LAWS OF GOD EXPLAINED

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LAWS OF GOD ARE GOOD

 

 

Since the beginning there has been a false grace teaching where people can do what they want or do what is right in their own eyes.  Just like in the time of Moses so it is in the time of Christ.  Is today any different?  There are some leaders who have blatantly ignored Jesus’ teaching on the law of God.  Jesus rebuked those in the early church who were led astray by the Nicolaitans and those who like Balaam put a stumbling block before the Children of God (Rev. 2-3).  Even the characterization of the laws into Dietary, Moral, Judicial & Ceremonial may seem helpful, but this isn’t scriptural.

 

It is the intention of this article to demonstrate from Jesus’ own words and other scripture that the Law of God is good and is still to be kept today; and that the Old Covenant that has been done away with does not include the laws of God.  In short, the Old Covenant is how to get rid of sin and connecting with God (temple, sacrifices, feasts - Heb. 9:1). The only way to get to participate in the Old Covenant was through circumcision.  It is not the laws of commandments that state what sin is.  Sin is still sin and that hasn’t changed.  

 

Jesus said: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matt. 5:17-18)….."Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice law-less-ness!' (Matt. 7:21-23).

 

“Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God. But as for those whose hearts follow the desire for their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their deeds on their own heads," says the Lord GOD (Ezek. 11:19-21).

 

Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. (1 Cor. 7:19)

 

The Law mainly comprises of primarily 2 parts? Commandments and Ordinances (Luke 1:6)

 

 

 

 

Why do so many Christians forsake the Law of God?

 

Is it because of Galatians 3?  Did Galatians 3 really do away with the law or is it only talking about justification by the law (circumcision, sacrifices & temple)?  Some people ignore Jesus’ words in order to follow Paul’s words, thinking that Paul contradicts Jesus (he didn’t).  Some believe Paul spoke from a New Covenant but Jesus did not.  They ignore Jesus words when He says after His resurrection, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20).  Why? It is the deception of Satan to keep the people of God bound in their sin?  Getting people to be free to do whatever they want vs. whatever God wants (Deut. 12:8; 13:18) – Isn’t that the pure definition of pride and how Lucifer fell (Isa 14:12-15)? 

All the great men of God tried to keep God’s commandments and when they fell they instantly repented, didn’t debate.  God said of David, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22).  Notice God didn’t say He will always do My will” but “do all My Will”.   Nor did God say David would not sin.  David still received the consequences for his sin, like God killing David’s child.  David accepted the consequence as a result of his disobedience.  He wasn’t angry with God but with himself, and appealed to God’s Mercy through fasting (2 Sam. 12:15-23).  His primary focus was not doing whatever he wanted but whatever God wanted, no wonder he was a man after God’s heart.

New Covenant isn’t any different except instead of us trying on our own, God has given us Himself to help us live righteously.  Jesus makes us righteous but we walk out His righteousness. “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who PRACTICES righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 John 3:7).  John had the same issue in his day.   Look at the word “practice.” It is works but the works are a result of a saved life (Eph. 2:10). The works show our heart and our love for Him (1 John 5:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:19; John 15:10).  Jesus Himself also raised the standard of the law to our thought life, the motivation for our actions. He never lowered it!!  The Good news is that  He gave us Holy Spirit.  Therefore, keeping God’s commandments is done automatically through a surrendered heart to Holy Spirit, it is the base expectation (Ezek. 36:26-27).  And our assignment is to spread the good news that God sent Jesus to reconcile people to Him. 

 

40 Questions to improve understanding of God’s Law

AUDIO version for this section

Are you prepared to change your lifestyle and live life based on God’s word?

 

  1. If we can’t find a law in the New Testament Books condemning an action or supporting it does that mean it isn’t a sin or something that should be taught?For example: the following are not found in the New Testament books: Having sex with animals, making Idols, taking the name of God in vain, participating in incest, etc.
  2. Do you believe we are to teach what Jesus taught His disciples? “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt. 28:20). So what about “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” (Matt. 23:1-3)?
  3. Do you think we are to ignore the laws of God because Jesus fulfilled it? Jesus said, “ that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matt. 5:17-18).  He even puts a condition on it, “until heaven and earth pass away” and it hasn’t passed away yet!
  4. What would Jesus’ disciples have considered law-less-ness to mean when Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice law-less-ness!'” (Matt. 7:21-23)?  Fyi - Sept. Gen. 19:15; Exo. 34:7, 9).Side Note: What will cause the love of many to grow cold in the future? Yeshua said, “Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matt. 24:11-12)
  5. Do you believe Paul’s response to the question he posed - “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” “God forbid! How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Rom. 6:1-2)
  6. What law is written on our heart and why? (Jer. 31:33) “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jer. 31:33).  Wouldn’t this conclude that the law is NOT abolished and NOT to be ignored as it is part of every believer? And if we ignored His law, we are rejecting His work?
  7. Are we to do good things? “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Rom. 7:12)
  8. If Paul, as a believer, didn’t know that coveting was sin, and he did it ignorantly, would he be sinning? “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Rom. 7:7). “And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity” (Lev. 5:17). “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-10).
  9. Should we confess our sins, and if so, can we confess our sins without knowing what they are? “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:9-10).
  10. Isn’t the definition of sin the same in the New Covenant as under the Old Covenant? John said, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).
  11. Is it possible to abide in Christ and not sin – how? “Ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him” (1 John 3:5-6).
  12. Is there condemnation for those believers who walk according to their flesh and not after the spirit? “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1).  Therefore what is the condition for believers to claim no condemnation?
  13. What is the inward man that delights in the law of God? And should we listen to the inward man or reject its delight? “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man” (Rom. 7:22).  “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Eph 3:16). “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16).
  14. How does Paul serve the law of God with his mind – what does it look like? “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (Rom. 7:25).
  15. What is the characteristic of a carnal mind that is an enmity against God? “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7).
  16. In Christ we are no longer a slave of sin but are we free to do what we want or are we now bound to be a servant of righteousness? “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:18).
  17. Should we do righteous works or not? “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7).
  18. What defines what righteous works are and if someone doesn’t do it what does God say about them? “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother” (1 John 3:8-10)
  19. Which scripture was Paul referring when he said, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
  20. 16 Times the Greek word for circumcision is used in the epistle to the Galatians (Gal. 2:3,7,8,9,12; 5:2,3,6,11; 6:12,13,15), why did the Galatians want circumcision? In other words, what was the benefit of circumcision under the law of God? “And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof” (Exo. 12:48).
  21. What is the law of God that has been done away with, equivalent to Christ being crucified, in the first sentence of Gal. 3? “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” (Gal. 3:1).
  22. What is the difference between the law of Commandments and Ordinances? “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances” (Eph. 2:15).  “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ” (Col. 2:13-17).  Side Note: Could it be that the law of Commandments is knowledge of sin and how to keep the Law but the Ordinances is how to deal with Sin.  Ordinance: payment for the sin (burnt offering, stoning) and being made right with God (sin offerings, festivals, temple, priests).  The Greek word translated Ordinance in Luke 1:6 means to make clean/to free/to justify, that is, the intent of the ordinance.  The Greek word translated Ordinance Eph. 2:15 means the judgement for the sin (stoning, wrath of God). 
  23. Do you believe there are any commandments greater than these that we are to follow? Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” There is none other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31).
  24. Is this law only to the Israelites and why? If Yes – what Law do we follow e.g. should we honour parents.If No – then why aren’t the other laws also included.Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” There is none other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:29-31).
  25. Are these commandments separate laws or a summary of all the laws of God?  “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matt. 22:40).
  26. How could Paul condemn homosexuality on those two commandments above, based on what, because the homosexual can love God, love themselves and love others (Mark 12:29-31)?“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (Rom. 1:24). “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-10).
  27. What do you think Paul’s audience understood by his statement, “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but ” (1 Cor. 7:19) - whose “commandments”?
  28. Why did the early church burn their magic books and not sell them to give the money to the poor? “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver” (Acts 19:19).
  29. Why was the early church only given four laws to follow, yet no mention was made about keeping other laws like honouring Parents, no idolatry – could it be they already knew it? They were to “abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well” (Acts 15:29).Side Note: If we broke these laws would it imply that it would not be well with us?Could doing this result in demonic oppression? Side Note 2: Isn’t the base expectations that they would know the Law of Moses because they heard it? (2 Tim. 3:16; Acts 15:21) however these four laws are not overtly called out like the others.Can you find these in the Old Testament books?Side Note 3: Set up is referring to law that purifies (Acts 15:9) What law purifies? E.g. no committing Adultery doesn’t purify, not stealing doesn’t purify, keeping the Sabbath doesn’t purify… Hint: Acts 21:24-26.Side Note 4: How many times is circumcision mentioned in Acts 15?“Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law” (Acts 15:24) - What laws does circumcision impact, in other words, only with circumcision you can do? Hint: Exo. 12:48
  30. Why were three of the four laws about eating and can you find them in the law of God? “Abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled” (Acts 15:29). When Jesus said, “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man” (Matt. 15:11).  Yeshua foundation is assuming His audience (Pharisees) understand that He is referring to food that God has instructed to be food.  And His specific comment is referring to “cleaning food” – Acts 15:29 is not food that God had ordained to be eaten.   Side Note: If you were an early church member, who would carry more authority: Jesus, Early Church, James or Paul?  If there seemed to be a contradiction with Jesus and Paul who would you default to? For example: the Early Church tells us not eat those things sacrificed to idols (Acts 15:26-29), then Paul seemingly says those who are mature are free to eat things offered to idols (1 Cor. 8:7-13), then Jesus tells the church in Thyatira, “I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols” (Rev. 2:20).
  31. What are the deeds that Jesus hates? “I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate” (Rev. 2:14-15).Side Note: Doctrine of Balack putting stumbling block (Rev. 2:14).  Nicolaitanes taught the freedom to do what you want in Christ without consequence – rooted in covertness.  Evident they taught against keeping the Law of God.  Many followed them.   Elaborate: The early church Messengers Irenaeus (115-200 AD), Tertullian (160-225 AD) and Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD) mentioned them: Tertullian mentions that they focus on, “maintenance of lust and luxury.” Clement says, “They abandoning themselves to pleasure like goats, as if insulting the body, lead a life of self-indulgence; not knowing that the body is wasted, being by nature subject to dissolution; while their soul is buffed in the mire of vice; following as they do the teaching of pleasure itself, not of the apostolic man.” In Acts 20:28-30, Paul had warned the elders at Ephesus 30-40year earlier about these wolves, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30).  Then leaves them an example of himself, “I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel” (Acts 20:33).  
  32. How did Noah know what were clean and unclean animals since the law wasn't written down until much later – could it be that Moses wrote much of the law down that had already previously existed?  “Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female” (Gen. 7:2).  And how did Abraham know what the commandments were before Moses wrote them down? “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws” (Gen. 26:5).
  33. If keeping the commandments of God is burdensome what does it tell your love for God? "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3).
  34. What is the law of liberty – is it free to do what you want or is it being empowered to keep the Law from our heart on which the law of God is written? “Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25).
  35. Should we be free to sin and commit adultery because we break one law, if not why not? “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law” (James 2:10-12).
  36. Is it neutral or good or evil to be a friend of the world?  “Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).
  37. Did you know that there are more than the “613 mitzvot/commandment” that a Rabbi in the 12th Century recorded, have you read them and noted that over 200 laws believers are able and should keep, the rest are associated with the Temple, Sacrifice, etc?  https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-613-mitzvot-commandments
  38. Do you know that there are many more laws of God than the above and Jesus made the laws more difficult to follow? “Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matt. 5:21-22)
  39. Who helps believers keep/establish all the law (Rom. 3:31)? “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God” (Ezek. 11:19-21).“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them” (Ezek. 36:26-27).
  40. Why will some “Christians get whipped”? Jesus said, “That servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:47-48).

 

DEFINITION OF CERTAIN WORDS CONCERNING THE “LAW” IN SCRIPTURE?

 

The vast majority of the English words would be correct, however sometimes they interchange the English words. Therefore, leverage the Hebrew and Greek to validate the consistency. 

Below is a brief breakdown with some examples, all summed up in love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  And love thy neighbour as thyself.

 

DEFINITIONS

LOVE GOD

LOVE SELF

LOVE OTHERS

TESTIMONIES (words from God’s mouth & what He has done)

Exodus from Egypt

Christ’s Sacrifice

Personal Encounter/Testimony

Remember first love of God

Family

Friends

Others

COVENANTS (agreement between God & man)

Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Israel, Mosaic, Davidic, Messianic

 

 

LAWS (how to keep)

10% Tithe

Not eating food offered to idols

How to keep Sabbath

Sexual purity

Specific food

No tattoos for the dead

Give to the poor

Help others

Caring for the family

COMMANDMENTS (commands/ knowledge of Sin)

No other Gods

No Idols

Not to take His name in vain

Sabbath

Honour Parents

Adultery

Murder

Steal

False Witness

Covet

ORDINANCES (deal with sin, punishment, connect with God – “under the law”)

Going to the Temple & Priests

Festivals Activities

Offerings

Sacrifices – meat and drink offerings

 

Sacrifices – meat and drink offerings

 

STATUTES (sequence/regular activity)

Daily Prayer

Festivals @ Jerusalem

Sabbath

Baptism water and Holy Spirit

Communion

Prayer

Fasting

Festival Celebrations

Festival Sabbaths

Fellowship

Gathering of Saints

Witness to the world

CHARGE (correct authority structure in place)

Temple/Church

Priests->Levites

Apostles ->Elders -> Deacons

Christ Head of Husband --> Husband/Father --> wife/woman --> children

 

Godly leaders

Employer (master) -> Employee (slave)

JUDGEMENTS (determining consequences for good & evil)

Receiving Mercy

Receiving Grace

Receive and accept rebuke

Repent

 

Payment

Make right

Confess sins

Mercy

Grace

Rebuke

Repentance

Rejection

Payment

Death

Banishment

Only those in bold we are to continue to do today.

 

 

Commentary on John 8

 

Did Jesus break God’s Law in John 8 because He didn't stone the woman caught in Adultery? Didn't He act contrary to the law because she should have been stoned?! And in the old covenant those people who did the stoning weren't sinless, if they were then no one would have been stoned. So what is Yeshua referring to that they would have understood?

 

Yeshua is not referring to all sin, but the sin with regards to being a witness. They would have known this. Yeshua didn’t disagree with them regarding the consequences of the adultery because one of the ways to get rid of sin is to kill the person. He was calling them out for their hypocrisy of being false witnesses. He challenged them, he who meets the conditions (those who are without sin pertaining to being witnesses), should throw the first stone. If the person who throws the stone is found out to be a false witness, then that false witness would be stoned. For what harm they meant for another would come on them (Deut. 19:16-19). Therefore, the following conditions were to be met before stoning could occur:

 

1) 2 reliable witnesses (Ex 20:16; Deut. 17:6). Did they have 2?

 

2) Did they take a bribe (Deut. 27:25), if not, why did they only bring the woman and not the man? Did the man pay them off? Both parties are responsible and both would need to be put to death (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22).

 

Thus, they were guilty for being false witnesses and would be the ones to be stoned. Therefore, they snuck away quietly so they weren’t accused of being false witnesses. The condition for being a witness is NOT sinless but someone who is a reliable witness, which they weren’t. Yeshua said not one accused her (John 8:10) because they were all false witnesses, therefore she could not be stoned. Yeshua did not break the law, if He had, He would have sinned and we all know that He did not sin (1 Pet. 2:22; 1 Jh 3:4-9).

 

Side Note: The unreliable Critical Text that most modern translations use don’t have the woman caught in adultery in the source text.

 

TRUE DOCTRINE ON THE LAW OF GOD

  1. Adhering to the law of commandments is actually loving God back, and not burdensome, it is love in action (John 15:9-10, 1 John 5:2-3).
  2. Doing the law of ordinance cannot make one righteous (sacrifices, temple, priests, festivals, payment) only Christ does (Gal. 3:1-2). 
  3. The law of God reveals the heart, either it is a slave of sin or slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:15-18).
  4. Keeping the commandments is important (1 Cor. 7:19).
  5. Ignoring that Law of God is self reliance/self-righteousness/rebellion (Rom. 8:7) as it is doing what is right in their own eyes (1 John 3:4-9). 
  6. The law of liberty in Christ (James 1:25) is the ability to keep the law of God automatically through the power of Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:10; Ezek. 11:19-21).
  7. Hatred towards God’s law and calling His law names, resists the Holy Spirit as it is going against Him (Ezek. 36:26-27) and they become enemies of God (Rom. 8:6-10; James 4:4).
  8. Teaching against commandments results in believers being least in the Kingdom of God (Matt. 5:19).
  9. The working of God's Power in a person’s life is second to living God’s laws (Matt. 7:21-23).
  10. Eternal consequences exist for all believers who break the law of God (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:8-10; Matt. 5:19; Luke 12:47-48).

Generally speaking, there are 4 things believers who fear and love God do that other’s don’t: Keep Sabbath on the 7th Day, eat what God says to eat, refrain from participate in demonic activities and eating things sacrificed to idols.

 

 

FALSE STATEMENT

In 1 Tim. 1:8-9, “But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers…” Therefore, we are good because we are believers who don’t need the law of God!

 

Response: Paul used the law many times to point out people’s sin (1 Cor. 14:36; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:8-10 etc.) deeds of the flesh is going against the law and thus going against God (Rom. 7:25-8:7). 1 Tim. 1:8-9 is no different, Paul is pointing out that believers should be doing the law as it is already inside them.  The law is used for correction, reproof, etc (2 Tim. 3:16).  But there are many believers who resist the law of God and thereby act un-righteously (1 Cor. 5:1; 1 John 3:4-9; James 4:4). 

 

 

Difference between Law of Commandments & Law of Ordinance?

 

Law of Commandments

Law of Ordinances

From the beginning, from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Repeated/reflected in the law of Moses.

 

Purpose: To identify what sin is and how to walk righteously pleasing God.

 

This includes the 10 commandments (Exo. 40:20) that was put inside the ark and also next to the ark (Deut. 31:26).

 

Scripture References:

 

Rom 5:13-14 For until the law, sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed (consequence) when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned (consequences of transgression) from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according (how did they know what sin was – by law on their conscience) to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

Points in time to deal with the sin, mostly from Moses.

 

Purpose: To cover the sin which is identified by the law of commandments.  This is how to get into covenant with God and commune with Him.  This was the tutor bringing us to Christ.

 

This included everything associated with the tabernacle/temple – sacrifices, festivals, priests and this was put besides the ark (Deut. 31:26), not inside. Only the 10 commandments placed inside.

 

 

Gal. 3:17 this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ.

 

Matt. 19:8 - They said to Jesus, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away? “Jesus said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

 

Points out sin: Rom.7:7 What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.  


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.

 

Good for Christians to use the law if used correctly.  1Ti 1:7-11 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.

 

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

 

2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

Added because of sin (sacrifices, tabernacle etc.) Gal. 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions (notice Because of transgressions meaning first transgressions are identified then the law shows how to deal with it), till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

 

 

 

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. (Tit 3:9)

 

Matt. 5:17-22 Jesus empowered and enabled us to keep the law through Him.  He raised the standard of the law and didn’t lower it.

 

1 Cor. 15:56-57 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Rom.7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 

“that through this Man (Jesus) is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Act 13:38-39). 

 

 

 

 

How do we respond?

Live the commandments in Christ!  God is with us!

 

Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Mat. 5:17-18)….  Therefore by their fruits you will know them (Matt. 7:15-20). "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Mat 7:21-23).

 

 

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

 

1 John 3:4-6 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.  And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.  Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

 

Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

 

Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

 

1Jn 2:1-6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

 

Rev 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 

Rev14:12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus

 

Rev22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city

 

Mat 24:12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

 

Jer31:33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

How do we respond?

Grateful that Jesus made the way and replaced it.

 

The curses for breaking sin.  Col. 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross

 

He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is ,the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (Eph 2:14-16)

 

 

 

 

 

Are we to judge others by the law? Yes, but the same measure we use it will be used against us (Matt. 7, Rom. 2)

 

James 2:10-12 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 

 

1Co 6:1-3 And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

 

Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

 

1 Cor 5:1-6 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father's wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

Do we judge with the law? No

 

Col. 2:16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: (meat and drink offerings, not the dietary law!  e.g. there is no mention what to drink in the dietary scriptures.  OFFERINGS - Heb. 9:10; Ex 29:41; Joel 2:14.  Also the Sabbath days are referencing the days part of the festivals not the Sabbath)

 

 

Examples of Law of Commandments

 

No Idols, no eating blood, no sexual immorality, no taking Lord’s name in vain, 10 commandments, love God, love self and love others

 

“In the law it is written: WITH MEN OF OTHER TONGUES AND OTHER LIPS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE; AND YET, FOR ALL THAT, THEY WILL NOT HEAR ME," says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. (1 Cor. 14:21-22)

 

Rev. 2:14: I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Why does he call Christians children of Israel and why not only the children of Abraham? Because we are children of Israel too! Eph. 2:12)

 

Act 15:19-21 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath." (they would have heard the law)

 

Act 15:29 If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.  (If you don’t do it, whether a Christian or not, it will not be well with you)

 

Rom 7:7-14 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "YOU SHALL NOT COVET."…. Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

 

1Co 6:9-12 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

 

1Co 6:18-20 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

 

1Co 7:39 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

 

1Co 14:34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.

 

Jas 2:8-12 if you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, "DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY," also said, "DO NOT MURDER." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.

 

Eph6:2 "HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER," which is the first commandment with promise:

 

1 Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

 

Matt. 5:22 (above Lev. 19:17) But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.

 

James 1:27 (above Ex 22:21) Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

 

1Ti 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT TREADS OUT THE GRAIN," and, "THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES."

 

1 Tim 5:13 (Lev. 19:16) And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

 

Act 19:17-19 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

 

Gal. 5:18-21 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Examples of Law of Ordinances

 

Trying to be justified & worship God through: Temple, Sacrifices, getting into Covenant (circumcision), Festivals and the Sabbaths linked to the festivals.

 

Heb 8:4-5 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "SEE THAT YOU MAKE ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN."

 

Act 21:20-22 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.

 

Heb9:1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

 

Heb 9:9-10 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—  concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

 

Heb 9:19-22 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, "THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD HAS COMMANDED YOU." Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

 

Heb 10:1-4 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
 

 

STUMBLING BLOCK FOR MANY - 2 Corinthians 3

 

Moses’s veil was added AFTER the commandments were given to Moses. Moses face shone and he didn’t know it.  The people couldn’t look on the face of Moses, they were too scared because they weren’t holy.  So Moses put a veil on so that people could speak to him and connect with him.  Just like people can’t keep the commandments of God and they realize how bad they are.  So God provided the ordinances to deal with their sin so that they can speak with God and connect with God.  The Veil is the ordinance.  The same concept of the veil is later used in the Temple between the mercy seat (Holy of Holies) and the Holy Place, because they can’t look upon God because of their sin. The High Priest was permitted to go into the Holy of Holies once a year, but not without the Blood (the ordinances).  

 

Now this veil is removed in Christ so we can come boldly to the throne of God.  Sin is still sin regardless, but we have someone to help us deal with the Sin, not to live in the Sin.  If we continue in sin there remains no more sacrifice for sin (Heb. 10:26-28).  Repentance is not a “nice to have” but essential to living in the glory. “Be Holy” says the Lord. In other words: walk as He walked and let Him walk through you.  That is why we need to have God with us to help us. The Old Covenant didn’t have God with every individual through Christ to help them. This is the Good News – God is with us forever. 

 

 

Verses

Commentary

2Co 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

 

2Co 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

 

2Co 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

The evidence of the ministry is not written down but is evidenced in their changed lives.  The Law is on their heart no longer on a letter. 

 

As in marriage one can be legally married on paper but they are not married if they are not intimate and surrendered to each other.  The legal document is nothing but the actual act of marriage is the important thing. 

2Co 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

 

2Co 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God

Not to rely on self but on Him.  God with us is the key; without God we have nothing.

2Co 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life

Thank God we don’t do everything on our own or else we will all die. Eze 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you (to do what?) to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

2Co 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

Sharing the standard 10 Commandments brought an awareness of their depravity, showed them their death.  The meaning of death is “separation from God” like the “Dead” burying the Dead.  Yet the awareness also showed the Glory of God and made them aware of Him, his is a good thing.  Moses’s face shined as a result of the Presence of God but it faded away.  The people couldn’t look on Moses’s face because they were so condemned and unable to listen and do.  Therefore. he covered it.

2Co 3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

The work (ministration) of the Spirit enables us to keep the commandments and there is therefore more glory for the Father.  What couldn’t do in our flesh God sent His Spirit.

2Co 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

If ministration of their inadequacy is glorious (showing them how unrighteous they are) how much more the empowerment by the Spirit that enables us to walk righteously (we are righteous because of the Spirit therefore we walk righteously not breaking the commandments)?

2Co 3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

For even that which was made glorious (commandments) had no glory because no one could keep the commandments – it was still glorious.

2Co 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

“If that”means what? If the ministration of condemnation v9, the inadequacy, is done away with it is because the spirit who remains gives us this victory.

2Co 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

Because of hope in the Spirit we use plain speech.

2Co 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

We are not to be like Moses who had to put a veil on because they were unable to see the Glory (taste it).  The way to the glory has been abolished; the way was in their own strength but now they have help (Eze 36:26-27).  Now we can through Christ.  The veil was added after the commandments to help them do something and not feel inferior: OT sacrifices, temple, going through Moses vs direct to God (priest), etc.  This is the veil.

2Co 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

Because they couldn’t look into the glory their minds were blinded and they were still trying in their own strength (ordinances because they couldn’t do the commandments). It is repeated in Heb 9-10. 

2Co 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

Now when Moses is read the veil in still on their hearts and they are still trying to keep the commandments in their own strength.  Veil on their heart means trying to do something: sacrifices, temple, etc.

2Co 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away

Now when they turn to the Lord (Christ) and not to themselves then the veil is taken away and they are able to see. This is similar to “only when you lift up the Son of Man (Jesus) you will know” and not before.  He enables us. We can’t say Jesus is Lord except by Holy Spirit.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

As Eze 36:26-27 says the Spirit enables them and therefore we have this freedom.  Freedom from what? Freedom from condemnation and sin. We are righteous and not trying to be righteous.  Now because we are righteous we walk righteously (1 John 3:3-8; Rom 3:31).

2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.