Post by Admin on Sept 24, 2018 14:17:07 GMT
The "Law" does not apply to Christians, however, the principles of the Law do. Note in Romans 2 that the Gentiles performed the "works of the Law written on their hearts (Romans 2:13-16)" and that because they did so they would be justified (not to be confused with Eternal Redemption), because they were doers of the Law, not hearers only (they are contrasted with Jews who had received the "Law"). Where we must be careful is distinguishing in Christ's and the Apostles' teachings, when they refer to the Law, whether in view is the Covenant or the Word.
And it is in the Word, the revealed will of God that we come back to "The Law applies to Christians" because it establishes the will of God for man and outlines the principles which are based on the Nature and Character of God. So the principles of the Law, called by the Writer of Hebrews "the First Principles (Basic foundational principles) of the Oracles of God and of the Doctrine of Christ, are not something we abandon, just as we would not abandon 2+2=4 when we learn higher math. "Thou shalt not murder," for example, is a principle of the Law which applies to Christians. And as long as we do not confuse that with being in relationship with God through the (Covenant of) Law, we have no conflict with New Covenant conditions. Now we turn our focus to what commandments are given to who. To Israel were numerous commandments given. Let's take dietary Laws, for example: they were commanded not to eat certain foods. That commandment is not given to us. So for those who still think we are "under Law" and must obey "the Law," they err in imposing a commandment never given to Christians. Tithing is another example, We are never told we must tithe. But, Paul lays down the principle of tithing which was meant to support the ministry of the men of God in the Old Testament. That still applies. We should support with our carnal things those who minister spiritual things to us. Unlike the commandment of the Law, though, it is to be done according as we purpose, not of necessity, not grudgingly (raise your hand if you've never struggled with that one), and with a cheerful heart (1 Corinthians 9:7-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8) . So yes, no we aren't under the Law. And no, yes we are under the Law.
God bless.
And it is in the Word, the revealed will of God that we come back to "The Law applies to Christians" because it establishes the will of God for man and outlines the principles which are based on the Nature and Character of God. So the principles of the Law, called by the Writer of Hebrews "the First Principles (Basic foundational principles) of the Oracles of God and of the Doctrine of Christ, are not something we abandon, just as we would not abandon 2+2=4 when we learn higher math. "Thou shalt not murder," for example, is a principle of the Law which applies to Christians. And as long as we do not confuse that with being in relationship with God through the (Covenant of) Law, we have no conflict with New Covenant conditions. Now we turn our focus to what commandments are given to who. To Israel were numerous commandments given. Let's take dietary Laws, for example: they were commanded not to eat certain foods. That commandment is not given to us. So for those who still think we are "under Law" and must obey "the Law," they err in imposing a commandment never given to Christians. Tithing is another example, We are never told we must tithe. But, Paul lays down the principle of tithing which was meant to support the ministry of the men of God in the Old Testament. That still applies. We should support with our carnal things those who minister spiritual things to us. Unlike the commandment of the Law, though, it is to be done according as we purpose, not of necessity, not grudgingly (raise your hand if you've never struggled with that one), and with a cheerful heart (1 Corinthians 9:7-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8) . So yes, no we aren't under the Law. And no, yes we are under the Law.
God bless.