This is a long article, but I wanted to touch base on most of the verses used by folks who say Paul tells us to NOT keep the law. When in fact he says if we love as Christ loved we will be keeping all the laws of the Father by our faith.
Paul's primary goal is to teach Jews and then gentiles that salvation is by faith, not by your own actions.
To Jews he is trying to convinence them that Christ is the Messiah.
To Gentiles he teaches who Christ is and that faithful Christians will want to keep the law out of love to others and love to the Lord.
Paul himself kept the law as shown below.
Why would he keep the law if Christ took the law from us? If Christains did not need to keep the law.
Why would he encourage anyone to keep the law if the Lord said or implied that it was no longer needed?
These verses say that James and the Elders have 4 men that have a vow on them that and Paul should take them into the temple to purifiy them to show the jews that he (Paul) does preach that all men should keep the law of Moses....
Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
Act 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
Act 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Act 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Act 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
Let's unpack this chapter: Paul tells the Jews to hold their horses on berating the converts, that he hasn't given them the instruction to shave their heads. He says you guys are zealous of the law. He advised the jews that these men have been told to stop doing what they did before; that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication as this was their prior practice in the pagan religion. Then Paul, according to the law, took the 4 men to purifiy them in the temple. These verses do not specify if these men we're blood born Jews or Gentiles converts, however Paul is ridiculed for bringing Greeks (Gentiles) into the temple.
This is a prime example of come as you are. That you are not expected to overnight to know and do all the laws. He is trying to convinence them of the truth, about Christ, about the commandments. These men are milk drinkers not yet ready for meat, and do not know the ways of the law yet. They are still learning and building their faith.
Paul speaking: admitting that he keeps the law of God
For those who say we are to follow the Spirit. The law is spiritual and we are to keep it. The Holy Spirit leads us to.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Are we to believe that Paul lead two lives? One infront of the jews with the law, and another infront of the Gentiles without the law?
OR
Are we to believe that Paul kept the law and taught the converted Gentiles not to saying "do as I say not as I do"?
Paul plainly says that he does change his behavior differently around Jews and Gentiles, but also says he keeps the law around both of them. He says he makes himself appear weak to gain the trust of the weak, not that he breaks the law of God. He changes aspects of his personality, his demeanor, the way he walks, how arrgressive he talks, the phrases of speech, those types of things.
1Co 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
1Co 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
1Co 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being NOT without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Paul states here that even gentiles not knowing the Law of Moses do know basic right and wrong from the Father placing the law in their hearts. He says Gentiles are lead by the Holy Spirit to keep the basic laws of God.
This is also saying that our works, deeds, actions come from what we believe to be right and wrong.
Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Why would Paul say to keep the feast days/Holy Days if the law was done away with?
But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Paul says to love someone else as yourself, as Christ said to do, we will keep the old law of God the Father to do it! Then quotes the law from Exodus 20. His point here is that love will compel us to keep the law of God.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Paul says that loving thy neighbor is fulfilling the law, then here he confesses to keep all the laws to avoid offending the Father or another man.
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
What does he believe the law is? Did Christ issue a different law than the Father? I would reference you back to Romans 13 above when Paul quotes Exodus 20, and says that all those old testament laws are summed up by loving your neighbor. He quoted the original Laws of the Father so NO Christ did NOT preach a different doctrine or law.
Christ says he only gives knowledge as issued by the father. He said that it is not his will but the will of the Father. He also says that only those who keep the Will of the Father will enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
This chapter Paul is telling the jews of Rome what happened a couple chapters before, that he was arrested and the Romans found no guilt in him, and they transferred him to Rome. Paul said this is why I called for you brothers.
He went on to testify that the old testament spoke of Christ and attempted to convince them that Christ is the Messiah.
He conveyed that some of the Laws of Moses and writings from the prophets prove that Christ is the Messiah, our Saviour, the ONE we expected to come, the ONE that now takes the place of the animal sacrifices that the Law of Moses had us do. That Christ is now our High Priest.
Act 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
Act 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Act 28:24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
Act 28:25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Act 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
Act 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Act 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Act 28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
This is saying you must have a circumcised heart with the Law of God, that those who mistreat others and say they are keeping the law are liars, and their physical circumcision is now considered uncircumcised. And those who keep the law in their heart which shows in thier actions towards others are considered circumcised. That physical circumcision only profits you if you keep the law of God with and from love in your heart.
Rom 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
Rom 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
Rom 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
Rom 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
Rom 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
Rom 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Rom 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Rom 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
Rom 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Rom 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Rom 2:27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
This is saying that if you were judged by the law over the way you are treating others you would be found guilty. That your physical circumcision does not release you from the other parts of the law, from loving others, treating them with respect, from pride and bragging. If it does which law says that? Conclusion, a man is justified by his faith having the law in his heart, his belief and actions towards others without being physically circumcised because he is circumcised of the heart. Because he has belief, faith in Christ, which compells him to keep the commandments of the Father.
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Here it is saying even in the days of Abraham faith was recognized prior to circumcision. Faith is the combination of actions and beliefs.
Rom 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
Rom 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
What is faith:
Circumcision was given as a sign, a seal of righteousness for all future followers to have to physically set them apart, not for that to replace faith, but to become their faith marker, distinguishing mark.
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Gentiles are like Abraham prior to being circumcised. Walking in the faith, keeping the law, and not yet taken the marker.
Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Paul is saying that the promise was always to those who had faith, not to the law only keepers without love in their hearts. He is not saying to stop obeying the law. What he is saying is you must believe in your heart the laws are pure, liberty, and good, and act on that belief, this is faith.
Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Rom 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
Paul goes into explaining faith that it must consist of the law and faith (belief with action) as Abraham did. He says Abraham was obedient to the law and had faith and love in his heart.
Rom 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
This is telling us that SIN caused death from the beginning of time to Christ. That Adam was a figure of Christ to come.
One man's sin caused death to all and ONE man has betowed the free gift of righteousness to all.
That the gift is of many offences unto justification. Death reigned until Christ came with the gift of righteousness, that we can put on Christ to present ourselves to the Father and appear righteous since Christ was righteous.
Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Rom 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul is telling us that we shouldn't sin anymore. Speaking to those who already keep the law. We shouldn't be mean to our neighbors, we shouldn't brag or boast on ourselves. Just because we keep the law as we see it, the Lord has given instruction that we have been doing it wrong. We should walk as Christ did, loving everyone, giving to the poor, healing the ill, helping our enemies. This is walking in newness of life loving others as ourselves.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
This is saying that Christ overcame sin for us, that we are no longer bound to sin as we were before. Now that we have been baptized and walk in faith, in love (while law keeping) we are free since Christ overcame sin and we joined him in baptisim.
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
So do not continue to break the law of God, do not allow lusts to tempt you to sin (break the law).
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Rom 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Paul tells us here that if you sin you die, if you obey the law with love you gain eternal life!
Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
If you recall, this is the doctrine Christ spoke of listed above, the Will of the Father, Will meaning His commandments.
Obedience from the heart made you free from sin and you became a servant of righteousness.
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Rom 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
When you served SIN you did not have righteousness.
Rom 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Rom 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Paul starts out clarifing that he is talking to the Jews, those who know the law. Since Gentiles were not raised with the law they do not know the law.
He says you know the law has dominion over man for their entire lives.
He gives an example in marriage and divorce.
Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Paul is not saying to give up the law here based on all his prior statements. He is letting them know that they were not keeping the law from the heart. That they were still sinning not bringing any fruit to the Father, but producing fruit unto death. He is saying the Death and resurrection of Christ frees you from the coming death of Sin allowing you to repent, to keep the Law of the Father as it was intended so we can bring forth good fruit. It says that we should let our prior understanding of the law die with the body of Christ, and be resurrected with the proper understanding provided by Christ. To keep the law in our heart and actions.
Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Paul is trying to teach the Jews here that need to have a change of heart, not a change of lifestyle, not to turn from the law. If you recall in Romans 2 Paul metions this as well. He expressing that they need to observe the law from love, not from the mind in actions only. If you are dead with Christ in baptism we are free from sin and should walk in newness of the Spirit, not in tradition as before.
Rom 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Paul goes on to say that the law is what told him what sin was.
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence (lusts). For without the law sin was dead.
Paul said he lived in sin without the law before, but when he learned the truth he realized that he would die if he didn't change. When he learned of the law he found that he would see the 2nd death. condemnation. If he did not change.
Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
Sin tricked him, but he finds the law to be true, right, and holy. The commandments revealed to him what is right and wrong in the eyes of God. He said the law revealed to him that his sin was causing death in him.
Rom 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Rom 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
This section is saying that Paul finds that at times even though he wants to keep the law of God sometimes he slips and does things or says things he shouldn't, and that he doesn't do or say things he should on occassion.
Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Paul goes on to say that evil is always around, and he constantly has to choose to do the right thing.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Paul says that he enjoys keeping the Law of God in his heart
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Paul is letting them know that it won't be like this forever. That once this body dies we will no longer have to worry about sin, but while he still lives he will continue to serve God, and that on occassion he will slip up and sin (break the law).
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (meaning if we Love the Lord we will be compelled to keep the law because it is Spiritual)
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled (established) in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
We have already established that law of righteousness is following the Law of God by faith, with the heart. Not by just going through the motions of keeping the law outwardly, but also inwardly.
Paul is saying Jews had not yet attained keeping the law by faith, but by their works alone.
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Paul says we have to surrender to the WILL of God, and not our own way.
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
article that explains the WILL of God:
Paul is saying that Christ is the end of sin being dominate over us to those who believe, not to end the law which tells us what sin is.
We know that old testament salvation was based on faith not law keeping, and new testament salvation is based on faith, not law keeping. Meaning both old and new were based on the heart belief, not based on works alone.
So we know that this verse is not saying that the Lord ended the law of faith which is what the law of righteousness is.
It means that Christ was the last, the end of the line, for those who believe. His, Christ's, righteouness is what we need to gain salvation. No more animal sacrifices because Christ was the last.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
END G5056-telos---
-end
termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time)
-the end the last in any succession or series
eternal
-that by which a thing is finished, its close, issue
-the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose
-toll, custom (i.e. indirect tax on goods)
Paul says here if the law is not followed from love in your heart you will not gain eternal life.
Rom 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Paul says we have taught you to have faith, faith in Christ, the faith OF Christ, and faith in the law in your heart shown in your actions. You must believe Christ is He who was raised from the dead sinless. He's trying to convince these Jews Christ is the Messiah, our Saviour.
Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Paul expresses that they have not all obeyed the gospel, the Law of God, the message of Christ. You build faith by hearing the word of God, hearing the scriptures Old and New testaments.
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Paul reiterates that by loving your neighbor you are in turn are keeping the law of God.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Paul mentions a wife is bound by the law.
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Paul says Am I speaking to you as a man? or from the law?
He goes on to say that the law says....and that it was written for our sakes, and not the Lords sake. That the Lord will take care of his creatures.
1Co 9:8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
1Co 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
1Co 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Paul is meaning women shouldn't speak in group sessions at the synagog before men. The reason for this is because MEN are supposed to be the leader, the Head of the household teaching everyone in it the Laws of the Father.
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Paul says we Jews know that we are not justified by works alone, but by the faith (belief and actions) of Christ. We know we must have faith in Christ and the deeds we do have never justified us, as mentioned above.
Gal 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
If we find ourselves to be sinners does that mean Christ is the minister/Preacher of SIN? NO
Gal 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
Gal 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. (law breaker)
Paul says through the law he is dead to the law, meaning that if he's obeying the law by faith then there is no law against him. If you are obedient there is no law that will pertain to you. It's not until you break a law that the law now pertains to you.
Gal 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Paul is reminding us that righteouness is given by Christ, not by us following the rules. IF we think we can follow the rules without faith in Christ, and only have faith in the law then we make the sacrifice of Christ in vain.
He's not saying the law itself makes it in vain.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Paul is getting onto the Jews, saying why are you saying that salvation is by your works when you know is by faith, faith in Christ and faith OF Christ which compels you to obey. Who has betwixted you? You know there is no way to be perfect in the flesh, no way to keep all the laws, no way that eternal life is given by your actions alone. Did you receive the Spirit of God by your own deeds or by hearing of faith? By hearing of faith.
Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Gal 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Paul is saying those who believe that their own actions can gain them salvation, those men are cursed. For they will be subject to keep the entire law which is impossible for them to do. And no man has ever been justified by his works in the sight of God in the Old or New testament, but by faith.
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Christ became our sacrifice, the curse of the law so that ALL men could receive the promise of salvation through faith.
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Paul is explaining that the law NEVER gave salvation, as it was given to Abraham as a promise of faith. Abraham had to be obedient to the law, but he did it out of love and faith (belief and actions). His faith is what saved him not his deeds, his actions alone.
Gal 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
The law can not be removed or disannuled, and does not change the outcome of the promise.
Gal 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Inheritance is not given by works of the law alone, but by faith in a promise.
Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Will you continue to believe that your actions are good enough to earn a place in eternity? The law was added because people continued to act against the Will of the Father.
Gal 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Gal 3:20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
With that being said, is the law or keeping the law in conflict with the promise? NO, the promise includes keeping the law. If there were an action you could do on your own then righteousness would have come by keeping the law alone regardless what was in your heart.
Gal 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.
That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:
That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
For we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The promise is by faith given to those that believe, like Abraham. Keeping the law by his faith; belief it is just and pure and keeping the commandments.
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith in Christ came we were kept under the law in faith to the Father which is misunderstood by many, but Christ revealed the truth.
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
The law and the prophets were our teachers to bring us to faith. To teach us who was to come. The law is still a tool to bring us to faith, and faith in Christ now.
But if faith (circumcised heart) was/is not obtained, and we only keep the rules then our faith is void, in vain.
He is not saying the law is gone, that we no longer have to obey it.
This stance has been steady, we have to have faith in Christ, the Faith of Christ, and keep the commandments to gain salvation. Our love of the Lord will compel us to keep the commandments to others and to the Father.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Paul is trying to paint a picture to those who think their own actions without faith will gian them everlasting life.
Gal 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Gal 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
Flesh to represent sin and promise to represent salvation.
We are to go after the Spirit which means faith in Christ and our hearts which leads us to keep the law by faith.
He says just as in the time of Abraham the sinful folks go after the faithful just like we are now.
Gal 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
To those of you who keep saying your actions are more important than faith Christ has become of no effect to you. TO Those who keep saying that you must become physically circumcised to be saved.
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Gal 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
Gal 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
What is liberty? Liberty is the law of the Father.
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. IF we truly do then the law of God is completed in us because we will be keeping it.
Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Paul is saying to be lead by the Spirit, this is your faith (belief in the law, belief in Christ) that will lead you to keep the law, that you are not subject to any law because you will be obedient already which is there is no law aganist those who obey.
Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Keep the law of Christ, that is faith (love) in Christ by the commandments. If you sin (live without the law) you will find corruption, if you follow the Spirit you will find life everlasting. Allow the law to lead you to faith, faith in them and in Christ.
Many of them that have kept the law did not find faith. Now that we have Christ the deed of circumcision does not set you apart anymore, but finding faith does when you become a new creature with a circumcised heart.
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Gal 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature
We used to be gentiles, sinners, dead in sin, children of disobedience, law breakers.
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Satan)
There are 2 kinds of people Obedient and Disobedient, law biding and law breaker, faithful and unfaithful, God's chosen and Satans chosen, Jew/Israelite and Greek/Gentile.
Examples of God's chosen and not chosen, each was born into a faithful household and turned from the Father.
Adam and Cain
Noah and Ham
David and Soloman
Which God ordained us to keep the law in faith to receive the covenant promise.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
Which Christ has built a bridge for us, built a pathway, torn down the wall between sin and salvation for all men to reconcile us to the Father. Chirst has removed the laws pertaining to sacrifices, levitical preisthood, and corporal punishment as He became our sacrifice, our high Priest, and intercessor to the Father taking our punishment for breaking the law. These ordinances have been removed, but the LAW is still in effect.
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
We gentiles are made upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets with the Jews, on Christ himself being the corner stone causing us, Jew and Gentile, to fit together perfectly as the body of Christ unto the holy temple of the Lord through the Spirit, through faith.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
He says the law was made for those who break it, those who are obeident to it there is no law for them.
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
This chapter in James is to help the men see that they are not fulfilling the law with love. It says in vs 8 you do well if you fulfill the law. They are judging others based on material things. James points out, you know the law says if you break one rule you are guilty of all of them. He goes on to say I show you my love in the way that I act and behave towards others.
This chapter wasn't trying to tells us we don't keep the laws anymore, it was telling us how to keep them.
Jas 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Jas 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Jas 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
Jas 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Jas 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
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