"Again, it is sometimes said that Christ is the end of the ceremonial law (including not only the sacrificial cultus but circumcision and the observance of the sacred calendar) but not of the moral law. Once more, this is a perfectly valid, and to some extent an obvious, theological and ethical distinction; but it has no place in Pauline exegesis. It has to be read into Paul, for it is not a distinction that Paul himself makes."
F.F Bruce
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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4 comments:
Yeah Craig,
Good one F.F.Bruce! And great post Craig. This kind of clarity is essential because there is so much theology out there that mixes this up. This mindset of Christ being the end of the ceremonial law, but not of the moral law is very common. The idea is that though not a criteria for salvation (or even maintaining salvation) stringent obedience to the moral law as our “rule of life” is PROOF of our salvation. Sounds good but it is a treadmill of works/righteousness that is sadly unbiblical. Romans 10:9-11 says, “Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and BELIEVE in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart one BELIEVES unto righteousness and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Everyone BELIEVING on Him shall not be put to shame." Belief in the righteousness of Another to meet the demands of the moral law ON OUR BEHALF makes us “good to go”. And out of that belief is the fruit of grace, the obedience of faith.
Hey Jim...amen brother..i like that "good to go"...how many believers never really leave the starting blocks because they are always trying to get themselves ready...ready to be "used" by god...as if this huge amount of effort will qualify...when Jesus said He was the end of effort, the end of law...man alive! i love this message, such freedom, such liberty, such clarity...ITS, "MOVE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, I HAVE GIVEN YOU ALL THIGS ALREADY!!"...Praise God!
Somehow the church seems to miss that the 'moral law' is called "the ministry of death" and "the ministry of condemnation" by Paul! Not only do they read a non-existent distinction into Pauline exegesis, but they miss what he does actually say about it!
"...the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones..." (2 Cor 3:7).
I know, my goodness...we were chatting about this last night at our little "GRACE" group...can't believe we missed it for so long too...It was Paul who said "a righteousness revealed" It seems so plain now, our effort to be made right with God is an affront to Him and the cross, probably the greatest form of unbelief there is! Thank you Lord for the revelation of your pure grace...show us more truth...more of Jesus!!
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