Subject: I just started reading the Bible and.... |
Bible Note: Greetings Cheri! I did not view your post as harsh in the least. :-) In response to your questions, I would answer with Rom. 4:13-16: " It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all." Yes, we are grafted in to Israel, but the inheritance we receive is based upon God's promises to Abraham, not upon the covenant made with Moses. Clearly, Paul did not see Gentiles as having any obligation to obey the ritualistic or legalistic aspects of the law. He did not require Gentiles to be circumcised. He did not require Gentiles to worship at the temple, or even observe the Holy Days. So, my comments to Pete were meant to simply get him thinking about the fact that we are not bound by a covenant made with Israel. We don't have to offer sacrifices at the temple. We don't have to be circumcised. We don't have to stone those caught in adultery. These were all requirements only upon those with whom the covenant was made. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |