Not Under the Law, but Under Grace
Law of God,
Law of Moses, Moses Law, Law of Moses, Under the Law
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Romans 6:14
tells us “you are not under the law, but under grace.” Galatians 5:18 also says believers are “not under
the Law”. Many who respect
the Law have explained that this means believers were not under the penalty
of the Law. However, Galatians 4:4
uses the same phrase. If we apply this
interpretation consistently we must believe that Christ was “born under the penalty
of the Law”.
That does not make
sense. Messiah was not born with a
judgment against Him. Perhaps we
should look at this again.
What is the Law? Among other things, the Law is a
covenant. It was confirmed with
Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy is basically
a speech that Moses gave to Israel explaining the Law.
“These are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to
make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant
which He made with them in Horeb.” (Deu 29:1, see also Deu 1:1-3, 5).
“Moses finished speaking all these words to all Israel, 46 and He said to them: "Set your
hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall
command your children to be careful to observe––all the words of this law.”
(Deu 32:45-46).
The foundational terms of
this law/covenant are the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy assumed the existence of the
other books of Moses. “…Moses spoke to the children of Israel
according to all that the LORD had given him as commandments to them,”
(Deu 1:3d). After Moses presentation,
the Law was confirmed as a covenant (Deu 29:9, 14-15). The document Moses wrote, consisting
basically of Deuteronomy, was then placed next to the Ark of the Covenant of
the Lord. It was a package deal under
which Israel would live.
‘So it was, when Moses
had completed writing the words of this law in a book, when they were
finished, 25 that Moses commanded the
Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying: 26 "Take this Book of the Law, and put
it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there
as a witness against you”’ (Deu 31:24-26).
The covenant of the Lord
was in the ark. The additional
covenant Moses mediated between God and Israel, the Law, was kept outside the
ark. Two main differences between
these covenants are that the Law established the priesthood of Levi and
central worship at the temple/tabernacle.
Neither Levi nor the tabernacle is mentioned in the terms of the
Covenant of the Lord documented in Exodus 20-23 and confirmed in Exodus
24:1-8. The Law was added and the
place of Levi and the tabernacle were added with it.
The priesthood of Levi was
an integral part of the Law. Hebrews
7:11 is often translated to indicate that Israel received the law “under” the
Levitical priesthood, (which did not exist in Exodus 24). This is true, but a closer examination of
the original text indicates more than that.
The Greek behind ‘under’ is ‘epi’ (Str. 1909). The primary meaning is really ‘upon’ or
‘on’. The Law was based ON the
existence of Levi. A number of
translations reflect this such as: “Now if perfection was through the
Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law)…”
(NASB, see also NIV, Philips, Alford or EGNT). In fact, the Law without Levi is like a
three legged horse. It just can’t
function as intended.
Messiah taught a different
way than Israel had understood, emphasizing the full intent of the
Creator. The full intent requires we
seek the spirit of, and principle behind the letter of Law. Not only do we not murder, we walk in the
spirit and do not participate even in character assassination. (Mat
5:21-22) Not only are we faithful to
our mates, we don’t even think about alternatives (Mat 5:27-28). The rest of Matthew 5 explains additional
aspects of the higher standard expected of the students of Messiah. The Law did not instruct most of these
things. Other areas of the New
Testament also add insight. Some of
the Law actually gets in the way of the full intent.
The Law set up Levi to be
priests and represent the Creator (Num 3:12, 41, 1:53, 27:21, Deu
17:8-9). The full intent is that we
all be children of the Father and represent Him (Ex 19:5-6, Mat 5:44-48, I
Pet 1:15). The Law makes the temple
the dwelling place of God (Deu 12:5, 16:16).
The full intent is that God lives in us and our conduct reflects that. We act as He would act (John 14:23, Gal
2:20, I Cor 3:16). The Law allowed for
hard heartedness in Israel (Mat 19:8).
The full intent is that we are merciful and forgiving (Luke 6:36-37,
Mat 23:23). The Law assumed
disobedience. “Now we know that
whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every
mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”
(Rom 3:19 see also Lev 4-7, Num 28-29, Jer 7:22-23) The Law assumed that everyone would fall
short. As a result, regular sacrifices
were required in the Law.
Now the Creator calls on
all to repent and walk in His ways and be His children (Acts 17:30, Mat
5:44-48, I John 3:2-3). His ways have
not changed (Mal 3:6). It was not the
intent of the Creator that Israel be separated from Him by Levi. Some other stipulations of the Law are also
not exactly what the Creator wanted.
However, Israel couldn’t be trusted to walk in His ways. The Law established Levi to teach and judge
Israel. It also provided a means of
forgiveness. His original covenant
with Israel in Exodus 20-23 assumed obedience. Forgiveness was not built in.
The Levites judged the
people according to the Law (Deu 17:8-9).
Israel brought their sacrifices to atone for sin to the sons of Aaron
(Lev 4-7). Those who accept Jesus as
Messiah do not receive forgiveness that way.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of
sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph 1:7).
Believers recognize a
different priesthood and live to a higher standard. The administration has certainly
changed. “For the priesthood being
changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.” (Heb 7:12, notice
also vs. 17-18) Was the Law changed to
handle the replacement of Levi?
Remember, the Law is a covenant.
Covenants cannot be amended or annulled. “Brethren, I speak in the
manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no
one annuls or adds to it.” (Gal 3:15)
In fact the Law cannot be changed.
“…till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no
means pass from the law…” (Mat 5:18bc).
What is law must change,
but the Law cannot be changed. So what
happens? “by so much more Jesus has
become a surety of a better covenant.” (Heb 7:22) Is this an improved covenant or a different
covenant? “But now He has obtained
a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better
covenant, which was established on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been
faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second” (Heb
8:6-7).
To solve the problem, a
second covenant is established. The
Law and the New Covenant are mutually exclusive even though many of the terms
are identical. If one is under the
Law, one is judged by the priest’s of Levi.
Sin is cleansed with animal sacrifices. The believer in Messiah does not look to
Levi or the forgiveness available through them. The believer is dependent on the incredible
grace and mercy of the Father and Messiah.
It is the fact that the Law
is a covenant and cannot be changed that led the Creator to establish a new
covenant. The Law of Moses did not
eliminate sin; only atone for it. Note
that Hebrews affirms that the Law, based on Levi was unprofitable. The problem was that it couldn’t cause perfection
in those attempting to live by it. “For
on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of
its weakness and unprofitableness, 19
for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in
of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” (Heb 7:18-19)
Drawing Near
Messiah made something
better. A better hope lets us draw
near to God. Do our sins no
longer separate us? How do we draw
near? “Because this [is] the covenant which I
will covenant with the house of Israel after those days, says [the] Lord,
giving my laws into their mind, also upon their hearts I will inscribe them;
and I will be to them for God, and they shall be to me for people.” (Heb 8:10 EGNT)
If His laws are in our
heart, by nature we do them. (Rom 2:14-15, Deu 8:2) What is in a person’s heart can be
discerned by what they do. With the
more perfect example and teaching of Messiah the Creator intends
to place His Laws in the minds of true believers, so they can be
written on
their heart. It would be
their nature to uphold their part of the New Covenant bargain.
Galatians also tells us
Messiah came to redeem those who were under the Law (4:4-5). Instead of being slaves (Lev 25:42) we can
become sons, given the spirit of Christ and adopted by the Father. What is entailed in having the spirit of
Christ and what is it to be a son of the Father?
Adoption in Paul’s Greco-Roman world is an interesting
study. The purpose was not like today,
mainly to provide a home for orphans.
The relationship was born out of more of a mentor relationship, on
steroids, so to speak. Often the
adoptee was a full-grown adult. Upon
adoption the son left his old life for a completely new one. Any debts he had were cancelled, as the
original person no longer existed. The
new son was then expected to totally embrace the new father and his way of
life. (See, Adoption as Sons of
God, by James Scott). Overall that
sounds like: “I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their
hearts: and I will be their God and they shall be My people.” (Jer
31:33).
“If you were Abraham’s
children, you would do the works of Abraham.” (John 8:39b) Even so, to be children of the Father we
must do the works of the Father. “Therefore
you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and
to fear Him.” (Deu 8:6) The ways,
nature and the works of the Father are the keeping of His commandments,
specifically the Ten Commandments. Isn’t
that the same as the Law? Hold that
thought.
“He who says he abides
in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (I John 2:6). Those who claim their life is in Christ
should act like Messiah, intent on following the example of Messiah and
walking in the ways of the Father.
Messiah kept the law that applied, and kept and taught the full intent
of His Father.
It is the adopted son that
will love his Father and will carefully study His conduct and seek to emulate
it in all aspects. In this way the
Creator places His Laws in the mind of the believer. They are written on the heart by the
believers own will, by His own hand. “And everyone who has this hope in
Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (I John 3:3). Obedience is assumed.
Does the New Covenant then
reestablish the Law that was weak and unprofitable? If we read carefully we see that the
Creator writes His Laws in the minds and hearts of those who
grasp the New Covenant. Remember, we are
to keep His commandments, the Ten Commandments to walk in His ways (Deu
8:6). Consider as well that Psalms
equates His Law with His Covenant, which is also the Ten Commandments. “They did not keep the covenant of God;
They refused to walk in His law” (Ps 78:10, see also Hos 8:1).
Hebrew speakers use repetition as a form of
emphasis and clarification. They don’t
say the same thing over again to do this, but approach it from a different
angle. In this case they tell us that
for all practical purposes His law and His Covenant are the same thing.
So, if His Laws are written
in our heart, it is not the Law that is being
reestablished, but specifically the Ten Commandments, His Covenant, which is
the covenant given directly by the Creator (Ex 20) and confirmed in Exodus 24. His Law, His covenant, is not the covenant
confirmed in Deuteronomy 29-31, but the law established in Exodus 20-23 that
predated The Law.
Messiah is reestablishing
the Law that was inside the ark, not the one that was placed outside the
ark. The instruction of this covenant
is 100% workable for today except that believers do not have civil
authority. We can, however, bind
ourselves to live by the terms of His covenant as documented in Exodus
20-23. There is no need for Levi or
the temple, so we don’t have to guess how to compensate for their loss.
We do need to understand
that the Creator packed a lot into this instruction. A gloss read is insufficient. One must dig for the intent and seek the
interlinking connections that reveal the full intent of the mind of the
Creator.
His Laws embody His Ways
From the beginning the
Creator intended to make us in His image and His likeness (Gen 1:26). What is important about the Creator? Is it His physical shape or the way He
thinks? It may well be that we look
like He does, but of more importance is how He thinks. That is what determines what kind of
individual He is, how He conducts Himself and how He relates to others. Having His children think like He thinks
has always been His goal.
Messiah is the image of the Father.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all
creation” (Col 1:15 NASB). Messiah
embodies the full character and approach of the Father. Believers are also renewed toward that
end. “and have put on the new man
who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him”
(Col 3:10). This knowledge is not just
academic, but indicates the understanding that allows one to escape the
corrupting influences of the world (II Pet 2:20).
“For if you live
according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death
the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
(Rom 8:13-14) Seeking after physical
things must take a back seat. Both the
body and the mind need to be purified to overcome the distractions and
enticements of the flesh. Improvement
of the spirit and mentality in accord with the example of Messiah and the
ways of the Creator must be the driving factor in someone’s life. We must be focused on how the mind of God
thinks, so we can conduct ourselves accordingly.
If we are not doing that we
are not the son of the Father. "Repent,
and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
(Acts 2:38) Repentance sounds simple
enough. How easy is it?
Jas 1:14-15 “But each one is tempted when he is drawn
away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin,
when it is full–grown, brings forth death.”
Our own lusts or desires
are the root cause of sin. The
individual sin is a problem, but not really the problem. Our insistence on looking to our self to
take care of our self is the issue. We
allow ourselves to take what our Creator has not given us. Perhaps it’s something we just like to do
or something we want to have that is not good for us. Perhaps we just think no one will
know. Repentance requires the release
of our mindset that trusts me and replaces it with a mind that trusts and
fears the Creator.
“And we are His
witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given
to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32).
Not only must one say they will change, but they must evidence the
change in their actions (Acts 26:20). II Peter 1:4 refers to believers as having the
divine nature
. This is consistent with
the intention of adoption and sons.
“Draw nigh to God, and
he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your
hearts, ye double minded.” (Jas 4:8) “And everyone who has this hope
in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (I John 3:3) The adopted son of God is to become the
image and likeness of Him. We must
carefully consider His instruction to understand the principle behind it and
live according to the principle, not just the surface reading of the
instruction. His covenant of Exodus
20-23 is the foundation where one should start. That is His way summarized. Believers should examine this instruction
very carefully. All other instruction
of scripture should be considered in light of this foundation and Messiah’s
words. A gloss read is
insufficient. We trust that His way is
best for us and we put no confidence in our own ability to determine what is
best.
There is no substitute for
personal study. Also understand that
after reading a certain meaning into scripture over time; we may no longer be
able to read what the scripture actually says. Yes, we do this!
If
we neglect some aspect of His ways out of ignorance are we still
obedient? Sin in ignorance is still
sin. We must diligently seek better understanding. The Law is a tool we can use. It is available for consultation as the
child guardian was available even after the child reached legal age (Gal 3:24-25, See also: “Novum Testamentum”, vol 29, 1987, “Paidagogos:
The Social Setting”, by N.H.Young p174)
Ancient Israel did not have
the heart to obey. They were given
physical reminders in the Law to try to keep them within a reasonable range
of acceptable conduct (Gal 3:23). They
had the temple, their linage from the patriarchs, Jerusalem, the priesthood of
Levi and the ark of the covenant. They
wore certain clothing and wrote the commandments on their doorposts. Some carried the commandments around in a
little container fastened between their eyes.
These are all physical things designed to remind them to live to a
high standard. Instead they ended up
over emphasizing these things, putting their confidence in these fleshly
things that don’t necessarily improve the mentality and spirit. “For those who live according to the
flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live
according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (Rom 8:5)
We need to focus on
improving how we think, our values, in accord with the mind of the Creator
and understand His full intent.
Recognize that His way is far superior to our own. Serve His way with the mind and the deeds
of the body will follow.
The Law had some aspects
that caused a separation from the Creator.
He now expects us to set aside our ways to walk in His. Separation, hardheartedness and disobedience
are no longer tolerated. We are to be
caring for one another as He cared for us, selflessly. The believer determines to change, then
rids himself of unacceptable conduct.
He/she walks in the ways of the Creator and the old way is
forgiven. “But if we walk in the
light as He is in the light … the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us
from all sin.” (I John 1:7)
Messiah was born under the
Law. He kept it and also the higher
way of His Father. Most people today
have not even tried to keep the Law.
The penalty for sin must still be paid. Messiah will graciously pay our debt if we
repent of our flesh-pampering self-centered way, and walk selflessly
according to His standard.
The Law contains valuable
information detailing the ways of the Creator. It is unlikely we could fully purify our
hearts (Jas 4:8) without the instruction of the Law. We would not have a sufficient picture of
what to change, how to repent.
Messiah taught us to seek
that which was from the beginning. The
administration of Levi was not from the beginning. The Creator zeros in on the Ten
Commandments, His covenant, (Deu 4:12-13) as the foundation of His ways (Deu
8:6). His Covenant is forever (Ps
111:9).
The Law is important in
that it clarifies many principles and intentions of His covenant. His covenant is how He thinks. It must be our nature, i.e. spirit, to walk
according to His spirit in His way, obeying His covenant,
His Laws, (Ps 78:10,
Heb 8:10) according to the full intent and spirit. This requires faith and
vigilance. He will reward those who
diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)
So believers in Jesus
Christ do not look to the Law as the ultimate authority. They look to Messiah. He is incredibly gracious toward those who
trust in Him. What does that mean?
Under Grace
“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His
sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart
from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through
faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe…” (Rom 3:20-22)
By law we understand what
unacceptable conduct is. The Creator’s
righteousness is apparent and documented in the Law and the Prophets (Jer
31:34, Ps 145:8, Ex 33:19) even though it is not a function of the Law. His largess and grace comes to all who
believe in Messiah. It is a matter of
faith and trust.
The Hebrew concept of faith
and trust was not a faith that no matter how derelict I am Messiah will make
it right. Rather faith was evidenced
in ones conduct. When one had faith he
was able to do things he otherwise would be afraid to do. Specifically, he no longer needed to depend
on his own cunning to survive in this world.
He could live selflessly like Messiah did and trust that Messiah would
keep him whole and sound.
The grace of Messiah and
the Father is intended to produce the same grace in us. He is caring and merciful to us. We are to be caring and merciful toward
others. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He
walked.” (1 John 2:6)
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of
love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like–minded,
having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish
ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better
than himself. 4 Let each of you look
out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of
others. 5 Let this mind be in you
which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Phil 2:1-5)
Our faith allows us to
trust our Creator to live as He expects us to live. He expects us to live as He would live,
representative of Him, as a son.
Believers have a Master who looks after them. They do not need to be very careful for
themselves.
“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (II Pet 3:18)
Those who receive His grace
are expected to expand, grow, that grace in themselves. This is done by seeking better
understanding of Messiah and His example and exercising kindness and grace
toward others. The best way to learn
is by a combination of accepting instruction from others and doing. Seek the instruction of Messiah and follow
His example in your conduct.
“I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For
just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of
lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as
slaves of righteousness for holiness.” (Rom 6:19)
The grace we receive should
redirect our conduct to support the cause of our Creator and Savior. He wants us to live according to His
example, which was the way of the Father.
Grace received is expected to make a change in our approach to life. We pass that grace on to others by how we
live in relation to others.
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was
not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the
grace of God which was with me.” (I Cor 15:10)
The grace that Paul
received would have been in vain had he not correctly responded. He did respond. He worked harder than anyone in the gospel,
yet he knew this was not because he was special. It was due to the grace that was in him,
Messiah living in him. If we don’t
respond to Messiah’s grace by being gracious to others Messiah’s grace is
given in vain, pointless. It does not
accomplish what it is expected to accomplish.
“For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we
conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with
fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.”
(II Cor 1:12)
The guide for our conduct
is the example of grace exhibited through Messiah. He conducted Himself according to the
direction of the Father living simply and honestly. His example then becomes our example.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken,
let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and
godly fear.” (Heb 12:28)
A believer’s future is
assured. They don’t need to protect
themselves, but they can extend grace, kindness and mercy to others. In this they serve their Creator with
reverence as He expects.
Grace is not a one way
street. It is not something that
believers only receive so they can
be clean. It is given to those that
obey (I John 1:7, Acts 5:32) so they can show the way of the Creator to
others. Messiah extends His life on
this earth through those who trust Him.
That extension is intended to be 100% faithful to the example Messiah
set. If we are to become sons we are
expected to fully repudiate our old life and live according to the values of
our new Father. His way is defined by
His covenant. If you haven’t already
done so, we recommend you read ‘Pondering the Law of God’.