Great confusion and has led to wrong conclusions

As a New Testament Christian what do we do? None, All, Some?

Matthew 24:12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

In the end, is ignorance an excuse? I think we all know the answer to that question

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Romans 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Law Not Done Away

Discussed at length; a couple of scriptures

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Matthew 5:18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
Matthew 5:19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 7:12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

It is for our benefit

Live by every of God – we must put them ALL together

We find this admonition in both the Old Testament and New Testament (Matthew 4:4, where it quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3)

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

It is a pre-requisite for eternal life

Matthew 19:17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

When asked Jesus Christ explained that it is the Ten Commandments that we must keep and He reiterates it here:

Matthew 22:36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.‘ (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Matthew 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.‘ (Leviticus 19:18)
Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.“

Dependent upon

The Bible is a Book of Law 600+ in the Old Testametn and 1000+ in the New Testament

For those who want to say the law is done away with or to get away from it….they really should be Old Testament law keepers instead since there are “fewer laws” to keep

Foundation of the Bible!

Upper Level Bible Class

One last caveat – this is not going to be an easy task, but it should be a worthwhile one.

We will have to pull from our undergraduate studies, past sermons and Bible studies to do this

We will trust that you know or understand to a large degree the scriptures and what they mean

God is the final word on the matter.

We don’t get to decide right and wrong or which laws we keep or do away with

But rather we let God elaborate for us – a little here and little there

The goal is that by the time we finish this subject is that we will have laid the ground work for figuring out “Which Old Testament Laws are in Force and Effect Today”

So let’s first approach this study by setting some Principles and Rules which will guide us in coming to conclusions about which Old Testament laws are still enjoined upon us today.

Law of Moses is not a Bad Word

It is not A bad word in certain so-called Christian circles

Malachi 4:4 “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.

First five books of the Bible are what is referred to as the Law of Moses and the first point is:

The Law comes from God NOT Moses

It went THROUGH Moses:

John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Second Point: Law Binding From Creation

Matthew 19:8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

Matthew 19:9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.“

Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Exodus 16:27 Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none.
Exodus 16:28 And the LORD said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? [were in effect before Sinai].
Exodus 16:29 See! For the LORD has given you the Sabbath…
Exodus 16:30 So the people rested on the seventh day. [kept the Sabbath].

New Testament Insights

1. further explains or verifies or fulfills or expounds

Matthew 5:27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.‘
Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

2. Shows that it is no longer binding

Deuteronomy 20 contains laws and regulations about national warfare.

Why was this?

God wanted to fight for Israel

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

This was God’s plan all along. He never wanted or expected them to have to kill to be in battle in that way. He was going to do it all for them if they only heeded His commands.

The New Testament Christian is not to participate in war. We can come to this conclusion based on the following teachings as well

We know this from Jesus Christ’s teachings

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
Matthew 5:22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.

Matthew 5:25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.

Jesus Christ’s Example

1 Peter 2:19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
1 Peter 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
1 Peter 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
1 Peter 2:22 “WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH”;
1 Peter 2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

We follow this example

Our Fight is Spiritual

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:20 Therefore “IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD.”
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Temporary Laws

(They were imposed for a time)

Clearly Defined Temporary Laws

Hebrews 9:7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance;
Hebrews 9:8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.
Hebrews 9:9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—
Hebrews 9:10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

Rituals sacrifices and washings of the Sacrificial system

Sacrifices beforehand

Sacrifices did not begin at Mount Sinai with the Old Covenant between God and Israel. The first recorded sacrifice, that of Cain and Abel, is given in Genesis 4. It is introduced as an already established practice. Genesis 3:21 may refer to an earlier sacrifice.

Neither animal sacrifices nor the Ten Commandments were instituted by Moses. They were implemented by the Almighty before the Old Covenant with Israel at Sinai.

Later, because of Israel’s rebellion over the golden calf incident, additional mandatory sacrifices were imposed. And a Levitical priesthood was ordained to administer these sacrifices.

Jeremiah 7:22 For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices.
Jeremiah 7:23 But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’

Galatians 3:19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.

Temporary schoolmaster

Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Hebrews 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.
Hebrews 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins.
Hebrews 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.
Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
Hebrews 10:18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

No need for the Old Testament priesthood

Hebrews 10:11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.
Hebrews 7:13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
Hebrews 7:15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest
Hebrews 7:16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.

Hebrews 7:23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
Hebrews 7:24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
Hebrews 7:27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
Hebrews 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

Hebrews 10:12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
Hebrews 10:13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.
Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Spiritual Sacrifices and Spiritual Principles

1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Present…an obvious reference to the sacrifices of the Old Testament “present before the LORD”

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Present…an obvious reference to the sacrifices of the Old Testament “present before the LORD”

same word

It also goes hand in hand with what he previously covered in the letter

Romans 6:13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Romans 6:19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

This is the manner acceptable to God that Paul was referring to in Romans 12:1
The underpinnings of God’s laws, even if they are no longer binding, have a spiritual principle behind them.

PART 2

Why are we doing this?

Be ready to give an answer
Know all the laws to live by

Review of Part 1

Law Not Done Away

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.

Romans 7:12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

It is for our benefit

Matthew 4:4 LIVE BY … EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

The Bible is a Book of Law 600+ in the Old Testament and 1000+ in the New Testament

Law of Moses

The Law comes from God NOT Moses
The Law Binding From Creation

New Testament Insights

The New Testament further explains or verifies or fulfills or expounds
Can show that it is no longer binding

We know this from Jesus Christ’s teachings and His example. We follow this example

Some of the Laws were Temporary Law

They were only meant to point to what Jesus Christ would do until He did it

Hebrews 9:9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—
Hebrews 9:10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

Included: Rituals sacrifices and washings of the sacrificial system that were a tutor

Spiritual Sacrifices and Spiritual Principles

1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

The underpinnings of God’s laws, even if they are no longer binding, have a spiritual principle behind them

The Administration Of Death and Physical Punishments

Exodus 21:12 “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.

Started after the flood (it was not always this way)

It was not so from the beginning and it did not start at Sinai

Genesis 4:15 And the LORD said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.

When did the ministration of death begin?

Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.

It was after the flood and the time that mankind had deteriorated to the point the God repented He had man.

Why the ministry of death?

Afforded protection to Israelites when others knew the consequences of breaking the law in the statutes and judgments God gave the physical nation of Israel rules, restitution and penalties up to execution for sins.

Levites and judges had the authority from the Eternal to administer these penalties.

Administration of Life

There was a change in the administration

Some use the following passage to prove that the Ten Commandments were done away with.

2 Corinthians 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you?
2 Corinthians 3:2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;
2 Corinthians 3:3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

Paul did not need a letter of commendation – as a true minister the laiety should be your calling card. The way that they have been show to act and how they are ministered to in a New Covenant manner should be a reflection of the minister.

The stones that he was talking about: Deuteronomy 27:1-8; Joshua 8:32-35

Deuteronomy 27:8 And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law.”

2 Corinthians 3:4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God.
2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Through the Spirit of God the minister acts and that is the core of who and what the minister is – the credit goes to God – and that is enough. In the New Covenant there is a change from the priesthood to Jesus Christ and His ministry. Paul is making the comparison and contrast, which is the difference between our life and death when it comes to the penalties that are incurred. The New Covenant came with the better promises (such as holy spirit, forgiveness, eternal life, etc) that the Old Covenant did not have access to

2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,
2 Corinthians 3:8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

The problem with the first covenant was not the law or the terms of the agreement, but rather it was the people.

Hebrews 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
Hebrews 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.
Hebrews 8:8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “BEHOLD, THE DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL MAKE A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH—

Both the Old Covenant and New Covenant are glorious, it is just that the New Covenant is MORE glorious. You don’t call the law that was being done away with glorious – because it was not actually being done away with.

2 Corinthians 3:9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

Because we can now be justified!

2 Corinthians 3:10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.
2 Corinthians 3:11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

The subject here is not the doing away with laws (as we already addressed) but the change in administration of existing laws.

Paul is comparing and contrasting the administrative role of the Old Testament priesthood with the New Testament ministry

He is showing how much more glorious the latter is over the former

Written in heart of flesh	Written in stone
Written with God’s holy spirit	Written with ink
Spirit of Law	Letter of Law
Life	Death

The ministration of death was punishment for violations of the civil law they had been given by God.

So here is in a nutshell: the administration (administering) or enforcement of the civil law no longer belonged to Israel or even the church.

In other words the church does not have the right to kill people for their sins

For one their was no longer a nation of Israel

But two, and more importantly the New Covenant was founded on better promises

The laws were not done away any more than when a state decides to ban capital punishment. Just because there is no death penalty in the state does not mean that anyone can go on a murder spree – the law is still in place.

Now what changed with the coming of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant was the promise of the holy spirit and forgiveness of sin to put it simply

Jesus Christ in essence showed how the law of the carnal nation of Israel was to be kept not only in the letter but the spirit (or intent) – so in other words more fully.

Not only this, but with the sacrifice of Christ, the PENALTY was paid for the sins that we commit, SO that we can have forgiveness and LIFE – not death

To round out the thought here: The administrating NOW is more glorious than the administrating before (in the Old Covenant) because it brings life (eternally) through the spirit and not death through the letter of the law penalties which did not allow for any one being made right again before God

2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
2 Corinthians 5:19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

God has given us the right to restore a right relationship with Him through Christ! During His time on Earth, Christ, among other things, was accomplishing this reconciliation instead of allowing sin to separate us. So sin was no longer levied to our account, but now we could have righteousness imputed to us.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

This better way leads to life and us being saved – if we truly turn around from the wrong way that we were heading.

When it comes to the penalties that WE could have exacted in the Old Covenant, we as Christians are taught a better way

Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.‘
Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
Matthew 5:40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
Matthew 5:41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
Matthew 5:42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Forgiveness, “Vengeance is mine”

Who administers punishment then if it was transferred away from Israel (and not to the church?)

Civil Governments Should Administer Death Penalty

Civil governments today should administer these penalties.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Romans 13:2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
Romans 13:4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

For the most part civil governments are for keeping people in line and they do so by exacting punishments. God as put this within their purview. We are to obey them as long as it is not contrary to God’s supreme law.

Romans 13:5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.

It is not only a good idea because of the punishment that you will receive but also because it is your duty as a Christian

Romans 13:6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

1 Peter 2:13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,
1 Peter 2:14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
1 Peter 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—
1 Peter 2:16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Principals of this Civil Law

What would today be like if there was a death penalty for sins like murderer etc

People would realize the consequences of sin
The lives of many could be saved
We would fear to do wrong
No need for a prison system

Now understand that there would be no need for capital punishment if no one committed a sin worthy of it.

This is what God wants – obedience instead of sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

Statutes and Judgments

Leviticus 26:46 These are the statutes and judgments and laws which the LORD made between Himself and the children of Israel on Mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

Basic explanations

Statutes beforehand
Judgments case by case basis
Both further elaborate and define the 10 Commandments

So along with the 10 Commandments they are the will of God written down for us, subsequently they are all to be followed.

“law” is torah. “the law” can refer to the law generally or specifically or all of it and tends to be more all encompassing.

The word statutes refers to a specific type of laws and technically means an authoritative enactment, decree or ordinance.

Judgments” by those in authority can narrow or enlarge the application of existing law.

God led by example:

Ezekiel 44:23 “And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Ezekiel 44:24 In controversy they shall stand as judges, and judge it according to My judgments. They shall keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed meetings, and they shall hallow My Sabbaths.

This is our goal to learn to discern the laws that are to be kept and keep them.

The Holy Spirit

Why is the law so controversial?

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

God and man are at odds (without the holy spirit)

So it is no wonder that the law, which expresses the nature of God, is so controversial

It takes us being spirit-led to come to these right conclusion about which laws are in effect

John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
John 16:9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
John 16:10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
John 16:11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
John 16:12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
John 16:13 However, when it, the Spirit of truth, has come, it will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on its own authority, but whatever it hears it will speak; and it will tell you things to come.

How do we know when to answer a fool or not answer a fool according to his folly?

Through God’s Holy Spirit we are able to discern which. So we cannot minimize the importance of this aspect, when it comes to understanding which laws are in force and effect today!

PART 3 (Review)

New Testament Insights

The NT further explains or verifies or fulfills or expounds
Can show that it is no longer binding

We know this from Jesus Christ’s teachings and His Example. We follow this example

Some of the Laws were Temporary Law

Included: Rituals sacrifices and washings of the Sacrificial system that were a tutor

Spiritual Sacrifices and Spiritual Principles

The underpinnings of God’s laws, even if they are no longer binding, have a spiritual principle behind them

The Administration Of Death and Physical Punishments

Administration of Life

Civil Governments Should Administer Death Penalty

Principals of this Civil Law

What would today be like if there was a death penalty for sins like murder etc

People would realize the consequences of sin
The lives of many could be saved
We would fear to do wrong
No need for a prison system

Now u/s that there would be no need for capital punishment if no one committed a sin worthy of it.

This is what God wants – obedience instead of sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

Statutes and Judgments

Leviticus 26:46 These are the statutes and judgments and laws which the LORD made between Himself and the children of Israel on Mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

Basic explanations

Statutes beforehand
Judgments case by case basis
Both further elaborate and define the 10 C

The Holy Spirit

WHICH portions of the LAW are spiritual and therefore still valid for us today.

And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

God gave us His laws for us! Not as a burden or something to tie our hands behind our back, but because it is good for us in the short term and the long – whether we see it or not

The ones that we have already covered in depth on the web site in the past and recently during this series: Sabbath, Holy days, 10 commandments, covenants, fighting and war, slavery, circumcision, sacrificial system, tithing, come to mind

Crossing Animals, Plants and Fabrics

Leviticus 19:19 ‘You shall keep My statutes. You shall not let your livestock breed with another kind. You shall not sow your field with mixed seed. Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you.

Definition of statutes: refers to a specific type of laws and technically means an authoritative enactment, decree or ordinance.

Definition of judgments: pronouncements by those in authority to narrow or enlarge the application of existing law.

Cross-Breeding

This does not typically happen in nature across “kinds” or what we sometimes refer to as species.

Man in his curiosity might have tried this for many reasons and does to this day.

Cross-seeding

Deuteronomy 22:9 “You shall not sow your vineyard with different kinds of seed, lest the yield of the seed which you have sown and the fruit of your vineyard be defiled.

We want the same thing for the seeds to be “kind after kind” so we are to keep plants away from each other that will cross pollinate.

Deuteronomy 22:10 “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.
Deuteronomy 22:11 “You shall not wear a garment of different sorts, such as [not in the original] wool and linen mixed together.

Cross-blending fibers

Wool is an animal product and linen is a plant product.

These natural fibers should not be interwoven. They produce clothes that are of a worse quality than had we done just one or the other. Together it is an inferior product. For example wool shrinks five times faster than linen when washed.

Caveat: interwoven does not mean and is not the same as two different products worn at the same time.

Spiritual principle:

Leviticus 19:2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.

There is a purity that we are to seek. What we see here is that intermixing things in the wrong way can devalue and create a substandard product…possibly with problems that we are not aware of.

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Let’s look at the legitimacy of these laws that many are quick to throw away.

If you asked the average professing Christian if these were rules that he should live by, he would resoundingly say yes.

Leviticus 19:11 ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.
Leviticus 19:12 And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:13 ‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning.
Leviticus 19:14 You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:15 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.
Leviticus 19:16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor [especially when you should be standing up for him]: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:17 ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. [NT principles].
Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance [belongs to God], nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, [SUMMATION] but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.

Eye for an Eye

We addressed before Old Testament penalties not enjoined on Christians today

Knowing that:

Exodus 21:23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life,
Exodus 21:24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Exodus 21:25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Some have called this the law of retaliation. But it is more a law of recompense or compensation.

It is compensating the injured party for loss of work or ability to work or pain and suffering

Exodus 21:26 “If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye.
Exodus 21:27 And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he shall let him go free for the sake of his tooth.

Leviticus 19:17 ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart.
Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance [belongs to God],

At no time do we find that the Israelites ever cut off peoples hands. This is not mentioned in any other literature or is found in anywhere in archaeology.

New Testament confirm spiritual application:

Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’
Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. [in other words do not retaliate and get in a fight; be the bigger person and show them the better way].
Matthew 5:40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
Matthew 5:41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
Matthew 5:42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?
1 Corinthians 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1 Corinthians 6:3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?
1 Corinthians 6:4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?
1 Corinthians 6:5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?
1 Corinthians 6:6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!
1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?

Unclean Animals

We used to be the church of this:

Leviticus 11:1 Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them,
Leviticus 11:2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth:

and Deuteronomy 14

Clean and unclean meat or animals so it is not technically correct to say unclean food.

This was not a part of the covenant – so therefore it could not be done away then.

Here is an aha moment:

Genesis 7:1 Then the LORD said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.
Genesis 7:2 You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female;

Noah offered a burnt offering to God ‘of every clean animal and of every clean bird’ (Genesis 8:20).

Will be in effect in when Christ returns

Isaiah 66:17 “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, To go to the gardens After an idol in the midst, Eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, Shall be consumed together,” says the LORD.

Isaiah 65:3 A people who provoke Me to anger continually to My face; Who sacrifice in gardens, And burn incense on altars of brick;
Isaiah 65:4 Who sit among the graves, And spend the night in the tombs; Who eat swine’s flesh, And the broth of abominable things is in their vessels;

Did Christ Abolish the Unclean Meat Law?

Mark 7:18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him,
Mark 7:19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying [cleansing] all foods?”
Mark 7:20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.
Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Mark 7:22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Here is the context for this set of scriptures:

Mark 7:2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.

It was about the inadvertent dirt etc that might be in the food. This pedantic focus made them miss out on the weightier matters once again.

Acts 10

Acts 10:9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
Acts 10:10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance
Acts 10:11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.
Acts 10:12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
Acts 10:13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
Acts 10:14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
Acts 10:15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
Acts 10:16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
Acts 10:17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate.
Acts 10:18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
Acts 10:19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you.
Acts 10:20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”
Acts 10:22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”
Acts 10:23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Acts 10:24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
Acts 10:25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
Acts 10:26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
Acts 10:27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.
Acts 10:28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

God uses symbols to help us understand truth.

Acts 10:29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

1 Timothy 4:1-5

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
1 Timothy 4:2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
1 Timothy 4:3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good [with the purpose it was made for], and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; [poisonous mushrooms].
1 Timothy 4:5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Clean and unclean meats is not strange – Peter knew them and kept them as normal.