Topic: An account of the OT Law
MindOfChrist's photo
Mon 01/14/08 07:36 PM
This by no means is a total assessment of the Law. But maybe it will offer an account of its purpose and its lack.

No one would ever be justified by the law for by the law is the knowledge of wrong doing (sin). If a person fails in one aspect of the law, he was guilty of all of it. Therefore a sacrifice was needed to be offered as an atonement for sin, a stopless lamb, because of the law sin was punishable by death, and a goat I beleive took on the sins of the people and was relaeased to bear the sins of the people. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. Yet the blood of animals could not take away the sins of the people. John when he saw Jesus, said Behold the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Christ was tempted in all ways as we are yet remained without sin, therefore He offered up Himself the sacrifice for sin once for all, our perfect, spotless lamb.

The law was a tudor to keep custody of Israel untill the time of Christ, the fullness of time. Many Jews and many Christians today still try to apply this law or a moral law to merit salvation or to try to keep it, but salvation only comes by grace: it is the gift of God. It is said that the the Jews had a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge for rather than to SUBMIT to the righteousness of God they tried to establish their own. You see the Law is contrary to grace, for a person who tries to live by the law has fallen for grace, for it then no longer is a gift. No matter how hard we try to obey the law to become good enough, we cannot for our righteousness will always appear as filthy rags before the righteous jugdement of God. Christ said that even after we have obeyed all that He commanded we are remain unworthy servant who have done only what we ought to have done.

What the law could not do God did through Christ, that He gave His life so that each of us might have life, not according to a law which stood against us, He took on all the things that were written against us and there nailed them to the cross, Christ took on the curse of the law. He bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and LIVE FOR righteouness. The aspect of our lives and not of our selves. Therefore there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. All these things happen at the right time, in the fullness of time. Now where there is new wine there must be new wine skin, for the old cannot contain the new, for the would burst open and all the new wine would be ruined.

There is certainly good in the law for if there ever was a law that could save, it was the OT law, yet is was weak, not in and of itself but because of your flesh (our sinful nature,I know this is not the best description of it perhaps it would also be seen as our human nature). As Paul put it, the very thing that he wish to do, is what he did not, and the very thing he wanted not to do he did, yet it was not him but that the law aroused this things in him because of his flesh. Paul said that the Law is spiritual but we are carnal, because it arouses our tendency to sin, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Yet in theory and perhaps many do still wish to observe the law, which by many indications in the NT this seems ok because there is liberty to do so according to one, faith and conscience, but not to become righteous but to yield to the righteousness of God. Christ did not come to do away with the Law but to complete it. Now in this to go further we enter into opinion and intrepretation. For His death did complete and satisfy the penalty of the Law. His teachings themselves, went beyond the eye for an eye to an higher law, one of mercy and forgiveness, of love instead of wrath, of blessing rather than curses. In many ways it is indicated that Law is the fulfilment of the Law.

It was written in both the old and the new testiments that the righteous shall live by faith. From the time of Adam, man was never created to be good, for God alone has that qualtiy within Himself, we are only vessels and instruments of the good He diesres for us to do. Man was created to have fellowship with God, and to live the abundant life, a life of God's direction for us. We look at it as hard and difficult, yet his way is nto burdensome. Christ said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light and these bring rest onto our souls.

This is by no means exhaustive, it is an overview. If we look for flaws and inconsistancies we certainly can find them if that is what we are looking for. I would say, if you do not beleive it, then you do not have to, yet look for the good you can gain from it. Look for the wisdom. Look for the Life. Be a student of one of the greatest teachers of men who with His teachings and Life changed the world.

In many ways He and His teaching are misrepresented but many. Do not judge Him by those people who do what they do because they are misguided and uninformed by those who lead them, yet they do love the Lord.

I hope this helps some, I hope all who read it will have peace with what I have written. :)

MirrorMirror's photo
Mon 01/14/08 07:47 PM
devil

Milesoftheusa's photo
Tue 01/15/08 12:10 AM
I am not sure exactly which way you are leading towards the law. Yahshua did no more than was commanded him. He was commanded to speak the word as it was from the beginning. Himself being the only perfect man gave his life freely as an example of what true love is. He by no way did away with the law. Paul even went in with the 4 men years after Yahshua was raised to sacrafice in Acts 21. The temple was still thier.With the commimng of the Holy Spirit the law became written on our hearts and minds as we became the Temple of Yahweh. At no time has Yahweh's Temple not had the law in it since the 1st.Now since we have a High Priests standing before Yahweh the spirit intercedes on our behalf. But thier was never a doing away of the law. The spiritual part of it has always been thier. It just got polluted. To say the law was weak is to say Yahweh makes mistakes and had to correct. hebrews tells us it was not the law but the people who were the problem. The Holy Spirit existed in the OT. All the prophets had it.Even Saul.David would not lift a hand against Yahweh's annointed even though he was out to kill him. The Disciples did not have the NT when they were traveling. They even told the gentiles in Acts 15 to abstain from 4 things because the Torah was heard every sabbath in every city. This they were telling them to go learn of the law. Just as Yahshua did in Math 23 when he said do as they say not as they do.The false notion that the law was against us is simply not true. It is Just and Holy and Rightous. For Yahweh keeps his own laws also. The Master is not above the servant.What was against us were the religious elite. Who came up with extra laws that the people could not say anything about because they were the keepers of the law. No where in the law does it say how far you can walk on the sabbath.The adding of how washings and cleansing would be done was thier own laws not Yahweh. He constantly scolded them for this. Just as they allowed selling to go on at or in front of the temple. The law is explecit that this is not to be yet they made or allowed it and what Yahshua did was prophisied he would do and when he quoted the verses to them they set out to kill him. He was a threat to thier system. But nowhere will you find in context of the law being old, against us, or flawed. If you believe these are the end times what is it that the 2 witnesses bring back with authority that satan and the people hate that they kill them and rejoice over it? Shalom...Miles

Milesoftheusa's photo
Tue 01/15/08 12:22 AM
Also what happened with Yahshua was a changing of the guard. Yahshua was the 1st born of the dead. We are called priests by peter. The 1st born as it was suppose to be. But the tribes did not step up with thier first born. So the law was administered by the levites who even Aarons 2 sons were priests . They both could not be the 1st born.They were killed for not doing thier duties as they were told. Yahshua has made those who come to him and hear his voice obeying from the heart because they want to willingly please Yahweh. All who are called are the priesthood the 1st born of Yahweh..Blessings...Miles

MindOfChrist's photo
Tue 01/15/08 05:22 AM
I hope I never indicated that the law was flawed, it is man that was flawed, in either His lfaeh or pursuit. Even now there is nothing wrong to observe the Law if one does it to yield to God and His righteousness, rather than to try to merit or to retain standing in our own goodness.

There are many things that I could say for the sake of debate that you know I could say that you already have answers to. But why should we go there my friend. I am not against you, I am not against the law. I myself have often thought that the things in the law may bring a man closer to the heart of God. I beleive that if we cna see the spiritual aspect and the life that is in the law it would do any one good to do so.

There is liberty in Christ to observe the days or not to observe the days yet to do so for the glory of God and according to a man's conscience and faith. If the law guides one into a rightoeus lifestle and into life, love and peace, than a man does well, also if a man guided by love for his God and love for His neighbor are guided into the truth of the law by His faith and conscience this is good also, or if a man seeks to be pure in heart and intention, does the things that are according to the law and righteousness, then this too is good for this man too lives according to His faith and conscience. The same can be said of those who live under the yielding of the spirit.

It seems that Gentiles were not compelled to live let the Jews, but at the same time neither did a Jew have to forsake the ways He was compelled to live, yet Christ has broken down the wall of enmity between the two so that they could be of one mind and heart. I would say that I am not here to give you a hard time, or any one else. You are my brother, you have wisdom, you love the Lord and our Father. Debate and contention both really go nowhere, yet encouragement and exhortation do us well. I would love to hear those things in your heart about how you love the law and how you see the goodness and beuty of it and how it could bless the lives of others, if they had an understanding of the life that is in it.

I you are at peace witht he things I have written. :smile:

Milesoftheusa's photo
Tue 01/15/08 07:05 PM
Do you believe we are in a preparation age for messiah's return. If you do what do you see the scriptures telling us what we should do to prepare? Blessings...Miles

MindOfChrist's photo
Tue 01/15/08 08:22 PM

Do you believe we are in a preparation age for messiah's return. If you do what do you see the scriptures telling us what we should do to prepare? Blessings...Miles


The Lord talks about His return, that it will be as a theif in the night, He will return when we least expect it. So what matter most is that we are ready and doing His will, and taking care of each others, in many ways we ought to be each others keepers, and watch over and guard each others.

We are saved by grace, and not good works yet we are His workmanship in Christ created for good works and to do good to others which He has desires for us to do live by. In somways maybe it is revealing that many shall do miracles and wonders in His name and even cast out demons, yet to many He will say depart from me, I never knew you, you are workers of inequity. The same are said of those who sat and ate with Him and sat and listenned to His teachings, many of them too we hear those words. Yet the things we see that the Lord has commended in judgment is that we feed those who are hungry, we give drink to those who are thirsty, we give clothes to those who are lacking, we visit the sick, widows and orpans in their distress.

After meeting with the pillars of the church (Peter, James, and John) the only thing they asked of Paul was to remember the poor, which Paul commented, the very thing he was eager to do. In doing good before men we are like a light, by which others give credit and thanks to God for the good works that we do.

Certainly, there are things which are not taught or known of today, such as holiness, Paul wrote that in having the promises of being the sons and daughters of God we ought to cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of god, and Peter too said We are to be holy, and that if we call Him father who impartial judges each of us we ought to live our lives soberly in this present age. Paul wrote that the grace of god has appeared to all men, instucting us to deny worldliness and ungodliness and to live righteously and soberly in this present age. Often in these things I think the law has merit.

Too often it is easy to love the world and the things that are in the world not understanding that in doing so we place ourselves as enemies of God, for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the mind and the baostful pride of life in not of the God but opposes the very direction God desires for us to go. I know this can be misunderstood, but these are the very things that choke God and fruitfulness out of our lives. They are not life but a distraction to the very life God sesires of us, for it is not the things that do us harm, but the claim they have on our minds and hearts (for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

We ought always to be ready for His return, but maybe the place where we should start is the same place that we should always return to... and that is love. For no matter how mauch we do, know or say, without love it is all for nothing. Paul said the goal of His instruction was love from a pure heart, a sincere faith and a sound mind.

I know I am not yet where I would like to be. I think I am a little different and many do not understand me, so it is hard to find encouragement or people who feel the way i do. I do not come here to judge anyone. I do not just try to spout off things but wish to live by the words I say and feel within me. You are a brother to me, I know you love the Lord and are full of knowledge and devotion toward Him, I can only hope that in some way I can encourage you.

Abracadabra's photo
Tue 01/15/08 09:08 PM
Too often it is easy to love the world and the things that are in the world not understanding that in doing so we place ourselves as enemies of God


To love the world is to be an enemy of God????

I disagree. Loving the world is precisely what God wants us to do!

Perhaps you simply meant that we shouldn't lust things?

There is a huge difference between lusting something and loving something.

God definitely wants us to love the world! Including all animals, plants, and even this rock we live on!

If your religion states otherwise then I suggest that it is your religion that is ungodly, not this world.

Just my thoughts for whatever they're worth. flowerforyou




MindOfChrist's photo
Wed 01/16/08 05:05 AM
Edited by MindOfChrist on Wed 01/16/08 05:10 AM

Too often it is easy to love the world and the things that are in the world not understanding that in doing so we place ourselves as enemies of God


To love the world is to be an enemy of God????

I disagree. Loving the world is precisely what God wants us to do!

Perhaps you simply meant that we shouldn't lust things?

There is a huge difference between lusting something and loving something.

God definitely wants us to love the world! Including all animals, plants, and even this rock we live on!

If your religion states otherwise then I suggest that it is your religion that is ungodly, not this world.

Just my thoughts for whatever they're worth. flowerforyou






I always look forward to your comment Abracabra. You are right, we are to love and to be good stewards of the world. I think, a milder version of what it meant by loving the world and the things of the world, are basically things that men try to fulfill their lives with, possessions, pleasures, power/ego. Such as it is written that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, it isnt that money is actively evil, but that many do harmful and unlawful things for the sake of attaining money. It is also written that we cannot have two masters, that we will love the one and hate the other, cling to one and despise the other, a man cannot serve both God and money/possessions.

Christ taught that we should not prioritize seeking after food or clothing, but to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. But part of that is that we should work hard with our hands, not only to provide for ourselves and our families but also to be able to share with those in need. I think it is about finding our purpose in life, to find our meaning here on earth, to not focus on ourselves but to be kind good, and to share with others, that we ought not to horde things at the expense of others, so that we would be able to share, even to the extent (if we so diesired) as to sell what we have and to give to the poor so that we would have treeasures in heaven, or that when we have a party to invite the homeless and poor, that when we have opportunity to do good to not do good or to give to others knowing that they in turn would give back.

I think all of these may seem extreem to some. I do not think that it is the action that is the goal here, but that our hearts would be free to be generous and kind to others. Often we do not love others so well because we love ourselves more. Others only get the left overs or in doing good to others sometimes people feel that those people owe them something in return. I think that is what the Bible is trying to acheive in our lives.

Milesoftheusa's photo
Wed 01/16/08 03:40 PM


The return of Yahshua is said to be as a thief in the night but to whom?

Matt 25:1-13

"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps . 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps . 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Master, Master, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'

13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
NKJV
It is clear that their will be signs and wonders. Yahshua spoke of the sky being red.

There is another important verse that tells us his people will know. I can absolutely tell you if you are not following the law that you will be the foolish virgins.

The Prophets

Rev 10:5-7

5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven 6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, 7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of Yahweh would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets .
NKJV
Amos 3:7-8

7 Surely Yahweh Elohim does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets .
8 A lion has roared!
Who will not fear?
The Yahweh Elohim has spoken!
Who can but prophesy?
NKJV

Yahshua was speaking of the hour no one would know. His children will know the day. He promices he will reveal it to them.

The world will be caught unaware because they hate the message the 2 witnesses bring.

We are saved by grace. I agree. What does this mean though. If the govenor pardons you for a crime you committed. Are you not saved from that sentence by his grace to you. Would he then at a later date find you breaking the law again. Will he be as merciful as he was the 1st time? No he is going to let you suffer the consequences. This saved by grace we are but to turn and sin again what does The Book Of Hebrews say about this Grace..

Heb 10:29-31
9 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of Elohim underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says Yahweh. And again, "Yahweh will judge His people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Elohim.
NKJV

Once saved always saved? No you put off the old man and become a new one. Also it is said you can Quench the spirit?
If we are the Temple made without hands. Where the Temple is has always been where Yahweh is behind the Holy of Holies.We are denying Yahweh to work through us. His Annointing Spirit can leave in which satan sends many spirits to control you.

We can know when Yahshua’s return will be. To a day. And we can insult the spirit of Grace.

This message is being polluted my the shepards who claim that the scriptures give them life. They are pharasees in their own rite.

Remembering the Poor

Gal 2:9-10
nd when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to
the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor , the very thing which I also was eager to do.
NKJV

They had great faith in Paul. This is no different if we were to part ways to say Remember the poor now. It was already in Pauls heart.

1 Last thing which I had asked is the preparation day. This has been taught throughout the scriptures that you are to get things in order before the 7th day Sabbath.

In keeping with this the churches of today make a big note of us being in the 6th thousandth year. That the 7th thousand years could happen at anytime.

When Yahshua comes back what does he bring us? Our inheritance for 1. But he brings us rest.

The preparation day is here. We are to be Holy. But how do we know how to be holy? Is not the Torah our schoolmaster. Does it not describe what sin is? Is that not what we are to get out of our lives. It is sad because people do not understand the 7 day cycle. You say that to some the keeping of the Holy Days are good for them but to others they worship in another way. Is Yahweh the author of confusion? Those Holy days pointed to Yahshua’s death and ressurrection 3 days later. It also pointed to when he rose and said do not touch me. Because he had to be perfectly clean when he appeared to the father to wave the wave sheaf. This being a first fruit preparation of the start of Pentecost. The day after the 7th Sabbath. Then the Comforter came just as Yahshua said and filled them with the same spirit that he had on earth. He could only do this as our High Priest. These days are so important if you know about each family bringing in a sheep to live with them for 4 days and then have to slaughter this pet that they had become to love. Yahshua came as that same lamb. He entered Jerusalem on the 10th day of the 1st month. Look at your bible if it is red lettered it is easier. Search and find where Yahshua road on a donkey into Jerusalem. Then look at the 4 evangels or at the one where you found Yahshua entering. Hold your thumb their and see when Yahshua’s words were most recorded. This in itself should show you the importance of the Holy Days..

May Yahweh’s Voice Be Heard By His Children…Miles



MindOfChrist's photo
Thu 01/17/08 06:40 PM
Edited by MindOfChrist on Thu 01/17/08 06:52 PM
My dear brother Miles,
I know that you love the Lord and that you have a zeal for the law, which is a good thing because it is done to the glory of God, and is based on your faith and conscience. Yet I have trouble with you pressing the Law on others. I really do not care to do this, yet I will knowing you may well have a response for each scripture given here.

I am not trying to say that you are in error in your pursuit, yet to place the law on others I think is not sound, according to the following scriptures. I do think the law is good if we use it to pursue holiness and to seek the life that is in it spiritually. Yet our salvation will always depend upon the grace and mercy of God, not on our observance of the law. We are now to live righteously not by the letter but according to the spirit and faith, with pure intentions and a pure heart.

I do not seek to have you agree with me but rather to only see, I do not base my faith on the law nor do I believe we are still under the law. Not that we would sin, but that we would live righteously.

Along with these scriptures, I found it significant that the “law” was not mentioned in: 2 Cor., Eph., Col., 1&2 Thes., 2 Tim., Philemon, 1&2 Pet., 1,2,&3 Jn. Jude, nor Revelation. I am not saying that there may not have been referred to as something else, yet the word “Law” was not there.

These are some scriptures concerning the law that I wish to share with you and others. I will make no comment or interpretation of these things but let you and others come to your own conclusions. I hope this does not go any further than this, for there is no need. If you desire to have a rebuttal I guess that is fine, for there is nothing more that I ought to say.

You are my brother, I respect you and your position, I would even like to hear how it is you feel in your heart on these matter and the Life that you find within them. It would be interesting to see the spiritual aspect of the good these things do within us and for us to God’s glory. I think those things would be much better than a apparent debate on something that I am not opposed to.

Your brother,
Barry

Passages from the New American Standard Bible:

When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church, the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.

The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples, a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.
…..
Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the incircumcised through faith is one.
….
Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.
….
For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.
….
BRETHREN, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, « YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET, and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, « YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
….
THEN after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews? We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles; nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be!

For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.

YOU foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Did you suffer so many things in vain -- if indeed it was in vain? So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, « ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU. So then those who are of faith are blessed with [Abraham, the believer.

For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM. Now that no one is justified by [the Law before God is evident; for, THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us -- for it is written, « CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE, in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it.

Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, «And to seeds, as referring to many, but rather to one, And to your seed, that is, Christ. What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.

Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.

But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

NOW I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. . So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, « Abba! Father!»

Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?

You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.

….
IT was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.


For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, « YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.» …

…..
. BRETHREN, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
….
Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by the so-called Circumcision, which is performed in the flesh by human hands -- remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.
….
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious,

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.


Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?

For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. . For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.

For it is attested of Him, « YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Milesoftheusa's photo
Thu 01/17/08 07:57 PM
I agree with the scriptures. The law is for law breakers. What are law breakers those who do not from thier heart serve Yahweh with all zeal knowing that all things come from him. The melchezidek priesthood was more than the Levitical. Why would I say that? Even Abraham being a faithful servant believed Elohim and took his only son by promice to sacrafice. It was then that rightousness was declared to him. That his descendents would be as the sands of the sea or the stars he could see if he could count them. Yahshua death did absolutely oppisite what you and 99% of believers believe. Now those laws are not physical but are spiritual. being spiritual when the Holy Spirit entered man he became the Temple of Yahweh made without hands.Yahweh can not live in an unclean temple. Look at Aarons sons who did not do as commanded were struck down for doing so in the temple of Yahweh.

We are a new creation. One that as Hebrews says that was prophesied by the prophet jeremYah. I will write my laws in thier minds and place them in thier hearts. They will be my people and I will be their Elohim. Who through the adoption of sons. Will do my will. The Blood of Messiah being for us a redemption. Now we having purified our souls obeying the truth through spirit. I am only speaking what i know to be true from the scriptures. To put on the whole Armour of Yahweh. Fighting off the fiery darts of the lawless one. How can you not have law and have satan called the lawless one? To obey has to be from the heart. many are called but few are chosen. Thier is no law to those who live through faith that the law is Holy and just and True. Yahweh is the same Yesterday, today and tommorrow. The law will be kept in the kingdom and enforced. Why because they did not accept the law of messiah who was the word from the beginning.The law is to let us know what sin is.For Yahshua suffered for us,in the flesh, arm yourself with that same spirit and mind. For those who have put away the flesh has also put away worldly lust which amplifies the commandment even more for all things start in your mind. If you can deny any sin in your mind then you have fullfilled the law. For the law is for the lawbreaker.To those who do not keep the commandments the love of Yahweh is not in them. The law was alwaays spiritual as yahshua showed many times. take gathering food on the sabbath. Why was this lawful? the command says to cease from work and Yahshua had to be the perfect lamb of Yahweh. Yahshua said he had no place to lay his head. What does this have to do with the command? He was poor the law says you are not to cut the corner of your fields so that the poor will eat. yet many have no idea why this was lawful for him to do. they just believe it is old testament stuff. If thier was no reason in the law for him not ceasing from work then he is not the messiah.

The scriptures have become lawless. Without sight. The blind leading the blind falling into the ditch. Always learning but never able to come to the truth. The law being perfect is it not also truth? All the disciples kept the law. Circumsions was ste aside for the grown man. Abram had 318 slaves circumsized in one day to follow what Yahweh said. Did he have a written law? We are blessed we can read and see examples of what to and what not to do.Nowhere will you find that a newborn male is not to be circumsized on the 8th day. This was for grown gentiles to decide for themselves. work out your own salvation would appy. All the Holy days the Apostles kept. The clean foods they all kept. People say acts ten shows peter it is okay to eat the unclean. Yet peter pondered this. It just did not make since this vision untll the 3 men showed up wanting him to come to cornilious. What was the meaning of the vision. That no person is unclean whom yahweh has called. at the end of that chapter peter stands boldly and says this man has the same spirit given to him that we have. How can we deny him baptism. Acts 11 even explains it further.

The churches of today are full of witchcraft and paganism. They change thier doctrine depending on whether the preacher will keep his job or not. Is that scriptual? Is that what paul did? They hold in high regard chr-stmas in which any encyclopedia will tell you where it came from. Do you believe the scripture what does light have to do with darkness? Then yahshua who said to remember his death as a memorial they have Easter. Are not both of these observances condemned in the so called OT? Yes so sure we want to throw away the law or they would be condemning themselves.You pick and choose what you want to believe. No wonder so many people do not trust the scriptures. I would pray to Yahweh for forgiveness and change. Or you too will hate the message of the 2 witnesses and rejoice over thier death. Because all you care about is tradition. Is love allowing a child to run wild? That is what is happening no matter how many times they say the word it means nothing.

you are so mixed up you think from good friday to sabbath evening is 3 days and 3 nights. and the people believe it. Do you have any idea how pentecost is desided? It is not from easter. What if the disciples would of said oh the law is gone we do not need to keep the feast of weeks? Would they have witnessed and recieved the greatest thing given to man? I started a thread and i barely even touched on what Yahshua did and why. Called Are Yahweh's Holy Days Prophecy. I would recommend you just touch base with it and see if you realised what i wrote and if it is true.....Blessings...Miles