Don't waste any more of your time trying to find more laws that we're bound by. Let me share my thoughts...
This is a prime example of what I fear about legalism. This is "your" list. Another person might have another list including women wearing head coverings or jewelry, including wedding bands. Others will include laws against facial hair or cut hair on women. That's why I don't believe we can properly list the rules or laws a Christian must follow. It's all very subjective and arbitrary. This also exposes the mind of the legalist. And like you... they will forever be searching to find more "laws" to keep. And no two legalists will completely agree on any given list. We see this in churches that have different standards and don't fellowship one another all the time.
Here is what I believe we Christians are bound to:
Matthew 22:37-40 (KJV)
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
It's simple... love God... and demonstrate your love for God by loving others as yourself. The end.
Paul put it this way:
Romans 13:9
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
It's the royal law of love. If I abide by these two simple commandments... I've fulfilled the whole law. I have every law you could possibly listed covered. Because if I demonstrate my love for God by loving my neighbor as myself I will not lie to him, murder him, steal from him, take his wife in adultery, covet his wife, kidnap, become intoxicated and endanger him or myself, or any other thing you could possibly list (if there be any other commandment). These are two very simple and universal laws comprising what is known as... the law of love. Love... not of works.
As for my "sanctification"... I'm not sanctified by keeping any law. I'm sanctified by pressing towards the mark of being conformed into the image and likeness of Christ Jesus. He alone being my standard and my bench mark. So with regards to "doing", I'm to love God and show that love by loving all. With regards to "being" I'm to surrender to the Spirit and be as much like Christ as possible.
Living by your interpretation of the Law will only conform me into your image. Living by a denomination's interpretation of the law will only conform me into their image. Living by love... and reckoning my identity in Christ... that will conform me into Christ's image. And that my friend is superior to the Law or any set list of laws. We are called to love... and be like Jesus. I have no dietary code, dress code, code of conduct, or any other codified body of laws. I can worship when and where I choose... and I can pray when and where I choose. I'm free of the Law and any codified body of laws. However, I'm a slave to Christ, bound unto love.
What many do is divide the law in an attempt to pick and choose what laws to obey and what laws not to obey. The problem with this is that the law is a whole. Paul wrote:
Galatians 5:2-4 (KJV)
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
James wrote:
James 2:10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
You see... if I try to live by the law, even if I'm simply embracing circumcision... I'm bound to obey the entire law. That means that if I eat a ham sandwich... or I don't gather for worship on the Jewish Sabbath... I'm a transgressor. Eating pork is an abomination according to the Law. But Paul wrote:
Colossians 2:13-14 (KJV)
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Along with my old man (my old spiritual nature), the whole of the Law which condemned me, was nailed to the cross. It's been fulfilled and nailed to the cross once and for all. Now, I'm free to partake in Christ's nature by faith and love without reserve, thereby, fulfilling the intention of the entire law.
Imagine that... waking up tomorrow realizing that entire list of laws isn't binding upon you. Jesus simply commands that you sincerely learn to love everyone you meet on a daily basis. In this, your love for God is demonstrated. No dress codes or silly arbitrary rules to debate over or wrangle with. Love. That's all. Sweet simplicity. That's what separates Christianity from religion. Every religion (including dead Christian religion) has it's codified list of laws. But God is far more simple than most realize. He just desires that we love and be conformed into the image and likeness of Jesus. Jesus is our everything. Partaking in the divine nature through the Holy Spirit raises the bar of holiness beyond anything any code of laws could ever accomplish. In this, not law, are we sanctified.
This is the difference between the concept of walking in grace and living by the law.
Paul speaks of this in galations chapter 4 the law versus freedom, hagar versus issac
And you see no danger in the end result of your idea Aquila?
Really? No rules to be governed by except love God and love your neighbor? Ok.
So I can love God while smoking dope or snorting coke? After all, they are natural substances God created right? I can love God while piercing as much of my body as possible or covering myself head to toe in tattoos? I mean that Law that prohibits such nonsense isn't binding anymore so why obey it. I know folks right now that would say they love Jesus that can't wait to light up another cig or get to the weekend so they can "get their drink on". I am friends with a guy who would love to have pot legalized. He is in church every Sunday. I suppose that's just perfectly Godly since the Law is no longer worth anythign if we just love God and our neighbors?
Basically as long as I love my neighbor and do good things for them, and profess to love God, I can do pretty much anything since the Law that outlines what God approves of and disapproves of doesn't matter to me anymore?
I don't see how this view is any less destructive to man than legalism is. Liberty without boundaries is IMO more disgusting than the harshest legalism.
And you see no danger in the end result of your idea Aquila?
Really? No rules to be governed by except love God and love your neighbor? Ok.
So I can love God while smoking dope or snorting coke? After all, they are natural substances God created right? I can love God while piercing as much of my body as possible or covering myself head to toe in tattoos? I mean that Law that prohibits such nonsense isn't binding anymore so why obey it. I know folks right now that would say they love Jesus that can't wait to light up another cig or get to the weekend so they can "get their drink on". I am friends with a guy who would love to have pot legalized. He is in church every Sunday. I suppose that's just perfectly Godly since the Law is no longer worth anythign if we just love God and our neighbors?
Basically as long as I love my neighbor and do good things for them, and profess to love God, I can do pretty much anything since the Law that outlines what God approves of and disapproves of doesn't matter to me anymore?
I don't see how this view is any less destructive to man than legalism is. Liberty without boundaries is IMO more disgusting than the harshest legalism.
It's lost on you isn't it? lol
Sanctification is being conformd into the image and likeness of Jesus. Compare JESUS to all those things you fear. He's the standard.
You seem to think there are a list of rules. And your list will differ from everyone elses. It's arbitrary and subjective. Some guys will tell you that you can't eat ham sandwiches and that you have to worship on Sunday. Others will say that isn't true. You can't pick and choose from the Law. You have to take it as a WHOLE or let it rest, nailed to the cross.
Now... Jesus is our righteousness. Our life. Our sanctification. The Father's will for EVERY born again believer is that we be conformed into the image and likeness of Jesus. Jesus therefore becomes the standard. If something wouldn't reflect Christ's own person, character, and/or nature... we do well to avoid it. Thus, all those things you freaked out about are resolved in the light of who Jesus is. That's what we are called to "be". Now... Jesus gave us two core commandments that are essentially one commandment. These commandments are what we are to "do" while we are "being". Jesus stated that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength... and that we are to love our neighbour as ourselves. Paul wrote,
Romans 13:9
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
So, if we're living to be conformed into Christ's image and we are seeking to demonstrate our love for God through our love for others... we have a superior spiritual position. Why? Because no "standard" or silly law given to Israel can produce in me a righteousness greater than that found in Christ Himself. And while I might be able to keep all those little laws... it doesn't mean I've fulfilled the law of Christ. For example, I might refrain from murdering or stealing from my neighbour... but it doesn't mean that I love him/her. However, if I love him/her... I'll not be found wanting to kill them or steal from them.
So... Jesus and love trumps every possible law you could require of me. I've already been raised by Christ above it all. To start living by some silly list of rules or standards would be LOWERING my standard... not raising it.
I believe in the civil liberties of all Americans. I believe that we should have the right to live our lives the way we wish, and believe as we choose, as long as we are not endangering another person's life, liberty, or property.
On the religious front:
I believe that all religious bodies should have the right to express their beliefs and serve their members in accordance to their religious convictions as long as they are not endangering another person's life, liberty, or property.
I'm not "pro-gray" and I have no interest in a "rainbow parade". I'm pro liberty and justice for all.
I don't see how this view is any less destructive to man than legalism is. Liberty without boundaries is IMO more disgusting than the harshest legalism.
people do not understand the freedom in Christ, its not liberty with out boundries, but understanding you are forgiven. and that God will mold you into the likeness of Time.
Legalism is wanting to be like a pharasee. The word of God is not enough so man must add more to it in order to feel acceptable.
Many people are pushed away cause of legalism. Understanding that there is now no condemnation in Christ jesus who walk after the Spirit is true freedom. this doesnt mean we are not going to sin ever, but we are not entraped or bound by that sin cause We are forgiven.
Legalism = Believing that you are justified and sanctified by what you "do".
Grace = Believing that you are justified and sanctified by what you "be".
The legalist will list all the things that they believe we are to DO to be Holy.
The grace walking Christian will emphasize that we are called to BE conformed into the image and likeness of Jesus, manifesting His own person and character in our own persons to be Holy.
The Legalist's standard: Tables of Stone
The Grace Walking Christian's standard: Jesus
To live by the Law of Moses will fashion you into the image and likeness of ancient Israel.
To live by a denomination's set of rules will fashion you into the image of that denomination.
To live by a church or pastor's set of rules will fashion you into the image of that church or pastor.
Living with Jesus as your standard will conform you into the image and likeness of... Jesus himself.
There is a BIG difference. Grace doesn't allow one to live any ol' way. It does allow for the journey that brings one into Christlikeness to begin.
And you see no danger in the end result of your idea Aquila?
Really? No rules to be governed by except love God and love your neighbor? Ok.
So I can love God while smoking dope or snorting coke? After all, they are natural substances God created right? I can love God while piercing as much of my body as possible or covering myself head to toe in tattoos? I mean that Law that prohibits such nonsense isn't binding anymore so why obey it. I know folks right now that would say they love Jesus that can't wait to light up another cig or get to the weekend so they can "get their drink on". I am friends with a guy who would love to have pot legalized. He is in church every Sunday. I suppose that's just perfectly Godly since the Law is no longer worth anythign if we just love God and our neighbors?
Basically as long as I love my neighbor and do good things for them, and profess to love God, I can do pretty much anything since the Law that outlines what God approves of and disapproves of doesn't matter to me anymore?
I don't see how this view is any less destructive to man than legalism is. Liberty without boundaries is IMO more disgusting than the harshest legalism.
Admittedly that seems a scary thought at first glance, but if one operates this way, they allow others' premises to be revealed; and if they don't, then at least they reveal their own premises. You cannot write the Law on someone
else's heart, not even your kids', except by example, and personally I wouldn't want to serve with anyone whom you could.
While this might seem destructive, see that it is destructive to sin, and not God. @ "I can do pretty much anything," change that to "I can do anything," once I grasp this, which does not mean breaking any Law
with impunity.
Admittedly that seems a scary thought at first glance, but if one operates this way, they allow others' premises to be revealed; and if they don't, then at least they reveal their own premises. You cannot write the Law on someone
else's heart, not even your kids', except by example, and personally I wouldn't want to serve with anyone whom you could.
While this might seem destructive, see that it is destructive to sin, and not God. @ "I can do pretty much anything," change that to "I can do anything," once I grasp this, which does not mean breaking any Law
with impunity.
I break the law with impunity every time I have a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast. Today, I not only had a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast, but I put on polyknit clothing, and drank my coffee after a gnat few into it. I shattered the law. But the truth is... it doesn't apply to me. I'm called to be like Christ, who is above the law.
Legalism: Moses tells Israel, "This is the law God has given you so that you might be a holy nation."
Grace: Jesus tells me, "Don't worry about being like ancient Israel, forget the law. Love God, love your neighbour, and be like me. Now, go eat your sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich." lol
I break the law with impunity every time I have a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast. Today, I not only had a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast, but I put on polyknit clothing, and drank my coffee after a gnat few into it. I shattered the law. But the truth is... it doesn't apply to me. I'm called to be like Christ, who is above the law.
Legalism: Moses tells Israel, "This is the law God has given you so that you might be a holy nation."
Grace: Jesus tells me, "Don't worry about being like ancient Israel, forget the law. Love God, love your neighbour, and be like me. Now, go eat your sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich." lol
Hmm, that would seem to be taking advantage of Grace, to me,
but I don't have to suffer your consequences, which I don't believe Grace
would allow one to escape. I don't think Christ meant "forget the Law," but
"fulfill the Law," which to me means me, fulfilling the Law, and applying Grace to anyone who may not.
I'm still working out whether I should help you with your clogged arteries, lol.
I guess so...
The homosexual agenda is simple, anything but complete aceptance of the Gay lifestyle will be called hate.
Even mild criticism will be considered intolerance by them.
There is no point in trying to appease the Homosexual community, because nothing will appease them, except for the surrender of our belief that it is wrong and sinful.
The only way we christians can not be offensive is to shut up and do not speak against sin.
I wish we (humanity) could get to the place where everyone can speak their opinions, without fear of any repercussions. As for this issue in particular, I wish everyone could live their lives according to their own convictions, considering others' views, and let God decide how to deal with each life. There are some things that need to be in the law books (theft, murder, etc.), and some that should not.
IMO.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
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