What is Christianity? Define it!

[JAPOV]

You are indeed correct. The New Covenant/New Testament improved the Old. Jesus told us He came, not to change the laws of the Old Testament but to fulfill them and actually add to them.

There is evidence in the New Testament that Jesus did not abolish the Law of the Old Testament. In fact Jesus places great value on the commandments and that he doesn’t want to dissolve them in any way. He emphatically stated, "It is even written that someone, who dissolves the Law or teaches others not to follow it, won’t enter into the kingdom of heaven!

Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Many Christians interpret this verse in a wrong way. They think that Jesus has fulfilled the Law of the Old Testament for us, so that we don’t have to keep it anymore. But in fact, the word “fulfill” means “to add” or “to complement” in this context. Already in the next sentence he says that the Law will not perish before heaven and earth have passed away. That doesn’t mean that we shall stop keeping the Law, when Jesus is dead. He even says that people, who break the Law and don’t observe it better than the Pharisees, won’t enter the Kingdom of God at all.

Another proof that Jesus means “to add/ to complement” and not “to fulfill”, can be found here. Jesus says at this point that he gives us a NEW commandment, which clearly points out that he is complementing the already existing Law of the Bible:
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

Yep, if we were all willing to die for each other, that would certainty end a lot of arguments lol...

I would only add, be careful not to take such a rigid "legalistic" approach to faith. We need the law to define sin, but we don't need the authority of men to enforce it... like the Pharisees. The closer we are to God, the more we are filled and led by the Spirit, the less relevant law becomes

 

[JAPOV]

"I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH , AND THE LIFE no man comes to the Father but by Me. “ JESUS A.K.A . THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Think about it . I mean really . Created my soul and saved it and I am the worst of the worst. View attachment 234184

Jesus died for ANY who would simply recognize the Shepherd's call, even that Roman who pierced His side... There are no "worst of the worst", there are only those who refuse.

 

[JAPOV]

I don't have to measure up
To man's propriety
The will of God plus one
Is a majority

 

[riverhooks]

Whatever you say. No. Not whatever you say. JAPOV

 

[JAPOV]

Whatever you say. No. Not whatever you say. JAPOV

I don't come here to argue... So, I think you've taken me the wrong way.

 

[arthurfleminger]

You do not understand the law at all

We will have to agree to disagree

You do not understand the law at all

We will have to agree to disagree

Everlasting, not only do you disagree with this poster, you disagree with Jesus and His teaching.
There is evidence in the New Testament that Jesus did not abolish the Law of the Old Testament. In fact Jesus places great value on the commandments and that he doesn’t want to dissolve them in any way. He emphatically stated, "It is even written that someone, who dissolves the Law or teaches others not to follow it, won’t enter into the kingdom of heaven!

Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Many Christians interpret this verse in a wrong way. They think that Jesus has fulfilled the Law of the Old Testament for us, so that we don’t have to keep it anymore. But in fact, the word “fulfill” means “to add” or “to complement” in this context. Already in the next sentence he says that the Law will not perish before heaven and earth have passed away. That doesn’t mean that we shall stop keeping the Law, when Jesus is dead. He even says that people, who break the Law and don’t observe it better than the Pharisees, won’t enter the Kingdom of God at all.

Another proof that Jesus means “to add/ to complement” and not “to fulfill”, can be found here. Jesus says at this point that he gives us a NEW commandment, which clearly points out that he is complementing the already existing Law of the Bible:
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

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[arthurfleminger]

Yep, if we were all willing to die for each other, that would certainty end a lot of arguments lol...

I would only add, be careful not to take such a rigid "legalistic" approach to faith. We need the law to define sin, but we don't need the authority of men to enforce it... like the Pharisees. The closer we are to God, the more we are filled and led by the Spirit, the less relevant law becomes

I am only emphasizing that Jesus, Himself, defined the importance of the law and that He did not come to change any of God's Law in the Old Testament. That is indisputable. You are correct, the Law doesn't save, but it is an integral part of God's plan for living a righteous life. Those who disregard God's Law are disregarding God's Word/Will.

 

[peldom10]

Repentance, water baptism and living a righteous life by following God's other commandments until the end.....is a Christian.

 

[Everlasting-Grace]

Everlasting, not only do you disagree with this poster, you disagree with Jesus and His teaching.
There is evidence in the New Testament that Jesus did not abolish the Law of the Old Testament. In fact Jesus places great value on the commandments and that he doesn’t want to dissolve them in any way. He emphatically stated, "It is even written that someone, who dissolves the Law or teaches others not to follow it, won’t enter into the kingdom of heaven!

Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Many Christians interpret this verse in a wrong way. They think that Jesus has fulfilled the Law of the Old Testament for us, so that we don’t have to keep it anymore. But in fact, the word “fulfill” means “to add” or “to complement” in this context. Already in the next sentence he says that the Law will not perish before heaven and earth have passed away. That doesn’t mean that we shall stop keeping the Law, when Jesus is dead. He even says that people, who break the Law and don’t observe it better than the Pharisees, won’t enter the Kingdom of God at all.

Another proof that Jesus means “to add/ to complement” and not “to fulfill”, can be found here. Jesus says at this point that he gives us a NEW commandment, which clearly points out that he is complementing the already existing Law of the Bible:
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

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Your right, he did not abolish it, He fulfilled it

And it still stands

whoever does not obey every word is cursed. As james said, if we keep the whole law yet stumble;e in one point, we are guilty of all

How can you follow a law where a stumble in one area makes you guilty of that law?

The law proves you have sinned, Once your born again, You do not need proof. You already know it.

Now you need to know how to overcome sin. Well guess what, the law was not made for that purpose. Hence it can not help you there.

That where the law of Christ comes in..

The law of moses condemns

the law of Christ sanctifies

 

[JAPOV]

I am only emphasizing that Jesus, Himself, defined the importance of the law and that He did not come to change any of God's Law in the Old Testament. That is indisputable. You are correct, the Law doesn't save, but it is an integral part of God's plan for living a righteous life. Those who disregard God's Law are disregarding God's Word/Will.

Well then, perhaps we need to define "God's Law"...
-There's the 10 commandments.
-Then there's the volumes of Pharisaical interpretations of everything Moses ever wrote.

It should be obvious that some laws HAVE CHANGED. Publicly stoning your disobedient children for example. Women's dress and public behavior. Or, eating pork. These laws may have been necessary while Israel was wandering in the desert thousands of years ago, especially when you consider the prophesied bloodline of Christ and how important it was for the Hebrews to protect that bloodline. However, today they should be considered antiquated, and just as steeped in "tradition", as the laws used to crucify Jesus 2000yrs ago.

Please don't think that I'm just being argumentative! There are merits to both sides of this issue of "law", and men have never seemed able to get it right

 

[Lafftur]

1- The Christian Bible is not a religion.
2- Come as you are, all are equally welcome.
3- Your dues have already been paid.
4- Peace beyond understanding is your reward.

So...., WHAT IS IT?

Christianity is like THE FULL MOON….

Believers are just reflecting the True Light of God upon the Earth which is Jesus Christ…yet, the Moon is NOT The Light…The Moon is reflecting and shining The True Light on the Earth in a time of great darkness….

 

[arthurfleminger]

Well then, perhaps we need to define "God's Law"...
-There's the 10 commandments.
-Then there's the volumes of Pharisaical interpretations of everything Moses ever wrote.

It should be obvious that some laws HAVE CHANGED. Publicly stoning your disobedient children for example. Women's dress and public behavior. Or, eating pork. These laws may have been necessary while Israel was wandering in the desert thousands of years ago, especially when you consider the prophesied bloodline of Christ and how important it was for the Hebrews to protect that bloodline. However, today they should be considered antiquated, and just as steeped in "tradition", as the laws used to crucify Jesus 2000yrs ago.

Please don't think that I'm just being argumentative! There are merits to both sides of this issue of "law", and men have never seemed able to get it right

You raise great points and questions. The important point is to distinguish between God's irrevocable laws in both the Old and New Testaments, and the man made laws and traditions not of God. The Jewish elders of the Old Testament established many of their own laws and traditions, not of God, but of man. These are the laws that Paul speaks about in his epistles. The Jews/Pharisees/Scribes created their own customs/laws/teachings which were far from the hearts of God.

But, make no mistake. God's laws of the Old Testament are valid and haven't changed. And Jesus' fulfillment of the Old Testemant with the New Testament are one and valid. The whole point is to observe God's Law, and the manmade law/traditions of the Old Testament are not valid.

 

[arthurfleminger]

Well then, perhaps we need to define "God's Law"...
-There's the 10 commandments.
-Then there's the volumes of Pharisaical interpretations of everything Moses ever wrote.

It should be obvious that some laws HAVE CHANGED. Publicly stoning your disobedient children for example. Women's dress and public behavior. Or, eating pork. These laws may have been necessary while Israel was wandering in the desert thousands of years ago, especially when you consider the prophesied bloodline of Christ and how important it was for the Hebrews to protect that bloodline. However, today they should be considered antiquated, and just as steeped in "tradition", as the laws used to crucify Jesus 2000yrs ago.

Please don't think that I'm just being argumentative! There are merits to both sides of this issue of "law", and men have never seemed able to get it right

It is up to you to discern God's law, His Will, from both the Old and New Testament. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit you will never be able to ascertain God's will or his commandments. But remember this, Jesus told us that all God's will and commandments are fulfilled with love of God and neighbor. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus told us that if we love God and neighbor we shall inherit eternal life. How much clearly could Jesus have put it?

 

[JAPOV]

Christianity is like THE FULL MOON….

Believers are just reflecting the True Light of God upon the Earth which is Jesus Christ…yet, the Moon is NOT The Light…The Moon is reflecting and shining The True Light on the Earth in a time of great darkness….

And some of us moons... ahemm... shine bigger and brighter than others!

 

[Lafftur]

And some of us moons... ahemm... shine bigger and brighter than others!

I had to put my sunglasses (I mean moonglasses) on because you’re shining soooooo BRIGHT!!!

 

[JAPOV]

It is up to you to discern God's law, His Will, from both the Old and New Testament. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit you will never be able to ascertain God's will or his commandments. But remember this, Jesus told us that all God's will and commandments are fulfilled with love of God and neighbor. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus told us that if we love God and neighbor we shall inherit eternal life. How much clearly could Jesus have put it?

Is that one of those "journey vs destination" questions...

 

[Lafftur]

Is that one of those "journey vs destination" questions...

I totally and completely encourage and support relying on The Holy Spirit!!!

I looooove The Holy Spirit!!! This Christian life is IMPOSSIBLE without The Holy Spirit!

 

[arthurfleminger]

The only problem here is when folks want to change it back from following God's commands as He writes them upon our hearts to obeying the law [and teaching them] which He wrote upon stone.

Nor can you take Christ's commands and write them on stone and make obedience to them as necessary to salvation. His commands are simply believe and be saved. The fruit of faith is love.

Can't mix law and grace.

Ignorant post, God in the Old Testament is the same God as in the New Testament, unchangable. His laws and His will are forever.

 

[arthurfleminger]

Is that one of those "journey vs destination" questions...

The Holy Spirit proceeds from God the Father and from Jesus and will lead you to all truth!

 

[Lafftur]

The devil is conceited and he thinks he's very wise
he wants me but he doesn't seem to comprehend my size
he hangs around most every day to shoot me full of sin
but he might as well be on his way, I'll never let him win.

I’d rather just boast in Christ and leave the battle with Satan to Jesus.

I just got to make “the decision” to hand the battle to Jesus Christ…. that’s it! That’s the ONLY part I get to do…. “I choose Jesus Christ!”

Jesus takes it from there!