Friday: Further Thought ~ Covenant Law
Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “Controversy,” pages 607, 608 in The Desire of Ages; and “The Law and the Covenants,” pages 363-373, in Patriarchs and Prophets.
How does Matthew 22:34-40 help us better understand 1. the place and meaning of God’s law within His covenant and 2. the concept that covenant is synonymous with relationship?
“There must first be love in the heart before a person can, in the strength and by the grace of Christ, begin to observe the precepts of God’s law (cf. Romans 8:3-4).
Image @ Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
Obedience without love is as impossible as it is worthless. But where love is present a person will automatically set out to order his life in harmony with the will of God as expressed in His commandments.” — The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 484.
“In the precepts of His holy law, God has given a perfect rule of life; and He has declared that until the close of time this law, unchanged in a single jot or tittle, is to maintain its claim upon human beings. Christ came to magnify the law and make it honorable. He showed that it is based upon the broad foundation of love to God and love to man, and that obedience to its precepts comprises the whole duty of man. In His own life He gave an example of obedience to the law of God. In the Sermon on the Mount He showed how its requirements extend beyond the outward acts and take cognizance of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 505.
Discussion Questions:
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Summary:
God’s law was an integral part of the covenant. Yet, it was a true covenant of grace. Grace, however, never nullifies the need for law. On the contrary, law is a means by which grace is manifested and expressed in the life of those who receive it.
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My mother-in-law was a good cook and would make wonderful tasty meals. But, somewhere along the line she digested an encylopedia about nutrition and every meal became a discussion about vitamins, minerals, macrobiotics, micronutrients, carbohydrates, phospholipids, and much more. We used to say to her, "Mum, it tastes good and we are enjoying it. Save the nutrition lecture to a time when we are not eating!"
A couple of week ago I warned that the grace/works discussion almost invariably leads to a deluge of words. We try and outdo one another with explanations and arguments that clearly define the mechanics of the salvation process and have left out the bit about the joy of salvation.
We have become so involved in defining justification, sanctification, imputed and imparted righteousness, and all the other theological terms, that one wonders whether we are competing for places in an academic institution. When have we got time to express the joy of salvation? Are we enjoying the feast of salvation so that others, watching us, are saying that they want what we are eating?
In my food illustration not saying that nutrition is not important, but there is a time to enjoy enjoy the food simply because it looks appetising and tastes great. Is it possible that people are being turned off salvation because our description is so forensic, so process driven, that they see it as something that is totally boring.
When I lived on the farm as a child, we would sometimes have to put the sheep into yards. There were a variety of animal care reasons for doing this. The one thing that I do remember quite distinctly was that when we released the sheep from the yard they would leap into the air to express their joy at gaining their freedom. It was quite a sight to see hundreds of sheep leaping and jumping as they raced out into the paddock (meadow).
Are we leaping for joy at the freedom of salvation or are we too busy exchanging and defining words about process.
PREACH Maurice, preach!!!
I think, at least for me, that here on this platform, we are just having a discussion. That’s how I learn. I don’t think anyone is trying to outdo another, just making statements of how we see or understand the topic of each weeks lesson.
So what is the conclusion on all this discussion of definitions? How and when will it end, or should it?
Could it be that there is real disagreement in the ranks? An individual's "qualifications" doesn't mean they will only speak the truth, and position has no corner on correctness either as we learn from the scholars and leaders of Jesus' day compared to His home-schooling, or the learned men during the reformation compared to those who based their understanding on the Word of God rather than the popular scholars.
Until we have agreement among us as a people, there will be discussion in order to find that agreement. Some have expressed that getting to the truth will always be elusive in this present life, but doesn't God tell us otherwise(Prov 22:20,21)? Jesus also tells us how to "know the doctrine", and there is some good insight which the youthful Daniel discovered(John 7:17, Dan 2:21). Unfortunately we have differences of opinions at every level, but as individuals, we can know the truth if we will seek it diligently and obey it(John 8:31,32), while allowing others to have their opinions and freedom to express them. I believe we can expect this condition of things to persist until Jesus comes in the clouds, which will escalate until one side(the vast majority) will decree that all those who stand against the religious and civil authority must be forced into submission or else...
Many are leaping for joy in what they think is truth, yet others see peril in this so-called "freedom by grace" while God's word still calls sinners to repent, and warns all of being judged according to their works(Rev 22:12).
I don't know how many are aware that we have been warned of a "false faith" that would enter the ranks and remain until the very end, and there is much evidence that it has.
As long as there are questions, discussion will be heard, and there are those who praise and give thanks to God for the "grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began"(2 Tim 1:9).
I think we will always have differences, Robert. We have different backgrounds, education, culture and so on and consequently will see the issues from different perspectives. I am not sure that we are as different as we sound sometimes. We have just painted the picture in a different brush. To be realistic, there are those who deliberately try to distort the picture, but I am very hesitant to use that description of someone, simply because I disagree with them. We don't have to pass a test of our knowledge of definitions in order to be saved, but we should show by our actions the sort of relationship we have with God. The great men and women of faith in the Old Testament showed their faith by their actions and it was counted to them as righteousness.
Growing in grace is something that is mentioned frequently in the Bible and part of that growth is about the way we treat one another. That includes those who have painted the picture with a different brush.
Yes, differing backgrounds/education/experience/etc will result in differing views, yet we are all to "learn of [Christ]", who is "meek and lowly of heart", and who is the "Way, the Truth, and the Life", which should bring us all together to "speak the same things, that there be no divisions among [us]"(1 Cor 1:10). Isn't this the sure result of Truth when received by those who vary in the things mentioned above? Didn't the disciples with all their difference end up in "one accord"? Shouldn't we if Truth is the center? (yes, there were some differences that came up later, but the Truth did not vary, and these differences were settled properly in time, and didn't cause strife for years/decades.)
What kept the disciples from this accord was each being focused their own differences, which creates an uncommon center. With Christ as the common center, all differing opinions of truth should be lost sight of. This doesn't make everyone the same as each other, but the Truth will not vary or cause contention, which is where we are today in too many locations. Where is the unity when one congregation has two opposing "gospels" while there is only "one Lord, one faith, one baptism"? A different brush should not change the Truth, or it is no longer Truth. I may use a brush and you a roller, but if we are both using the same paint from the same can, the color will be consistent and blend perfectly.
When I was a child I grew up next to a line of hills called the Te Puke Hills. They were a simple straight line of forested hills on the eastern horizon. My cousins grew up on the eastern side of these hills. To them, the Te Puke Hills were rounded with deep valleys on the western horizon. As I grew up and visited my cousins and they visited us we both had to come to terms with the fact that we were looking at the same set of hills from a different perspective. It took time and activity to gain the bigger picture.
In our spiritual lives, we sometimes cling to our perspective rather than working together to gain the bigger picture.
Yes, this is often the case, which is why we do well to heed the counsel of the apostle: "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"(2 Cor 10:5). This would lead us to accept His teachings rather than our own reasoning("imaginations"), which would allow us to know and speak the truth/facts as God defines them. Paul's counsel in Eph 4:2,3 would also allow us to discover "the certainty of the words of Truth"(Prov 22:20,21).
Imagine the body of Christ always speaking "the same things" with out divisions over what constitutes truth vs the reasoning of men. What would our influence be like if that were the case?
Robert I appreciate your thoughts and warnings.
Two passages have impacted my thoughts on these recent discussions here, they are the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus provides deeper understanding of previous instructions. The other is Paul's encouragement to move on from elementary to mature understanding of the LORD's character. Heb 5:11-6:3.
When my children were very young I gave them simple straight forward instructions - don't touch the stove, eina! (ouch in Afrikaans)- as they grew older more explanations and understandings were added and even different words were used as their minds matured.
How does all this apply to these recent discussions?
I believe that the LORD's desire is to restore human's nature/character to be like His. With this object in mind He initially issued instructions and said obey or else. Then He added explanations saying you must be holy because I am holy. He went further and said don't worry I will make you holy if you let me.
I find that the mature explanation of obedience is "be transformed", come and "partake of the divine nature". As Paul said the gift of God is eternal life and the fringe benefit is a changed nature/character to be like Him.
I find that the mature explanation of obedience is "be transformed", come and "partake of the divine nature". As Paul said the gift of God is eternal life and the fringe benefit is a changed nature/character to be like Him.
I like your explanation of obedience (Romans 12:2) but would note only that transformation (aka sanctification), like justification, comes only by grace. It is not only a fringe benefit, it is an essential component of salvation (along with justification and glorification).
Thus, we are saved, made obedient and made immortal (justification, sanctification, glorification) by grace. It is all Christ and none of self.
Yes Sieg I agree, the LORD said - I am the LORD who makes you holy.
Perhaps I misunderstand your meaning Sieg, but where does the individual's action of faith come into the process of being sanctified("saved by grace through faith")? If it is just "all Christ", then wouldn't He save everyone? As Jesus said, "without Me you can do nothing", but this very statement implies we do something by the power of God, and don't just sit idle while He does everything. Aren't we called to be "laborers together with God"? I just don't see any case for a "do nothing religion" when all are to be judged by their works.
A few other passages which seem to point out our "doing"..."to him that overcomes", "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling", "fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life", "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief", to share a few. If we have no part, why are we exhorted to "put on the whole armor of God"? Who dresses up to "fight" only to watch from the sidelines?
I will add that none of this "fight/labor/etc" is to earn anything, only to receive by faith. Faith = action, or it is not faith(James 2:26). For an example, how did God deliver Israel from the Midianites, did Gideon and his 300 have any part to do? God certainly did not need their help to overthrow the enemy.
A couple of thoughts, for what they are worth:
1) Transformation of character (i.e. salvation from sin) is not a fringe benefit. It is the entire goal and purpose. Immortality (i.e. heaven or salvation from death) is the fringe benefit.
2) Robert is correct that there is no place for a do-nothing religion. However, in keeping with Jesus' directive for us to say, "We are unprofitable servants," when we have done all we can, by God's grace, it behooves us to recognise (to quote Sieg) that "it is all Christ and none of self." Anything else would be creature merit, and there is no place for that either.
"Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt22:37) the first and greatest commandment.
What is within your heart, what is within your mind, what is within your soul is the outcome of your life. If you have LOVE to God, you cannot deny it to express in everything you do. It will be notice in every steps you walk, in every touch you made, in every talk you says. Am sure, God is so happy if every Christian doing these. For me, loving God is a high form of worshiping Him round the clock. Job, Daniel, Abraham, John are just few bible characters who shows their love to God. Praying for all of us to be like them too, to be with the Lord someday and forever.
Honor thy father and mother....Ex 20:12
Many times the church is engaged in crusades/open air/close doors meetings, bible lesson studies, Dorcus/welfare society distribution of food and clothing, etc as a means of baptizing people to join the church. But is that the purpose of Matt 28:19-20. Many times we introduced people to the 28 Fundamental beliefs of the bible/organization- which includes but not limited to; returning tithes and offering, spiritual gifts, etc. In my observation, instead of introducing people to these as the basic of our beliefs, introduce people to Jesus and teach people how to love him with all their hearts, soul and might and their neighbor as themselves. Let those people see the love of Jesus in us daily and how he is changing our lives. In so doing the 28 fundamental beliefs will fall into place. If I love the Lord it will show in my life by the things I do, if I love my brothers and sisters which is my neighbors, I will return tithes and offering, I will use my spiritual gifts to help them understand more about Jesus. If some in the church can show we love each other in words and deeds, then the world will rewrite books about us how we have met with Jesus.
Love of Jesus brings on obedience to him and allows us to live the precepts of the law.
Honor thy father and thy mother....., a commandment with a promise. Ex 20:12. Many claimed to be Christians yet dishonor their parents/mother or father. Many are angry with their parents yet think they can claim the promise. Many have forsaken their parents in old age and does not care about them. Many say their parents have forsaken them, but as we read the precepts of this commandment what do we see? what do we understand? Where does forgiveness occurs? Why are some so angry?
Who feels drawn to what they fear? There is no evil in God to fear, so the only ones who will be afraid of the presence of God are those who violate His righteousness and goodness, yet these same attributes will lead any who are free of pride to trust in the Lord, and acknowledge Him in all their ways(Prov 3:6).
With the command to "love the Lord", we must first know God before this command makes any sense. This is not a sentimental love, but more about rightly regarding God above all others due to who He is and What He has done. Knowing God
will allow any to realize His worthiness of our highest regard, worship, and obedience. Observe what those who dwell in His presence and know Him best say and do (Ps 103:20,21, Rev 4 and 5).
At face value, Simone Weil's statement(without context) appears to agree with the ways of God who has made all things, and has established a perfect order in them. This order allows man to land a craft on the moon and predict tides.
Thank you Brother Maurice and Eduardo I have a prayer group that we meet every Friday morning at 5,30am we read scripture and discuss before we prayer but sometimes we find ourselves complaining about us about life,children and the world and then I ask where is the love of God if we keep complaining,when are we going to have time just to praise and give thanks to God .I believe that when I love God with all my heart I will also love my fellow man,Psams 100;1-5
I was somewhat troubled by the final small paragraph of today’s lesson. It gives the connotation that once time has ended and sin is no more, that we won’t need Gods law anymore. Gods law existed before time began, before one single created being was formed. We were created to live this way. When Lucifer began his deception among the angels, they had no idea that there was a law, they just lived in harmony and unselfishness as God created life to be. When this earth is made new again, life will continue as it was before sin was found in Lucifers heart. What a blessing that will be. What an amazing gift to be able to live for eternity, in harmony with Gods law. Psalms 40:8 says it perfectly. “I delight to do Your will, oh my God, and your law is within my heart.”
Yes Karen, we will not need the law of Jesus written on paper anymore. When Jesus says he is the law, its his character. When he is living in our hearts we will not need a paper to remind us anymore. He in us and we in him. A new heart will I give to them says the scriptures. Karen this process begins on this earth, now. This is not any future time but now. Ezek 36:26