Jesus killed the law causing enmity to cease

[Elin]

The fruit without the root is vain indeed. The root produces fruit that is motivated by the faith in the root. We are grafted into the olive tree that has the root to produce the fruit. Call this fruity if you want. Facts are facts.

One marked difference between the faith of our fathers as conceived by the fathers and the same faith as understood and lived by their children is that the fathers were concerned with the root of the matter, while their present-day descendants seem concerned only with the fruit. The Root of the Righteous
by A. W. Tozer

The root (Lk 8:13) of the matter being rebirth, saving faith, and salvation.

 

[peacefulbeliever]

Now to how I understood the text of Eph. 3:11-18 mostly derived from "hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" [us as in the body, those that believe] and "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father".

I see that "middle wall of partition" the "veil" that was rent asunder [Matt. 27:51] which gained "us" [as a body] access to God. That "wall" which only the priest could go behind - the holy of holies - where God dwelt. Now we have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Hebrews 9:3,7,8b,11 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; - But unto the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people . . . that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing . . . But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession [confession]. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.

2 Cor. 12-16 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

IOW - Jesus Christ death and resurrection broke down the middle wall of partition, the vail that was rent from top to bottom, the vail that in a way kept us separated from God with no access to him except through the high priest . . . We are able to draw near by one Spirit to the Father [Eph. 2:18].

I see this as having relevance also.

 

[just-me]

Now to how I understood the text of Eph. 3:11-18 mostly derived from "hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" [us as in the body, those that believe] and "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father".

I see that "middle wall of partition" the "veil" that was rent asunder [Matt. 27:51] which gained "us" [as a body] access to God. That "wall" which only the priest could go behind - the holy of holies - where God dwelt. Now we have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Hebrews 9:3,7,8b,11 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; - But unto the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people . . . that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing . . . But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession [confession]. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.

2 Cor. 12-16 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

IOW - Jesus Christ death and resurrection broke down the middle wall of partition, the vail that was rent from top to bottom, the vail that in a way kept us separated from God with no access to him except through the high priest . . . We are able to draw near by one Spirit to the Father [Eph. 2:18].

I see this as having relevance also.

Amen! Now our High Priest is none other than Jesus Christ, and He is the "door" that opens for us to enter into the presence of God, and to be accepted in our offering of peace. It's a sweet savor unto Him. AMEN!!

There is another thread that pertains directly with what you are studying. It is so parallel that it's uncanny to say the least. Thank you for your input. These are the posts I refer to. Enjoy and praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

1st post

2nd post

He finishes with this

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Hebrews 9:10 “Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.” But even those carnal ordinances that were to be removed symbolized other spiritual things.

For the carnal mind sees with the eyes of flesh (outwardly by appearance) but the mind of the Spirit searches the deep things of God and sees with the mind of Christ (inwardly). So judge not the spiritual law only by outward appearances, but search the hidden treasures in it by the Spirit. John 7:24 “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

 

[Elin]

Now to how I understood the text of Eph. 3:11-18 mostly derived from "hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" [us as in the body, those that believe] and "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father".

I see that "middle wall of partition" the "veil" that was rent asunder [Matt. 27:51] which gained "us" [as a body] access to God. That "wall" which only the priest could go behind - the holy of holies - where God dwelt. Now we have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Hebrews 9:3,7,8b,11 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; - But unto the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people . . . that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing . . . But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession [confession]. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.

2 Cor. 12-16 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

IOW - Jesus Christ death and resurrection broke down the middle wall of partition, the vail that was rent from top to bottom, the vail that in a way kept us separated from God with no access to him except through the high priest . . . We are able to draw near by one Spirit to the Father [Eph. 2:18].

I see this as having relevance also.

Do you think that is what Paul is actually saying in Eph 2:14-17?

And yes, the veil was rent opening the way directly to God.

 

[Elin]

Amen! Now our High Priest is none other than Jesus Christ, and He is the "door" that opens for us to enter into the presence of God, and to be accepted in our offering of peace.

What peace offering do we make to God now?

We are at peace with God through Jesus Christ's atonement.

 

[peacefulbeliever]

Do you think that is what Paul is actually saying in Eph 2:14-17?

And yes, the veil was rent opening the way directly to God.

I think that I said that I could see the relevance in that to the text and also the relevance of it pertaining to the Jew and Gentile, belonging to one body, now no longer separated but both having access through the one Spirit unto the Father and also in relation to - when the veil was rent, the middle wall of partition between us - us, as in the body, and God, giving us access by one Spirit unto the Father.

 

[peacefulbeliever]

Amen! Now our High Priest is none other than Jesus Christ, and He is the "door" that opens for us to enter into the presence of God, and to be accepted in our offering of peace. It's a sweet savor unto Him. AMEN!!

There is another thread that pertains directly with what you are studying. It is so parallel that it's uncanny to say the least. Thank you for your input. These are the posts I refer to. Enjoy and praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

1st post

2nd post

He finishes with this

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Hebrews 9:10 “Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.” But even those carnal ordinances that were to be removed symbolized other spiritual things.

For the carnal mind sees with the eyes of flesh (outwardly by appearance) but the mind of the Spirit searches the deep things of God and sees with the mind of Christ (inwardly). So judge not the spiritual law only by outward appearances, but search the hidden treasures in it by the Spirit. John 7:24 “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

Just one question - how does "spiritual" differentiate from "literal", or does it at all? Because literally Christ did abolish the enmity between Jew and Gentile, thus making in himself or through himself ONE - therefore making peace between the two. For there is no longer - Jew nor Gentile - in the body of Christ - they are ONE

 

[just-me]

What peace offering do we make to God now?

We are at peace with God through Jesus Christ's atonement.

Romans 12:1-2

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [SUP]
2 [/SUP]And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

burnt offerings are a show of devotion.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

A peace offering is connection and communication with God
Philippians 4:6-7
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The offerer never put any part of his sacrifice on the altar of burning. Only the Priest.

Leviticus 4:26
And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

David offered both a burnt offering and a peace offering on Ornan's threshing floor after enforcing a census of Israel.

​

 

[GracethroughfaithinChrist]

John 2:19
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Acts 6:13
13and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”

Acts 21:27,28
27When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.”

Romans 10:20[SUP]
[/SUP]20Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”

2 Corinthians 3:7-18
7Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.
12Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16But when one[SUP]c[/SUP] turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17Now the Lord[SUP]d[/SUP] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[SUP]e[/SUP] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Galatians 3:10-14
10For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”[SUP]d[/SUP] 12But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit[SUP]e[/SUP] through faith.

Romans 6:14
14For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 10:1-4
1Brothers,[SUP]a[/SUP] my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.[SUP]b


[/SUP]

 

[ivanc0]

The law wasn't killed, it was fulfilled.

What was killed was the pharisaical observance of the law. The thought that someone could be righteous based on their work of the law was what was killed.

Romans 9:30-32
[SUP]30 [/SUP]What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
[SUP]31 [/SUP]But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
[SUP]32 [/SUP]Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Israel couldn't do it. The yoke of the Law was too much for them to bear.

Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

NO NO NO, you accommodating the scripture to the needs of whatever that doctrine of your church says.

Jesus did fulfil the law and after Jesus the law is not applicable any more:

Eye per eye, tooth by tooth ..... stopped
revenge and genocide .... my kindom is not of this world..... stopped.
Sabbath.... no one criticize you on Sabbaths... the law nailed in the cross ..... stopped.
stonning of women.......................the one free of sin throw the f stone.............stopped.

Acts 15 the law that not us or our fathers could keep....

The law is written..... I believe by men , this is why Jesus has to stop it and give us a real God covenant.

 

[ivanc0]

That is a possibility especially since some of the things he refers to can be found only in the LXX but, the LXX was generally used in the Synagogues by the Hellenistic Jews who generally spoke Greek as their first language. The LXX was created by the Hellenistic Jews for Hellenistic Jews. Since Jesus and the apostles were not Hellenists and worshiped in Jerusalem it is more likely that they used the Hebrew scrolls.

This is speculation.... the honest answer is I do not know.

 

[ivanc0]

I think that I said that I could see the relevance in that to the text and also the relevance of it pertaining to the Jew and Gentile, belonging to one body, now no longer separated but both having access through the one Spirit unto the Father and also in relation to - when the veil was rent, the middle wall of partition between us - us, as in the body, and God, giving us access by one Spirit unto the Father.

The law has to be destroyed, because the Jew, racists and Samaritan and gentile despisers could not accept the Gentiles accepting Jesus. Are you still not eating pork?

 

[Elin]

I think that I said that I could see the relevance in that to the text and also the relevance of it pertaining to the Jew and Gentile, belonging to one body, now no longer separated but both having access through the one Spirit unto the Father and also in relation to - when the veil was rent, the middle wall of partition between us - us, as in the body, and God, giving us access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Yeah, we see the access through veil, his body torn to open the way for us, in Heb 10:20, 9:7-8.

 

[Elin]

What peace offering do we make to God now?

We are at peace with God through Jesus Christ's atonement.

Romans 12:1-2

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.​

This is not a peace offering.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

burnt offerings are a show of devotion.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

A peace offering is connection and communication with God

These are OT ordinances, not for the NT.

Philippians 4:6-7
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Be careful for nothing; but in every thing

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The offerer never put any part of his sacrifice on the altar of burning. Only the Priest.

Leviticus 4:26
And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

This is for the OT, not the NT.

Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Do you read what you post?

We don't offer this, we receive it.

David offered both a burnt offering and a peace offering on Ornan's threshing floor after enforcing a census of Israel.

It's not a NT ordinance.

You are very confused. . .and all over the map.

 

[ivanc0]

The Septuagint has a important implication and is that it contains the books the protestants has deleted from the bible.

Once I asked a baptist Pastor, what version Jesus used, He said the Greek version, then I asked I Jesus used the Greek version why your bible do not have all its books.

I was lucky ... there was not stones around.

 

[Elin]

The Septuagint has a important implication and is that it contains the books the protestants has deleted from the bible.

Once I asked a baptist Pastor, what version Jesus used, He said the Greek version, then I asked I Jesus used the Greek version why your bible do not have all its books.

I was lucky ... there was not stones around.

Is this related to the OP?

 

[RachelBibleStudent]

The Septuagint has a important implication and is that it contains the books the protestants has deleted from the bible.

more accurately the septuagint includes the books that the most worldly jewish community in the entire ancient world included in their compilation of scriptures in spite of their questionable authenticity...

 

[Least]

Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [SUP]
2 [/SUP]And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

burnt offerings are a show of devotion.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

A peace offering is connection and communication with God
Philippians 4:6-7
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The offerer never put any part of his sacrifice on the altar of burning. Only the Priest.

Leviticus 4:26
And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

David offered both a burnt offering and a peace offering on Ornan's threshing floor after enforcing a census of Israel. David offered both a burnt offering and a peace offering on Ornan's threshing floor after enforcing a census of Israel.

These are very good comparisons from the OT to the NT to give an overall picture of what "offerings" are all about with many parts to consider.

In fact those who walked closest with the Lord (even in the OT) knew this...

Psalms 107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joythy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Psalms 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

 

[ivanc0]

more accurately the septuagint includes the books that the most worldly jewish community in the entire ancient world included in their compilation of scriptures in spite of their questionable authenticity...

you saying ,,,it is not the word of God?

 

[just-me]

Excerpts taken from the book “Delegation of Authority Order from God to Christians.”

Man faces unlimited liability; his sins have temporal and eternal consequences, and he cannot at any point escape God.

If we could look anywhere and not be confronted with the revelation of God, then we could not sin in the Biblical sense of the term. (Romans 4:15) Nevertheless, sin is the breaking of the “law of God.” (1 John 3:4) God confronts us everywhere. God cannot confront us anywhere unless He confronts us everywhere. God is ONE! His law is ONE! If we could press a button so we didn't need to hear God's voice, we would always press the same button over and over again. Our button of self consciousness cannot be pushed without hearing the requirement of God.

Those who desire to reverse this say God is liable if He doesn't meet one's expectations. They say that their own experience pronounces that they are saved without any liability, and the magic formula is “I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior” then the mind of man transfers almost all liability to Christ and can believe any way they desire without almost any liability. The truth is that God cannot be accepted if His sovereignty, His law, and His word are denied.

This distorted form of Christianity seems to have begun around 144 AD with “Marcionism” theology. The distortion of the law (by the tactics of the adversary) was first tried through the hypocritical Pharisees doctrine during Jesus' day. That didn't work, so why not just get rid of it altogether and accomplish the same results? Marcion's teachings departed from traditional Christianity in a number of ways. Most dramatically, perhaps, Marcion rejected the idea that the Old Testament God and the New Testament God were the same being. Up until then, the traditional Church had considered the Old Testament to be sacred and assumed that Christianity was a fulfillment or continuation of Judaism. Today, anti law people resort to name calling such as Judaizer and legalizer and have in actuality adopted most of this Marcion philosophy. Marcion's rejection of that idea affected many different doctrines and beliefs.

Some will quote Ephesians 2:8-9 and say that being saved is not of works but of faith alone. Believe it or not, to deny the law is to accept a works religion, because it means denying God's sovereignty and assuming man's existence in independence of God's total law and government. (Think about what the philosophy of “separation of church and state” has done in the United States. It certainly has not assisted in righteousness, but just the opposite. It's in our face!) In a world where God functions only to remove the liability of hell, and no righteous law governs man, we work our own way through life by our own conscience. We then are saved by our own work of faith, of accepting Christ, not by Christ's sovereign acceptance of us. Christ said “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” Christ in such a faith, serves as an insurance agent, as a guarantee against liabilities, not as sovereign Lord. This is paganism in Christ's name.