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Post by homeschoolmom on Apr 18, 2006 16:48:42 GMT -5
Why do we follow some laws from the Old Testament and not all of them? We talk about the Deuteronomy 22:5 (not to put on anything that pertaineth to a man), we talk about h*m*s*xuality which is forbidden in the Old Testament, etc. You get the point. Why, then, don't we eat kosher food or observe some of the laws that the present day Orthodox Jews observe? I have a lot of Orthodox Jewish friends and I can get tangled up in this easily. I know Jesus freed us from the "law" and we are saved by grace but then it sounds like we can go wild and still be under grace. (I know we can't but it is hard to explain this to Jews and then I start to wonder myself) I'd love to hear your insights on this. Have a blessed day! Alice
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Post by Brother Ben on Apr 18, 2006 21:01:19 GMT -5
Your question is a very good one. This can be answered very simply. The Old Testament laws are broken up into three areas: Ceremonial Law, Moral Law, and Dietary Law. Many if not most of the OT laws were fulfilled in the Person of Jesus Christ, i.e., He is our mercy seat, He is our High Priest, He is our sacrificial Lamb, etc. These would be examples of the Ceremonial Law that were replaced with the person of Christ.
There is some controvery over the dietary law over this passage:
Act 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: Act 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, Act 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Act 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. Act 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. Act 10:14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. Act 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. Act 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Some, however, take this to mean that the Gentiles are the "unclean meat" God was talking about and that the OT dietary laws still in place. The godly old time preacher, Lester Roloff, said that the dietary laws are still in place and he used them for good health. He was very healthy and helped people be cured of cancer by observing the dietary laws. So think what you want on that one.
The Moral Law was never done away with. That which is morally wrong in the O.T. is still morally wrong, i.e., sodomy, incest, adultery, etc. Christ even put some of the OT Laws in "overdrive."
Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
This can be a great witnessing tool for your Jewish friend because NT believers have this:
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Yes, it is true, Jesus freed us from the "condemnation" of the law for it was without eternal remedy. However,
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The law is useful when used lawfully.
1Ti 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Help your friend to see that Christ is the end of the law in order to be in good standing with God. Because actually even in the OT
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
So as you see in both Old and New Testaments, God wanted a relationship based on faith in His finished work. All the OT laws, symbols, and works were pictoral of Christ who slain before the OT.
Rev 13:8 ... the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
I hope I hit all the important areas of your question. If you'd like further clarification just post your question.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to make sense and balance of these great Bible themes.
Bro. Ben
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