Law of God

[ITS]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

[ITS]

Question # 1: As Christians, I believe part of our love for God involves love for the law of God. Dispensationalists often say that we don't have to keep the Ten Commandments because they are for the Jews, and we don't have to obey anything Jesus said because that was only for His disciples, and we don't have to do anything Paul said because that was only for the early Church. Obedience was always important for the people of God and still is. Everything the New Testament does not change is normative for Christians, I believe. Jesus affirmed the OT Law, and Dr. Kaiser said that behind the specific OT injunctions lie universal principles.

[David Gauthier]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8) impact our life today?

Old Testament Law plainly shows that man has consistently failed to be able to keep the Law, and therefore needs a Savior. Righteousness was never gained by following the Law, but rather through faith as plainly stated in Genesis 12. However, by way of application to our life today, we should learn from the Law that righteousness before God depends entirely on Christ as the only One that has ever perfectly fulfilled the demands of the Law. We should also learn from the Law those timeless principles and imperatives that can be applied in our lives to more accurately represent Christ on earth as His ambassadors. Old Testament Law cannot be ?set aside? because of the valuable lessons that it holds for us concerning God and His ways, but it also cannot provide righteousness.

[David Gauthier]

Question # 1: As Christians, I believe part of our love for God involves love for the law of God. Dispensationalists often say that we don't have to keep the Ten Commandments because they are for the Jews, and we don't have to obey anything Jesus said because that was only for His disciples, and we don't have to do anything Paul said because that was only for the early Church. Obedience was always important for the people of God and still is. Everything the New Testament does not change is normative for Christians, I believe. Jesus affirmed the OT Law, and Dr. Kaiser said that behind the specific OT injunctions lie universal principles.

What comes first, love for God or obedience to Law? The point of grace is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), so that we could be reconciled to God through the death of His Son (Romans 5:10). Reconciliation with God is required before there can be any measure of obedience to Law and the commandments of Christ. Love for Christ allows believers to abide in Him, and by the work of the Holy Spirit there are some victories in obeying the Law. What is normative for the church is abiding in Christ. If we could focus on that priority, obedience would naturally follow. As an aside, I am a dispensationalist, and I don't agree with any of the "Dispensationalist exclusions" listed in your reply.

[adamlawson]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

The Law of God shows us wonderful ways to express our love for the Savior. Dr. Kaiser breaks the Law into three different sections: moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law. If it is true that moral law is based on the character of God, it obviously cannot be done away with because God cannot be done away with. Because of that, living according to the moral law and finding ways to express that in our lives (as the civil law did) can only bring glory to the Master. However, we need to keep in mind that we do not obey the Law in any way, shape, or form to earn acceptance or salvation from God. God loved us and saved us because of His grace, not because of anything else. I think what believers need to be the most careful about when it comes to Law is not to get into a performance mindset. We are saved only be grace. Being obediant should simply be an outflow of His love expressed to us.

[adamlawson]

Question # 1: As Christians, I believe part of our love for God involves love for the law of God. Dispensationalists often say that we don't have to keep the Ten Commandments because they are for the Jews, and we don't have to obey anything Jesus said because that was only for His disciples, and we don't have to do anything Paul said because that was only for the early Church. Obedience was always important for the people of God and still is. Everything the New Testament does not change is normative for Christians, I believe. Jesus affirmed the OT Law, and Dr. Kaiser said that behind the specific OT injunctions lie universal principles.

What comes first, love for God or obedience to Law? The point of grace is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), so that we could be reconciled to God through the death of His Son (Romans 5:10). Reconciliation with God is required before there can be any measure of obedience to Law and the commandments of Christ. Love for Christ allows believers to abide in Him, and by the work of the Holy Spirit there are some victories in obeying the Law. What is normative for the church is abiding in Christ. If we could focus on that priority, obedience would naturally follow. As an aside, I am a dispensationalist, and I don't agree with any of the "Dispensationalist exclusions" listed in your reply.

I found this reply to be very beneficial. I too feel that the focus of believers should be on continually abiding in Christ. Whenever Christians make a life of trying to find things wrong in their lives and continually critiquing themselves, they tend to pull their focus off of Christ. This is a dangerous thing to do because not only does Christ save us, He also lives the Christian life through us by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said quite plainly in John 15:21 that our love is demonstrated by obedience, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me..." I think too many Christians read this and then think to themselves, "I'll keep more commandments to prove my love, I'll try harder." What they need to realize is that they need to stop spending more and more self effort to try and obey. Instead, they should think about loving Jesus. If our love for Jesus is there, we will be obedient as a matter of fact. Our focus should be on the Lord and Him only, lest we end up in idolatry. And yes, we can committ idolatry even by focusing only on the Law of God at the expense of keeping our minds on Jesus.

[jenni.madden]

The law of God in the church today is a difficult and sticky subject. Often times people claim freedom from the law and do not even question why. The ceremonial law does not apply to the church because of the sacrifice of Christ. The civil law reveals important principles behind them. Christians live under the moral law and need to think through it more. Too often we think about our freedom in Christ and forget the purposes behind the laws. Holiness is a requirement of God and while living under the law we maintain right relationship with God. The law also reflects the character God. As we follow the moral law God has established, we will imitate God’s character to the nations. Being in right relationship with God and reflecting His character to others is reason enough for consider the law more important.

[jenni.madden]

I agree that as followers of Christ we are called to love the law. Jesus treats the law in high regard and definitely communicated that He came to fulfill it. Jesus has definitely communicated that the reason we obey the law (or Him) is because we love Him. I also found it challenging that the law reflects the character of God and His holiness. It challenged me that another reason I need to love the law is because it reflects Him.
How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8) impact our life today?

Old Testament Law plainly shows that man has consistently failed to be able to keep the Law, and therefore needs a Savior. Righteousness was never gained by following the Law, but rather through faith as plainly stated in Genesis 12. However, by way of application to our life today, we should learn from the Law that righteousness before God depends entirely on Christ as the only One that has ever perfectly fulfilled the demands of the Law. We should also learn from the Law those timeless principles and imperatives that can be applied in our lives to more accurately represent Christ on earth as His ambassadors. Old Testament Law cannot be ?set aside? because of the valuable lessons that it holds for us concerning God and His ways, but it also cannot provide righteousness.

[bobsiska]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

When considering the OT law, it is important that Christians are aware that Jesus had a very high view of the law, in fact he said that fulfilling the law was the embodiment of his earthly ministry (Matt 5:17). It is also important that Christians view the law of the OT in light of the NT, since; the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life (2Co 3:6). Jesus summarized the spirit of the law in his response to the question about what was the greatest commandment. If we love God and love our neighbors, we will fulfill the spirit of the law, thereby the law itself. The law of God therefore has place in our lives, as it the schoolmaster that brings up to Christ (Ga 3:25). It also reminds that the Lord commands; be holy, for I am holy. Although after faith comes we are not dependant upon the law for our salvation, the law does keep before us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of widsom.

[bobsiska]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

The Law of God shows us wonderful ways to express our love for the Savior. Dr. Kaiser breaks the Law into three different sections: moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law. If it is true that moral law is based on the character of God, it obviously cannot be done away with because God cannot be done away with. Because of that, living according to the moral law and finding ways to express that in our lives (as the civil law did) can only bring glory to the Master. However, we need to keep in mind that we do not obey the Law in any way, shape, or form to earn acceptance or salvation from God. God loved us and saved us because of His grace, not because of anything else. I think what believers need to be the most careful about when it comes to Law is not to get into a performance mindset. We are saved only be grace. Being obediant should simply be an outflow of His love expressed to us.

I would agree that a performance mindset is dangerous, and was the very mindset Jesus was against when he confronted the Pharisees. Their attitude of legalism was rooted in pride and blinded many of the Jewish leaders so they did not recognize the savior. They added many traditions to the law, and strained at a gnat while swallowing a camel. Satan offen comes to accuse and comdemn, using legalism to wound and hurt many. However, the opposite side of this coin is an aloof attitude that refuses to confront sin and speak out against a corrupt world. The world has crept into our churches and seeker-friendliness is now the norm. While there is nothing wrong with reaching out, the church has become too sin friendly. Jesus loved righteousness and hated iniquity (Heb 1:9), and we should as Christians be mindful of the law written on our hearts (Rom 2:15).

[J. Afanador]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

The Law of God reveals to us the character of God. When we look to the Law, we learn with awesome wonder that our God is a holy God and that those who are in covenant relationship with him must reflect his holiness in daily living (Lev. 19:2; Deut. 18:13). Obedience to the Law, however, should not be understood as a prerequisite for entering into covenant relationship with God. Look at the people of Israel; God saved them from bondage in Egypt and then gave them the Law. He showed them how they ought to live in light of their already being in covenant with him. For Christians, the Law serves as a sold foundation for Ethics. Although various aspects of the Law were particularized for Israel’s historical context – e.g. the Ceremonial and Civil Laws – their principles are rooted in God’s Moral Law and continue to be of value for believers today.

[J. Afanador]

[quote=ITS]The Law of God shows us wonderful ways to express our love for the Savior. Dr. Kaiser breaks the Law into three different sections: moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law. If it is true that moral law is based on the character of God, it obviously cannot be done away with because God cannot be done away with. Because of that, living according to the moral law and finding ways to express that in our lives (as the civil law did) can only bring glory to the Master. However, we need to keep in mind that we do not obey the Law in any way, shape, or form to earn acceptance or salvation from God. God loved us and saved us because of His grace, not because of anything else. I think what believers need to be the most careful about when it comes to Law is not to get into a performance mindset. We are saved only be grace. Being obediant should simply be an outflow of His love expressed to us.

You brought up an important point when you mentioned the “performance mindset” many Christians struggle with. Why are we so tempted to look to our works as a meritorious basis for acceptance with God? The people of Israel were not chosen and saved because of their performance but because of God’s grace and love (Deut. 7:8 ). God anticipated Israel’s failure to keep the Law perfectly and thus provided a means for atonement. Any attempt to earn God’s grace is doomed to fail. Trying to earn salvation or attain God’s favor through law keeping or works of any kind is not scripturally acceptable. The NT reminds us of this very thing as Christians – it is by grace we have been saved (Eph. 2:4). C. S. Lewis said it best: “A Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because he loves us.”

[Scott]

Question # 1: As Christians, I believe part of our love for God involves love for the law of God. Dispensationalists often say that we don't have to keep the Ten Commandments because they are for the Jews, and we don't have to obey anything Jesus said because that was only for His disciples, and we don't have to do anything Paul said because that was only for the early Church. Obedience was always important for the people of God and still is. Everything the New Testament does not change is normative for Christians, I believe. Jesus affirmed the OT Law, and Dr. Kaiser said that behind the specific OT injunctions lie universal principles.

I agree that the fruit our love for God is obedience to His Word. I also agree that ethical, universal principles lie behind the Old Testament law that are for all people, and as Christians we should love and learn from all of God’s Word. However, I would be careful with the term “dispensationalists.” I have been raised in this tradition, and although I have heard of hyper-dispensationalists who compartmentalize the Bible, I have never met one. I know of no one, who is a dispensationalist (distinction between Israel and the Church in God’s unfolding plan), who would ever believe that the Ten Commandments, or the sayings of Jesus or the Apostle Paul are not for today. Be careful to seek a good understanding of views and not see only the extremes.

[Scott]

In Roman 15:4, we are told that everything written in the past is to teach us so that through endurance and encouragement we may have hope. I believe the Old Testament law is written to instruct and encourage us in our walk of faith. We are no longer held to the letter of the ceremonial laws, as Dr. Kaiser states (see Exodus 25:40) these are a pattern, a model to serve for a specific time for the shaping of the nation of Israel and giving them a holy distinction from the polytheistic nations surrounding them. But the spirit of the law, the principles of the law (ceremonial, moral, civil) apply to us. For example, the ceremonial law demonstrates how God cares for every detail of life among His people, which should encourage us. The ceremonial law demonstrates the importance of complete obedience to the Lord in daily life, and in so doing we become a witness to the world around us. As Dr. Kaiser states, we need to glean the principles from the Mosaic law. And as far as moral and civil law, such as the Ten Commandments, I believe these are universal, biblical ethics (principles) that apply to all “people, times, and conditions” (Kaiser notes). Does this mean that we must not work on Sunday? No, again the principle, we need to take a day of rest to keep ourselves refreshed and restored and close to the Lord.

[jwcrandall]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

Wow, many have given great responses to this. I resonate with Dr. Kaiser's division of the law into the ceremonial, civil, and moral categorties. Granted, the law is not quite so easily divided, but the foundational point is that the holy character of God informs the law that he has given to his people. Therefore, (to echo another on this forum) in order to bring glory to God in response to his grace on our behalf, we should strive for holiness. As we seek to recognize the universal principles as illustrated in the "moral" law, it is our responsibility to live accordingly as persons delivered by a holy God.

[jwcrandall]

When considering the OT law, it is important that Christians are aware that Jesus had a very high view of the law, in fact he said that fulfilling the law was the embodiment of his earthly ministry (Matt 5:17). It is also important that Christians view the law of the OT in light of the NT, since; the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life (2Co 3:6). Jesus summarized the spirit of the law in his response to the question about what was the greatest commandment. If we love God and love our neighbors, we will fulfill the spirit of the law, thereby the law itself. The law of God therefore has place in our lives, as it the schoolmaster that brings up to Christ (Ga 3:25). It also reminds that the Lord commands; be holy, for I am holy. Although after faith comes we are not dependant upon the law for our salvation, the law does keep before us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of widsom.

Bob, in your post you have said many important things. Somehow we seem to forget that we are to "be holy because [our God] is holy." And, the fear of the Lord was, for the sages in Scripture, a key part of seeking holiness. The only thing that I'm not sure that I agree with you about is the necessity that Christians "view the law of the OT in light of the NT." Obviously, as Christians, Christ's salvific acts on our behalf are essential, and because of his sacrifice, certain aspects of the law, i.e. the ceremonial law, are no longer applicable. However, Christopher Wright's "Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament" (one of the books on the collateral reading list) helps us to recognize that the "spirit of the law" which Jesus emphasized was not something new, but rather the intent of the law, and something that had become lost in the legalism which caused the law to become a burden instead of a gift of grace to God's people. Jesus showed us this, but it should have been evident in the Old Testament in the first place. Jesus was not reinterpreting the law, but redirecting those who had misunderstood it back to its original intent.

[its_brad]

Posted By: Matt Fraser
Post Date: Mon Jun 11, 2007 3:39 pm
Post Subject: Careful Interpretation Needed

That the law of God should have an impact on our life seems to be obvious, but in what way is more difficult. I agree with Dr. Kaiser as well as some of the other authors I have read when they saw that because of Israel’s missionary mandate, we should not see the law of God as a thing that was just for Israel. To be sure, I believe Dr. Kaisers divisions of the law are pushed on the text, and that a more nuanced reading is needed. In many places the neighbouring nations are punished because they fail to measure up to God’s ethical standards which come from his character, but Dr. Kaiser advocates too direct of a transfer from OT to present day for my liking. I do not have any really clear ideas, but I see two important principles for interpretation. First of all, I think the law must be interpreted through Christ. Christ did fulfill certain parts of the law, as well as reapplying and clarifying the law’s ethical import (e.g. Sermon on the Mount, Clean and unclean foods, Mk 7:17-19). Second, to do a proper job of applying the law I think one must take into account the socio-political, land based, theocracy Israel was supposed to be (cf. Christopher Wright, Walking in the Ways of the Lord, 29) and really understand what the laws meant in Israel’s culture, so that one can apply the meaning of the law to our culture, rather than simply transfering the letter of the law and erasing the harsh penalties. I think these principles act as beginning foundations on which to build an Old Testament ethic.

[Gilbert L. Barrigar]

As a schoolmaster, justice is one purpose of OT law, and as the law judges us, it will guide us into a relationship with God. According to, Micah “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 NRSV). Furthermore, Psalm 119:97 states, “Oh How I love your law!” (Psalm 119:97 NRSV). When I meditate on God’s law, it makes me wiser, gives me understanding, and it is my deepest desire to learn every aspect about God. Furthermore, according to Jeremiah, “I will put my law within them, I will write it on their hearts, I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jer 31:30). The Jews and Gentiles alike, have and awareness of God’s law in their hearts, and we are convicted and judged by our own hearts.

The Key NT scripture is according Matthew, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophet; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. …not one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all this is accomplished” (Mat 5:17 NRSV). Unless one has received salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ, sinners are condemned already on judgment day. We are living in a dispensation of God’s grace and his withheld judgment, but that day will surly come. Moreover, to have a relationship with God is perfect love. Matthew states, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest…You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind…You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law of the prophets.” (Mat 22:34 NRSV). This quotation is one of many aspects of the law that applies to my life today. I live by faith and I obey Gods laws, Romans states, “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith, by no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” ( Rom 3:21 NRSV) The law of life in Christ has set me free from the law of sin and death. However, as I live in God’s grace, why would I abandon the precepts of God’s law that I have come to love so deeply?

[Gilbert L. Barrigar]

When considering the OT law, it is important that Christians are aware that Jesus had a very high view of the law, in fact he said that fulfilling the law was the embodiment of his earthly ministry (Matt 5:17). It is also important that Christians view the law of the OT in light of the NT, since; the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life (2Co 3:6). Jesus summarized the spirit of the law in his response to the question about what was the greatest commandment. If we love God and love our neighbors, we will fulfill the spirit of the law, thereby the law itself. The law of God therefore has place in our lives, as it the schoolmaster that brings up to Christ (Ga 3:25). It also reminds that the Lord commands; be holy, for I am holy. Although after faith comes we are not dependant upon the law for our salvation, the law does keep before us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of widsom.

Yes, Jesus did have a high view of the law according to Mat 5:17, and Christians should be viewing OT law in light of the NT, which is exactly how I feel. Because OT law points to NT grace, the law reveals to humanity the true condition of our sinful hearts, and demands justice. However, Jesus Christ has provided grace through his perfect love. The greatest commandment is love. We are to love God first and then our neighbors as ourselves, “On these two commandments hang all the laws of the prophets. The law is our schoolmaster and I love to learn about it, but I live by faith through the son of God’s grace. Jesus Christ gave us a new covenant, which is the law of life, and he has redeemed us from the law of sin and death. Moreover, I follow the instructions of the OT law, and I live in God’s dispensation of Grace.

[theophilus1970]

I would make four points regarding this question:

1. The OT law needs to be understood within its original historical context. The Mosaic law is God’s word to Israel and it needs to be interpreted first and foremost in light of that.

2. The OT law has been fulfilled through the work of Christ. The earthly manifestation of the institutions established by the Mosaic law were done away with in Christ. And after 70 A.D., there literally was no physical Temple, priestly service, nor sacrificial system. Jesus is the once for all sacrifice who intercedes with the Father for His people as our Great High Priest.

3. The law was not some kind of magical, mechanical system to access God. Rather, it was a means for sinful humans to worship a holy God. But worship could become corrupted when God’s people allowed their worship to become merely external and failed to “circumcise their hearts” (Deut. 10:16). There is a tendency for Christians to buy into the idea that the OT law was completely external, while the NT law is completely internal. But that’s not a fair representation. God commands Israel to circumcise their hearts, not just their bodies (Deut. 10:16). Although there is certainly a difference in degree, it’s not a hard and fast distinction.

4. The spirit of the OT law is still in effect. Two differences now is that the 1) indwelling, permanent residence of the Holy Spirit, and 2) the simplification of the laws which have a transcultural application.

The guiding command of the church is to bring the Gospel to the remotest part of the earth and make disciples. But the specific ways we apply God’s laws will vary depending on the situation.

Throughout the epistles, in particular, we read the restatement of God’s laws, but in a highly abbreviated form. For example, instead of getting all of the details of how to express love for our neighbor’s safety by building a fence around our roof, Jesus (and Paul) simply tell us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The way this love is expressed may vary from culture to culture, sometimes even situation and situation, as the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. And how the Spirit will do His work cannot always be predicted or written down in a specific set of laws or codes.

In sum, I would say that there is both an objective and subjective aspect to the New Covenant law. We have the simplified statements from the universal principles of the Mosaic law, as well as the leading of the Holy Spirit.

One final point - keeping God’s law should not be burdensome for the Christian. Rather, the goal should be that our heart attitude be like that of David. Obeying the law of the LORD should be our “delight.” The danger comes when the keeping of the law deceives us into thinking that it is the means that maintains our relationship with God. It is critically important that we keep our focus on the fact that our eternal hope is rooted in the promise of God.

[theophilus1970]

Posted By: Matt Fraser
Post Date: Mon Jun 11, 2007 3:39 pm
Post Subject: Careful Interpretation Needed

I believe Dr. Kaisers divisions of the law are pushed on the text, and that a more nuanced reading is needed. In many places the neighboring nations are punished because they fail to measure up to God’s ethical standards which come from his character, but Dr. Kaiser advocates too direct of a transfer from OT to present day for my liking... I think the law must be interpreted through Christ. Christ did fulfill certain parts of the law, as well as reapplying and clarifying the law’s ethical import (e.g. Sermon on the Mount, Clean and unclean foods, Mk 7:17-19). Second, to do a proper job of applying the law I think one must take into account the socio-political, land based, theocracy Israel was supposed to be and really understand what the laws meant in Israel’s culture, so that one can apply the meaning of the law to our culture, rather than simply transfering the letter of the law and erasing the harsh penalties. I think these principles act as beginning foundations on which to build an Old Testament ethic.

I, too, am uncomfortable with Dr. Kaiser's simplified approach to the continuity between the OT law and the New Covenant. Although there are similar priniciples between the Mosaic law and the law of Christ, it seems to me that there are simply too many passages that indicate the New Covenant is a "replacement" covenant as opposed to a continuation of the Mosaic covenants (Gal. 4; 2 Cor. 3; Hebrews). It has been noted by scholars that whenever a king in the ANE made a new treaty with a vassal, promises and stipulations of the old treaty could be carried over to the new. But I am left wondering whether there is more work that can be done to determine what the NT authors would have known about such ANE covenants and whether this plays into their discussions about the termination of the Old Covenant.

[pastorbob75]

The Old Testament Law is still in effect today where it is not nullified by the New Testament. This is my foundational belief about the nature of the law.

Now, there have been elements of the law that have been nullified by the New Testament. We no longer have to keep the dietary laws or the ceremonial law. But the Law provides for us the conduct that we must have as citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

I understand that there are some difficulties with the division between moral, civil and ceremonial. While I do not believe that these divisions are found in the Bible, they are a helpful way of distinguishing the aspects of the law.

The main question becomes whether or not the civil law is still in effect. Or rather, to restate the question, should the law of God be the basis for a form of government?

This was an easy question to answer in ancient Israel. The answer was an undoubted 'yes'! But things become sticky in our day and age. I would say this as a simple solution. These laws are a good basis for government. However, there is nothing that requires a modern country from adopting these laws. These laws were given to Israel and, by extension, the church. While the Church must adopt these laws, and the nations will be judged by them, there is nothing that requires a nation from adopting them.

But individually and in the church, we must do our best to adopt and carry out the Law of God that is still in effect.

[tonylfoster]

Paul makes it very clear that the law is holy and that the law is good if I use it lawfully. First I must realize that the law of God has not been abolished, but fulfilled in Christ. The ceremonial laws that governed how someone approaches God has been fulfilled in Christ. But the laws that govern civil and social conduct and the laws that govern moral behavior are the laws that are fulfilled in the law of love. As a Christian I am under the law of the life in Christ and the law of the love of Christ. Jesus challenged Peter by asking him to demonstrate his love for him by acts of love and obedience.

Also as a witness for Christ, it is the law that brings the understanding of sin. A unbeliever needs to be confronted by the law to demonstrate that there exists in their life the need for a savior and the need for a Lord. I cannot ignore the law, because by the law the revelation of sin comes.

[miriam]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

Unfortunately, I disagree with Dr. Kaiser on this issue. He argues that the “weightier” moral law found in the Decalogue (Exodus 20; Deut. 5), binds the Christian. Kaiser claims that universal moral principles under gird Law, and Old Testament commands have consistency that carries them across cultural boundaries. But Paul in his letter to the Galatians describes the Law as having no hold on the Christian. We are no longer under the tutor of the Law (Gal. 3:25) since the seed of promise has come (3:19). Though Christians are not under the Law of Moses, one may still use the Law as its original intention—as a tutor pointing to Christ. We can show how the Law (and the Prophets) finds their fulfillment in Christ. The Law specifically impacts my life in that when Jesus commands me to love, I have an example of how that was expressed among the covenant people of Israel. I have also used the Law for evangelism ala “Way of the Master”.

[miriam]

Old Testament Law plainly shows that man has consistently failed to be able to keep the Law, and therefore needs a Savior. Righteousness was never gained by following the Law, but rather through faith as plainly stated in Genesis 12. However, by way of application to our life today, we should learn from the Law that righteousness before God depends entirely on Christ as the only One that has ever perfectly fulfilled the demands of the Law. We should also learn from the Law those timeless principles and imperatives that can be applied in our lives to more accurately represent Christ on earth as His ambassadors. Old Testament Law cannot be ?set aside? because of the valuable lessons that it holds for us concerning God and His ways, but it also cannot provide righteousness.

The term Law is used in Scripture in various ways. Sometimes the Decalogue is in mind, other times it is the entire Old Testament. I am assuming for this question that the Law refers to the Pentateuch, the specifics of the Mosaic Covenant. I agree that this law is incapable of producing righteousness and that by it no one can be saved. Faith is required. But, as to the timeless imperatives that are found in the Law, I’m curious as to what method of interpretation you would use. Are the timeless principles to love God and neighbor? If so, is the rest of the law relevant? I would just like more clarification on your viewpoint.

[Schmiedc]

The moral law is based on the character of God (Lev 18:5,30) and the character of Christ (Phil 2:5). Biblical ethics stem from this moral law.

Biblical ethics are personal (Lev 19:2) in that they reflect God's character. Biblical ethics are theistic (Jeremiah 22:15-16; Proverbs 3:5-7). Biblical ethics are internal (1 Samuel 16:7) as the Lord looks at our hearts. Biblical ethics are future oriented as the Day of Judgment is coming. Biblical ethics are universal as the same standard is applied to all (Genesis 18:25).

Biblical ethics provide a great framework around which to pattern our lives as Christians. We should hate sin and love God and our neighbor and reflect this in our daily walk!

[Schmiedc]

The Ten Commandments are still valid today.

The first three commandments stress right relationships to God. We should have no other gods before Him (internal worship), worship no idols (external worship), and should not misuse His name (verbal worship).

We should honor the sabbath demonstrating right use of our time.

We should have right relations with society. We should honor our father and mother (sanctity of family and superiors). We should not murder (sanctity of life), commit adultery (sanctity of marriage), steal (sanctity of property), give false testimony (sanctity of truth), and covet (sanctity of motive).

No better moral law exists that the Ten Commandments. We should still follow them today!

[kgknut]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

We often, myself included, can get wrapped up in the discussion around God's Law and how we are to interpret or live it out in our modern/post-modern culture. However, when we approach the decalogue and really study it we soon realize that we can not separate ourselves from it as it governs both our private and public life. Through the ten commandments God sets forth a set of laws that govern our relationship with him and with others. The first five commandments lay out our relationship with God, the next five are how we are to relate to each other individually and communally. We can not deny that the Law of God should continue to impact and govern our lives today but our challenge is how do we interpret it in light of our present culture.

[KJHolt]

How should the Law of God in the Old Testament (lessons 7-8.) impact our life today?

The Law of God is one, yet is comrprised of three aspects. The Moral Law which is founded upon, based in and revelatory of the character of God should be the standard by which believers live. The Moral Law, which Kaiser argues and I agree, is the "weightier matters" of which Jesus says we should be most concerned is not merely about specifics but general principles. These are most clearly laid out in the Decalogue and these Moral principles behind the multiple particulars of the Law must be the foundation of the believer's ethic (the Biblical ethic). The ceremonial law, while also bearing some general principles, has a built in time-frame as the shadow which passed away with the coming of the real and the civil law provides again an illustrative tool for the beleiver to find the principles behind the Moral Law of God.

[KJHolt]

I, too, am uncomfortable with Dr. Kaiser's simplified approach to the continuity between the OT law and the New Covenant. Although there are similar priniciples between the Mosaic law and the law of Christ, it seems to me that there are simply too many passages that indicate the New Covenant is a "replacement" covenant as opposed to a continuation of the Mosaic covenants (Gal. 4; 2 Cor. 3; Hebrews). It has been noted by scholars that whenever a king in the ANE made a new treaty with a vassal, promises and stipulations of the old treaty could be carried over to the new. But I am left wondering whether there is more work that can be done to determine what the NT authors would have known about such ANE covenants and whether this plays into their discussions about the termination of the Old Covenant.

I think if we see Kaiser's work as a simplified approach, we are missing the point he makes. He is not simplifying at all and I do not think he has stretched to push his views of the Moral, Cermonial and Civil Law on the text. In fact, as he points out, Jesus is the one who made it clear that certain aspects of the law were weightier. Also impressive is his work with and articulation of the Moral Law as being rooted in the character of God and the character of Christ and as that which serves as our standard. Paul's comments about the OT law in Romans 7 certainly reveal an undertsadning that the Law still has a purpose and as Kaiser points out the New Covevant is more likely a renewed covenant that now carries with it the power of the Word on our hearts and the Spirit living within us.

[tnleisure]

Dr. Kaiser expresses that the law was given after the Israelites had already been saved. Therefore, even in the Old Testament, following the law did not cause one to be saved or even righteous. Salvation and righteousness came as a gift of God. That being said, what was the purpose of the law? Why should the Israelites have followed it? Or, for that matter, why should we follow it? We follow it because that is our answer to the gift of salvation. Our obedience is our response. Dr. Kaiser also expresses that the law reveals the character of God. Therefore, our obedience helps us to imitate God and, thus, imitate Christ.

[tnleisure]

This response seems to suggest that love of Jesus will automatically cause us to be obedient. If only it were that simple. However, obedience is hard. Loving our enemies is hard. Not giving into idolatry when there are more tangible things in this world is hard. I do agree that loving Jesus and recognizing his love for us makes obedience easier and more desirable, but not automatic. Loving our enemies becomes easier when we remember that Jesus died for his love for us. However, obedience does take effort on our part. We must remember, though, that our obedience is a response to God’s love and comes from our desire to imitate him. Our obedience should not be equated with whether or not we are saved.