Faith alone is required for salvation & You're not under Mosaic law!
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Right.
That being the case, what does this say about the Mosaic law?
Romans 3:21 NIV
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
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Soyeong
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I agree. That's why I distinguished between God's law and works of the law.
In Romans 3:21-22, the Law and the Prophets testify that the righteousness of God comes through faith in Christ for all who believed, so this has always been the one and only way that there has ever been to become righteous and trying to become righteous by obeying it has always been a fundamental misunderstanding of why we should obey it. Righteousness is a character trait of God that is straightforwardly expressed by doing what is righteous, and God's law is His instructions for how to express that character trait, not for how to attain it. For example, God's law reveals that it is righteous to help the poor, but no about of helping the poor will ever cause someone to attain righteousness because the only way to become righteous is by grace through faith. We express the character traits that we have through our actions, so when God declares us to be righteous, He is also declaring us to be someone who expresses His righteousness through our actions in obedience to His instructions for how to do that found in His law. Christ expressed his righteousness through his actions by living in obedience to the Mosaic Law, so that is also how we get to live when we receive the gift of his righteousness.
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Define "God's law". What does that term mean to you?
You seem to be claiming that we are supposed to live by the Mosaic law, but then say we are not saved by the works of the law. Which is it?
What is the difference between "God's law" and "the law"? (if that is easier to answer)
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Soyeong
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"God's law" straightforwardly refers to all of the laws that God has given, which is primarily inclusive of the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 5:31-33), but which is not inclusive of works of the law. The phrase "works of the law" does not have definitive article in the Greek, so it is literally translated as "works of law", which means that it does not refer to a specific set of laws, such as THE Law of Moses, but rather Paul used it as a catch-all phrase to refer to a large body of Jewish oral laws, traditions, rulings, and fences, which were being taught that Gentiles needed to obey in order to become justified.
Our salvation is not something that can be earned, but there can be reasons for obeying God's law other than trying to earn our salvation, so verses that speak against that should not be mistaken as speaking against our salvation requiring our obedience to God's law for some other reason, such as faith. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said that faith is one of the weightier matters of God's law, so only those who have faith will obey it and will be justified by the same faith, which is why Paul could say in Romans 2:13 that only doers of the law will be justified while denying in Romans 4:4-5 that our justification is something that can be earned. In Matthew 7:23, Jesus said that he would tell those who are workers of lawlessness to depart from him because he never knew them, so God's law is His instructions for how to know Christ, and knowing Christ is a requirement for salvation, but not in order to earn it.
The law of sin is not so much a list of rules as it is a principle or an evil inclination. In Romans 7:7, Paul said that God's law was not sinful, but is how we know what sin is, and when our sin is revealed, then that leads us to repent and causes sin to decrease. However, in Romans 7:7, the law of sin stirs up sinful passion in order to bear fruit unto death, so it is sinful and causes sin to increase, which means that it is the opposite of God's law. So verses that refer to a law that is sinful, that causes sin to increase, or that hinders us from obeying God's law are referring to the law of sin, such as Romans 5:20, Romans 6:14, Romans 7:4-6, Galatians 2:19, Galatians 5:16-18, and 1 Corinthians 15:56.
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- Jul 23, 2019
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Rom 7:
7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, if it had not been for the Law, I would not have recognized sin. For I would not have known [for example] about coveting [what belongs to another, and would have had no sense of guilt] if the Law had not [repeatedly] said, “You shall not covet.”
(MY NOTE: What law taught “You shall not covet.”? The law of sin or the Law of Moses?)
8 But sin, finding an opportunity through the commandment [to express itself] produced in me every kind of coveting and selfish desire. For without the Law sin is dead [the recognition of sin is inactive].
(MY NOTE: """Finding an opportunity through the commandment""". Ok, what commandment? Rereading vs 7, the commandment that taught “You shall not covet.”!)
Rom 7:7 is referring to Mosaic law! The OP clearly shows, No Gentile has ever been under Mosaic law & No Jew/Israeli/Hebrew or Gentile alive today is under Mosaic law!
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Soyeong
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The Law of Moses.
The law of sin stirs up sinful passions in order to bear fruit unto death, so it acts upon the Law of God in order to stir up all kinds of covetousness, for without the law of sin, sin is dead. In Romans 7:12-13, Paul said that the Law of God is good and that it was not what was good that brought death to him, yet that is what you are trying to blame.
According to Romans 7:7, the Mosaic Law is how we know what sin is, and Gentiles are required to refrain from doing what God has revealed to be sin, so Gentiles have the gift of getting to be under the Mosaic Law.
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That is completely made up nonsense. Mosaic law is history & applies no one living today.
Why? It was retired Matt 27:51 whereby rendered OBSOLETE - Heb 7:21, 22, 8:13, 9:15.
No person alive today has any relationship or obligation to the Mosaic law covenant.
You're free to try & live up to Mosaic law requirements (you can't/nobody can). I believe trying to place others under it's condemnation & curses is abhorrent.
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Soyeong
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Throughout Romans 7, Paul was contrasting the Law of God that he wanted to obey with the law of sin that causing him not to obey it. He said that God's law is good was not sinful, but how we know what sin is (7), that it is holy, righteous, and good (12), that it not what was good that brought death to him (13), that he wanted to do good (14-20), that he delighted in obeying it (22), that that he served it with his mind (25), but he contrasted that with the law of sin that stirred up sinful passions in order to bear fruit unto death (5), which held him captive (6), which seized the opportunity through God's law to produce sin (8), which kept sin alive (8-9), which took the opportunity through God's law to deceive him and through it kill him (11), which causes Paul not to do the good that he wanted to do (15-20), which was waging war within his members against the law of his mind and making him captive (23), and which he served with his flesh (25).
The verses that I've cited can't be speaking about the same law. For example a law that stirs up sinful passions in order to bear fruit unto death is a law that is sinful (5), but verse 7 is speaking about a law that is not sinful, so 5 and 7 can't both be speaking about the same law. Likewise, Paul said that he delighted in obeying God's law (22) and it would be absurd to think that Paul delighted in doing stirring up sinful passion in order to bear fruit unto death or in any of the other verses that I listed that were referring to the law of sin, so they should not be interpreted as referring to the same law.
In Hebrews 8:10, the New Covenant still involves following God's law, so the fact that the Mosaic Covenant has become obsolete doesn't mean that God's law became obsolete along with it. It was sinful to commit adultery in Genesis 39:9, long before the Mosaic Covenant was made, during it, and it remains sinful after it has become obsolete, so there is nothing about it being made or becoming obsolete that changes the fact that it will always be sinful to commit adultery no matter how many covenants God makes.
In Deuteronomy 30:11-20, it says that the Mosaic Law is not too difficult to obey and that obedience brings life and a blessing while disobedience brings death and a curse, so I am trying to bring people under life and blessing, while if you think trying to place others under its condemnation and curses is abhorrent, then you should stop arguing against obeying it. Nowhere does the Bible say anything like that if someone can't live up to all of God's requirements, then they are better off living in complete disobedience to them. Living in complete disobedience to God's law was not given as an option for avoiding coming under a curse, but rather the only way to avoid coming under a curse is through obedience.
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These verses found in to OP post #1 disagree with your posted position:
2 Cor 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.
(MY NOTE: Written to believers (2 Cor 1:1) The letter/law/administers death. But, the NT Holy Spirit's administration is life giving).
7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
(MY NOTE: The apostle calls the 10 commandments the ministration of death)
8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
(MY NOTE: The apostle calls the 10 commandments the ministration of condemnation)
These verses, in the OP post disagree with your position that any NT believer is under Mosaic law
Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves
(MY NOTE: Gentiles aren't now & were never under the Mosaic law covenant)
Council at Jerusalem
Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
(MY NOTE: The letters written & sent by Christ chosen apostles. Proclaim that gentiles, are not, nor were they ever, required to be circumcised or keep Mosaic law. Quoting: WE gave NO such commandment!)
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Soyeong
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Following the letter of the law undermines both the intent of what God has commanded, and why He has commanded it, which therefore leads to death just as assuredly as refusing to submit to it. In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, God's law is a ministry of life for those who obey it and a ministry for those who refuse to obey it, so that is not a very good reason for you to refuse to obey it.
Saying that believing Gentiles will by nature be doers of the Mosaic Law is the opposite of establishing that Gentiles are not under it.
They did not command that Gentiles need become circumcised in order to earn their salvation, but they did not rule against Gentiles obeying God. When God has commanded something and you think that the Jerusalem Council spoke against obeying God, then you have a decision to make about which one has the higher authority and which one to follow.
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Council at Jerusalem
Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
(MY NOTE: The letters written & sent by Christ chosen apostles. Proclaim that gentiles, are not, nor were they ever, required to be circumcised or keep Mosaic law. Quoting: WE gave NO such commandment!)
Mosaic law is history & applies no one living today.
Why? It was retired Matt 27:51 whereby rendered OBSOLETE - Heb 7:21, 22, 8:13, 9:15.
No person alive today has any relationship or obligation to the Mosaic law covenant.
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You are misunderstanding Acts 15. Mostly because the Covenant God made with Levi, that was "ADDED" 430 years after Abraham, is not taught in the mainstream religions of the land today. As a result, you combine the Temporary Priesthood Covenant God made with Levi, with the Covenant of Abraham that God furthered on to Israel, that they broke.
Jer. 7:22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:
23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
The LAW which provided sacrificial "Works" for the atonement of the sins of the people, that Abraham didn't have, was not "ADDED" until Israel "Transgressed".
24 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
Paul speaks to this in Gal. 3.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, (what Law) it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Added to what? "all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."
The Ways Abraham had and obeyed which was the basis for God Blessing him.
Gen. 26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; 5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
It was this "ADDED" Law of Justification/atonement with it's Sacrificial "Works" that became old and ready to vanish. It was the Covenant God made with Levi "Till the Seed should come" that was changed, as Prophesied in Jer. 31.
God's Eternal Law given to Israel, that Abraham obeyed, never went anywhere. It is now written on the hearts of God's People.
The Jews refused to separate these two Covenants, and were teaching that the Gentiles must go to the Levite Priest who must perform the Levitical Priesthood "works of the Law" (Law of Moses) for justification.
The Disciples, who knew this religion had corrupted God's Word, and were "teaching for doctrines the Commandments of men", turned them away from the Pharisees who were trying to place them under the same yoke of sin and deception that neither they, not their fathers could bear, that Stephen was murdered for exposing.
Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
Instead they directed the Gentiles away from this religion, call the "circumcision" and sent them directly to God's Word.
Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, (God's Law) and from fornication, (God's Law) and from things strangled, (God's Law) and from blood. (God's Law) 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
This is the exact same instruction Jesus gave Peter and His Disciples along with others who HE taught.
Matt. 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
You referenced Hebrews 7 which makes this point perfectly
Heb. 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) (That Abraham obeyed) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Before Jesus could become our New High Priest, the Priesthood LAW had to, "By Necessity" change, because only a Levite could partake of this ADDED Priesthood.
The Priesthood Covenant God made with Levi is what Changed. Not God's Commandments, Statutes and Laws. It was this Priesthood which was growing old and ready to vanish. A New Ministry where it is no longer the Duty of a Levite Priest to atone for sins. As God Promised in Jer. "For I will forgive their sins". A New ministry where we are no longer required to find a Levite to hear God's Word, for HE Himself will write His Laws on our hearts. And here we are, with the oracles of God in our own homes, just like the New Covenant HE Promised.
What you are preaching is a popular religious philosophy promoted by the religious franchises of this world. But it is not what the Holy Scriptures teach..
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Jesus is Right Now every believers New Covenant High Priest =Mediator & Advocate between God & man
Luke 22:20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant [ratified] in My blood.
(MY NOTE: Jesus sin atoning payment began a new covenant replacing the old. Christ's resurrection is proof God accepted Christ's sin atoning payment)
Heb 7:
11 Now if perfection [a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper] had been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people were given the Law) what further need was there for another and different kind of priest to arise, one in the manner of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed to the order of Aaron?
(MY NOTE: Jesus retired the Mosaic covenant priesthood here: Matt 27:51)
12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is of necessity a change of the law as well.
(MY NOTE: A change in priesthood necessitate a change in law implementation.)
17 For it is attested [by God] of Him, “You (Christ) are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
(MY NOTE: Christ's Priesthood is Eternal)
22 And so [because of the oath’s greater strength and force] Jesus has become the certain guarantee of a better covenant [a more excellent and more advantageous agreement; one that will never be replaced or annulled].
(MY NOTE: Jesus is RIGHT NOW! High Priest (mediator between God & man) Forever! He administers a New Better sin administration & a New Better law administration covenant. (Reread vs 12 above)
Hebrews 8:6 - But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
(MY NOTE: Jesus has ALREAD obtained & ALREADY mediates a New BETTER covenant (then Mosaic) Jesus eternal Melchizedek covenant is established upon BETTER promises.)
Heb 9:15 For this reason He is the Mediator and Negotiator of a new covenant [that is, an entirely new agreement uniting God and man], so that those who have been called [by God] may receive [the fulfillment of] the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has taken place [as the payment] which redeems them from the sins committed under the obsolete first covenant.
(MY NOTE: Faith in Christs new covenant sin sacrifice & resurrection ETERNALLY REDEEMS the believer from the condemnation/judgment imposed under the NOW OBSOLETE old/1st Mosaic covenant)
It's time to place the Mosaic covenant on the ash pile of history where Jesus death & resurrection retired it to:
Matt 27:51 And [at once] the veil [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split apart.
(MY NOTE: Jesus death tears Temple veil in 1/2 (this veil separated sinful man from a Holy God's presents). Next, the New ETERNAL Melchizedek Priesthood covenant begins in resurrection power 3 days later. It's 1st implementation is seen here:
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately].
It was here the Holy Spirit of God indwelt believers = New Melchizedek Priesthood Covenant. God's presents no longer dwells in a Tabernacle or Temple inner sanctuary/Holy of Holies (Mosaic covenant) made with human hands.)
Every REDEEMED believers is NOW a Temple where a Holy God's Spirit forever indwells. Once indwelt/baptized with Christ's Holy Spirit. The believers eternal fate is securely SEALED (Eph 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, 2 Tim 1:14, Jn 10:28-29, Rom 8:35-39) Amen
Luke 22:20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant [ratified] in My blood.
(MY NOTE: Jesus sin atoning payment began a new covenant replacing the old. Christ's resurrection is proof God accepted Christ's sin atoning payment)
Heb 7:
11 Now if perfection [a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper] had been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people were given the Law) what further need was there for another and different kind of priest to arise, one in the manner of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed to the order of Aaron?
(MY NOTE: Jesus retired the Mosaic covenant priesthood here: Matt 27:51)
12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is of necessity a change of the law as well.
(MY NOTE: A change in priesthood necessitate a change in law implementation.)
17 For it is attested [by God] of Him, “You (Christ) are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
(MY NOTE: Christ's Priesthood is Eternal)
22 And so [because of the oath’s greater strength and force] Jesus has become the certain guarantee of a better covenant [a more excellent and more advantageous agreement; one that will never be replaced or annulled].
(MY NOTE: Jesus is RIGHT NOW! High Priest (mediator between God & man) Forever! He administers a New Better sin administration & a New Better law administration covenant. (Reread vs 12 above)
Hebrews 8:6 - But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
(MY NOTE: Jesus has ALREAD obtained & ALREADY mediates a New BETTER covenant (then Mosaic) Jesus eternal Melchizedek covenant is established upon BETTER promises.)
Heb 9:15 For this reason He is the Mediator and Negotiator of a new covenant [that is, an entirely new agreement uniting God and man], so that those who have been called [by God] may receive [the fulfillment of] the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has taken place [as the payment] which redeems them from the sins committed under the obsolete first covenant.
(MY NOTE: Faith in Christs new covenant sin sacrifice & resurrection ETERNALLY REDEEMS the believer from the condemnation/judgment imposed under the NOW OBSOLETE old/1st Mosaic covenant)
It's time to place the Mosaic covenant on the ash pile of history where Jesus death & resurrection retired it to:
Matt 27:51 And [at once] the veil [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split apart.
(MY NOTE: Jesus death tears Temple veil in 1/2 (this veil separated sinful man from a Holy God's presents). Next, the New ETERNAL Melchizedek Priesthood covenant begins in resurrection power 3 days later. It's 1st implementation is seen here:
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately].
It was here the Holy Spirit of God indwelt believers = New Melchizedek Priesthood Covenant. God's presents no longer dwells in a Tabernacle or Temple inner sanctuary/Holy of Holies (Mosaic covenant) made with human hands.)
Every REDEEMED believers is NOW a Temple where a Holy God's Spirit forever indwells. Once indwelt/baptized with Christ's Holy Spirit. The believers eternal fate is securely SEALED (Eph 4:30, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, 2 Tim 1:14, Jn 10:28-29, Rom 8:35-39) Amen
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Brother, this is a wonderful post, and the kinds of discussions I believe are important. I hope you might consider my take, and engage with me on this most important matter.
Yes, HE is now our High Priest. But "Before" the SEED Came, God made a Covenant with Levi to provide for the Administration of God's Laws, and to provide Atonement, that is, be the mediator & advocate between God and man. What I am showing you is the truth that the Covenant that changed was the Covenant God made with Levi on Israel's behalf, "Because of Transgressions", to be this mediator. This is important because Truth is important. And we can't understand the New Covenant that is being discussed, if we don't understand the Old Covenant that became old and was ready to vanish.
Yes, what changed in the New Covenant was 2 things.
#1. How God's Law is Administered. (No more exclusive ownership by Levite Priest's of the Book of the Law. We all have access to it. We have the Oracles of God in our own homes, in our own minds. Prior to the Coming of our NEW High Priest, we were required to find a Levite Priest to hear the Word of God.) "For under it the people received the law"
#2. How Transgression of God's Law is Atoned for. (No more bringing an animal or sin offering to the Levite Priest who would then perform Sacrificial "Works" for the Atonement of sin. God Himself provides from this Atonement with the Life of His Son, and we are justified/forgiven by belief/Faith in HIS Work, no longer by the blood of animals and the Sacrificial "Works" of the "Order of Aaron".
As far as God's Law was concerned, it is still just as valid as it was before our New High Priest came, as HE Himself tells us in Matt. 5. It's just administered in a different way. And Transgressions of HIS Law is atoned for in a different way. You can read this for yourself in Jer. 31 where God Himself defines what HIS NEW COVENANT is.
Yes, the Priesthood Covenant God made with Levi, on Israel's behalf, became old and obsolete. We have a NEW High Priest with a New and Better way to administer God's Law than through carnal men. (Levite Priests) We can "Study" for our self, as we are instructed to do, as we all have the Oracles of God in our own homes. Something men of old time did not have.
Actually I believe the next 3 verses defined perfectly what Law changed, and why. It had to do with "Who" was allowed into the Priesthood. Spiritually Speaking, the duties are the same. Blood is shed for the remission of sins. The High Priest is responsible for the atonement, mediation, instruction in Righteousness. What had to change, by necessity for Jesus to partake of God's Priesthood, was who could partake in the Priesthood. As the Scriptures below point out.
Heb. 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
In the Covenant God made with Levi, because of Israel's Transgression of God's Laws, only a Levite could hold the Priesthood Office. Malachi speaks to this. God gave this Covenant to Levi because of the fear Levi showed HIM on Mt. Sinai.
Mal. 2:4 And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.
Here is where this happened.
Ex. 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
Before Jesus could become the Lawful High Priest, this Priesthood Law must change, as Prophesied "After those days".
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, (Levites appointing other Levites) but after the power of an endless life.
Yes, Jesus' Priesthood is eternal. But before the SEED Came, there was a temporary Priesthood called the Levitical Priesthood. This Law was "ADDED" 430 years after Abraham, "Till the SEED should come", as Paul describes in Gal. 3. It was Temporary to begin with, as God surely knew the Messiah was coming, even as HE gave Levi His Priesthood Covenant. John the Baptist, a True Levite Priest, knew this.
Yes, But remember, the Mainstream Preachers of this time didn't believe Jesus had become their High Priest. They were still promoting their version of the Levitical Priesthood "Works" for justification. These Jews were "bewitching" the New Covenant Believers by telling them they could not be cleansed, or made righteous, without first following the Atonement Laws, AKA, "Levitical Priesthood" which existed before Jesus came.
Yes, the Melchizedek covenant God gave Jesus "After those days", is better than the Levitical Priesthood Covenant God gave to Levi "Till the SEED should come".
Yes, the Sacrifices of the Covenant God gave Levi for the atonement of sins were a Shadow of what their Savior would do for them, to pay for their past transgressions of God's Law. (All sins are past sins) We are now free to "Yield our self" to the Path Jesus walked, in true Righteousness. We are now delivered from the Yoke of Bondage of Sin and death, and can now Follow the Holy Christ and allow His Word's to direct us, as He tells those with whom HE healed, "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee."
Well, I'm not sure there is a great religious movement to bring back animal sacrifice for the atonement of transgression of God's Law. What I do see though, is a horrible Lie being taught that it wasn't the Levitical Priesthood which became old and ready to vanish, but God's eternal Law that HE gave Abraham, and then to Abraham's Children. Jesus warned that this was going to happen in the religions of this world, so HE tells us flat out;
Matt. 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
And in another place.
"Man shall live by Every Word which proceeds from the mouth of God".
The Covenant God made with Levi is certainly changed, but God's Definition of Sin, or His Definition of Righteousness, has not changed. At least according to the Bible. And as long as this world is here, So is God's Definition of iniquity. The Old Priesthood has changed, but the reason for the Priesthood's existence has not. At least according to the Christ of the Bible.
I am going to break this study in two. I look forward to your continued engagement.
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It is important not to omit any of the Inspired Words of the Christ when speaking about such Holy Things. Those who "Repent", and "Bring works worthy of repentance" have access to this Holy of Hollies. Not everyone, as Jesus Himself says.
Matt. 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
A Priesthood is designed to "Turn people away" from transgression of God's Laws, and to forgive the repentant.
Mal. 2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
Jesus is reconciling us to God because we disobeyed Him. Without Repentance, there is no forgiveness. We "WERE" Children of Disobedience, but have now "Obeyed from the heart" those things which we rejected in times past.
Matt. 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
This part is eternal. It never changes. Only the manner in which God's Commandments are administered, and the manner in which transgressions of God's Commandments are forgiven, has changed. We are, to this day, required to turn from our "way" to God's "Way".
2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Yes, they gathered on the Christ's Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost as the Law of God instructed. And for their Faith in God, and in His Son, they were given HIS Spirit as Jesus Promised in John.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Peter confirms this Truth in Acts 5:
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Acts is proof of this Bible Fact. So is Caleb, Zacharias, Simeon, the Wise men, Gideon, Abraham, etc., all example of Faith written for our (New Covenant Believers) Admonition.
This truth was not received very well in the religions of the land they were born into, just as it isn't today, as Prophesied. (they murdered Stephen for pointing it out)
33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Again, it is important not to omit any of the Inspired Word's of the Christ.
Rom. 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Matt. 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
There was a great falsehood that plagued the Pharisees. They could not see the Separation between God's Law, and the Priesthood Covenant God gave Levi. Because Jesus taught God's Law, but didn't partake of the Priesthood "Works" for atonement, they believed HE was a Sinner, worthy of death.
The same plague exists in the mainstream religions of this land today. They refuse to Separate the Levitical Priesthood, from the Commandments, Statutes, Laws and Judgments of God that He Gave Israel when they left Egypt.
Jer. 7:22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:
23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
No, the Sacrifices for sin was "ADDED" because of Transgressions, "Till the SEED Should come". (Gal. 3:19)
So they falsely preach that all of God's Laws have become obsolete, when according to the Bible, it was only the "ADDED" Priesthood that changed.
Some on this forum even falsely preach the "Old testament" IS the Old Covenant that became obsolete.
But Paul exposes this falsehood many times.
1 Cor. 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our (New Covenant Believers) examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our (New Covenant Believers) admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore (Because of this Truth) let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Sorry so long, but very important stuff, in my view.
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Thuycidides
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Salvation and justification are both by grace through faith, and even as justification is confirmed by works of faith (James 2), so is salvation.
Believing Jesus is the beginning of our justification, redemption, and salvation. Obeying Jesus is the completion of our salvation, redemption and justification.
Faith without works is dead. Without faith there is no grace to save.
So we believe the truth, we do well. We obey not the truth, we do not well...
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RickReads
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One thing often overlooked. Under the Law of Moses, Gentiles were free to join the nation of Israel.
The key difference in the New Covenant is that Israel is excluded from the requirements to receive salvation.
The key difference in the New Covenant is that Israel is excluded from the requirements to receive salvation.
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