Increasingly, there is a move within man-made religious circles to place restrictions on those who believe in Jesus by faith. In many respects, these teachings are taking us away from standing fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, entangling us once again under an old covenant law that was not ever intended for those of us who are not Jews. (Galatians 5:1)
This may explain why Apostle Paul (an apostle to the Gentiles -- those who are not Jews) said, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)
This is a very good question.
"But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, where unto ye desire again to be in bondage?" (Galatians 4:9)
"For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by the which we draw nigh unto God ... by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament." (Hebrews 7:19-22)
Indeed, the Law (and ten commandments) were intended as a schoolmaster to bring us closer to Jesus, so that we could experience His peace and joy and love in our lives, and be renewed from the things of this earth to the heavenly.
"Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)
After the promise came, the Law of faith was promulgated, meaning that when we ask Jesus to become both Lord and Christ in our life, we as believers in Jesus by faith are no longer under that schoolmaster of old. For ye who have believed on Christ have become His heirs, joint heirs in Christ, and as we know His commandments are not grievous.
From Galatians 3, apostle Paul clarifies the apostolic doctrine that was established on the day of Pentecost, including water baptism in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-47)
He therefore that ministers to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he it by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith, and the Law is not of faith: but the man that doeth them shall live in them.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannuls or adds thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
For if the inheritance be of the Law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves the Law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:1-29)
Thus, "being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." (Hebrews 5:9)
His Name is JESUS for He alone shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) Stand in the offering plate.
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