The Law of the Old Testament is a list of rules and commandments. A child of God had to pay restitution or penance for their sin. They had to follow the commandments and be righteous and obedient. Life then for children of the Lord was all about rules and religion, rather than in intimate relationship with Christ.
Christ died for us, and therefore, we are now free from the law of sin and death. Life for a Christian now is all about believing in the Lord's grace and love. We have a relationship with Him. He has forgiven us from our sins. We can always run to Him when we are hurting, confused or worried.
So, now that Jesus abolished death and established a new law, do we stop living by the Law of the Old Testament? We are no longer under the law, but we abide in Christ. Christ followed God, thus we follow God. Even Jesus broke the Sabbath and the Law. However, He said, "I have not come to abolish the Law; I have come to FULFILL it." Christ IS the fulfillment of the Law. So what Law do we follow then? "So whatever you wish that others would do for you, do also to them, for this is the Law and prophets." Basically, we no longer need to follow the Law, but abide in love. "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love IS the fulfilling of the law." We no longer have to worry about rules and restitution, but grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord, following Him because we love Him. "If you love Me, you will obey My commandments." "For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "
No comments:
Post a Comment