I've been out of town for awhile. Before I left, Glenn said he was stepping out of the discussion, so I thought I would find just a few posts from Marlin and Izzy, and maybe a few others when I got back. Instead, there were nearly 100 posts!
It doesn't look like I'm going to have time to get too involved with this discussion unless you all back off a little and maybe only post once or twice a day each. Based upon my reading all of your posts, following is my position in a nutshell: 1. I do not believe that if the Bible is silent on something that Christians can then make whatever choice they want to and it is ok. We should still walk by the rule of love and liberty and do that which comes from love. In other words, a person can still sin (still walk outside love) in doing things that are not specifically forbidden by Scripture. Silence of Scripture should not be used as either a license for "liberty" or as a prohibition. Instead, believers should exercise judgment about what is right and what is wrong. 2. I do not believe that we can be justified by the law in any shape or form. The purpose of the law is to show that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Nevertheless, grace does not mean that we are free to transgress the law either. Therefore, the wise will study the law and understand that the law is spiritual and there is much meaning and understanding to be gained by it, and the truth is that we fulfill the law and keep it all when we walk in love. 3. I believe that we keep Passover when we see that Yeshua is the Passover lamb. Likewise, I believe we keep Sabbath when we enter into the rest (the Kingdom of God). 4. When considering the law, we need to understand covenants. The law was a covenant which is different from the covenant with Jesus Christ. I do not think it wise for believers, especially Gentiles, to seek better standing with God through keeping the Torah. Consider the following passage: "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was c ontrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.' (Col 2:14) This passage and others clearly indicate that the written ordinances were "nailed to the cross" and taken out of the way. What this means to me is that whether you keep the ordinances of the Torah or not, it does not mean anything to God at all because he has established a new covenant upon better promises. What matters to God is that you walk in love toward Him and toward your neighbor. 5. I would support civil government making the following crimes capital crimes: homosexuality, adultery, and incorrigible children. Glenn was not rightly dividing the word when he said that the Torah called for execution in the case of a child cussing. The subject there was incorrigible and rebellious children. Yes, they should be executed. Our society would be better if we had a law like this. 6. Despite my thoughts that the law of the land should reflect the Torah with regard to subjects like the ones mentioned, I love mercy and forgiveness, and I would love and help those who transgress these laws just like I currently love and help murderers, thieves, etc. 7. One aspect of the law that would be interesting to discuss is the penalty for breaking the Sabbath, which would be death. Unfortunately, I don't have time to share my thoughts on this right now, but it seems to me to go right to the heart of the matter. God considered keeping the Sabbath very important. Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida USA ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
