Is The Lord Legalistic

[Rev]

After after reading several posts on this site I thought that I would say of couple of things.

I noticed that tired and worn out charismatic phase “Legalism”. Well I would say that the LORD is extremely legalistic. He had a very legal document written which we call the New Testament
(Mat 26:28) or the New Covenant (Heb12:24). He had every i dotted and every t crossed. He also laid down each step that had to be followed for a person to be able to inherit the promises of that testament or covenant. As you can read below no one can add to, alter, or take away from this legal contract. He
also shed his blood and died to put this very legal document into force. (Heb 9:15-17)

When Paul discusses the relation between the promise and the Law in (Gal. 3:15), he introduces an illustration from ordinary human experience and compares the promise of God to Abraham with the διαθήκη (testament) of a man, i.e., a “will”. The many legal terms used in the passage make it clear that he is here using the word διαθήκη in the sense of Hellenistic law. This illustration from the legal sphere throws light on God’s dealings in salvation history. As a valid will cannot be contested or altered by additions, so the promise of God (→ ἐπαγγελία) which is His original “testament” cannot be invalidated by the Law (→ νόμος) which came later. The point of comparison is simply that of inviolability, unalterability and therefore absolute validity.
Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964-c1976. Vols. 5-9 edited by Gerhard Friedrich. Vol. 10 compiled by Ronald Pitkin. (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (2:129). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.


I also noticed several posts with man–made labels, ie: con – mod – etc. I say man-made because I don't remember reading about them in the bible. You see the Lord only knows two types of people. Those that keep his covenant and those that break it. This would also include those that teach correctly the words of his covenant and those that try to change, alter, distort, or ignore the obvious teachings and words of his testament or will.

[Rev]

Any replies?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Rev

After after reading several posts on this site I thought that I would say of couple of things.

I noticed that tired and worn out charismatic phase “Legalism”. Well I would say that the LORD is extremely legalistic. He had a very legal document written which we call the New Testament
(Mat 26:28) or the New Covenant (Heb12:24). He had every i dotted and every t crossed. He also laid down each step that had to be followed for a person to be able to inherit the promises of that testament or covenant. As you can read below no one can add to, alter, or take away from this legal contract. He
also shed his blood and died to put this very legal document into force. (Heb 9:15-17)

When Paul discusses the relation between the promise and the Law in (Gal. 3:15), he introduces an illustration from ordinary human experience and compares the promise of God to Abraham with the διαθήκη (testament) of a man, i.e., a “will”. The many legal terms used in the passage make it clear that he is here using the word διαθήκη in the sense of Hellenistic law. This illustration from the legal sphere throws light on God’s dealings in salvation history. As a valid will cannot be contested or altered by additions, so the promise of God (→ ἐπαγγελία) which is His original “testament” cannot be invalidated by the Law (→ νόμος) which came later. The point of comparison is simply that of inviolability, unalterability and therefore absolute validity.
Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964-c1976. Vols. 5-9 edited by Gerhard Friedrich. Vol. 10 compiled by Ronald Pitkin. (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (2:129). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.


I also noticed several posts with man–made labels, ie: con – mod – etc. I say man-made because I don't remember reading about them in the bible. You see the Lord only knows two types of people. Those that keep his covenant and those that break it. This would also include those that teach correctly the words of his covenant and those that try to change, alter, distort, or ignore the obvious teachings and words of his testament or will.

Yes...here is my reply.

Mat 12:1 At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the sabbath day. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat.
Mat 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw, they said to Him, Behold, your disciples do that which it is not lawful to do on the sabbath day.
Mat 12:3 But He said to them, Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him,
Mat 12:4 how he entered into the house of God and ate the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests?
Mat 12:5 Or have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath and are blameless?
Mat 12:6 But I say to you that One greater than the temple is in this place.
Mat 12:7 But if you had known what this is, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice," you would not have condemned those who are not guilty.
Mat 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath.
Mat 12:9 And when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue.
Mat 12:10 And behold, a man having a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbaths? This so that they might accuse Him.
Mat 12:11 And He said to them, What man among you will be, who will have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the sabbaths, will he not lay hold on it and lift it out?
Mat 12:12 How much better is a man then than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Mat 12:13 Then He said to the man, Stretch out your hand. And he stretched it out, and it was restored whole like the other.
Mat 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out and held council against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

[Sister Alvear]

a young girl walked into our church in Brazil...Her blouse was too thin and too short...I will not even describe her skirt. Her hair was far too orange...

My dear friend and American sister whispered and told me there was someone I really needed to set straight...

I didn´t mean to let a tear fall but it did...I looked at my dear visiting friend and said," I am just glad she is here she was at the red light district last night..."

A few weeks ago a boy walked into my house and another American friend (?) said something to me afterwards...he felt the wrong spirit from the boy...Yes, Brother I agree the boy has problems but did you ever stop to think my friendship with him may be the only thing standing between him and hell?

I brought a prostitute home with me one night...she had come to church and it was either to my house or the streets she would go...Prayed her through that night in my living room many years ago and never again did she go back to the world of Gomer...

My dear friends our Jesus was a friend of sinners...we sometimes cannot get that...HOLY, WORSHIPPED Jesus sitting with sinners, eating at their homes, healing their sick. No the religious of His day did not understand him and neither do most now...they had too many laws to follow to even notice he was the Messiah.
His laws were so different than theirs…they missed HIM and HIS purpose…
I hope somewhere we all can find balance and love.

I hope in my love for truth and God I have not driven the sinner away...You know that is possible...
PS Before you judge me and this little note go to my missionary pictures…

[Sister Alvear]

Matt 5:1-6:1
Matthew 5

5:1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
25 "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
27 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
31 "It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
33 "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.


NIV

[Felicity]

Much of the language used in the New Testament is legal in nature and in definition.

[Sister Alvear]

I can relate to you real life experiences and hope it helps...

An American was walking down the busy street of Campinas Brazil with me and we come upon two boys Marcos and Lucas. I asked them if I could buy 2 tires...Who are they my visitor asked. During the daytime they legally work at a tire store I said...at night they are robbers! (How did I know? Their mother was a member of our church)


I met someone else...Hey Missionary the person said...we talked a few minutes. Later the person said who is that? A guy from the black market I said...

After a while and meeting serveral of my strange friends the American said, Is this the only type friends you have Sister Alvear?

I was glad the next day I took him to meet the mayor and a few city councilmen...

Yes, and I did take him to visit some churches...ha...

[Sister Alvear]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Much of the language used in the New Testament is legal in nature and in definition.

I like that ...very true...

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I like that ...very true...

Old Testament ..... New Testament. Both are legal terms.

When you stop and think about it and if you start a search in scripture, you'll find many many terms that fit the "legal" definition. It's quite interesting really.

[Sister Alvear]

You got me thinking ...so wonderful that our inheritance is in a testament...signed and sealed.