Greatest Misunderstanding

[ITS]

What is the greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation? Briefly, how would you respond?

[LK]

Generally speaking, the word "law" is associated with salvation within the Old Testament, in contrast to "grace" being associated with salvation within the New Testament. This has caused a widespread misunderstanding that for those people who lived before Christ's atoning sacrificial death, obedience to the Torah, as captured in the Mosiac Covenant, was required for personal salvation. Such obedience was complemented by various sacrificial rites which had to be performed in order to obtain forgiveness for intentional and unintnetional sins.

However, Yahweh did not impose the Mosiac Covenant upon the people of Israel as conditions for salvation. In contrast, that covenant was given so that Israel might become "a special treasure, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exo 19:5-6) so as to spread the "good news" about Yahweh to all people. Regardless that the Israelites "broke covenant", salvation was in fact "from grace" and its provision made manifest in multiple acts of Yahweh, from Gen 3:21 (Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin and clothed them.), to Exodus 14:13 ("Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will acomplish for you today."), to the SUffering Servant of Isaiah 53:5f, to the "I will's" of Ezekiel 36:22f.

Thus, in every instance that salvation was provided in the Old Testament, such salvation was provided by grace to an unmerited people and in every instance, Old Testament salvation was given in anticipation of "New Testament salvation" based on Christ's death and resurrection.

This of course begs the question, "Why then the Law?" which is simply answered by noting that it contains Yahweh's "guidelines" for living a life that is: (1) pleasing to Him; and, (2) advantageous for humanity at large. The Law may be broken at one's peril, but broken without affecting salvation.

Shalom,

LK Jordan

[Eric]

What is the greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation? Briefly, how would you respond?

The greatest misunderstanding is Law vs. Grace. Since Israel had a system of laws to follow, and a system of sacrifices to make up for disobedience, people assume those who lived in Old Testament times were saved by adherence to the law. However, we find in the New Testament that Abraham was saved because he believed God (Faith) and it was credited to him as righteousness (Imputation). We also see gentiles getting saved in the bok of Jonah after they threw Jonah into the water. When the storm calmed, they believed in Yahweh (and were presumably saved). So again, its faith that is the salvific agent in the OT.

[Eric]

I really like your conclusion that the law can be broken at your peril, but not your peril of salvation. I find that legalistic churches are so wrapped up in the law/do's and dont's that they become no earthly good. Of course there are consequences for law breaking...some spiritual and some physical; but using the law as a staunch rule book robs a person of his joy and freedom in Christ. I am right in the middle of my paper on Law and the life of a Christian, so your posting gave me another idea to pursue in the paper.....Thanks!!

[Keith]

I definitely agree with LK that Yahweh did not impose the Mosaic covenant upon the people of Israel as a condition for salvation. The Law was given to a people who were already redeemed by the gracious hand of God. And I agree with LK that we can see God?s mercy and grace from the moment man fell into sin (Gen. 3:15, 21).
However, let me nit-pick over one of the Scripture verses that LK uses to buttress his case that ?salvation was in fact ?from grace.?? LK quotes Exodus 14:13; ?Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today.? In context the salvation that is being talked about is salvation from the Egyptians. Look at the rest of verse 13 and verse 14; ?The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.? This is why some translations translate the word used here is deliverance rather than salvation, since deliverance from Israel?s enemies is what is being talked about in Exodus 14. So the word salvation in the Old Testament is not always used how we as Christians use the word. It often meant, in context, deliverance from one?s enemies (Ps. 3:7, 8; 68:20).

[Keith]

One of the greatest misunderstandings of the Old Testament concepts of salvation is that one could be saved by obedience to the Law, whether it be the Mosaic Law or the law that written on the conscience. But even if this were true, then nobody from the Old Testament period could have saved since God demands perfection. In fact, as James 2:10 says, ?For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.?
To see that it is by God?s grace and mercy and not ?by works? that one is saved in O. T. times, let us take a brief look at Psalm 51. Evidently this psalm was composed after the prophet Nathan confronted David about David?s committing adultery with Bathsheba. David did not respond thusly; ?But God, look at all the other good things that I have done. Sure I slipped here and there, but basically a good person. And if you add up all of my good works you will see that they outweigh my bad works.? However, David recognizes how sinful he really is. In Psalm 51 we see a man with a broken and contrite heart because of his sin against God. David pleads for God to have mercy on him. If salvation were by works and if David was ?basically a good person,? then there would be no need for mercy. Yet, it is according to God?s mercy and great compassion that He blots out David?s transgressions. It is often this Old Testament passage that many of us New Testament Christians turn to and find comfort in when we are convicted of a sin or sins we have committed.

[Hamelink]

The greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation is that it is by works and not by faith. It was something that man needed to do as opposed to God. Law and grace are the two key words here. Man could not keep the law; although they tried. That only pointed them to God.

The interpretation of God could then become clouded. God may not be seen as the God of grace, but only righteousness wherein in reality He is both in the Old Testament.

Man needed to comply with the Law. Moses received that law on Mount Sinai and everything stemmed on the keeping of that law. The Old Testament starting from Genesis in always pointing to the great sacrifice and the Christ coming. The Passover lamb was indeed pointing to Christ.

God's redemptive plan was the focus. All that happened to Israel was in keeping with that plan. Man misunderstood it. The Isrealites wandered in the wilderness. Even the priests broke the law.

They wanted judges and a king. They did not want God to be their king, but God had a plan for the Messiah to come out of the line of David therefore ensuring salvation.

Man did not want to follow God's plan for salvation. They did not heed to the prophets; they did not believe Noah. God was still faithful throughout and provided a means of salvation.

Abraham believed God. Hebrews 11 is filled with names of people of the Old Testament that found Christ through faith. It was grace that man needed salvation; there was nothing in themselves that they could do to obtain it.

[KyleTardiff]

It seems to me that the greatest misunderstanding concerning the concept of salvation is that fulfillment of the law can bring salvation or is a necessary requirement of salvation. I suggest that the obedience to the law does not lead to salvation. Had obedience to the law been enough to save mankind from their transgressions then Jesus Christ death would have been in vain. Aside from this fact it is evident that fulfillment of the law does not lead to salvation because the old covenant, meaning the Sinai covenant where the law was given, was done away with after the exilic period. In Jeremiah 31:31-34 the Jeremiah prophesies that the Lord will make a new covenant with the house of Israel. In this passage the main reason for this new covenant is because Israel has been unfaithful to the old covenant and has broken it repeatedly. Becuase of their unfaithfulness God will institute a new covenant where the Law is written on the hearts of his people rather then on tablets of stone. Since the old covenant will be done away with then it statnds to reason that the law that was given with it will be done away with as well. If the old covenant and the law associated with it were enough to lead to salvation then the people would have been able to keep the covenant and it would have been sufficient for salvation. Because it was not God ushers in a new covenant where the law is written on the hearts of the people and where their sins are forgiven so completely that they are forgotton.
In the New Testament, which is an account of the new covenant that has been provided there are instances where obedience to the law, in particular the 10 commandments , seems to be required. However, in these instances the 10 commandments themselves are not obeyed because we are still to obey the old covenant but because they have been incorporated into the new covenant by being expanded or reinstated in the New Testament.

[pmathias]

What is the greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation? Briefly, how would you respond?

One misunderstanding many people have is that the law does not apply to us as Christians since we have grace. Jesus states in Matthew 5 that He did not come to abolish the law, but that He came to fulfill the law. While we may not have to follow the letter of the law, the spirit of the law (loving God with everything we are, loving our neighbor, etc.) still applies to our lives as Christians.

[pmathias]

I agree that obeying the law is not what brings us salvation. Salvation comes through our faith in Jesus Christ. While not a part of our salvation, full obedience to the scriptures can sometimes be an indication of the condition of our heart. The new covenant certainly changes the form of the law, however living a lifestyle that is consistent with this law (in addition to grace and mercy) is an important part of our Christian walk.

[Scott]

The greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation is that the Old Testament believers were saved differently than New Testament believers. The misunderstanding is that Old Testament believers are saved by their adherence to the Mosaic Law. This is not the case. The Law is based on God’s grace and redemption (Deuteronomy 5:6) The Old Testament believer received salvation the same way as a New Testament believer—by faith. Faith in what God has promised (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:18).

[Scott]

It seems to me that the greatest misunderstanding concerning the concept of salvation is that fulfillment of the law can bring salvation or is a necessary requirement of salvation. I suggest that the obedience to the law does not lead to salvation. Had obedience to the law been enough to save mankind from their transgressions then Jesus Christ death would have been in vain. Aside from this fact it is evident that fulfillment of the law does not lead to salvation because the old covenant, meaning the Sinai covenant where the law was given, was done away with after the exilic period. In Jeremiah 31:31-34 the Jeremiah prophesies that the Lord will make a new covenant with the house of Israel. In this passage the main reason for this new covenant is because Israel has been unfaithful to the old covenant and has broken it repeatedly. Becuase of their unfaithfulness God will institute a new covenant where the Law is written on the hearts of his people rather then on tablets of stone. Since the old covenant will be done away with then it statnds to reason that the law that was given with it will be done away with as well. If the old covenant and the law associated with it were enough to lead to salvation then the people would have been able to keep the covenant and it would have been sufficient for salvation. Because it was not God ushers in a new covenant where the law is written on the hearts of the people and where their sins are forgiven so completely that they are forgotton.
In the New Testament, which is an account of the new covenant that has been provided there are instances where obedience to the law, in particular the 10 commandments , seems to be required. However, in these instances the 10 commandments themselves are not obeyed because we are still to obey the old covenant but because they have been incorporated into the new covenant by being expanded or reinstated in the New Testament.

I agree with Kyle that the Law cannot bring salvation nor is it a requirment for salvation. I would add to Kyle's answer that Reformed theology would say that the moral law within the Mosaic Law has not been done away with and is applicable to the New Testament believer. This is the much debated question of whether or not the Mosaic law is continued or discontinued in the New Testament. While almost every viewpoint says that the Mosaic ceremonial laws are discontinued, there are other views (covenant theology) that believe the moral laws continue in the New Testament. Kyle seems to be saying as much in his last paragraph--with the caveat that it must be "expanded or reinstated in the New Testament."

[its_brad]

Posted By: ERIC SHEPARD
Post Date: Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:06 am
Post Subject: Re: Greatest Misunderstanding
ITS wrote:
What is the greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation? Briefly, how would you respond?The greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation is that O.T. saints were saved by works rather than the same way the New Testament saints are saved, by faith. What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Rom 4:3 NIV). They were saved by faith in the Messiah in whom they were trusting. Even Abraham was looking for a city built by God. (Heb 11:10). For these O.T. believers were looking for and trusting in a future Messiah, where we look back to Him and see the cross. They knew He was coming as had been spoken by the prophets (1 Pet 1:10-11 NIV). We see this in the life of Simeon who had been told that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ (Luke 2:26). Also we see in the Old Testament the Holy Spirit was there in the lives of His people. Consider Psalm 51:11, “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” Even in the temple the purpose of the curtain before the holy of holies was the Holy Spirit showing that the way into the Most Holy Place (the presence of God) had not yet been revealed (Heb 9:8-9 NIV) Also the sacrifices of the Old Testament could not take away sin, the law was only a shadow of what was coming through Christ. (Heb 10:1-4 NIV) Paul writing to the Galatians says the purpose of the law was a paidagogos to bring us to faith in Christ (Gal 3:24 NIV).

[its_brad]

Posted By: ERIC SHEPARD
Post Date: Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:08 am
Post subject: Re: What is the greatest misunderstanding concerning the con

[In reply to Kyle, the problem wasn’t that obedience could not save them, for the law is righteous (even Christ fully obeyed the law) it was that man could not meet its requirements (Acts 15:10). Also Paul writes that the purpose of the Law was so that the trespass might increase not that God’s intention was to bring about salvation (Rom 5:20). Even at the Jerusalem council the only stipulations that they made on the gentiles was telling them “to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood” (Acts 15:20). If the 10 commandments were still in force why didn’t the church emphasize this? Another item was the passing away of the Sinai covenant after the exilic period, because of Jeremiah’s prophesy about the New covenant being instituted; because Israel had broken the old covenant. If this were true they would not have built the temple and performed the sacrifices as was also prophesied they would do (Isaiah 44:2 . Also Jesus would not have stressed that none of the Law would pass away till all was fulfilled (Mat 5:17-20). The New Testament was not initiated until the last supper by Christ, and ratified by His death, burial and resurrection.

[brady]

The covenant idea in the Old Testament can be very simply expressed in the words 'God makes and keeps promises' and we discover that in making promises God is moved only by his own nature. He finds circumstances among men, but he finds pressure within his own heart. It is the nature of God that moves him to make his promises, and in keeping the promises which he makes, God acts in his all-sufficient strength. As we shall see in our studies, the word all in the expression 'all-sufficient' needs to be emphasized. God does not take anyone into partnership. He is not only totally able to keep his promises without assistance, but he insists upon so doing. Man has the freewill to run from or run to the promise of salvation, in the Old Testament or New Testament.

[Yvana]

The greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation that many believe is that by following the Mosaic law one was saved, and there are still people that believe that if you follow the Law you can be saved. It is in their minds about what you do, and how much of it you do and not about God and His Grace.

We see that throughout the Old Testament God's law was broken on numerous occasions and by many of those important and Godly fearing men in the Bible. Can we truly say that these people were excluded from salvation because they did not follow the letter of the law? Of course not, God in His grace offered them forgiveness and they in their conviction repented. We see, as one forum member mentioned, David the King "after God's own heart." How could a man that murdered and committed adultery be given such a title? David understood God and he followed him wholeheartedly, yet he fell and God in his grace lifted him up. David was saved not through the Law but through his Gracious and Merciful Father. The consequences of his actions remained throughout his life on earth, but he kept his salvation.

[Yvana]

I agree with pmathias in that obeying the law is not what brings us salvation and that living a lifestyle that is consistent with the new convenant is an important part of the Christian walk. I just disagree with the statement "full obdedience to the scriptures can sometimes be an indication of the condition of our heart." I believe that our obedience to the scripture is always an indication of the condition of our heart. The Bible also tell us that whatever you fill your heart with that is what your mouth will speak. So depending on the fullness of your heart (with the scriptures) or as stated the condition of your heart that is what your Christian walk will reflect. Is it not?

[Macatawa]

What is the greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation? Briefly, how would you respond?

I believe that the greatest misunderstanding regarding salvation in the Old Testament is that of the Law. The Law established, with an amazing amount of detail, how a person should live. If a person failed to abide by God's law a sacrifices was to be offered. If it was a proper sacrifice before God a person could find forgiveness. We find this to be true in the New Testament as well. All one needs to do is consider the Pharisees. They believed that the way to be assured of their salvation was to first be Jewish and to secondly obey the letter of the Law. In a sense, then, salvation was a works based achievement. It is not surprising, based on the confusion that existed among the Pharisees, how people today are confused on this issue as well. Yet to hold this view would be an error.

The Law was given by God to Israel to show them how beautiful they were in His eyes. He gave this to them so that they could live as a treasure before Him. Needless to say, Israel messed up over and over again. Once a covenant was broken God then established a new one to replace it for it was His desire that His salvation work continue on. Such a work was an act of grace from Yahweh. When considering "salvation," we should be quick to remember the life of Abraham. When God spoke to Abraham he responded in faith. Such faith was considered righteousness before God. While Abraham was not able to place his faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ, he was able to respond to Yahweh with the kind of faith desired. Such faith led Abraham to salvation. Through this example we can see that "grace" was everywhere present in the Old Testament. Because of this we should no longer think that salvation came by way of works to the Old Testament Jew. Salvation came through the grace extended by the hand of the Almighty God who desired over and over again to bless His people.

[Macatawa]

The greatest misunderstanding is Law vs. Grace. Since Israel had a system of laws to follow, and a system of sacrifices to make up for disobedience, people assume those who lived in Old Testament times were saved by adherence to the law. However, we find in the New Testament that Abraham was saved because he believed God (Faith) and it was credited to him as righteousness (Imputation). We also see gentiles getting saved in the bok of Jonah after they threw Jonah into the water. When the storm calmed, they believed in Yahweh (and were presumably saved). So again, its faith that is the salvific agent in the OT.

I believe Eric's words to be brief, but accurate. I would suggest, upon reading his words, that he may have wanted to address the covenants God made with His people in the Old Testament. These covenants are also an act of grace. They show that, though man would fail Yahweh, He would find new ways to further His plan of salvation. Through God's display of faithfulness to His people He showed, with an amazing amount of fortitude, His matchless grace at work. In addition, Eric may have wanted to add that the Pharisees themselves totally missed the point regarding the Law vs. Grace. They were all about obeying the "letter of the Law." Yet God looks on the heart and He responds to a heart that is filled with faith and love towards Him. This is the God we serve... a God full of grace and wonder.

[Steve_Sterry]

What is the greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation? Briefly, how would you respond?

I think that the greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation is that it is viewed only in a historical sense, instead of as an active-dynamic concept that influences today's church just as much as it influenced Israel in Old Testament times.

We are still living in a covenant relationship with God. That covenant is the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.
As a nation, we are facing the same issues as the people of Israel. We started out being a nation of God and have let ourselves slide into apostasy, thereby endangering our status as a continuing nation.
We have failed to recognize and make use of the lessons that the Old Testament has taught us.

[Steve_Sterry]

The greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvation is that the Old Testament believers were saved differently than New Testament believers. The misunderstanding is that Old Testament believers are saved by their adherence to the Mosaic Law. This is not the case. The Law is based on God’s grace and redemption (Deuteronomy 5:6) The Old Testament believer received salvation the same way as a New Testament believer—by faith. Faith in what God has promised (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:18).

Scott:

I agree with you, but I don't think that the people of the Old Testament could have understood the concepts, as we talk about them today. Considering the fact that within four generations of Abraham, those whom God chose as His own people lapsed into virtually complete apostasy and sin. At that stage of the game, the Law, itself, was the only thing that they were able to understand. So, those who were true to Yahweh followed the law, did their sacrifices, and were cleansed. They thought in terms of cleanliness and un-cleanliness (Tzedek).

Now that we know what the New Testament says, we, as believers, have a firmer hold on the concept. Yet, the tragedy is that apostasy in the land is growing at an alarming rate, some of it from within churches (the Episcopal and Methodist churches are good examples). So, maybe as a nation we don't really understand, after all.

[adamsjb@grace.edu]

The greatest misunderstanding of the Old Testament concept of salvetion was that it entailed the keeping of the Law. That is to say, some would believe that salvation in the Old Testament was by Law keeping instead of by faith. My brief response would be that, salvation has always been and still is by grace through faith alone. An uncircumcised Abraham (before the Law) was saved by faith apart from works (Romans 4:1-12). Nicodemus a circumcised, Law abiding Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, was told by Jesus personally, that salvation was by faith, "whoever believes may in Him have eternal life" (John 3:15 NASB). The reason he may have eternal life is grace (John 3:16).

[adamsjb@grace.edu]

Eric, I agree with you that the greatest misunderstanding is Law vs. Grace as well as their relationship to each other. This is a point of confusion and conflict in many a church even today. Faith is the saving agent (or as you say, salvific agent) in the O.T. as well as the N.T. "For by grace you have been saved through faith" (Eph 2:8 NASB).

[gwoodrum]

Salvation in the Old Testament is seen as keeping the law, there is a thought to be an absense of mercy and grace. The long list of rules, guidelines and laws gives the cursory reader an impression that to please God, to be a follower, to earn his favor, one must be a rule follower. Therefore salvation becomes an experience of works and adherence to laws instead of an experience of faith. Abraham was justified by faith. Our faith leads to obedience and good works but, our faith is the basis for salvation in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

[gwoodrum]

I agree that we need the addition of grace and mercy. Salvation is seen in the Old Testament as keeping the law, and there ia a thought to be an absense of mercy and grace. In all actuality, all that happened to Isareal was due to the mercy and grace of God. No one has ever kept the law, so all the Old Testament characters needed the grace and mercy og God. Old Testament law only revealed the need for redemption throught Jesus.