Should You Fear the Lord?

Today I would like to talk about the fear of God.  Like the topic of holiness, very few are preaching about this.  But it must be preached, because it’s in the Bible, and Jesus taught it.

First, I want to show you the Scriptures about the fear of the Lord.  Some of them I will just quote, because they are self-explanatory, and others I will comment on along the way.  Then I will discuss the difference between fear and respect, and wrap up with a conclusion of what all these Scriptures teach us.  Hopefully that will help "tie it all together" for you at the end. Let’s get into the Word now!

The Fear of the Lord

"But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the LORD God."

(Exo 9:30)

'So you shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the LORD your God. (Lev 25:17)

"Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, 'Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'

(Deu 4:10)

so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. (Deu 6:2)

"You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name.” (Deu 6:13)

"So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today.” (Deu 6:24)

"Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.” (Deu 8:6)

"Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” (Deu 10:12)

"You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.” (Deu 10:20)

"You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.” (Deu 13:4)

"You shall eat in the presence of the LORD your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and your flock, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.” (Deu 14:23)

"It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,” (Deu 17:19)

"If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God,” (Deu 28:58)

"Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law.” (Deu 31:12)

"Their children, who have not known, will hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live on the land which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess." (Deu 31:13)

“that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever." (Jos 4:24)

"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. (Jos 24:14)

"If you will fear the LORD and serve Him, and listen to His voice and not rebel against the command of the LORD, then both you and also the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God.” (1Sa 12:14)

"Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” (1Sa 12:24)

“At the beginning of their living there, they did not fear the LORD; therefore the LORD sent lions among them which killed some of them.” (2Ki 17:25)

“So one of the priests whom they had carried away into exile from Samaria came and lived at Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.” (2Ki 17:28)

“To this day they do according to the earlier customs: they do not fear the LORD, nor do they follow their statutes or their ordinances or the law, or the commandments which the LORD commanded the sons of Jacob, whom He named Israel;” (2Ki 17:34)

"But the LORD, who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm, Him you shall fear, and to Him you shall bow yourselves down, and to Him you shall sacrifice.” (2Ki 17:36)

"But the LORD your God you shall fear; and He will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies." (2Ki 17:39)

"Now then let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe." (2Ch 19:7)

Then he charged them saying, "Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and wholeheartedly.” (2Ch 19:9)

Then Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9)

"And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.'" (Job 28:28)

In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt and does not change; (Psa 15:4)

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.” (Psa 19:9)

You who fear the LORD, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. (Psa 22:23)

The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant. (Psa 25:14)

“Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” (Psa 33:8)

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness,” (Psa 33:18)

“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.” (Psa 34:7)

O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.

(Psa 34:9)

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

(Psa 34:11)

For the choir director. A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; There is no fear of God before his eyes. (Psa 36:1)

Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psa 86:11)

So the nations will fear the name of the LORD And all the kings of the earth Your glory. (Psa 102:15)

Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. (Psa 103:13)

"But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children." (Psa 103:17)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever." (Psa 111:10)

"You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield." (Psa 115:11)

"He will bless those who fear the LORD, The small together with the great." (Psa 115:13)

"Oh let those who fear the LORD say, 'His lovingkindness is everlasting.'" (Psa 118:4)

"My flesh trembles for fear of You, and I am afraid of Your judgments."  (Ps 119:120)

"The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness." (Psa 147:11)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Pro 1:7)

"Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD." (Pro 1:29)

"Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God." (Pro 2:5)

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil." (Pro 3:7)

"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate." (Pro 8:13)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."(Pro 9:10)

"The fear of the LORD prolongs life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened." (Pro 10:27)

He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. (Pro 14:2)

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. (Pro 14:26)

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death. (Pro 14:27)

Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it.

(Pro 15:16)

The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility. (Pro 15:33)

By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil. (Pro 16:6)

The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. (Pro 19:23)

The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life. (Pro 22:4)

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always. (Pro 23:17)

My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change, (Pro 24:21)

"It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, And He shall be your dread.” (Isa 8:13)

Regarding the Lord Jesus, Isaiah prophesied: “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; (Isa 11:2-3)

And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure. (Isa 33:6)

So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west And His glory from the rising of the sun, For He will come like a rushing stream Which the wind of the LORD drives. (Isa 59:19)

"'Do you not fear Me?' declares the LORD. 'Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it.'" (Jer 5:22)

'They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain and the spring rain, Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest." (Jer 5:24)

"Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him to death? Did he not fear the LORD and entreat the favor of the LORD, and the LORD changed His mind about the misfortune which He had pronounced against them? But we are committing a great evil against ourselves." (Jer 26:19)

Jonah said to them, "I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land." (Jon 1:9)

The voice of the LORD will call to the city-- And it is sound wisdom to fear Your name: "Hear, O tribe. Who has appointed its time? (Mic 6:9)

"Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me," says the LORD of hosts. (Mal 3:5)

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. (Mal 3:16)

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase. (Act 9:31)

The apostle Paul said, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.” (2Co 5:11)

And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." (Rev 14:6-7)

If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; (1Pe 1:17)

"Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED." (Rev 15:4)

Jesus taught His disciples to fear the Lord. He said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Mat 10:28)

He used the word fear twice in this sentence.  In both instances it is the same Greek word “phobeo” in the Bible.  Phobeo means to frighten, that is, to be alarmed; to be in awe of, that is, revere: be sore afraid, fear (exceedingly), and to reverence.  This is where our English word phobia comes from. 

Even if you don’t look up the definition of this Greek word, it is obvious by what Jesus said that He used the word “fear” with the same meaning in both instances in this sentence.  So when you think about what it means to fear someone who can kill your body, that it the same kind of fear we are to have of God, and to a much greater degree.  We are not to fear any man, but we are to fear God.

Respect

Many people think that fearing God is just respecting Him, but that’s something different. The word for respect in Greek is not “phobeo.”  The word for respect is “entrepo,” which means in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound: - regard, (give) reverence, shame.

In the parable of the vineyard owner, Jesus used this word for respect.  Speaking of the vineyard owner, He said, "He had one more to send, a beloved son; he sent him last of all to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' (Mar 12:6).  In this parable, the vineyard owner represents God the Father, and the vineyard owner’s son represents Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  The father in this parable said, “They will respect my son.”  This is the word “entrepo” which means to show respect or give reverence.

Jesus used this word for respect at other times as well.  For example, He used it to describe the unjust judge in another parable, saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man…For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man,” (Luk 18:2,4). Interestingly here, Jesus quoted the unjust judge in this parable using both the word “fear” and the word “respect” in the same sentence.  When the judge said he did not fear God, fear was expressed by the Greek word “phobeo” that we defined above.  However, the word for “respect” is entrepo.  These are two different things.

In Luke’s record of his journey to Rome with Paul, and their stay on the island of Malta, he said of the islanders, “They also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.” (Act 28:10).  Again, when you respect someone, that is different from fear.

Peter taught servants to respect their masters, which applies to the proper attitude of employees toward their employers and bosses. “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.” (1Pe 2:18).  We should respect such men, but not fear them.

Although fear and respect are two different things, the Lord expects to receive both respect and fear from us. " 'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?' says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name.'” (Mal 1:6a)

Blessings for The One Who Fears the Lord 
There are many blessings for the one who fears the Lord.

"Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose...The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant." (Psa 25:12-14)

Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. (Psa 112:1)

How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. (Psa 128:1)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (Pro 31:30)

Putting it All Together

Fear and respect are two different things.  We should respect God, and we should respect others, such as employers and bosses.  But we should not fear men.  The only One we should ever fear is God. And that is actual fear, just as the definition of the word implies.

Our Lord Jesus taught His disciples, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mat 10:28).

There is no place in Scripture that redefines the word "fear" to mean "respect." And Scripture never teaches us not to fear the Lord. Rather, it always teaches us to fear the Lord, and that is not restricted to the days of the Old Covenant.  It’s ungodly not to fear the Lord.

The Bible says we must be taught to fear the Lord, and it is something that must be learned. The fear of the Lord is something good! Do you fear God? If not, you should. This is not a fear of running TO Him, but it does include a fear of what would happen if you run AWAY from Him.

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. By the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.  One reason we have so much apostasy in the Church today is that people have lost the fear of the Lord.

Everyone wants to stay young and live longer. Many want to have riches and honor.  Well, I've got the solution. The fear of the LORD prolongs life. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life. The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life.

The Lord will draw near for judgment and be a witness against those who don’t fear Him. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. The eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him. The Lord is the help and shield of those who fear Him. The LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. He will bless those who fear the LORD. The LORD favors those who fear Him. The lovingkindness of the LORD is always on those who fear Him. For to those who fear Him there is no want.

The Church of Christ throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria feared the Lord. The apostle Paul and his team feared the Lord. They didn't say, "We don't need to fear the Lord any more, because we're under grace." Jesus had the spirit of the fear of the Lord upon Him, and He delights in the fear of the Lord. Do you?

After publishing this blog, I discovered the following video that underscores the need to fear the Lord.  Please take a few moments to watch it.



If you are away from God, then it's time to return to Him.  If you do not know Him, then it's time to come to Him and give your life to Him.  Both of these require deep repentance and faith in Christ.

Another video I recommend is Revival Hymn Redux (video)

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. 

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the following other ones:

Salvation with Fear and Trembling
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Covenant Prayer
Is Obedience Optional?
Avoid Becoming a Corrupted Christian
Drifting Away
The Law of Christ
Baptized by Blazing Fire
Dare to Believe

You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." 

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

                           _________________________________________________

Photo credit: The Side of the Cross.

“Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968, 1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”

Deleted Scriptures in the Bible?

If you listen to the preaching in many churches, you might conclude that some Scriptures had been deleted or erased, namely the ones referring to the commandments of God. There is no mention made of God's commandments either from the pulpit or in the fellowship of the saints.  This is really strange, since we know that there are over 60 verses in the New Testament containing the word "commandment." And I can assure you that none of these verses have been deleted or erased.

The word commandment in the New Testament Scriptures comes from the Greek word entole, which means "injunction," that is, "an authoritative prescription: - commandment, precept."  I would like to prove that the commandments of God are very basic to Christianity.

Below I simply list Scriptures where this Greek word "entole" is used in the New Testament, so that you can see for yourself what the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles said about keeping God’s commandments.  Notice that we are not to follow men’s traditions or the commandments of men who have departed from the truth.  But keeping the Lord’s commandments has always, and still is, considered pleasing to God.  

In order to call out the Greek word entole in the following Scriptures, I have underlined the words commandment and commandments.  In some cases, I have also underlined other words for emphasis. Don't miss the explanations for each of the illustrations and the conclusion at the end.

Jesus said, "Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:19).  You definitely don't want to be included among those who annul any of God's commandments!

And He answered and said to them, "Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? (Mat 15:3)

And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Mat 19:17)

One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' "This is the great and foremost commandment. "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."  (Mat 22:35-40)

"Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." (Mar 7:8)

He was also saying to them, "You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. (Mar 7:9)

But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. (Mar 10:5)

"You know the commandments, 'DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.'" (Mar 10:19)

One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?" (Mar 12:28)

They [Zacharias and Elizabeth] were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. (Luk 1:6)

Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. (Luk 23:56)

"No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." (Joh 10:18)

"For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. "I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me."  (Joh 12:49-50)

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (Joh 13:34)

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (Joh 14:15)

"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." (Joh 14:21)

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. (Joh 15:10)

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. (Joh 15:12)

But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. (Rom 7:8-13)

In the illustration above, sinful man is pictured under the Law of God.  The law is depicted here as two gavels over man's head.  It is something external that is put upon him. Due to the weakness of the sinful nature, man under the Law can only produce sin, which ultimately brings about death.  For this reason, it is called the law of sin and death when an unregenerate man tries to keep the law.

For this, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." (Rom 13:9)

but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; (Rom 16:26)

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. (1Co 7:19)

If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. (1Co 14:37).  He said this in the context of referring to the law (1 Cor 14:34)!

Paul said of our Lord Jesus, "...by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, (Eph 2:15).  Some people think this means Jesus abolished the Law or the commandments.  However, Jesus Himself said that He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.  So it clearly means  something different.  The difference is that Paul meant Jesus abolished the enmity between Jew and Gentile, which is found in the ordinances (ceremonial dogmas or decrees) of the Law, so that both Jew and Gentile could become one new man in Christ, and be at peace in Him. For a complete explanation of this verse, see "Did Jesus Nail the Law to the Cross?"

Even Paul admonishes children to obey the fifth commandment to "HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise)" (Eph 6:2; cf., Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16).

"(which all refer to things destined to perish with use)--in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?" (Col 2:22) We are not to follow man-made commandments.

"For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus." (1Th 4:2)

"...that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (1Ti 6:14)

but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior, (Tit 1:3)

not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. (Tit 1:14)

And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest's office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. (Heb 7:5)

And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. For it is attested of Him, "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.  (Heb 7:15-19)

For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, (Heb 9:19)

For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. (2Pe 2:21)

that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. (2Pe 3:2)

By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; (1Jo 2:3-4)

Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining. (1Jo 2:7-8)

In the illustration above, the two tablets are turned inward, forming a heart shape. The Law of God is depicted as being written upon the heart, according to the New Covenant promise spoken by the prophet Jeremiah and repeated by the apostle Paul.    He wrote: "The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 'This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.' Then he adds: 'Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.'”

and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. (1Jo 3:22-24)

And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. (1Jo 4:21)

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. (1Jo 5:2-3)

In the illustration above, the disciple of Christ is depicted under Christ's Lordship. He is in the Kingdom of God under the reign of King Jesus Christ with the Law written upon his heart and mind.  This is what it means to be under the law of Christ. The law is now internal, and he wants to do it!  By the power of the Holy Spirit, he brings forth lots of good fruit. The sum of these fruit is love for God and others.  But this fulfills the Law, it upholds the Law, and produces righteousness, holiness, peace and joy.  Ultimately it produces life.  For this reason, it is called the law of the Spirit of Life.

I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. (2Jo 1:4-6)

So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. (Rev 12:17)

Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. (Rev 14:12)

Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mat 28:19-20). The word "commanded" comes from the Greek verb "entellomai," from which the noun "entole" (commandment) is derived.

All Scripture is Profitable
You know that blank page in the middle of your Bible, right before the Gospel of Matthew, that says simply "New Testament"?  That page was not inspired by the Holy Spirit. Man made that! In the early church, what we now refer to as the "Old Testament" were the only Scriptures they had to read or preach from. The writings of the apostles were still emerging in the first century, and had not yet been formed into a collective unit. Although we have changed to a new covenant, we have not removed any Scriptures.  The Holy Spirit inspired some additional books of the Bible from Matthew to Revelation, but this doesn't mean the previously written Scriptures have been deleted. They are still inspired and relevant.  The apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2Ti 3:16-17)

The terms New Testament and Old Testament have limited usefulness.  They are useful to refer to a range of Scriptures, such as Genesis to Malachi or Matthew to Revelation.  But beyond that they can actually cause confusion.  I think it would have been better to call one part of the Bible the BC (Before Christ) Scriptures, and the other part AD (Anno Domini, meaning "Year of Our Lord").  All we really want to do is refer to the books written before Christ or after Christ.

However, the terms "New Testament Scriptures" and "Old Testament Scriptures" are misnomers.  "Testament" means "covenant," so when we call the AD Scriptures the "New Testament," we may lead people to believe that these are the only Scriptures applicable to the New Covenant; or that these are the only Scriptures that refer to the New Covenant; or that they are the only Scriptures relevant to the New Covenant life of the believer.  Yet none of these notions are true. There are many references to the New Testament in the BC Scriptures.  Likewise, when we call the BC Scriptures the "Old Testament," we promote the false idea that the BC Scriptures were only applicable or relevant to the Old Covenant people; or that they are the only Scriptures that refer to the Old Covenant.  Such notions could not be farther from the truth, and the terms "New Testament" and "Old Testament" were never used by Jesus or His apostles to refer to divisions of the Bible.

The practice of inserting a page in our Bible, or a division title in the table of contents, to section off the so-called "New Testament" is a man-made tradition, and so is the practice of using the terms "Old Testament" Bible and "New Testament" Bible.  Jesus rebuked the religious people of His day for making void the Word of God by adhering to man-made traditions.  Yet the same could be said of Christians today for keeping to these man-made traditions.  Don't let these traditions of men cause you to nullify the Word of God. We need to repent of this, and return to the Lord, embracing the whole body of Scripture as God's Word.

Putting it All Together
It's clear that the Lord Jesus and His apostles taught us to keep God's commandments.  The New Testament is full of references to this.  And if you keep His commandments, you will abide in His love (Jn 15:10).

There is a big difference between being under the law and being under Christ with the law written on your heart!  One is external and the other is internal. Nobody can be justified in God's sight by doing the works of the Law, because we are justified by faith in Christ.  We are not endeavoring to keep up the law of Moses in conjunction with the gospel of Christ. Therefore, do not rely on your obedience to the Law to save you, because it is only by grace that you are saved through faith (Eph 2:8-10).  

This is NOT about keeping ceremonial or ritual laws, such as circumcision.  That was settled by the apostles of the first century church long ago, who ruled that no follower of Christ is required to be circumcised. But the letter they wrote to the Gentile believers about this matter, while exempting them from circumcision, did require some things that are specifically stated in the Law: "that they abstain from" 1) "things contaminated by idols" and 2) "from fornication" and 3) "from what is strangled," and 4) "from blood."

Do you think the apostles were creating four new commandments to replace the Ten Commandments?  No, they were simply calling out some very specific things forbidden by the Law of Moses, which the Gentiles must abstain from.  The apostles used the Law to determine what to write to the Gentile believers under the New Covenant. They assumed that the Gentiles would have access to a synagogue in any city of the world that they may live in, so that they could learn the basics of the Ten Commandments. Their words were: "For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath." (Act 15:21)

The Ten Commandments and the commandments of the New Testament Scriptures are all summed up by these two commands: "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND." and "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."  This is the heart of God in all the commandments, and it's only possible by living a life crucified to self, trusting in Jesus, and walking in the Spirit.  Always remember that we can do nothing apart from the Lord Jesus (Jn 15:5).

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the following:

The Law of Christ
Law of Love in the New Testament
Is Obedience Optional?
The Law Fulfilled in Us
The Law Established Through Faith
The New Covenant
Faith Works!
The Spirit's Law of Life
Obedience by the Spirit
The Law is Good if Used Lawfully    
What Then Must We Observe?
The Flesh vs. the Spirit

You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Photo Credit: Tender Graces blog by Kathryn Magendie.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Law of Christ

Today I would like to talk about the Law of Christ. which will be a new concept for many people. Please don't miss the video at the end.

Law and Prophets Not Abolished
In order to understand the function of the Law in the New Testament, first of all we need to listen to the words of our Lord Jesus Himself, who said, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. (Mat 5:17). 

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Co 3:11). There is no other foundation beside Jesus Christ.  Since He alone is the foundation of the Church, then He defines life and the way life is in the New Covenant. The words of Jesus are our guide to interpreting everything the apostles teach.

In His Sermon on the Mount, quoted above, Jesus went on to say, "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. (Mat 5:18)

He said, "But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail.” (Luk 16:17).  In our modern parlance, we might say that it would be easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for one little comma or the smallest detail in the Law to be done away with.

Jesus Taught and Fulfilled the Law

Quite contrary to doing away with the Law, Jesus taught us how to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.  "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Mat 7:12)

He often cited the Law in His teachings. "Or have you not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are innocent?” (Mat 12:5)

When Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" (Mat 22:36), He did not say the Law was bad or tell the man that the Law has no relevance now that He had come.  He answered and said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Mat 22:37-40).  He taught that love is the basis for the Law and the Prophets.

When He was asked by an expert in the Law about the way to inherit eternal life, Jesus immediately pointed him to the Law.  “And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?’ And he answered, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ And He said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.’” (Luk 10:25-28).  If we are doers of the Law, we will live. 

For those who think tithing is only a provision of the Law, which no longer applies to followers of Christ, listen to what Jesus taught. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. (Mat 23:23).  He said of their tithing that they “should have done” so, but that they should not have neglected the weightier provisions of the law.  There are weightier provisions of the Law than tithing, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (Luk 24:44)

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." (Joh 1:45).  In another instance, the crowd then answered Him, "We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever…” (Joh 12:34a) They had heard of the Christ in the Law and the Prophets. This is what Jesus meant when He said, "For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John.  (Mat 11:13). The Law and the Prophets prophesied about Him until John, but when Jesus came, then that which was written was no longer a futuristic prediction but the fulfillment.  As Jesus said, this did not nullify the Law or the Prophets, it fulfilled them.  They are still in effect.

"Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you carries out the Law? Why do you seek to kill Me?" (Joh 7:19).  Jesus always taught that men should carry out the Law, not break the commandments.

"If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the Law of Moses will not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made an entire man well on the Sabbath?”(Joh 7:23).  He showed the spirit of the Law and the truth of it.  The intent of the Law is love and doing good.

Grace and Truth Realized through Jesus Christ

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. (Joh 1:17). Jesus realized grace and truth for us. He brought to us the truth found in the Law, the spirit of the Law, which was different from the way men understood it. It went much deeper than they thought.  The standard was much higher than they realized. And He demonstrated by His life that love was at the heart of the Law.  He also realized and fulfilled grace, such as had never been seen before in the Law.  As a result of Jesus realizing grace, through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. (Act 13:39)

They brought to Him a woman caught in the act of adultery and asked Jesus, "Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" (Joh 8:5). He did not say that He cancelled the Law or that breaking the Law in this manner was no longer considered a sin.  He simply brought grace to the one who had violated the Law, and in doing so He fulfilled the Law.  Had there been no Law that said it was sin to commit adultery, His act of grace toward the adulteress would not have been necessary, and would certainly not have been so profound. But it was precisely because this was forbidden by God and was such a serious sin deserving death that this act of grace by Him was so significant. He did not condemn the repentant sinner.  But He certainly upheld the Law by saying, “Go. From now on sin no more.” (Jn 8:11).  He did call it sin, and He did command her to “sin no more.”  His grace and forgiveness did not nullify the Law.  He fulfilled it.

The Apostles Did Not Speak Against the Law

They accused Stephen falsely when they put forward false witnesses who said, "This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law.”  (Act 6:13). This was how they viewed him, but he did not speak against the Law, and neither did Jesus or any of His apostles.

Quite contrary to speaking against the Law, Stephen said to them, “You who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it." (Act 7:53).  He affirmed that the Law was ordained by angels, and that they did not keep it as they should have.

After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, "Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it." (Act 13:15).  When Paul stood up to speak, he did not speak against the Law.  He showed how Christ fulfilled what was written in it, and how “through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.” (Act 13:39)

The Jews also falsely accused Paul saying, "This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law." (Act 18:13).  The way Paul taught men to worship God was not contrary to the Law, but it fulfilled the Law.   

When Paul visited Jerusalem, he met with James and the elders were present.  He told how the Gentiles were turning to Christ. “And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, ‘You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;’ (Act 21:20)  When they told Paul that thousands of Jews were turning to Christ and were zealous for the Law, Paul did not preach against this.  Instead he went along with the following advice from them.  "Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law. "But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote, having decided that they should abstain from meat sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication." (Act 21:23-25).  They explicitly upheld what they had previously written about the Gentiles, but wanted the Jewish believers to see that Paul walked orderly and kept the Law.  So Paul complied.

When the Jews discovered Paul in the temple, they began crying out, "Men of Israel, come to our aid! This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." (Act 21:28)  These were false accusations. 

Paul countered their accusations by saying, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today.” (Act 22:3) He didn’t say that they were correct and that he was teaching men against the Jewish people and the Law and the temple.  In fact, he was going into the temple to fulfill purification rights.

Paul also defended himself by telling his testimony and highlighting that the disciple of Christ involved in his conversion was "A certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there.” (Act 22:12). That was the same Ananias whom the Lord instructed to lay hands on Paul to receive his sight.

When Paul stood on trial before the high priest, he said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?" (Act 23:3). Paul taught that the man had violated the Law in ordering Paul to be struck in the face.

Paul said, "But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;” (Act 24:14).  He said that he believed everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.

Paul said in his own defense, "I have committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar." (Act 25:8).  He testified that he had committed no offense against the Law or the temple.

In Rome, when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.” (Act 28:23) He didn’t break the Law or teach against it, but rather tried to persuade men “from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.”

The Matter of Gentile Circumcision and the Law

In the first century Church, there was a problem in which the Christian Pharisees taught that new Gentile believers must be circumcised, which was a ceremonial part of the Law, and they wanted the Gentiles to be taught to observe the Law of Moses. “But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.’” (Act 15:5)  The apostles responded by saying that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on Gentiles who were repenting and turning to God. "Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath." (Act 15:19-21). 

The apostles did not require Gentiles to be circumcised, because the ceremonial law is nothing and merely foreshadows the circumcision of the heart in Christ.  But notice that they upheld the Law of Moses by saying that in every city there are those who preach the Law, and he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues established in the Gentile world.  It had been this way since ancient generations.  Therefore, they felt that Gentiles would already know what the commandments are and would have access to the commandments of the Law, so there was no need to trouble them, except to require that they “abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.” This was far from contradicting the Law, because everything they required of the Gentiles was found in the Law, and they thought there were already sufficient channels for the Gentiles to hear the Law in their cities each week. 

While they affirmed the equal opportunities among Gentiles to hear the Law in their cities, they trusted more in the Holy Spirit, Who writes the Law in people’s hearts. Paul taught that “when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them.” (Rom 2:14-15).  Even Gentiles without the Law, such as Gentile believers, can instinctively do the things of the Law, and their conscience will defend them, or else it will accuse them when they break the Law, also known as committing sin.  Paul said this shows the work of the Law written in their hearts.

“Keeping God’s commands in what counts!” (1 Co 7:19). Notice that while Paul taught against keeping the Law, he did teach that we should keep God's commands.  Ceremonial law is nothing to us. We are not under it. Whether or not a man is circumcised means nothing. But we are expected to obey God’s commands. That is certain. 

Paul taught that all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law. (Rom 2:12). If a person does not have the Law and sins, they will still perish without the Law. But if they sin under the Law, such as a Jew or a Christian who knows the commandments, they will be judged by the Law.

Doers of the Law
Paul taught that “it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.” (Rom 2:13) He taught that we must be doers of the Law.

James also taught this. “But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” (Jam 1:25)

James taught that we must be doers of the Law. “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For He who said, ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,’ also said, ‘DO NOT COMMIT MURDER.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.” (Jam 2:9,11-12)

James also taught that we must be doers of the Law, when he said: “Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it”. (Jam 4:11)

In writing to the Jews, Paul said much the same, “You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God?” (Rom 2:23).  He taught that by breaking the Law a person dishonors God. He said you do so whenever you steal or rob temples or commit adultery.

Now about the ceremonial right of circumcision, Paul taught, “For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves...” (Gal 6:13) He taught how God sees the circumcised person who does not keep the Law. “For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.” (Rom 2:25). But he went on to say that the person becomes as if he were uncircumcised if he transgresses any part of the Law.

He used this same logic to teach how God regards the Gentile believer as circumcised, even though he is physically uncircumcised.“So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? (Rom 2:26).The key to God regarding the uncircumcised Gentile as circumcised is that he keeps the requirements of the Law.

He once again said that “he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law?” (Rom 2:27)  Paul taught that physically uncircumcised believers who keep the Law would judge the circumcised Jews who have the letter of the Law and break it.  The key here again is that Paul taught the importance of the Gentile believer to keep the requirements of the Law.

Lastly, the apostle John said, "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness."
(1Jo 3:4). My friend, Jesus has not called us to be lawless people. He is not a minister of sin.

No Justification by the Works of the Law
Although Paul taught that “the doers of the Law will be justified” (Rom 2:13), he later clarified how a man is justified, which is not by the works of the Law.  “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” (Rom 3:19-20).  The works of the Law can never be a means of justification in God’s sight.  That is different from being a doer of the Law. 

You need to understand that there is a big difference between doing the works of the Law in order to be justified and being a doer of the Law because Christ has justified you.  Think about that! We must still be doers of the Law, according to Paul.

“Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” (Gal 2:16) 

"I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." (Gal 2:21)

Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (Gal 3:11)

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.” (Rom 3:21) Paul said that the Law and Prophets witnessed to the fact that the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the Law.

“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” (Rom 3:28)

So did Paul teach against what the Law says?  He answered this himself by asking, “Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” (Rom 3:31).  Contrary to nullifying the Law, Paul and the other apostles established it.

Then he went on to show that while he established the Law, not only does justification come apart from the Law, but the promises of God are not based on the Law. “For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.” (Rom 4:13)

“For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;” (Rom 4:14)

Speaking still of the promise that God made to Abraham, Paul said, “For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” (Rom 4:16)  The promise of God is to all Abraham’s descendants – those who are of faith – not just the ones who are of the Law, meaning the Jewish ones.

“For until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” (Rom 5:13).  Paul taught that even before the Law, sin was in the world since the Garden of Eden.  Mankind had been stung by sin and it began to bring death.  There were consequences for sin, such as eviction from the Garden, the destruction of Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the world of Noah’s day.  However, when the Law came God began to count men’s sins against them. Man also began to desire to sin even more. “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;” (1Co 15:56)

“The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” (Rom 5:20)  The Law defines sin, so when the Law came it actually increased transgression.  But this meant that God needed to have more grace.

To those who knew the Law, Paul taught what the Law says with respect to marriage: “Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband.” (Rom 7:2)  The laws of marriage which make it legal have jurisdiction over a person until death. 

It was on the basis of the Law that Paul could teach, “So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man.” (Rom 7:3)

Paul uses this truth from God’s laws of marriage to illustrate a similar reality concerning those who believe in Christ.  “Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.” (Rom 7:4).  Just as the woman is freed from the law of marriage when her husband dies, so are we freed from the Law when we are united with Christ in His death.  At that point you are no longer under the Law, but Christ begins to fulfill it through you according to His resurrection power, so that you might bear fruit for God.  "For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. (Gal 2:19)

“For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.” (Rom 7:5-6)  Although we were once bound to the Law like a married woman, as long as we remained alive to the flesh, those sinful passions of ours were aroused by the Law and bore bad fruit for death.  But once we are united in Christ’s death, we are released from the letter of the Law, so that we serve in the newness of the Spirit. This is the spirit of the Law written in our hearts.  We don’t come to Christ so that we can break the Law.

As Paul said, God "has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant -- not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."  For an example of this, it's helpful to read how Jesus taught the spirit of the law in the sermon on the Mount, which can be found in Matthew 5.

The Law is Good
“What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COVET.' But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead." (Rom 7:7-8).  Paul taught the difference between being under the Law and being in Christ. When you are outside of Christ and you have the Law, you are under it.  This produces coveting of every kind and brings death.  But when you are dead to self and united with Christ, you are seated with Him in heavenly realms, far above all rule and power.  From this place of reigning in life, you are finally able to experience true righteousness and holiness.  It is only then that Christ fulfills the Law in and through you.  Then your life actually expresses the true intent of the Law, and you establish it. This is called being under the law of Christ.

“To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.” (1Co 9:20-21)  This is a key point!  Paul said he was not under the Law, but he was not without the Law either.  Rather he was under the law of Christ.

“I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died…So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” (Rom 7:9,12) Always remember that the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. “But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully.” (1Ti 1:8)

“For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin…But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.” (Rom 7:14,16).  Paul taught that the Law is spiritual.  He said, “I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.”

For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members…So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.” (Rom 7:22-23, 25).  Paul spoke of his pre-conversion experience. Even though he concurred with God’s law, he was a prisoner of the law of sin. He contrasted the law of God and the law of sin.

Then he said, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Rom 8:2) The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ does not contradict the Law of God.

Although the Law of God is good, holy, and righteous, it has an inherent weakness due to the sinful nature of man.  “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh.” (Rom 8:3).  Due to the sinful nature, man is unable to keep the requirements of the Law. 

But Christ condemned sin in the flesh, when He bore our sin on the cross.  And when we are united with Him in His death, He makes it possible “so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Rom 8:4).  The key is that we do not walk according to the flesh, but walk by the Spirit.  Then the Law is fulfilled in us, because the Holy Spirit loves the Law.

“The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.” (Rom 8:7)  This explains why anyone living in the flesh is unable to subject himself to the law of God.

Paul taught that there is a goal God wants to achieve in the law.  This refers to God’s intent in the law.  It is summarized by love.  Paul called that goal or intent the “end of the law.” He taught that Christ is that end, and when you come to Him by faith, you find the one who fulfills the intent of the Law in you. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Rom 10:4).  The phrase “the end of the law” does not mean that you are no longer a doer of God’s Law!  Quite the opposite! It means that now you have true righteousness, the righteousness of God, and this is the intent or “end goal” of the law.

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law…Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Rom 13:8,10)

Paul taught the Law.  One example was in his letter to the Corinthians, referring to those who preach making a living from the gospel, he said, “I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? For it is written in the Law of Moses, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.’ God is not concerned about oxen, is He?” (1Co 9:8-9)

Another example of Paul teaching the Law was when writing to the Corinthians about the gift of tongues: “In the Law it is written, ‘By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord.” (1Co 14:21)

Yet another example was in his teaching from the Law about the role and behavior of women in the churches. “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says....If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.” (1Co 14:34,37, NIV).

A final example was his teaching that children must obey their parents, because it is a commandment of God. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise— 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'” (Eph 6:1-3, NIV)

Just as Paul taught that the works of the Law could never justify anyone, he taught that the Spirit of God is not given by the works of the Law but by faith.  “This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?…So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?” (Gal 3:2,5).  So while he taught that the doer of the Law is justified, he also taught that we can never be justified by the works of the Law or receive the Spirit by the works of the Law.  It is by faith in Christ.

This is why he said, “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.’" (Gal 3:10)  Don’t try to be justified by doing the works of the Law.  Put your faith in Christ, and He will justify you.  In Him you will become righteous.  But then you will become a doer of the Law.

“However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, ‘HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.’" (Gal 3:12). This is why you cannot rely on the works of the Law to justify you. You must be a doer of the Law without expecting it to justify you, but rather trusting in Christ to justify you.  The reason is that on some point, we all come short of doing the Law perfectly.

That’s why it is so wonderful to know that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"-- (Gal 3:13).  The Law teaches that everyone who hangs on a tree is cursed.  Since Jesus hung on a tree – a cross – he became a curse according to the Law.  If you love God’s Law, you have to love Jesus for doing this, because through it He redeemed us from the curse of the Law.

Paul taught that the promise of God to Abraham came long before the Law. “What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.” (Gal 3:17)

Why the Law?
Paul explained why the Law was necessary after God made the promise to Abraham. “Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.” (Gal 3:19).  The Law as given by angels through the agency of Moses as a mediator. The Law was intended to impute transgressions, so that we would be led to the seed of Abraham, Christ our only mediator between God and man.

“Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.” (Gal 3:21)  While the Law is not contrary to the promise of God, it was unable to impart life, and could not bring about the righteousness of God in our lives.

“But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” (Gal 3:23-24)

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Gal 4:5)  Christ redeems those who are under the Law.

Paul always taught that we are not UNDER the Law. “Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law?” (Gal 4:21)

Once you come to Christ, you are not under the Law, you are led by the Spirit. “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” (Gal 5:18).  The Spirit of God fulfills the Law in you.

The Holy Spirit will lead you to do the Law, like bearing one another’s burdens. “Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2).  Although we are led, this is still something we must DO. This is called the law of Christ. Bearing the burden of another brother or sister is a demonstration of godly love, and loving your neighbor as yourself is the fulfillment of the whole law (Gal 5:14)

Paul taught that Christ abolished the enmity between man and God.  He did not contradict Jesus, who said that He did not come to abolish the Law!  If anyone contradicts Jesus, we must always hold fast to what Jesus taught, no matter if they are an apostle or angel. But the enmity that Christ abolished was found in the fact that the sinful nature of man made it impossible for man to fulfill the Law, so man was always at enmity with God.  Man was against God and His Law.  “By abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace.” (Eph 2:15).  Now in Christ we have peace with God.

Paul described his life before Christ saying, “As to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.” (Phi 3:6)  This means that as far as the letter of the Law goes, men would consider him blameless on all points. He knew what it was to have a righteousness of his own that came from the works of the Law.

But Paul considered all that like rubbish once he came to know Christ.  He considered it all loss.  He only desired to be found in Christ and have His righteousness.  “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Phi 3:8-11)

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Tit 3:9) There is no use in disputing about the Law.  All of this hairsplitting about the minor points is unprofitable and worthless.  But there should be no dispute about the Ten Commandments found in the Law.  These are very plain and clear, and Jesus upheld them.

Paul said that the Levitical priests were not perfect and could not make anyone perfect.  “(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” (Heb 7:19).  Jesus our high priest is our better hope through which we draw near to God. “For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.” (Heb 7:28)

“And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Heb 9:22).  It is the Law that teaches us that all things are cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.  That’s why Jesus fulfilled the Law in shedding His blood for us for the forgiveness of sin.

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.” (Heb 10:1)  The Law foreshadowed Christ, but was not the actual form itself.  That is why it could never make anyone perfect.

God did not desire sacrifices for sin and burnt offerings.  Although the Law required them, He did not take pleasure in them.   “After saying above, ‘SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE in them’ (which are offered according to the Law),” (Heb 10:8) These things were required to point men to Christ until He should come and fulfill them.

Paul draws a comparison between setting aside the Law and spurning the Lord Jesus. "Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?" (Heb 10:28-29, NIV).  If the penalty for setting aside the Law of Moses was death, Paul said the punishment is much worse for treating the blood of Jesus as an unholy thing once you have been sanctified by it, because this insults the Spirit of grace. 

Here is a video called "The INCORRECT Foundation," by Robert Brownell of Spirit Lessons that will help you understand my point today:

Putting it All Together
The Law has not been deleted, set aside, done away with, or erased.  Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.  Jesus did not call us to be lawless people or lawbreakers.  Loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself are the greatest commandments, and all the Law and Prophets depend on these two. 

We are not supposed to dispute about various extraneous points of the Law.  We are not to concern ourselves with ceremonial or ritual laws like circumcision or animal sacrifices. It doesn’t matter whether or not a man is circumcised. Nor do we observe the dietary laws. We are not endeavoring to keep up the law of Moses in conjunction with the gospel of Christ.  You cannot rely on your obedience to the Law of Moses to save you, because it is only by grace that you are saved through faith (Eph 2:8-10).  But the Ten Commandments are very clearly meant for all generations.  These still represent what pleases God today, and we express our love for Him by keeping His commandments. Keeping God’s commands in what counts!

Jesus and the apostles taught from the Law. But we do not simply keep the letter of the Law, which is what man sees on the outward.  For the letter kills. Rather, we keep the true spirit and intent of the Law, which goes much deeper and gives life. "We serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code" (Rom 7:6b, NIV). This is only possible by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

We are not justified by doing the works of the Law.  It is only when we put our faith in Christ that He justifies us. Once you are justified, you will be led by the Spirit to be a doer of the Law. This is the law of Christ.   

Always remember that we can do nothing apart from the Lord Jesus (Jn 15:5), and if you keep His commandments, you will abide in His love (Jn 15:10). He Who lives in us fulfills the Law in us.  When you know Him personally, you have true righteousness, the righteousness of God, and this is the intent or “end goal” of the law.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Other Scriptures from the Holy Bible, NIV.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the following articles of mine:

Commandments in the New Covenant
The Top Ten Things Jesus Taught 
Law of Love in the New Testament
Is Obedience Optional?
The Law Fulfilled in Us
The Law Established Through Faith
The New Covenant
Faith Works!
Obedience by the Spirit
The Ways of Life
The Law is Good if Used Lawfully 
What Then Must We Observe?
The Flesh vs. the Spirit

You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Photo credit: Richard Harrison's article called God's Ten Commandments.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.