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NASB | Acts 15:20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 15:20 but that we write to them that they are to abstain from anything that has been contaminated by [being offered to] idols and from sexual impurity and from [eating the meat of] what has been strangled and from [the consumption of] blood. |
Subject: Abstaining from things strangled, blood? |
Bible Note: Dear Cheri, Your sentiments were echoed by many of the Jewish believers. There was a whole faction of them (called Judaizers) who were pushing to do exactly what you've suggested. Interestingly enough, that is exactly why Paul wrote the book of Galatians. He speaks directly to this issue. I'd encourage that you make it a careful study. It might change your perspective. By the way, we don't simply "pick and choose" from the law. Anything of an external nature in the Law (i.e., the ceremonial and dietary laws) foreshadowed the better things to come (e.g., Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:17). Just as we will not celebrate communion after we've sat down at the wedding feast of the Lamb -- who needs the old shadow when you've got the real thing? The moral law is still a guide (Romans 2:20), reflecting the very nature of God Himself. By imputation it has been fully complied with by the perfect life of Christ (Romans 10:4). Furthermore, by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live a life in compliance with the moral law (Romans 8:4). Please note that the Law has no power to save, only to convict. I rather like what John Calvin, paraphrasing Paul in Romans 8:15, wrote "Is it your desire instantly to terminate the controversies in which you are now engaged? Walk according to the Spirit. You will then be free from the dominion of the law, which will act only in the capacity of a kind adviser, and will no longer lay a restraint upon your consciences." I really appreciate that idea of the Law being a "kind adviser" to the believer. Anyway, the long and short of it is this: If you want to follow the whole Law -- something the Jews failed at miserably (Galatians 6:13) -- even if you drop the stuff to do with the temple sacrifice, etc., go ahead and try. However, you should be aware that it will not make you one iota more or less holy before God, nor will it increase or decrease His pleasure in you. God's love is made fully manifest in you through your salvation. His justice is satisfied because your sin was imputed to Christ, and Christ's righteousness was imputed to you. In Him, Doc |