INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON LAW, FAITH & LIBERTY
BIBLICAL CENTERED DEEPER STUDIES WHICH INCLUDE MEAT, NOT MILK, TOPICAL INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY PAPERS WITH FULL SCRIPTURES STATED. INCLUDED ARE INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY EXAMPLES WITH DIRECTIONS, TOPICAL, OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE STUDIES AND NEW TESTAMENT INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDIES WITH COMMENTS AND REFERENCES. By Dennis Schmidt 7/2014
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This paper answers questions on the
law, faith & liberty. Discussed are: what does a Christian do
with the law, what does a Christian do with liberty and how does
faith fit into God's plan. See also my papers: "Faith" &
"What Does God Really Want?" for additional information on
these subjects. All scriptures are from the King James' version
Bible.
INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:
THEME: WHY IS THE LAW EMPHASIZED IF THE LAW WAS ESTABLISHED AFTER FAITH?:
Man is a law structured being. Man is taught (from youth) law, such as what to do and not do. God puts the law into the hearts of unbeliever/Gentile (Romans 2:12-16). By faith God made everything (Hebrews 11:3). Faith is God's spiritual principals which counters the natural ways of man. It is a gift of God (Romans 12:3, 10:17 & Ephesians 4:7), but not everyone is given faith (Thessalonians 3:2)
Law given 430 years after faith promise & cannot disannul faith God first gave a law to Adam & Eve of not eating of the fruit of tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam did not need faith since God walked with him daily. Adam did need faith after he sinned since he was looking for the Messiah (Genesis 3:15). Noah also had law in building the ark. He also exercised faith in that no boat was needed before this time. When the law is mention, it usually deals with the Ten Commandments. When faith is mention, in the Old Testament, it usually is Abraham's faith that is discussed. The Ten Commandments came 430 years after Abraham's faith promises.
Galatians 3:17-18 "And this I say, <that> the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. {18} For if the inheritance <be> of the law, <it is> no more of promise: but God gave <it> to Abraham by promise." The law did not change God's original plan of faith.
Galatians 3:29 "And if ye <be> Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." The faith promise.
PURPOSE: WHAT IS THE LAW'S PURPOSE?:
The law shows God's perfect standard which man can not live-up-to.
The standard lets man knows when he is doing wrong. If a man does less than the law and feels justified to the new self standard then he has become a law unto self. God standard is correct. The man should look for another answer to living to the law (faith).
"All the world may become guilty before God"
Since no one can keep the law, everyone will be found guilty.
Romans 3:19 "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God."
"By the law is the knowledge of sin"
The law is in out hearts and on paper/stone. We know when we sin.
Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law <is> the knowledge of sin." By trying to keep the law, we are not justified by God.
"Is the law sin? Nay, not known sin, but by the law"
God did not produce the law for people to sin, but to show our sin.
Romans 7:7 "What shall we say then? <is> the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."
"Law worketh wrath..where no law is, there is no transgression"
Romans 4:15 "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, <there is> no transgression." Sin = missing the mark and transgression = going past or over the limit. Law is mark/limit.
KEY VERSE:
Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law <is> the knowledge of sin." By trying to keep the law, we are not justified by God.
Romans 10:4 "For Christ <is> the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."
Galatians 3:24 "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster <to bring us> unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Law teachers
WHO: God mainly by Bible authors Matthew, John, Peter, and Paul
TO WHOM: Elected Christians
WHAT: THE LAW IS IN PLACE UNTIL CHRIST'S RESURRECTION:
Once Jesus came and fulfilled the law, the standard is faith in the completed work of Jesus. Jesus lived as a Jew under the Jewish law.
"Christ is the end of the law for righteousness"
Romans 10:4 "For Christ <is> the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."
"The law..added..till the seed should come"
The seed is Jesus.
Galatians 3:19 "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." Once Jesus came the law was done away & replaced by faith
"Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ"
Once we trust Jesus to be justified, we are not under the law.
Galatians 3:24 "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster <to bring us> unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Law teachers
"After faith is come, we are no longer under schoolmaster" (law)
The Christian is in a faith walk not putting his attention to law.
Galatians 3:25 "But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster."
WHY: WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE LAW?: No one but Jesus could do it.
"Law is spiritual: but I am carnal"
Romans 7:14 "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin." God is spiritual & man is carnal/fleshly.
"Law could not do..it was weak through the flesh"
Man is to weak to keep the law. God as a man, Jesus, fulfilled it.
Romans 8:3 "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:"
DOES THE LAW'S EXISTENCE PRODUCE DEATH?:
If some people are told by their pastor not to see a movie, they will go. The law, plus the temptations of Satan, is enough to move the person to sin.
"By the law..our members bring forth fruit unto death"
Romans 7:5 "For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death." The law showed us what we knew in our heart was wrong.
"Cursed is every one that continueth..in all..law"
To try and follow the law will cause man to take their eyes off Jesus as their only way to please God.
Galatians 3:10 "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed <is> every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." Once we attempt to follow law we must do it all.
"Every man..circumcised..debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect..ye are fallen from grace"
If a person requires himself and all others to be circumcised as the way to please God, they must do all that the law requires. A person can be circumcised if he wants to, depending on motivation.
Galatians 5:3-4 "For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. {4} Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." Not only this, but food, days, etc.
WAY: DID THE LAW REPLACE FAITH?: No, Abraham was justified by his faith.
"Man is justified by faith without deeds of the law"
A person is justified if God says he is and only by God's faith plan.
Romans 3:28 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Just as if he never sinned.
"Promise..be heir..was not..through the law, but..of faith"
Romans 4:13 "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, <was> not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." The promise is through faith.
WHEREAS: WHAT'S THE CONCLUSION OF Q & A ON LAW, FAITH & LIBERTY?:
"Put my law in their inward parts..write it in their hearts"
God's laws are in our hearts as inner principles to live by.
Jeremiah 31:33 "But this <shall be> the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." Covenant = N.T.
Hebrews 10:16-18 "This <is> the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; {17} And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. {18} Now where remission of these <is>, <there is> no more offering for sin."
"Think not that I am not come destroy the law..but to fulfil"
Jesus lived as a Jew, under Jewish law, & completed it perfectly.
Matthew 5:17-18 "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."
"Cursed is every one that continueth not in all..written in..law" Law demands perfection. Jesus did the law perfectly & gave His life
Deuteronomy 27:26 "Cursed <be> he that confirmeth not <all> the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Romans 10:5 "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them."
Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed <is> every one that hangeth on a tree:" Redeemed = purchased back
"Receiving the end of your faith..salvation of your souls"
The Old Testament person under the law searched for what is now ours. Faith, which is a freedom from the law, is by Jesus death & glory.
1 Peter 1:9-11 "Receiving the end of your faith, <even> the salvation of <your> souls. {10} Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace <that should come> unto you: {11} Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."Grace = unmerited favor (not earned) to us from God.
"Love..God..all thy heart..love..neighbour as thyself..hang..law"
Matthew 22:37-40 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. {38} This is the first & great commandment. {39} & the second <is> like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." {40} On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
WHERE: Earth
WHEN: All Times
WHILE: THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO ISRAEL & NOT TO THE GENTILES:
Scriptures, from Acts 15, shows the only part of the law that was giving to the gentiles. It does not even contain the ten commandments. The Jew is to keep parts of the law forever, not for salvation, but as God directed the chosen people to do. See my paper: "Feasts of the Lord" for more information on this subject.
"He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes..judgments..Israel"
Deuteronomy 4:8 "And what nation <is there so> great, that hath statutes and judgments <so> righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?" What nation = Israel (Jacob or Jews)
Psalms 147:19 "He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel." Statutes and judgments God's laws
Romans 3:2 "Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God." Oracles of God = God's very words
"Gentiles..abstain from pollutions of idols..from fornication.. from things strangled..from blood"
Acts 15:1-3, 5-11, 19-20 "And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, <and said>, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. {2} When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. {3} And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. {5} But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command <them> to keep the law of Moses. {6} And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. {7} And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men <and> brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. {8} And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as <he did> unto us; {9} And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. {10} Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? {11} But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. {19} Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: {20} But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and <from> fornication, and <from> things strangled, and <from> blood."
WANT: WHAT DOES THE CHRISTIAN DO WITH THE LAW?:
"He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law"
The Christian is in a love relationship with God first then others.
Romans 13:8 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Law fulfilled by us.
Romans 13:10 "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love <is> the fulfilling of the law." God fulfilled by perfect love.
"All the law is fulfilled in one word..love neighbour as thyself"
Galatians 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, <even> in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
PAPER OUTLINE:
I) WHY IS THE LAW EMPHASIZED IF THE LAW WAS ESTABLISHED AFTER FAITH?:
II) WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE LAW?:
III) DOES THE LAW'S EXISTENCE PRODUCE DEATH?:
IV) WHAT IS THE LAW'S PURPOSE?:
V) DID THE LAW REPLACE FAITH?:
VI) IF GOD IS PLEASED BY FAITH, THEN WHAT IS THE LAW'S STATUS?:
VII) WHAT DOES FAITH DO WITH THE LAW?:
VIII) THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO ISRAEL & NOT TO THE GENTILES:
IX) WHAT DID THE OLD TESTAMENT JEW DO FOR SALVATION?:
X) THE LAW IS IN PLACE UNTIL CHRIST'S RESURRECTION:
XI) IS THE LAW REMOVED FOR THE CHRISTIAN?:
XII) IS THE LAW REPLACED WITH LIBERTY FOR THE CHRISTIAN?:
XIII) IS THE LAW TO BE BROKEN BY CHRISTIANS UNDER LIBERTY?:
XIV) WHAT DOES THE CHRISTIAN DO WITH THE LAW?:
XV) WHAT'S THE CONCLUSION OF Q & A ON LAW, FAITH & LIBERTY?:
See my paper: "Deeper Bible Topical Papers" WITHOUT COMMENTS & REFERENCE SCRIPTURES for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Salvation Biblical Word Glossary" SALVATION WORD DEFINITIONS ARE SHOWN INCLUDING THEIR HEBREW & GREEK MEANINGS for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "My Doctrine Beliefs" ALL KEY THEOLOGICAL AREAS WITH MY PAPERS ON EACH SUBJECT for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Bible Books & Topics - Subject Cross Index" SHOWS REFERENCES IN BOTH MY BIBLE & TOPIC PAPERS WHERE A TOPIC SUBJECT INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND. for more information on this subject.
I) WHY IS THE LAW EMPHASIZED IF THE LAW WAS ESTABLISHED AFTER FAITH?:
Man is a law structured being. Man is taught (from youth) law, such as what to do and not do. God puts the law into the hearts of unbeliever/Gentile (Romans 2:12-16). By faith God made everything (Hebrews 11:3). Faith is God's spiritual principals which counters the natural ways of man. It is a gift of God (Romans 12:3, 10:17 & Ephesians 4:7), but not everyone is given faith (Thessalonians 3:2)
Law given 430 years after faith promise & cannot disannul faith God first gave a law to Adam & Eve of not eating of the fruit of tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam did not need faith since God walked with him daily. Adam did need faith after he sinned since he was looking for the Messiah (Genesis 3:15). Noah also had law in building the ark. He also exercised faith in that no boat was needed before this time. When the law is mention, it usually deals with the Ten Commandments. When faith is mention, in the Old Testament, it usually is Abraham's faith that is discussed. The Ten Commandments came 430 years after Abraham's faith promises.
Galatians 3:17-18 "And this I say, <that> the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. {18} For if the inheritance <be> of the law, <it is> no more of promise: but God gave <it> to Abraham by promise." The law did not change God's original plan of faith.
Galatians 3:29 "And if ye <be> Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." The faith promise.
See my paper: "What Does God Really Want?" WHAT LAWS OF GOD ARE CHRISTIANS TO FOLLOW. SHOWN ARE STEPS TO RECEIVE GOD FORGIVENESS for more information on this subject.
II) WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE LAW?: No one but Jesus could keep it.
"Law is spiritual: but I am carnal"
Romans 7:14 "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin." God is spiritual & man is carnal/fleshly.
"Law could not do..it was weak through the flesh"
Man is to weak to keep the law. God as a man, Jesus, fulfilled it.
Romans 8:3 "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:"
III) DOES THE LAW'S EXISTENCE PRODUCE DEATH?:
If some people are told by their pastor not to see a movie, they will go. The law, plus the temptations of Satan, are enough to move the person to sin.
"By the law..our members bring forth fruit unto death"
Romans 7:5 "For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death." The law showed us what we knew in our heart was wrong.
"Cursed is every one that continueth..in all..law"
To try and follow the law will cause man to take their eyes off Jesus as their only way to please God.
Galatians 3:10 "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed <is> every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." Once we attempt to follow law we must do it all.
"Every man..circumcised..debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect..ye are fallen from grace"
If a person requires himself and all others to be circumcised as the way to please God, they must do all that the law requires. A person can be circumcised if he wants to, depending on motivation.
Galatians 5:3-4 "For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. {4} Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." Not only this, but food, days, etc.
IV) WHAT IS THE LAW'S PURPOSE?:
The law shows God's perfect standard which man can not live-up-to.
The standard lets man knows when he is doing wrong. If a man does less than the law and feels justified to the new self standard then he has become a law unto self. God standard is correct. The man should look for another answer to living to the law (faith).
"All the world may become guilty before God"
Since no one can keep the law, everyone will be found guilty.
Romans 3:19 "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God."
"By the law is the knowledge of sin"
The law is in out hearts and on paper/stone. We know when we sin.
Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law <is> the knowledge of sin." By trying to keep the law, we are not justified by God.
See my paper: "Forgiveness of Sins" GOD FORGIVES OUR SINS THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS. for more information on this subject.
"Is the law sin? Nay, not known sin, but by the law"
God did not produce the law for people to sin, but to show our sin.
Romans 7:7 "What shall we say then? <is> the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."
"Law worketh wrath..where no law is, there is no transgression"
Romans 4:15 "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, <there is> no transgression." Sin = missing the mark and transgression = going past or over the limit. Law is mark/limit.
V) DID THE LAW REPLACE FAITH?:
No, Abraham was justified by his faith.
See my paper: "Faith" FAITH PROMISES PRESENTED FOR EVERY ASPECT OF THE CHRISTIANS LIFE: SALVATION & HEALING. THE CONDITIONS. for more information on this subject.
"Man is justified by faith without deeds of the law"
A person is justified if God says he is. Only by God's faith plan.
Romans 3:28 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Just as if he never sinned.
See my paper: "Justification of Faith - Old Testament Doctrine" OLD TESTAMENT JEWS SAVED BY THE SAME WAY AS CHRISTIANS for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Justification" DEFINITION OF JUSTIFICATION; GOD JUSTIFIES VERSUS MAN'S JUSTIFICATION; JUSTIFIED BY GRACE NOT BY LAW THROUGH JESUS FAITH for more information on this subject.
"Promise..be heir..was not..through the law, but..of faith"
Romans 4:13 "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, <was> not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." The promise is through faith.
VI) IF GOD IS PLEASED BY FAITH, THEN WHAT IS THE LAW'S STATUS?:
God is pleased by the faith walk of Christians who walk in the Spirit and follow God's directions. But, the law of God must be fulfilled to satisfy God's justice. Jesus did this on the cross.
"Without faith it is impossible to please..God"
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith <it is> impossible to please <him>: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and <that> he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
"The law is holy..the commandment holy, and just, and good"
The law is perfect and just; but man could not keep it. Jesus did.
Romans 7:12 "Wherefore the law <is> holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
John 19:30 "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." Jesus completed his work of perfectly doing the law.
VII) WHAT DOES FAITH DO WITH THE LAW?:
"Do we..void the law through faith?..we establish the law"
We fulfill the law by taking of Jesus perfectly fulfilling the law.
Romans 3:31 "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
"Righteousness of law by..not after the flesh walk..after Spirit"
Romans 8:4 "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" GOSPEL SHOWN IN SCRIPTURES MUST INCLUDE THE REVELATION OF THE IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS. for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Imputed/Reckoned/Counted Righteousness of Jesus" TRANSFER OR THE IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS TO THE CHRISTIAN & CHRISTIAN'S SINS TO JESUS. for more information on this subject.
VIII) THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO ISRAEL & NOT TO THE GENTILES:
Scriptures, from Acts 15, shows the only part of the law that was giving to the gentiles. It does not even contain the Ten Commandments. The Jew is to keep parts of the law forever, not for salvation, but as God directed the chosen people to do. See my paper: "Feasts of the Lord" for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Israel & Jewish People in God's Plan" JESUS JEWISHNESS, ISRAEL, JERUSALEM, & JEWS IN GOD'S PLAN; JEWS & GENTILE SALVATION for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Restoration of the Kingdom of God to Israel" ISRAEL IS GODS CALENDAR TO EVENTS. JEWS WILL BE RESTORED & SAVED for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Christians Are Not Under Law, But Jews Can Culturally Keep God's Commandments" COMMANDMENTS WERE GIVEN TO JEWS NOT GENTILES; CHRISTIANS ARE NOT UNDER LAW; BUT JEWISH BELIEVERS MAY CONTINUE KEEPING LAW NOT FOR SALVATION for more information on this subject.
"He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes..judgments..Israel"
Deuteronomy 4:8 "And what nation <is there so> great, that hath statutes and judgments <so> righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?" What nation = Israel (Jacob or Jews)
Psalms 147:19 "He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel." Statutes and judgments God's laws
Romans 3:2 "Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God." Oracles of God = God's very words
"Gentiles..abstain from pollutions of idols..from fornication.. from things strangled..from blood"
Acts 15:1-3, 5-11, 19-20 "And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, <and said>, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. {2} When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. {3} And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. {5} But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command <them> to keep the law of Moses. {6} And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. {7} And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men <and> brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. {8} And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as <he did> unto us; {9} And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. {10} Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? {11} But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. {19} Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: {20} But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and <from> fornication, and <from> things strangled, and <from> blood."
IX) WHAT DID THE OLD TESTAMENT JEW DO FOR SALVATION?:
Abraham was saved the same way New Testament saints are saved, by faith in God. Imputed = God reckon or attribute Him righteousness.
"A seal of the righteousness of faith..he might be the father of all them that believe..that righteousness might be imputed..them"
Jesus's righteousness to us making us pure, just, holy and clean. This is true of Abraham and all Christians who believe as Abraham.
Romans 4:11 "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which <he had yet> being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:"
"He believed in the LORD..he counted it to him for righteousness"
Genesis 15:6 "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Counted = reckon or accounted to us. This does not imply a transfer of moral qualities but credits us with Jesus righteous as our innocent substitute.
Romans 4:3 "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
X) THE LAW IS IN PLACE UNTIL CHRIST'S RESURRECTION:
Once Jesus came and fulfilled the law, the standard is faith in the completed work of Jesus. Jesus lived as a Jew under the Jewish law.
See my paper: "Between Jesus' Death & Resurrection What did He Accomplish?" JESUS CONQUERED SATAN, TOOK HIS POWER & LOOSED PARADISE for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Resurrection" JESUS RESURRECTION IS THE CENTER OF OUR FAITH IN THE BIBLE; END TIMES RESURRECTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS & WICKED ARE DISCUSSED. for more information on this subject.
"Christ is the end of the law for righteousness"
Romans 10:4 "For Christ <is> the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."
"The law..added..till the seed should come"
The seed is Jesus.
Galatians 3:19 "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." Once Jesus came the law was done away & replaced by faith
"Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ"
Once we trust Jesus to be justified, we are not under the law.
Galatians 3:24 "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster <to bring us> unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Law teachers
"After faith is come, we are no longer under schoolmaster" (law)
The Christian is in a faith walk not putting his attention to law.
Galatians 3:25 "But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster."
XI) IS THE LAW REMOVED FOR THE CHRISTIAN?:
"We are delivered from the law..serve in newness of spirit"
The Law is death which only condemns. It does not produce life.
Romans 7:6 "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."
"All things are lawful..I will not be brought under power of any"
The Christian is free, but he knows in his heart what is right.
1 Corinthians 6:12 "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." Liberty but not to be under bondage
"We were kept under..law..unto the faith..afterwards be reveal"
Galatians 3:23 "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed."
"Led of the Spirit..not under the law"
Galatians 5:18 "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." See my paper: "Walk as Jesus Walked" for more details."
See my paper: "Walk as Jesus Walked" PRESENTED ARE THE WALKS OF THE CHRISTIAN DISCIPLE. for more information on this subject.
"Blotting out..ordinances..nailing it to his cross"
Jesus death took the law out of the Christian's way.
Colossians 2:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;"
See my paper: "Jesus Life, Events & Identity" JESUS KEY EVENTS SHOW HIS LIFE & IDENTIFY WHO HE IS. for more information on this subject.
XII) IS THE LAW REPLACED WITH LIBERTY FOR THE CHRISTIAN?:
1 Corinthians 7:39 "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord." The same is with the law.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty"
2 Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." A faith life has liberty.
Galatians 2:4 "And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:" Same as today.
"Stand fast..in the liberty..Christ..made us free..not..bondage"
Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Liberty from the law and its yoke of bondage.
XIII) IS THE LAW TO BE BROKEN BY CHRISTIANS UNDER LIBERTY?:
"Take heed..liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to..weak"
1 Corinthians 8:9 "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak." Serve others
Romans 6:1-2 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? {2} God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Liberty without sinning.
Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
"Called unto liberty..not liberty for..flesh, but by love serve"
Galatians 5:13 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." Liberty but not to break God's inner principles.
"Free..not using your liberty for..maliciousness..but..servants" 1 Peter 2:16 "As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God."
"Whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage"
2 Peter 2:19 "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." Free not to become in bondage again.
Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
XIV) WHAT DOES THE CHRISTIAN DO WITH THE LAW?:
"He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law"
The Christian is in a love relationship with God first then others.
Romans 13:8 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Law fulfilled by us.
Romans 13:10 "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love <is> the fulfilling of the law."God fulfilled by perfect love.
See my paper: "Love" DEFINITION OF LOVE; LOVE IN ACTION IS CHARITY; BIBLE LOVE CHAPTERS; EXAMPLES OF LOVE; LOVE COMMANDS for more information on this subject.
See my paper: "Grace" DEFINITION OF GRACE; GRACE FOR BELIEVERS; ONLY KINDNESS TO UNBELIEVERS; GRACE GROWTH; GRACE SAVES for more information on this subject.
"All the law is fulfilled in one word..love neighbour as thyself"
Galatians 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, <even> in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
XV) WHAT'S THE CONCLUSION OF Q & A ON LAW, FAITH & LIBERTY?:
"Put my law in their inward parts..write it in their hearts"
God's laws are in our hearts as inner principles to live by.
Jeremiah 31:33 "But this <shall be> the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." Covenant = N.T.
Hebrews 10:16-18 "This <is> the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; {17} And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. {18} Now where remission of these <is>, <there is> no more offering for sin."
"Think not that I am not come destroy the law..but to fulfil"
Jesus lived as a Jew, under Jewish law, & completed it perfectly.
Matthew 5:17-18 "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."
"Cursed is every one that continueth not in all..written in..law" Law demands perfection. Jesus did the law perfectly & gave His life
Deuteronomy 27:26 "Cursed <be> he that confirmeth not <all> the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Romans 10:5 "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them."
Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed <is> every one that hangeth on a tree:" Redeemed = purchased back
"Receiving the end of your faith..salvation of your souls"
The Old Testament person under the law searched for what is now ours. Faith, which is freedom from the law, is by Jesus death & glory.
1 Peter 1:9-11 "Receiving the end of your faith, <even> the salvation of <your> souls. {10} Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace <that should come> unto you: {11} Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."Grace = unmerited favor (not earned) to us from God.
"Love..God..all thy heart..love..neighbour as thyself..hang..law"
Matthew 22:37-40 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. {38} This is the first & great commandment. {39} & the second <is> like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." {40} On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
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