Subject: I just started reading the Bible and.... |
Bible Note: Greetings Pete! It is not that God has a second standard, it is that we are not bound by the covenant made with Israel. Allow me to illustrate. Suppose Russia's government votes that everyone of it's citizens must serve in the military for two years upon reaching the age of 18. This would have no effect upon me whatsoever, as I am not a citizen of Russia. In the same way, God made a covenant with Israel. A covenant is a contract. Those with whom He made the contract are bound by it's rules and conditions. One of the 'rules' of the contract was that one could not mix two different kinds of cloth in one's clothing. It is not a sin for me to mix two kinds of cloth, as I am not bound by Israel's contract. We see evidence of this in the New Testament in that Paul does not expect Gentiles to be circumcised, yet Jews must be! The Mosaic Law, in it's entirety, is nothing but a big contract made between God and Israel. The reason you are struggling with some of your questions is because you are trying to apply that contract to us, and it doesn't apply. This won't answer all of your questions, but it is a good foundation to build upon. I hope it helps. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |