing, believing AND obeying the words of God.
Gal.3
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
[5] He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
By the works of WHAT law? The only law that required works/deeds; The law of the Levitical Priesthood. And what flesh would Paul be speaking of that the Galatians thought could make them perfect? The flesh of bulls and goats. Even here Paul is speaking of the Law of the Levitical Priesthood. Paul is telling them that going back to killing animals is not going to clear them, or justify them, of sin. Now that we know this let's read more....
[11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
And which law is it that no man is justified by? The one that Paul mentioned above. The law that requires works/deeds; the one that required the flesh of bulls and goats for the removal of sin. The law of the Levites.
[19] Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
And which law was added? The Law of the Levites/Animal Sacrifice. And why was it added? Because God's 'OTHER' laws, the ones that were already given since the beginning of time were continuing to be broken.
Think about it......
God sent a Flood because man did not keep His laws.
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because man did not keep His laws.
Over and over again God punished man BEFORE the was even a nation of Israel, because man did not keep His laws.
So what law did God add to give man hope until the seed would come?
God added the law of the Levitical Priesthood.
And how long was this law to be around? How long were the Levites to continue to sacrifice animals?..."...till the seed should come to whom the promise was made..." (Answer to "What law of God was only to be around for a short time?")
[21] Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
And what law could NOT give life? The law of the Levites. Because if the law of the Levites could give life there would not have been a need of a change in the law; that change being allowing one from another tribe to perform sacrifices...Jesus Christ of the tribe of Judah.
[23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
What law were they kept under that would later be revealed? The law of the Levites.
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
And what law was our schoolmaster? What law are we no longer under? The law of the Levites! Why? Because once Christ made the perfect sacrifice with His blood there was no need of the Levitical Priesthood. There was no need to kill bulls and goats. The veil of the temple was torn in two. (Answer to "What law of God was to be a school master to man?")
Now let's read a few more....
Rom.3
[31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Rom.6
[1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[2] God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
So....do we continue to sin? Do we make void the law? Do we continue to break God's laws? Well....how can we if ALL of them have been nailed to His cross?
So....back to my questions;
1 & 2. What law of God required the 'works/deeds"' that Paul speaks of? The law of the Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Heb.7
[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
3. What law of God was only to be around for a short time? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Heb.10
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
[6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
[8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
[9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
4. What law of God was added to His other laws? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Gal.3
[17] And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
[19] Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
5. What law of God could not make the comers there unto perfect? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice..
Heb.10
[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
6. What law of God did He not like? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Heb.10
[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
[6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7. What law of God had to be changed? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Heb.7
[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
8. What law of God was to be a school master? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Gal.3
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
9. What law of God was nailed to His cross? Levitical Priesthood/Animal Sacrifice.
Col.2
[14] 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;
Heb.10
[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Hopefully when you come across the writings of Paul and read the words 'works and deeds' of the law, or even the word 'law' by itself, you will stop to consider.....just which law it is Paul is speaking of. For we know Paul kept the laws of God to the best of his ability AND he told all that he preached to to do the same.
Paul speaks of (2) sets of laws in his writings; those that were nailed to Christ cross, the Levitical Priesthood/animal sacrifice laws.....and ALL of God other laws! One set have been done away with.....for a time. The others still must be kept by man to the best of our ability.
.