|
solarflare -> RE: I need some opinions (7/7/2008 1:13:56 PM)
|
613 commandments between the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Jesus referred to all 5 books of Moses as the Law, it was, technically, limited to these four books.
248 positive and 365 negative - including the 10 commandments - which is the heart of the law. Theologians have divided this law into two parts - moral and ceremonial.
Jesus fulfilled the law pertaining to the ceremonial aspects - there can be no other conclusion. Quote: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks
one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5: 17-19
By the time Jesus was quoting the above, religious leaders had turned the laws into a confusing regimen of human rules. Jesus was putting the focus on the original purpose of the law - he was speaking out against the abuse and excess - not the law itself.
The CEREMONIAL law was specifically related to Israel’s worship and ordained and given by God to Moses for the nation of Israel. Its primary purpose was to foreshadow Jesus as the final High Priest. We (and literally the Jews as well, if they believe in Jesus) are no longer bound by ceremonial laws - but the purpose behind them, still applies - that purpose is to love and worship God in His holiness.
The CIVIL law applied to daily living in Israel. We still have a civil code of law in this country.
The MORAL law - such as THE TEN COMMANDMENTS - is a DIRECT COMMAND of God - NOT open to interpretation and it requires STRICT obedience. The moral law reveals the nature and will of God -ie. God IS Holy - therefore He cannot look upon sin - hence the ceremonial law which the Israelites had to obey in order to approach God. Hence, the enormous system of sacrifice in place AT THAT TIME, and no longer applicable as Jesus is the final sacrifice - the perfect, spotless lamb who
takes away the sin of the world.
So, Jesus said two diametrically opposing things if there is really only one type of law.
It needs to be remembered that the NT was written basically to those who knew the law and would not misunderstand what Jesus said and would not find his words to be in conflict.
Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law - the law which required a system of sacrifice, cleansing and very specific patterns of worship - the temple veil was torn in two when when Jesus died. It was torn from the top to the bottom - God tore the veil to indicate that a new way into the Holy of Holies had been made through the sacrifice of His son.
In this manner, the ceremonial laws were done away with. That means that the system of sacrifice was no longer in effect. The 10 commandments are still applicable and point out how sinful we are. As we cannot possibly keep them, Jesus has made a way for us to be forgiven and to be able to approach God without all the ceremony that the Israelites had to apply in order to be forgiven.
Why did God state that the Israelites should not tattoo themselves? He wanted a nation that represented Him - that was unlike the pagan nations around them. He wanted a nation that represented His holiness and outward obedience was an indication of that Holiness.
Why did God not allow for types of material to be woven together? It was an outward indication that the Israelites were set apart to God - ie. They were not to mix with the nations around them.
Why did God not want the Israelites to plant too kinds of seed in the same field?
Same reason as above.
Colossians 3:5 “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming.”
Col. 2:16 -17 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come, the reality, however, is found in Christ. This verse is referring to the ceremonial law which was completed in Christ and no longer applicable.
It was a FORESHADOWING - the animal sacrifices could not even really pay the price for human sin.
A shadow of the things that were to come - what things? The fulfillment of this part of the law by Jesus.
THAT is why the law is divided into two parts - that which is now done away with, and that which is in effect until heaven and earth pass away.
James actually goes so far as to say: For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. James 2:10 This indicates that the part of the law Jesus referred to, has indeed, not passed away.
HERMENEUTICS is the art or science of interpretation of written texts - not jus the Bible, but texts in general. Within Christianity, however, the term generally refers to methods of interpreting the Bible.
For interesting reading, a Hermeneutics test that YOU can take - to see for yourself whether you are conservative or liberal., or inbetween. Do you really believe what you think you do? How do you interpret your Bible? This is not just the question on this thread but a major concern as the shift from conservative interpretation swings towards liberalism and such ‘theories’ as ‘miracles in the Bible are not real - they are just
stories to illustrate a point.
So, don't take my word for it - I am conservative in my interpretation. I did not need to take a test to find that out - but it was informative.
http://buildingchurchleaders.com/assessments/individuals/hermeneuticsquiz.html
I am done disagreeing and agreeing to disagree. I have no doubt I will be asked what I mean by this and what I mean by that. My question is simply, why try so hard to prove me wrong if you are happy with your conscience? If you really believe that you have made a decision with a clear conscience, then this post should not bother you in the least.
You are free to interpret the passages of Scripture in a way other than what I have done - that activity has been going on for centuries! I doubt we shall clear it up on this thread.
I do not believe that it is "OK" for a Christian to get a tattoo. This, I know, does not line up with what some people believe. It is, however what I believe the Bible teaches.
|
|
|
|