What does God think think of a Christian who tries to live by the law?
THE BATTLE AXE: Hierarchy (11/14/2013)—Intimacy with GOD established through Jesus Christ cannot be broken by time, space or hierarchy. In Christ the streams of priesthood and prophecy are shown to be interwoven and complementary like the two siblings, Aaron and Moses, Jacob and Esau, James and Jesus. Issues of leadership status that come first through the law then through the Holy Spirit are in view. What seems on surface to be a peculiar conflict between priesthood and prophecy can be more correctly seen as amplified and exaggerated when we view the distinctions of collective and individual relationship to GOD in Christ. Consider again: Moses repeatedly appeared alone in the mountain of the Lord as a spokesperson for the people without the presence of a High Priest or Levites; and not for his own selfish benefit. Moses was not separated by defilement, because he was set apart (we say, sanctified) by holiness, and a divine Spirit that abided within him. The congregation and Levites had no part in the work of atonement annually performed by the High Priest (who was set apart by consecration and ordination), and despite their own anointing and inheritance had no part in his work to cleanse the Sanctuary. In the same way, Christ goes forward in the role as a divine High Priest and Judge, and believers have no direct part in the aspect of the judgment work wherein his own blood as the Lamb of GOD is applied, and the Books of Life are altered to register each one whom Jesus has received. (While Satan does have a crucial role in all this as the sacrificial goat to whom the sin of mankind will be transferred (we say, the scapegoat), this necessary duty is not one that bestows upon him authority, exaltation, or promotion.) Both the separation of the Prophet, and the absence of the High Priest, are to be endured by the people through the exercise of faith. The rules for church organization that were introduced for carrying the Gospel to the Gentiles by the Apostle Paul correctly directed believers away from the laws, and keeping of Jewish ceremonies, customs, rites and traditions. However, Paul also introduced practices that could be seen as teaching that prophets are subject to authorities upon the earth, also, and not exclusively to GOD. See Exodus 32: 1, Exodus 33: 11, Acts 7: 37-41, Acts 15: 1-41, 1st Corinthians 14: 31-33 and Hebrews 9: 1-15, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him. (Numbers 15: 29-31, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Law in Christian Belief (09/03/2013); A Need to Know? (09/04/2013); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); The Law Not Flawed (12/30/2012); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012)
In the same way everyone living in Washington, DC is not a government worker, a legislator, or a lawyer who has thorough knowledge of the 50 volumes of United States Code that is called “the law of the land,” all Christians do not know and practice the things of sacred law that were provided to the Jews, or that are intended for Christian believers, today. Many mistakenly think that “everything Jewish” was ended at the Cross, or when the Temple at Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A. D.
Divine law will never be an obstacle to the sovereign grace that is establishing eternal life. However, because the law of GOD is spiritual, few agree and understand the benefits, details, and process of divine law until they receive the Holy Spirit provided through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Then it becomes clear that Christ has not abolished divine law establishing relationship to Israel, and needed for the operations that preserve the heavens, the earth, and the fullness of the universe. More than this, the works of the law for salvation—providing standards for behavior and conduct while identifying sin—are seen to be finite and limited. Eternal functions of the law come into view more clearly such as covenant, inheritance, promise, prophecy, sanctification, revelation and unification.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, while salvation is by grace, and not by perfect obedience to the law, created beings and living creatures will always require discipline, regimen and stable order (forms of law) as part of the framework for their continued existence. This will be particularly so once mortality is ended, and the frameworks of time and space will be altered in accordance with the condition of humans as immortal and incorruptible. Integrity, lawfulness and soundness will always be aspects of all divine operations.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon, and it continues as a truth of the Gospel, observance of the law does much to prepare mankind for the Savior’s appearing. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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