Jd in orange. Judy, do you understand that the primary reason for the article was to discuss the importance and effectiveness of immersion into Christ. That is the really big deal, here. That is what I really want to discuss -- those are the notes I want to compare.
But let's back up just a moment. "Law is that system or code by which we are judged." That is one definition and perhaps the concept most often used for "law." I do not believe that any of us are judged by the Old Law. It was used by God as a tutor, preparing us for the real thing, so to speak. It is Paul who spoke of a "tutor" and it is Paul who told us that "after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor" (Gal 3: 25). Seems simple enough.
That does not mean there is no guiding force in our lives. But let Paul make his point: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law .. that the blessings of Abraham might come unpon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Ga. 3:13-14.)
Jere 31:31-34 is the prophetical description of the New Covenant. In that description, we are told that the New Covenenat will not be similar to the Old Covenant. It will be a "law" written on our hearts. That is the difference. The New Covenant will be an inwardness that accomplishes the goal of the written code -- righteousness. This internal "law" is the Spirit -- God Himself, in some way, becoming a part of who we are and who we are about to be.
The law has been replaced with "God within us." I can't imagine what is wrong with that or what evil you see in this teaching. It is quite biblical. And I assure you, it is a-Pauline to the Accuser.
Paul tells us that the Law was our tutor, it's purpose (for existence) found in its preparatory administration toward the Incarnation of Christ (v. 24). In fulfilling the Law, Christ ended its authoritative rule and - in Him - shared that deliverance with His elect (v.25). He is the law within (Jere 31:31-34) and, as such, has removed the very need for law (of any kind) But, this is only a statement of fact and has no effect on us, personally ---- except for one thing: Paul did not stop writing with verse 25. the practical application is found in vv 26 - 27 (at least).
On Mon, 18 Apr 2005 11:11:39 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
In Galatians 3:24-27 we have a statement from Paul that must not be ignored -- that is if someone is concerned for his or her spiritual growth.
So the law is gone JD? Finished! No further need for it since the "incarnation of Christ?" No need for any law? You talk'en to me or Paul? Read the references above, please. And understand that I use the word "law" in the same way Paul used it in his discussion of law and faith in Romans 2 - 7...... a moral code by which we are judged. Under grace and the indwelling Spirit, we have no need for "law."
Someone should tell God because the curses are still hanging on. Back in 1451BC God said obedience would be blessed and disobedience cursed with sickness, disease, and plagues (Deut 28) and in Vs.46 He says of these curses "They shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed forever because you didn't serve the Lord thy God with joyfulness and gladness of heart for the abundance of all things, therefore shall you serve your enemies. Gal 3:13 says "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law ..." Houston, we have a problem !!!
And why following the Christ event is there so much talkin the NT about something with no authority ie:
"It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail" (Luke 16:17) He came not to abolish but to fulfill -- and He did this. He fulfilled the law ------------ hence no more need for same.
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt 7:23) In this passage, Matt 5-7 -- Christ makes law keeping impossible in a practical sense. Neither you nor I live up to these words. It is part, an important part, of the dynamic dialogue on law and grace.
"Without the law sin was/is dead" (Romans 7:8)
"By the law is the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20)
"Doers of the law shall be justified" (Romans 2:13)
Taken in balance and in context, none of the above counters Paul's argument in Romans that we are justified apart from the law, that in law-keeping is an indebtedness (God owing us our righteous reward), that because of our failings, the law is an agent of death, that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ has set me free from the law of sin and death, that he is a Jew who is one inwardly of the Spirit , not the letter (Ro 2:29).
Why put wicked persons who call themselves brothers away from ourselves if there is no law? (1 Cor 5:11) He was taken back into the fold In II Cor 2.
"If ye have respect to persons ye commit sin and are convinced of the law as transgressors? (James 2:9) This is the beginning of a passage of thought that contrast the Law with the perfect law of liberty.
"He that speaks evil of his brother and judges his brother speaks evil of the law" (James 4:11) I am a litle surprised that you would use this scripture -- a passage that speaks rather harshly against those who judge their brethren. The law has it's place, Judy -- but not as that by which we are to be judged. At least, not those who have or follow Christ. To those who follow Him not -- they are judged already. If you speak against a brother -- you speak against the law, what it was about. The law is good, Judy. But the law is not the answer -- it is the tutor until we come to Christ.
"Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4) How could it be any other way. But He will remember our sins and iniquity no more (Jere 31:34).
So JD how does one transgress something that is no longer valid; something that has no authority and is null
and void? Apparently God was not aware of "immersion" when He inspired the New Testament. This last sentence, Judy -- what does this mean? We have Paul speaking of the value of immersion in Gal 3:26-27 and we have you saying ------------------ what?
I await some answers..... jt
