The law does condemn men, it shows how inadequate we are before the great and all powerful God. Of course my theology on this regard is from Paul and the apostles not judaism. Jesus Christ is where grace and truth come from.
Even if you don’t buy the belief that Jesus redeemed all human beings and brought salvation to humanity (I don’t believe in original sin or that there was no salvation before Jesus), you have to accept that Jesus brought a totally new message to humanity - that of unconditional love for everyone including your enemies.
Surely Christianity cannot believe that the Law was intentionally given to the Jews by G-d so that G-d could show the Jews how “inadequate (they) are before the great and all powerful G-d.” If Paul truly believed this–and although he does describe the Law as a burden, I am not sure there were not some qualifications in his own mind–he must have been mistaken, for what kind of a god would do such a thing? It sounds more like the Wizard of Oz. No, in Deuteronomy, Moses explicitly states that the Law is not so far removed that one cannot follow it provided one make the attempt, and the Psalms speak of the Law as “sweet like honey.” Further, as I previously noted, G-d understands that mankind is not perfect and will fall short; the important thing, however, is to pick oneself up and try again. This too is clearly stated in the Hebrew Bible.
Meltzerboy, you’ve picked up very well on what some Christians identify as the three uses of the Law:
I would be out of my league if I were to even attempt to say I understand paul or the entire bible clearly. What I can say is I do not believe the fulness of grace resides in the law, that resides only in Jesus the risen Christ. The law can only get you so far and certaintly you cannot abide by the law(no jew or gentile can).
Christians typically think of the Jewish people of the OT as part of our own family. When we think about their relationship with God, We can typically relate to that experience as if it was us that it happened to… As if we are the same as the Jews.
In the Qur’an, surah 61:6 - “And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: “O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.” But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, "this is evident sorcery!”
Theres no reason to believe Jesus said that.
Thankyou Rebecca, I think I understand your reasoning. However, how are Christians made righteous through Christ?Hi, I said we fail. By we I mean everyone.. By failure, I mean sin. Sin separates us from God. The Christian understanding of God, is that He his merciful AND just.
Our sins require justice, but God is merciful, and so we understand sin puts us in need of God’s mercy, which has been given through the ages. Moses being an important indicator of God’s mercy, in the form of God’s action towards the people of God. We call these historical events, of God acting in the world, “salvation history”.
As someone says, these events prefigure Christ, who is God’s mercy and justice, on our behalf. Once, for all.
In actuality the concept of loving one’s enemies predates Jesus.
I see… so a Man of God can enter the earthly arena and completely abolish the understanding and meaning that a previous Dispensation has developed over centuries of one of its own Holy Books?
if you look at Meltzers posts (dont remember winch ones at hand, but few link.)Thankyou doormouse for bringing this post to my attention
I see… so a Man of God can enter the earthly arena and completely abolish the understanding and meaning that a previous Dispensation has developed over centuries of one of its own Holy Books?
The understanding of Judaism of the Book of Genesis was incorrect? Jesus had the authority to interpret the Book of Genesis for the Jews?
they did not understand what sin was,even though they were doing them. you have been shown this by reading the post of people in the thread.
Someone is forgetting their Christianity. Christ didn’t abolish the law, He perfected it.Thankyou doormouse for bringing this post to my attention
I see… so a Man of God can enter the earthly arena and completely abolish the understanding and meaning that a previous Dispensation has developed over centuries of one of its own Holy Books?
No. The Jews understanding was not complete, there is a difference. Also Jesus is God Man so yes, He has the authority to interpret His own words.
You can believe what you want. You would do well to not dismiss it, though.
Hello Hypno,
If, as you say (and several others) the Jews were victims of “origibal sin” yet were unaware of it, then it also means that the entire Jewish Faith was wrong in its understanding of the Tanakh.
On what basis do you say this Martin?Jesus > Moses. That’s a fact
MJ
Also, when you say “Fact” you know that it needs to hold up to objective analysis don’t you?Jesus > Moses. That’s a fact
MJ
