Godz Marine said:
Under the law wasn't atonement made through sacrifice and not grace by repentance?
Jesus may have quoted a generalization from someone else concerning the law but Jesus being Lord commanded it. And then added a second cocerning our relationship with others. These are not issues of the flesh man but one of the Spirit man.
In light of this, does the law produce the fruits of the Spirit as we read in the book of Galations?
As a general rule, I use the NIV for study references only. I rely mainly on KJ and NKJ along with the AMP version and Strong's Concordence.
On the atonement issue:
It begins 40 days prior to the day of atonement. These forty days are the days of Teshuvah, (returning or repentence). During this time you are to do a lot of self inspection and prayer, to see where you might have offended or gone wrong. If you harmed someone you are to ask them or forgiveness and make any restitution that is needed, such as paying for any financial losses you caused. The last ten days of this 40 day period is alled the days of awe. It is the final chance to repent, beause on the day of atonement, only those sins you have confessed and repented of will be forgiven. This ten days begins with YomTeruah, the "last trumpet". It signals the opening of the gates of heaven. The "great trumpet" occurs at the end of the ten days, and signifies the closing of the gates of heaven. It was during these 40 days the John the Baptizer was preaching the message of Teshuvah, Repent and make straight paths for him for the day of the Lord is at hand.
Quote Marine "Jesus may have quoted a generalization from someone else concerning the law but Jesus being Lord commanded it."
No, really it was already commanded. As I said it was the feature of Judaism from the begining. The law always was spiritual in nature. It was a perverting of this spiritual law into a system of legalistic observance of Torah comands that was the problem that needed correction. The law was not bad or weak. It was man who was weak through the flesh and unable to keep it correctly. But God in his mercy, gives us the spirit to live in us so that the just requirements of the law are fulfilled in those who live not by the letter of the law (legalism) but by the spirit.(living according to the requirements of the law. If the gentiles who had not the law do the things contained in the law, then they have become a law unto themsleves, for the law is written upon their hearts.
Quote Marine "In light of this, does the law produce the fruits of the Spirit as we read in the book of Galations?"
Only the spirit can produce the fruit of the spirit. But as it does, the life of the person will begin to resemble that which is required of the law. Someone who has never studied the law, but who believes and is filled with the spirit will begin doing things differently, according to the leading of the spirit. They will find themselves doing the basics, loving God, loving neighbor, being more charitable, becoming more humble, being more helpful to others, less argumentative, putting away things that are harmful, like drugs alchohol. If we want to accelerate the process Paul says that we should STUDY (what?) the word (Tanahk) to show yourselve approved, and profitable unto all good works. Paul always points new believers in the direction of the scriptures because that is our first hand instruction from God. It is where he learned what he knew. Scriptures in light of Messiah Yeshua.
On the NIV, I would caution you that they take some liberties in places. If in doubt, go with a literal translation.
Charles in Florida
