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NASB | 1 John 2:3 ¶ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 2:3 ¶ And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings). |
Subject: abide |
Bible Note: Greetings Rakpak! I have not had the chance to welcome you to the forum yet. Welcome! In response to your post, allow me to make three points. 1) There are a variety of types of literature in Scripture. There is poetry. There is prophecy. There is didactic or teaching material. There is narrative. Each type of literature must be approached differently. Certainly, in terms of doctrine, didactic material should be given the highest regard. Almost every verse you cite to support that Christians are still bound by the law are narrative references that do not directly address the question of the relationship between Christians and the law. For instance, Acts 13:42, 13:44, 16:32, and 18:4 all mention the Sabbath, but say nothing at all about whether or not a Christian was bound by the Sabbath. Certainly, the Jews in the first century meet on the Sabbath. That is all these verses affirm. 2) While we are not bound by the law, there are aspects of the law (particularly the moral commands of God) which we will live out because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Scripture affirms that we will not walk in the works of the flesh. So, adultery, lying, ect..., would certainly not be something that Christian should do, as they are in direct violation of the Spirit's leading. Rom. 13:9 certainly supports this view. As Christians, we will love God and love our neighbor. But, this does not mean that we are subject to the mosaic law. 3) In my post, I included a lengthy series of quotes from Galatians. You did not respond directly to Paul clear teaching. No matter what you may think about the law, Paul is quite clear on the matter. Gal. 3:22 - " But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Clearly, our relationship to the law has changed in Christ. Paul speaks of submission to the law as being made slaves again. He clearly says: Gal. 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Gal 5:3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. Gal 5:4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace." This is a major concern in the modern church. The same error that was active in the church at Galatia is still active today. We have many Christians who are being taught that they MUST obey the Law. Paul says this is 'another' gospel, which is no gospel at all. It is a false gospel. If Paul (or anyone else in the NT) was advocating that we continue to be obedient to the Law, then why did he say: Gal. 2:19 - "For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God." Why did he say? Gal. 2:14 - "When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? Gal 2:15 "We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' Gal 2:16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." Why did he say? Gal. 3:25 - "Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Why does he speak so forcibly to those who 'want to be under the law'? (Gal. 4:21-31) I would encourage you to respond to this didactic passages my friend. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |