Bible Question:
The Old Testament makes certain statements that are changed in the New Testament. God FORBADE us to eat of the meat of swine citing that it was damned. Yet the New Testament says God changed his mind and now we can eat everything as it is all good. I have never known GOD to retract any law he gave to us so I have a problem understanding this among other things. Please explain so that I too can understand. |
Bible Answer: Most of us would want to support the idea that the old and new testaments are in agreement. After all the same God inspired both. Matt 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished". Well, what else does scripture have to say on the matter of the two testaments. Passages like 2 Cor 1:20, Luke 24:26-27, 1 Peter 1:10-12 I think tell us that the OT is in fact fulfilled and pointed towards the Lord Jesus. If I want to understand what the OT means now then I need to look at it through the cross of Christ and see the change that Christ makes to the law and the old testament. Although I hesitate to suggest it (it is hard work!), a careful study of Romans 6-8 is indeed helpful. Paul's argument seems to be that because of our spiritual union with Christ we died and have been raised with him(6:5). We have now died to the law and have been made alive to the spirit (7:6). Instead of being slaves to law and to sin, we are now slaves to Righteousness (6:19), and now heirs and sons with Christ (8:12-17). We are freed from obedience to the law of the old testamant, because in Christ we have died and been raised. This makes sense, our righteousness and salvation comes from Christ's death in our place, not from obedience to the old testament laws and covenants. Indeed, what marked Isreal off as being holy and different, ie laws about food and marriage and the like, Christians now fulfill in godliness of life (eg 1 Peter 2:9-25). Hope that helps... |