The Apostle Paul describes The Law and Commandments in terms of God’s Communicable Attributes:So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. (Romans 7:12)Thank God the Law defines sin for us (Romans 7:7). Otherwise we would not have know how far we have fallen short of the glory of God.Just for the record, however, I firmly believe we are saved by faith and not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)The Apostle also wrote, the Law is spiritual (Romans 7:14) and he joyfully concur with the Law of God in/concerning the inner man.Romans 7represents the struggle the flesh has with the demands of the law, a struggle God concedes is inherent in the fallen nature of man. Nothing man can do through his own efforts, even observing the law, can address the inner need of man’s spiritual renewal.Therefore there is now no condemnation for this who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin the the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1-4The fault lies not in the Law but in the flesh. It is hostile toward God and unable to subject itself to the law of God (Romans 8:7________________God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led
Good meet here! One must have a Romans 7experience (of hopelessness) before they can have a Romans 8experience (of liberty and pardon)________________
What role do you believe the Law plays in the ongoing life of a believer________________I’m not saved because I’m good. I’m saved because He’s good!My website: http://www.bradfreeman.comMy blog: bradcfreeman.tumblr.com/
The sacred writings to which Paul refers to the Holy Scriptures and in his time frame it was the Law, Prophets and the Writings (See Luke 24:44)
The sacred writings to which Paul refers to the Holy Scriptures and in his time frame it was the Law, Prophets and the Writings (See Luke 24:44)
I agree with the God-breathed Word of God that is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)I agree with the Sacred Written Scriptures which are able to provide the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.I agree with the Word of God, which is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart, while you, Brad, are not able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.But, I am no legalist. I believe we are saved by faith and not by works of righteousness – that is I’m not saved by my own merits nor by observing the Law, nor do I believe I remain saved by adhering to a man-made holiness code.I am called to a sanctified life, and a moral and ethical code dictated by a Love for God with all my being, and to love and treat my neighbor as I love others and would hope to be treated by others.My love and honor for God determines what I do and don’t do. I am trying to learn to be compassionate and demonstrate lovingkindness towards others as He has demonstrated by His lovingkindness towards me (and this is a First Law and New Testament concept).I am trying to control my speech, both an Old and New Testament concept taught by the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms, as well as Jesus and the Apostolic Writings.I am dependent on God’s Grace and Lovingkindness. I am dependent upon the working of the Holy Spirit, learning to trust in HIs guidance. At age 65 and 41 years of service (28 as pastor, 13 as chaplain) I find Him working on my pride and my patience; and my ability to trust Him explicitly and solely. I desire to please Him above myself. It is difficult to deny myself and take up my cross, but it is my desire to follow Jesus.What I am learning is to be more concerned with fellowshipping with Jesus along the journey rather than being concern where the path He leads is taking me________________God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led
I teach from the OT all the time. But I don’t look for and preach Brad from those scriptures – something for me to do (pick up a stone and sling it at my giant). I look for Jesus in those scriptures, something for me to believe – the better David slew my giant and gives me the victory. The Law the Prophets and the Psalms, when properly understood and properly taught, were speaking of Jesus.John 5:39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life;
I prefer to honor God, remain Christ Centered, Spirit-led, and Bible-based.And, I hope to be balanced. The Law, the Prophets, and the Writings find their fulfillment in Christ. My responsibility, therefore, is allow Jesus’ teachings determine my core values, upon which my attitudes, decisions, and actions are based.You and I are probably closer than you realize, I just find it hard, as I have expressed before, for your unbalanced presentation regarding the Law.Yes, it defines sin and for this I am glad. I cannot be saved by keeping the Law, but I can learn from the Law. Yes, the Law is inspired by God and as expressed elsewhere it is profitable.I can also appreciate your disdain for legalism. I served as a pastor of a church that was bound by a holiness tradition that was harsh, yet before I left 10 years later, I was regarded as their Moses because I led them out of bondage.So, please don’t judge me and consider me as biased towards a Law-based religion. I do, however, revere the Law because it is God’s Word, spoken/given with purpose, including leading us to Messiah, our Redeemer________________God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led
Gal 3:24
Though Israel did not deserve God’s blessings, yet He daily provided them with food, their sandals and clothes did not wear out.Though Israel turned to idolatry provoking God to anger, yet He hearkened to the intercession of Moses on their behalf.Though Israel murmured and complained, God still provided them with water.Though the types and shadows of the sacrifices and the Feasts, God had a plan for Israel and Gentile salvation that found its fulfillment in the death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah.Though the Commandments were austere, yet God would amend His Law to allow for a second opportunity and provide inheritance for daughters.Though Israel’s uncircumcised heart prevented them from loving/obeying God as they should, He promised a day when He would circumcise their hearts allowing them to fulfill His desire and design for their lives.Though I don’t fully understand His Ways and Thoughts, I can trust Him to be faithful and true and can trust His Word to be the same.God is, The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.That I should place my faith/trust/hope in the Promiser rather than the promise. These are a few of the things I have learned, and others can learn, from the Law________________God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led