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Let's read some of Paul's writings to find where he speaks of the 'works/deeds' of the law, then search the scriptures for better understanding:
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.
Gal.2
[16] Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
So....just what are the "works" and "deeds" of the law that Paul speaks of throughout his writings? If you pray to receive understanding and wisdom from God, you will see while reading the book of Hebrews, from the 7th chapter all the way to the 10th, Paul is talking about ONE set of laws ONLY! The Laws of the Levitical Priesthood, or animal sacrifice. This is the "works of the law", or “deeds of the law” Paul speaks of throughout Hebrew and the rest of the NT. This is the only law that requires "works/deeds". This is also the only law that required part of it to be changed. Let's read the word of God for understanding;
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?
And what law did the people receive from the Levites? The commandment for what type of animal to bring to be sacrificed for the forgiveness of their sins. But the Levitical laws could not make the comers perfect, so there was a need for another priest...Jesus Christ!
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Now what law had to be changed? The law that said ONLY the Levites could perform sacrifices.
[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.
Since Jesus was now going to be our High Priest and sacrifice His blood, the law HAD to be changed. Why? Because God said the high priest must ONLY come from the tribe of Levi, and Jesus was from the tribe of Juda. So what law was changed? The Levitical Priesthood and the laws of animal sacrifice. (Answer to "What law of God had to be changed?")
[19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
What Law? The law the people got from the Levites that said they must sacrifice animals for the remission of their sins. But what the law did do was bring in a better hope. It was to keep the people until the seed would come, Jesus Christ. God allowed the blood of bulls and goats to justify, or clear the people of their sins. This is the law of flesh. What flesh? The flesh of animals. This is the law of God the required "Works of the Law"! What works? The work of sacrificing animals every day. This is the 'work' and the 'deed' of the law that had to be performed. (Answer to "What law of God required the 'works/deeds' that Paul speaks of?")
[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
And again, what law makes men High Priest? The Law of God that said ALL high priest MUST come from the tribe of Levi.
So we end chap. 7 talking about one law only......the law of the Levites/animal sacrifice. "Works of the Law"! Now let's move right into the next chap.; Heb.8;
Heb.8
[1] Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
So Paul is NOT changing the topic here, he is just doing a review of what was just said. And what was the topic we just read about? God's laws concerning the Levites and animal sacrifices. "Works of the Law"!
[3] For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
So just as the law required every high priest to offer a gift AND sacrifices, so was Jesus to do the same thing. Remember, the ONLY part of the law that was changed was the requirement that the priest come from the tribe of Levi only. ALL other aspects of the law remained.
[6] But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
So Jesus will be the mediator of a better covenant with better promises.
[7] For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
If the first covenant was faultless, there would not have been a need for a second. But let's see what was at fault;
[8] For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
FINDING FAULT WITH "THEM"!!!!! It was the PEOPLE that were at fault.......NOT the laws God gave. What is wrong with, Do not serve Idols, Do not Kill, Do not lie, steal, covet commit adultery, keep God‘s Sabbath, Honor Father and Mother? So the covenant was made imperfect by the people not keeping their end of the agreement and NOT by the laws.
[9] 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 continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
The covenant was broken because the "PEOPLE" did not continue to keep God's laws.
[10] 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:
So those SAME LAWS, will now be in our minds. At what point did God ever say He would do away with His laws? The covenant yes! But His law? NEVER! Let's confirm this in the next verse.
[13] In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
So the old covenant was to be replaced with a new covenant. The old was made with the blood of animals. The new will be made with the blood of Christ. The covenant was an agreement. That is what was replaced. Not God's laws!
Now let's continue into the next chap., chapter 9. Notice the topic has NOT changed! Paul is STILL talking about the Laws of the Levites/Sacrifice.
Heb.9
[1] Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. "Works of the Law"!
As we can see Paul is STILL talking about the laws of animal sacrifice. Those laws had a divine service and a temple. Of the 613 laws, which required service "works/deeds" to be done in a temple? Only (1) set! The law of sacrifice. "Works of the Law"!
[2] For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
[3] And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
And this service was done behind the veil. And what was torn the MOMENT Christ died? The veil of the temple! Giving even more proof as to what law ended and was nailed to His cross!
[6] Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
[7] But into 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:
Paul is still talking about the law of sacrifice. But ONCE a year a special sacrifice was offered with the blood of bulls and goats. "Works of the Law"!
[11] 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;
[12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Just as the high priest had to make a special sacrifice ONE TIME, so did our Lord have to do the same. Remember ALL of the rituals of the law for animal sacrifice remained.
[13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
[14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
If the blood of bulls and goats forgave for a short period of time, how much better would the blood of Christ be?
[15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
So it is the blood of Christ that binds this new covenant. It is also the blood of Christ that redeemed, or 'justified' our transgressions/sins.
[18] Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. "Works of the Law"!
If the first covenant needed blood, so does the second.
[22] And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
And again, what law is Paul speaking about, the law of animal sacrifice. "Works of the law"!
[23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
[24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
The things in heaven must be copied here, but since this sacrifice was going to be performed in heaven it had to be perfect. And the blood of bulls and goats was NOT perfect. Only the blood of Christ is perfect.
And that is why the law could not save us. The blood of bulls and goats could keep them in hope, but their blood could not keep them from dying the second death.
[28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Just as the high priest of the OT, Christ also was offered ONCE to bear the sins of many. Now let's go into the next chap. Notice Paul STILL DID NOT stop talking about the laws of the Levites and animal sacrifice. "Works of the Law"!
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.
Paul is VERY consistent. AGAIN he starts by talking about the SAME laws he has been talking about since the 7th chap. "Works of the Law"
The law, which was a shadow of things to come, could not with those SACRIFICES, make the comers perfect. And which law was it that required sacrifices that could not make the comers perfect? The Law of the Levites/Animal Sacrifices. (Answer to "What law of God could not make the comers there unto perfect?")
Now what law required sacrifices‘? THE LAW OF THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD......ANIMAL SACRIFICES! This is the law that Paul speaks of that was a shadow of things to come. The law of the Levites only! "WORKS OF THE LAW"!!!
So we know that Paul is NOT talking about ANY of the other 613 laws. He is ONLY talking about the laws of animal sacrifice.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
[3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
So if the sacrificing of animals worked, there would be no need for the service to be performed from year to year.
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
So the blood of animals could NOT take away sin. The blood of bulls and goats could not justify or clear man of sin. This law of the Levites could not make the comers there unto perfect. Paul is not talking about God's other laws here. He is ONLY speaking about the laws that were given to the Levites and their job "works/deeds" of performing animal sacrifice.
[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.
Not only could the law of sacrifice NOT take away sin.....God NEVER liked doing it in the first place. God never had any pleasure in killing innocent bulls and goats....but because of His OTHER law, that only shed blood could remove sin, He allowed it. (Answer to "What law of God did He not like?")
Again, there is ONLY (1) set of laws that require burnt offerings and sacrifice. "Works of the Law"!
[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.
Take away the first what? Take away the first Law that required the blood of bulls and goats! WHY? Because it was not going to do the job and God never liked it. So that law was replaced with another. It was replaced with the law that required the blood of a perfect sacrifice.
[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
[12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
So now we see that from the 7th through the 10th chapter of Heb., Paul ONLY spoke about the laws of the Levitical Priesthood, or the laws of animal sacrifice. At no point was Paul ever talking about God's other laws when he was speaking about the "works/deeds" of the law.
Now let’s go to some of Paul’s other writings, which will be covered in, "This is the Law that God Added to His Other Laws. Part 2"
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.
Gal.2
[16] Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
So....just what are the "works" and "deeds" of the law that Paul speaks of throughout his writings? If you pray to receive understanding and wisdom from God, you will see while reading the book of Hebrews, from the 7th chapter all the way to the 10th, Paul is talking about ONE set of laws ONLY! The Laws of the Levitical Priesthood, or animal sacrifice. This is the "works of the law", or “deeds of the law” Paul speaks of throughout Hebrew and the rest of the NT. This is the only law that requires "works/deeds". This is also the only law that required part of it to be changed. Let's read the word of God for understanding;
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?
And what law did the people receive from the Levites? The commandment for what type of animal to bring to be sacrificed for the forgiveness of their sins. But the Levitical laws could not make the comers perfect, so there was a need for another priest...Jesus Christ!
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Now what law had to be changed? The law that said ONLY the Levites could perform sacrifices.
[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.
Since Jesus was now going to be our High Priest and sacrifice His blood, the law HAD to be changed. Why? Because God said the high priest must ONLY come from the tribe of Levi, and Jesus was from the tribe of Juda. So what law was changed? The Levitical Priesthood and the laws of animal sacrifice. (Answer to "What law of God had to be changed?")
[19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
What Law? The law the people got from the Levites that said they must sacrifice animals for the remission of their sins. But what the law did do was bring in a better hope. It was to keep the people until the seed would come, Jesus Christ. God allowed the blood of bulls and goats to justify, or clear the people of their sins. This is the law of flesh. What flesh? The flesh of animals. This is the law of God the required "Works of the Law"! What works? The work of sacrificing animals every day. This is the 'work' and the 'deed' of the law that had to be performed. (Answer to "What law of God required the 'works/deeds' that Paul speaks of?")
[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
And again, what law makes men High Priest? The Law of God that said ALL high priest MUST come from the tribe of Levi.
So we end chap. 7 talking about one law only......the law of the Levites/animal sacrifice. "Works of the Law"! Now let's move right into the next chap.; Heb.8;
Heb.8
[1] Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
So Paul is NOT changing the topic here, he is just doing a review of what was just said. And what was the topic we just read about? God's laws concerning the Levites and animal sacrifices. "Works of the Law"!
[3] For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
So just as the law required every high priest to offer a gift AND sacrifices, so was Jesus to do the same thing. Remember, the ONLY part of the law that was changed was the requirement that the priest come from the tribe of Levi only. ALL other aspects of the law remained.
[6] But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
So Jesus will be the mediator of a better covenant with better promises.
[7] For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
If the first covenant was faultless, there would not have been a need for a second. But let's see what was at fault;
[8] For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
FINDING FAULT WITH "THEM"!!!!! It was the PEOPLE that were at fault.......NOT the laws God gave. What is wrong with, Do not serve Idols, Do not Kill, Do not lie, steal, covet commit adultery, keep God‘s Sabbath, Honor Father and Mother? So the covenant was made imperfect by the people not keeping their end of the agreement and NOT by the laws.
[9] 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 continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
The covenant was broken because the "PEOPLE" did not continue to keep God's laws.
[10] 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:
So those SAME LAWS, will now be in our minds. At what point did God ever say He would do away with His laws? The covenant yes! But His law? NEVER! Let's confirm this in the next verse.
[13] In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
So the old covenant was to be replaced with a new covenant. The old was made with the blood of animals. The new will be made with the blood of Christ. The covenant was an agreement. That is what was replaced. Not God's laws!
Now let's continue into the next chap., chapter 9. Notice the topic has NOT changed! Paul is STILL talking about the Laws of the Levites/Sacrifice.
Heb.9
[1] Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. "Works of the Law"!
As we can see Paul is STILL talking about the laws of animal sacrifice. Those laws had a divine service and a temple. Of the 613 laws, which required service "works/deeds" to be done in a temple? Only (1) set! The law of sacrifice. "Works of the Law"!
[2] For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
[3] And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
And this service was done behind the veil. And what was torn the MOMENT Christ died? The veil of the temple! Giving even more proof as to what law ended and was nailed to His cross!
[6] Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
[7] But into 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:
Paul is still talking about the law of sacrifice. But ONCE a year a special sacrifice was offered with the blood of bulls and goats. "Works of the Law"!
[11] 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;
[12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Just as the high priest had to make a special sacrifice ONE TIME, so did our Lord have to do the same. Remember ALL of the rituals of the law for animal sacrifice remained.
[13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
[14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
If the blood of bulls and goats forgave for a short period of time, how much better would the blood of Christ be?
[15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
So it is the blood of Christ that binds this new covenant. It is also the blood of Christ that redeemed, or 'justified' our transgressions/sins.
[18] Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. "Works of the Law"!
If the first covenant needed blood, so does the second.
[22] And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
And again, what law is Paul speaking about, the law of animal sacrifice. "Works of the law"!
[23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
[24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
The things in heaven must be copied here, but since this sacrifice was going to be performed in heaven it had to be perfect. And the blood of bulls and goats was NOT perfect. Only the blood of Christ is perfect.
And that is why the law could not save us. The blood of bulls and goats could keep them in hope, but their blood could not keep them from dying the second death.
[28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Just as the high priest of the OT, Christ also was offered ONCE to bear the sins of many. Now let's go into the next chap. Notice Paul STILL DID NOT stop talking about the laws of the Levites and animal sacrifice. "Works of the Law"!
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.
Paul is VERY consistent. AGAIN he starts by talking about the SAME laws he has been talking about since the 7th chap. "Works of the Law"
The law, which was a shadow of things to come, could not with those SACRIFICES, make the comers perfect. And which law was it that required sacrifices that could not make the comers perfect? The Law of the Levites/Animal Sacrifices. (Answer to "What law of God could not make the comers there unto perfect?")
Now what law required sacrifices‘? THE LAW OF THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD......ANIMAL SACRIFICES! This is the law that Paul speaks of that was a shadow of things to come. The law of the Levites only! "WORKS OF THE LAW"!!!
So we know that Paul is NOT talking about ANY of the other 613 laws. He is ONLY talking about the laws of animal sacrifice.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
[3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
So if the sacrificing of animals worked, there would be no need for the service to be performed from year to year.
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
So the blood of animals could NOT take away sin. The blood of bulls and goats could not justify or clear man of sin. This law of the Levites could not make the comers there unto perfect. Paul is not talking about God's other laws here. He is ONLY speaking about the laws that were given to the Levites and their job "works/deeds" of performing animal sacrifice.
[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.
Not only could the law of sacrifice NOT take away sin.....God NEVER liked doing it in the first place. God never had any pleasure in killing innocent bulls and goats....but because of His OTHER law, that only shed blood could remove sin, He allowed it. (Answer to "What law of God did He not like?")
Again, there is ONLY (1) set of laws that require burnt offerings and sacrifice. "Works of the Law"!
[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.
Take away the first what? Take away the first Law that required the blood of bulls and goats! WHY? Because it was not going to do the job and God never liked it. So that law was replaced with another. It was replaced with the law that required the blood of a perfect sacrifice.
[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
[12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
So now we see that from the 7th through the 10th chapter of Heb., Paul ONLY spoke about the laws of the Levitical Priesthood, or the laws of animal sacrifice. At no point was Paul ever talking about God's other laws when he was speaking about the "works/deeds" of the law.
Now let’s go to some of Paul’s other writings, which will be covered in, "This is the Law that God Added to His Other Laws. Part 2"