Sunday, 16 January 2022

Law and Grace - part 5

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I hope this series is giving you something about which to think. I've been

wanting to write today's part since I started the series. Without Law, Grace makes no sense and without Grace, Law makes no sense. Saved by grace? Of course! But "saved by grace" from what? Romans 6:23 For sin's payment is death, but God's gracious gift is eternal life in Messiah Yeshua our Lord. Don't get confused. Satan is the author of confusion. When we're confused, it's his doing. Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the Torah sin? May it never be! Sin is transgression of the Law, but not the Law itself.

I've been asked, then why did Yeshua come, except to free us from the Law? Paul, himself, seems rather schizophrenic in Romans 7. He openly confesses being at war within himself. Then he makes this statement ... Romans 7:22 For I delight in the Torah of God with respect to the inner man. But the context is conflict. Until the end of the discourse in which he resolves the problem ... Romans 7:25 Thanks be to God - it is through Messiah Yeshua our Lord! So then, with my mind I myself serve the Torah of God; but with my flesh, I serve the law of sin.

For what is Paul thanking God? That deliverance (rescue from this body of death) comes through Yeshua. Is the Torah done away for Paul? Quite the contrary, with his mind he serves "the Torah of God!" There are so many verses that seem to say one thing, while really saying quite the opposite.

Isaiah 29:14 Therefore, behold, once more I will do a marvelous work among this people - a marvel and a wonder - so the wisdom of their wise will perish, and the discernment of their discerning will be concealed. This verse is quoted in 1 Corinthians 1:19. Even Psalm 19, which we quoted earlier says similarly ... Psalm 19:8b The testimony of Adonai is trustworthy, making the simple wise.

Speaking of making the simple wise and making the wise simple, there are some verses that are difficult to understand. Many people exclusively use the King James Version of the Bible. For that reason, I quote it here ... Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Many have preached, "See, the 'end of the law.'" But other translations show that Yeshua, rather than bringing an end to the Law (which He says He will never do), is bringing the Law to its logical conclusion. God knew from the beginning that He would have to send His only begotten Son to fix our sin problem.

And, on that happy note, let's stop here for today.