JND on the Law

[JM]

I haven't read John Nelson Darby in a few years but found this quote interesting and wanted to share it.

If I speak of moral law (which scripture does not), I make it, by the very expression, a fatal thing to be delivered from it. Yet Paul says the Christian is delivered from the law. If I make of the law a moral law (including therein the precepts of the New Testament, and all morality in heart and life), to say a Christian is delivered from it is nonsense or utterly monstrous wickedness; certainly it is not Christianity. Conformity to the divine will, and that, as obedience to commandments, is alike the joy and the duty of the renewed mind. I say, "obedience to commandments." Some are afraid of the word, as if it would weaken love and the idea of a new creation; scripture is not. Obedience and keeping the commandments of one we love is the proof of that love, and the delight of the new nature. Did I do all right and not do it in obedience, I should do nothing right, because my true relationship and heart-reference to God would be left out. This is love, that we keep His commandments. We are sanctified to the obedience of Christ. Christ Himself says, "The prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me; but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father hath given me commandment, so I do." His highest act of love is His highest act of obedience. Law
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[twin1954]

If you posted a list of rules to your hired servant who cleans your house and cooks your meals it would be fine. It is expected that a hired servant should keep the rules. Their motive for keeping the rules is to continue in your service for hire. But if you posted a set of rules for your wife to keep what you are saying to that wife is that she is no more than a hired servant. If she loves you she doesn't need a set of rules to serve you. She does so out of love.

God's people aren't mercinaries.

 

[JM]

If she loves you she doesn't need a set of rules to serve you. She does so out of love.

She does what to serve you brother?

I think you are presupposing a knowledge of the Law without declaring it and that is why I will defend you at every turn against the awful charge of antinomianism that is often leveled against good men and women of God.

I take it you agree with Darby? He is convincing.

 

[twin1954]

She does what to serve you brother?

What she knows will please me.

I think you are presupposing a knowledge of the Law without declaring it and that is why I will defend you at every turn against the awful charge of antinomianism that is often leveled against good men and women of God.

I don't need to presuppose it the Bible declares it. Thanks for the defense though I care nothing about what others charge me with. I don't answer to men but to God.

I take it you agree with Darby? He is convincing.

I obey the commands of Christ: believe and love your brothers. My morality isn't an obedience to commandments but a longing to honor Him who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

[JM]

What she knows will please me.

You once posted that it was who she knows, not what she knows...but she knows a lot since it is written on her heart. (Jer.31.33, Heb. 10.16)

I don't need to presuppose it the Bible declares it. Thanks for the defense though I care nothing about what others charge me with. I don't answer to men but to God.

You presuppose what is moral based on Spirit taught revelation that was given and not got. The Bible also declares it. We are accountable to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I obey the commands of Christ: believe and love your brothers. My morality isn't an obedience to commandments but a longing to honor Him who loved me and gave Himself for me.

And this is where I normally ask which commandments can you willing break? If you love Him and long to please Him you will keep His commandments (John 14.15) since we are released from the Law as servants for righteousness sake and now sons of God the Law is no terror to us.

jm