keeping jewish laws

By Edwin Christiaan | 7/11/2015 | www.instituteoflove.net/keepingjewishlaws

“Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees  or in quarrels and FIGHTS ABOUT OBEDIENCE TO JEWISH LAWS! These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.” 

Titus 3:9-10 NLT

I am used to seeing this from especially the Seventh Day Adventist group, but now there is a rise of false teachers in the Charismatic circles who are telling the believers that they have to abide by the Old Testament Jewish laws and regulations as indicated in the book of Torah in order to please God. The Bible says that this false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough and that God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing the people. (See Galatians 5:3-10)

Furthermore, the Bible says that these false teachers want to be known as teachers and experts of the Old Testament covenant Law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. They have in reality missed the whole point! (See  1. Timothy 1:6-7)

First of all, the apostle Paul made one thing very clear about the Law when he said:

“We know that the law is good when used correctly. For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.” 

1. Timothy 1:8-11 NLT

But these false teachers justify their doctrine based on the New Testament scripture in Matthew, where Jesus says:

“I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.” 

Matthew 5:17-18 NLT

Now, it is especially important to note how the word “abolish” is used here. In this context, “abolish” is set in opposition to  “accomplish.” Christ came “not to abolish” but to “fulfill.” Jesus did not come to this earth for the purpose of acting as an opponent of the Law. His goal was to revere it, love it, obey it, and bring it to fruition. He fulfilled the law’s prophetic utterances regarding Himself (see Luke 24:44). Christ fulfilled the demands of the Mosaic Law, which called for perfect obedience under threat of a “curse” (see Galatians 3:10, 13).

The Old Covenant Law of Moses was weak and useless!

“Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless. For the law never made anything perfect.”  

Hebrews 7:18-19 NLT

See it this way: If you have a drinking glass and there is no water in it, that glass is useless! But the moment it gets filled with water, it can be used for what it was intended. This is the same with the Law. The Law by itself is useless just like the empty glass is useless. Jesus didn’t come to do away with the glass, but He came to (ful)-fill it!

“So now we have confidence in a BETTER hope, through which we draw  near to God. This NEW SYSTEM was established with a solemn oath. Aaron’s descendants became priests without such an oath, but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him, “The Lord has taken an oath and  will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever.’” Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this BETTER COVENANT with God.”  

Hebrews 7:19-22 NLT

“Jesus Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When He was hung on the cross, He took upon Himself the curse for our wrongdoing.” 

Galatians 3:13 NLT

“So now God has shown us a way to be made right with Him WITHOUT KEEPING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” 

Romans 3:21-22 NLT

“For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in His own body on the cross, He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ENDING THE SYSTEM OF LAW with its COMMANDMENTS and REGULATIONS. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in Himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of His death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” 

Ephesians 2:14-16 NLT

Jesus says, I am giving you a NEW COMMANDMENT: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples (see John 13:34-35).

“Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another!” 

2. John 1:6 NLT

That’s why it says that;

“if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. But we who live by the SPIRIT eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”  

Galatians 5:4-6 NLT

And,

“when you are directed by the Spirit, you are NOT UNDER OBLIGATION TO THE LAW OF MOSES.” 

Galatians 5:18 NLT

“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. THERE IS NO LAW AGAINST THESE THINGS!” 

Galatians 5:22-23  NLT

“So Christ has truly set us free! Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in SLAVERY TO THE LAW!” 

Galatians 5:1 NLT

“I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being  circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.” 

Galatians 5:3-4 NLT

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Galatians 5:13-14 NLT

For this reason, the apostle Paul, who once zealously was living under the law of Moses, says,

“I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die!” 

Galatians 2:21 NLT