So Where's the Confusion

As we have seen, the Mosaic Law is indeed a type and shadow of the greater code of order in the Heavenly Kingdom. Seemingly, this would be an extraordinary and resourceful tool for any spiritual navigator! Why then, do New Testament believers have a pshaw perspective of the Old Testament? Good question!

Besides the fact that by and large many dismiss the Old Testament as archaic and that it holds no relevance for New Testament believers, there are two Scriptures in the New Testament that, once isolated from their context, can foster confusion. Here is a good rule of thumb: any text taken out of context is the pretext for error. I want to encourage a habit to read books of the Bible contextually – all the way through - if practiced, you’ll never regret it! You will be amazed at the clarity and power of Scripture! 

So what are the two misunderstood Scriptures?

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Rom 10:4

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law…having become a curse for us

(for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gal 3:13, 14

We will do a basic review of these two Scripture. However, to enjoy the answer, we need to understand and participate in the question. Most arguments of these two Scriptures are distilled into two very polar views, which are:

• Jesus ended the Mosaic Law and there is nothing required of believers

• Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Law and so should we

Whether these views are fostered through innocent ignorance, strategic deception, or just plain-o misunderstanding, we as believers need to reconcile our hearts to the reality that both of these polar views are wrong in position, yet right in concept, and therein lies the struggle. 

Jesus did, once and for all, become both the curse of the Law and the end of the Law for all righteousness. It is a done deal, never throughout eternity to be reversed! It is finished! And if we love as Jesus loves, we will fulfill all the Law.

The Apostle Peter himself cautioned in 2 Peter 4:15, 16,

…as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction…

Whether we are a victim under the perversion of grace or legalism – we are rendered powerless (self-imposed I might add) until we choose to receive and train in the VICTORY provided for us that is expressed in obedience -- choosing The Lord's team!

The SUPREMACY OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS cancelled out the written earthly code of order against us, so that we could receive the greater Heavenly Kingdom code of order by faith unto obedience,

Now to Him who is able to establish you…by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. Rom 16:25-27

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship FOR obedience to the faith among all nations for His Name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ… Rom 1:5

Grace does not absolve our free will to choose or the consequences of our choices, no we each have personal responsibility and are accountable before the Lord. Nope, grace empowers us unto obedience, helping us to overcome the pervasive and permissive urge to merge – being delivered from sin, not to sin! Big difference!