ARE WE STILL UNDER THE LAW? by Timothy Keller

Even though Christians believe that all of Scripture is authoritative, the coming of Christ fulfilled many of the Old Testament laws in such a way that they no longer bear on believers directly.  One clear example of this is how the New Testament tells believers to regard the "ceremonial" laws of Moses.  The numerous "clean laws" of Israel touching diet, dress, and other forms of ceremonial purity, as well as the entire sacrificial system and temple worship ordinances, are no longer considered binding on Christians, because Christ came and fulfilled them.  In the New Testament book of Hebrews, we are told that Jesus is the final Sacrifice and the ultimate Priest, and so believers must no longer offer up animal sacrifices.  Nor, as Jesus taught (Mark 7:17-23), do Christans have to obey the clean laws that determined if a worshipper was ceremonially clean and qualified for worship.  Why not?  It was because Christ's atoning sacrifice brings us the reality to which the sacrifices pointed, and in Christ believers are permanently made "clean" and acceptable in God's sight. 

Nevertheless, as Biblical scholar Craig Blomberg points out, 'Ever command [from the Old Testament] reflects principles at some level that are binding on Christians (2 Timothy 3:16).'  That is, even the parts of the Old Testament that are now fulfilled in Christ still have some abinding validity.  For example, the principle of offering God sacrifices stills remains in force, though changed by Christ's work.  We are now required to offer God our entire lives as sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2), as well as the sacrifices of worship to God and the sharing of our resources with others (Hebrews 13:5). 

And consider the book of Leviticus with all its clean laws and ceremonial regulations.  These laws are not directly binding on Christians, but when Paul makes his case that Christians should lead holy lives, sharply distinct from those of the nonbelieving culture around them, he quotes Leviticus 26:12. (See 2 Corinthians 6:16-17) 
Keller, Timothy.  Generous Justice.  New York:  Penguin Group.  pp.19-21.  2010.

"Quote" of the Week

"The coming of Christ changes the way in which Christians exhibit their holiness and offer their sacrifices, yet the basic principles remain valid."  -Timothy Keller

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.  Psalm 136:1



We had a great week in Nicaragua!  We had close to 100 pastors, church leaders, women's ministry leaders and Sunday School teachers attending the Bible Institute.  We taught Survey of the Old Testament in four days and got great feedback about the material from the pastors that were there. 

On the last day we were approached by a young lady from Costa Rica who is a missionary to Nicaragua.  I recognized her right away because she had been sitting front and center all week taking as many notes as she could and would often come and talk to the speaker after the sessions asking questions about the material.  She thanked us and told us that she had learned so much during the week and knew that this material would do nothing but improve her ministry.

"Quote" of the Week

"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."  -Apostle Paul

This week we are in Nicaragua. The whole week will be spent training pastors and church leaders on Survey of The Old Testament. Please be in prayer for the work.

"Quote" of the Week

¹³ Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. ¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:13-14