Now, I think to myself. I am a bit curious to go deeper into the study of God’s Laws to try to figure out somehow what I understand when I use the term ‘God’s Law’. I go on to ask myself. What is Law? This is a somewhat difficult term for me to define, as it escapes much of my human study in this life. But I try, nonetheless, to work through its meaning.
I have a question. First of all, is the term ‘Law’ separate and apart from the term ‘laws’? Am I able to interchange the word ‘Law’ to mean ‘laws’? How is the term ‘Law’ separate and apart from the term ‘laws’? I think to myself. Perhaps, there exist laws, but overall, there is Law. The Law encapsulates all of the laws. The laws are all bound by the Law. When I think of the word ‘law’, I also think of the word ‘order’ and I also think of the word ‘govern’.
So, let me now extrapolate its meaning. In scientific terms, law is usually a principle or formula that is bound by certain parameters and conditions. When I study from the topic of Physics, I study the many formulae which act as guiding principles or governing principles that provide value when applied, with the added advantage of predicting certain outcomes or probabilities. There is a high level of predictability, then, when a formula is applied and it can be applied to many different and distinct variables to achieve certain expected or desired outcomes. The possibilities for use of the guiding principles are endless. One simply has to follow the instructions given as input into the formula to receive a desired effect as its output. I may suppose then, that the laws are mathematical in nature. When one inputs, the output is more likely to be expected.
The simplest example that I may find, is through the use of the calculator. For example, if I want to determine my Body Mass Index, I can perhaps rely on an application that has already installed within it, a set of guiding principles or rules that remain fixed; they never change, such that when I input certain variable values such as age, gender, weight and height, with set units, I am likely to receive a result that may closely match the true value for what I was hoping to find out. The formula, though not openly mathematically known to me, tells me or predicts a certain result or outcome. The key point is that the law remains fixed. The formula remains fixed.
The other observation is that with a fixed law, the outcome remains reliable. No matter how many times I plug in the same values, I expect to see or witness similar results on each subsequent try.
Fixed laws or principles produce reliable results. Results are expected to be reliable when laws remain fixed and unchanging. I pin this thought for the moment as I continue to stretch my imagination.
Now, I play with a different dimension of the same thought. Suppose, then, the formula or set of rules exist such that it produces the same results, no matter the number of times one plugs in the input variables. Does it mean, that though I receive the same results over and over again, does it mean that the results are accurate? Well, of course not, it just means that reliability runs its course. It is for this reason, that students of various Scientific subjects utilize different sources of information to help mitigate the risk of having a less than accurate result. In fact, mathematically, the weighted average taken from several sources is usually the preferred choice when predicting an outcome. The Scientist never relies on just one source of outcome or result, for he takes into account the inherent nature of human error. Scientists universally agree on the probability of human error and the possibility of not taking into account the unknown unknowns. The Scientist leaves room for much uncertainty when it comes to accuracy.
So, now I have derived two dimensions on the same thought. Laws may carry with it the potential for differing levels of reliability and accuracy. Human error plays a key role for allowing such varied results as a consequence of the different levels of reliability and accuracy that may be attached to a formula or law or governing principle. Now I pin these two thoughts for the moment. I still want to explore yet another dimension on the same thought.
I go on.
One thing that I have learnt from lessons in the field of Science and Mathematics is that, there is always an exception to the rule. Always! When I was younger, I always wondered to myself, why is it that these exceptional rules exist? Is it to further complicate my studying journey and stress me out? I mean, I already had enough on my plate to cram. Now, I need to learn exceptions and changes to the rule, after already spending so much time and effort just trying to learn the basics? I used to be annoyed a great deal, for I had somewhat of the much lazy mind. It seemed like work to have to try and remember some new exception or difference. Not to mention when learning a language! Nonetheless, this is a unique feature that I have observed through time that still must be considered when considering the nature of law or guiding principles of any kind. It cannot be omitted.
So, now I have drawn up three dimensions to just one thought.
I now deduce that a law or principle or formula carries the dimensions of accuracy and reliability, leaving room for exceptions to the rule; three fantastic dimensions. I am sure there are many more, but this is already enough on my plate and I am more than satisfied to work with and work through for the moment.
Now, all the while, I tried to define the law in human terms with human understanding, trying at best, to pull from my very human experience from my bank of experiential learning. I have now a very difficult task at hand. How exactly, can I understand law from that eternal perspective through human eyes? Quite the task I presume. I go slowly with this study as I work through much thought.
While reading through the Gospel of Luke, something peculiar stood out to me quite frankly. It made me think for a while, then question.
I read from the book of Luke Chapter three:
18 With these and many other words John announced the Good News to the people
19 until Herod had him put in prison. For John reproached Herod for living with Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for his evil deeds.
20 Then Herod added another crime to all the rest he had committed: he put John in prison.
These verses make for an interesting read when one reads with the background understanding that Herod served as King for the jurisdiction where John the Baptist was placed to serve.
Here, we have King Herod and John the Baptist, both giving service, One as King, the other to herald in and prepare the way for the King, though Herod be King. It seems then, for the fomenting of two worlds intersecting and colliding.
Herod was king, yet it is written that he committed a crime. Just look at verse 20. Yet, at the same time, John the Baptist was put into prison by King Herod. What is going on here?
One gets put into prison and the other commits a crime. Even further, one commits a crime for putting the other into prison. Does that make any sense? This is what got my initial attention! The irony I find in these verses. Who is right and who is wrong when it comes to the law?
Well, for me, in order to reason through, my only assumption is that each served under laws that were equal and opposing. I mean, how can a king commit a crime for imprisoning one under his own rulership? That makes no sense to me. It must mean that there existed two different types of rulership or kingdoms that come with their own set of rules and guiding principles. What works in one kingdom may be regarded as a crime in the other kingdom.
Jesus answered, “My kingship does not come from this world. If I were king like those of this world, my guards would have fought to save me from being handed over to the Jews. But my Kingship is not from here.” (John 18: 36)
It does distil, for me, the idea that there was indeed another kingdom that existed that described Herod as a transgressor to the law that circumscribed that invisible kingdom. But what exactly did King Herod actually do to break the law of this invisible kingdom? After all, he put John the Baptist in prison. It must mean that John the Baptist was serving an opposing Kingdom and while on his mission to serve, he received opposition. John was sent to complete a mission, while Herod opposed, offering resistance to the command that was sent out.
Though the story concluded with John’s death, the order or command still remained upheld to this day, for one can read to this very day all that took place in that time or era. The law was still upheld, even though the agent or carrier of that law or command has already died in this world and moved on.
But then I think to myself, what law is it that exists that has nothing to do with the laws already given by this world? I am curious.
This curiosity takes me to study from the book of Psalms. King David placed a lot of emphasis on these very laws; laws that somewhat unfamiliar and distant to my general understanding. He goes at great length in his one hundred and nineteenth (119th) Psalm, singing about these laws. He sang a whole lot about these laws. I extract a few of his verses.
1 Blessed are they whose ways are upright who follow the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are they who treasure his word and seek him with all their heart.
Wait! I stop here for the moment. King David has revealed one clue. In just these verses alone, he defines the law and identifies the Kingdom to which the law belonged. He uses the terms ‘law of the Lord’. So, there is a law and this law has an owner. Further, he equates this law to the owner’s word. Even further he describes the law to be a person when he uses the words ‘seek him’.
From what King David has described, I work out that:
The Law = The Word and that
The Father owns the Word.
The Son of God is the Word and comes from the Father.
David has established here that the ‘Law’ is the Word of God.
David has established here that the ‘Law’ is Jesus Christ.
It must mean then that the Law is not just piece or part of the Scripture. The ENTIRE BOOK is the Law. The Bible is the Law Book. And Jesus Christ is He. If one is to omit any part of the Script, one has not yet come into the full realization of knowing the Father. For the Father speaks the entire Script from beginning to end.
Now, there is a condition that I have noted when the Father speaks. When He speaks, He speaks for all time. I think to myself, that it must be because He speaks from His eternal seat. When God opens His mouth to speak, anything that comes out of His mouth is for all time. For God is not bound by time. There is just no timeline from His point of view. When He speaks, He speaks through the boundaries of time. Because His words are timeless, his words are automatically bound to law. When He speaks, the very words that He speaks, just automatically becomes a law. For His words remain timeless; fixed and unchanging. This is what I have discovered when I think about studying God’s laws. His laws are not ever going to change. His laws are timeless. His laws are for all eternity.
If I compare this to human examples, room is usually left by scientists to make alterations to the basic formula or law of some kind, when more insight or information becomes known through further research and experimentations. It means then, that there is the capacity for scientific laws to become altered or changed, just based on new findings and realizations. Laws defined my science can change. Much is expected.
What becomes amazing though is understanding that God’s laws are the only laws that remain unchanged for all time. God Himself is the Law and He is not going to change. His ideas are not ever going to change. From since the creation of the world, God felt satisfied with all that He had made through His Word. God was satisfied with His thoughts, that would later become for man, His Law. Christ is God’s thoughts and ideas for man, that were made flesh. When He planted the seed of the Word into man’s mind, He was actually planting His ideas and His thoughts that would later develop and mature to become Law in man’s heart. The Father wanted to rest His Law in man’s heart such that man lives.
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter seventeen:
1 The Lord created man from the earth and let him to return to the earth.
7 He filled them with wisdom and knowledge; He taught them good and evil.
11 He gave them revealed knowledge as well and handed over to them the Law of life.
I also read from the book of Ezekiel Chapter twenty:
11 I gave them my decrees and made my laws known to them, laws by which man lives provided he observes them.
Further, I read from the book of Sirach Chapter twenty-four:
23 All this is in the Bible, the Testament of the Most High God, the book of the Law which Moses entrusted to us, the inheritance of the congregations of Israel.
It is clearly written that the Father makes known to man, His Law of Life, that is, His Word and this is eternal, which means that it is for all time and that which stretches beyond the borders of time.
Now, I make my course back to the song of David in the book of Psalms Chapter one hundred and nineteen:
24 Your laws are my delight, my counsellors who uphold me
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart upon your laws.
47 For I delight in your word, which I fear.
59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your paths.
60 I hasten and no longer delay in keeping your commands.
72 Your law is more precious to me than heaps of silver and gold.
97 How I love your law meditating on it all day!
127 I love your commandments more than gold- the finest gold.
131 I gasp in ardent yearning for your commandments that I love.
167 My soul clings to your words for I truly cherish them.
Wow! King David went at length here as he passionately sings of his love for God’s Law. King David found God’s Word insatiable. I recall the words taken from the Chapter on Mind Field:
‘Those who eat me will hunger still; those who drink me will thirst more. (Sirach 24: 21)
The above verse highlights the insatiable nature of the Word of God. With God’s Spirit, man is drawn to dwell in the midst of the Word. For the Word is insatiable and wants to be read over and over again and then understood. To hunger and thirst speaks of consumption. To consume the Word is to read the Word.’
So, it is evident that King David acts in accordance with God’s Spirit, that is, being drawn to dwell and meditate in the midst of the Word. King David clearly describes how valuable he thought the Word to be.
But there is something even more interesting that I have observed from King David’s musings. I continue to read from the book of Psalm’s Chapter one hundred and nineteen. I read:
89 O Lord, your word stands forever, firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness lasts throughout the ages – as long as the earth you created.
91 Your ordinances last to this day for all things are made to serve you.
King David confirms a unique feature. He deliberately describes God’s laws to be firmly fixed in the heavens. He goes on further to describe them as faithful. In terms of dimensions, I extrapolate that faithfulness speaks to a measure of reliability. God’s Law is reliable. So much that King David trusts and waits in hope for Him. King David equates the everlasting nature of the Law to be faithful or reliable. This satisfies one of the dimensions earlier defined. God’s Law is reliable and worthy of trusting. King David holds testimony to this. Else, He would not have mentioned or admitted it. In other words, King David trusts the condition that no matter how many times he applies the laws, the outcomes will always remain the same. King David fixes my understanding of the reliability of God’s laws.
Now, I search from a different angle. I continue reading from the book of Psalms Chapter one hundred and nineteen:
42 Strengthened by my trust in your word, I can answer my enemy’s reproach.
43 Take not the word of truth from my mouth, for I would also lose my hope in your word.
67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word.
71 It is good for me to have been afflicted, for I have deeply learned your statutes.
71 I know that your laws are just and there is justice in my affliction
66 Give me knowledge and good judgment for I trust in your commands.
140 Your promises have been tested; therefore your servant loves them
142 Your justice is eternal and your Law is true.
160 The essence of your word is truth, everlasting are your just ordinances.
172 Let my tongue sing of your good news, for all you say is true.
The above verses reveal the truthfulness, veracity or accuracy of God’s Laws. These verses build on and add flavour to the reliability of God’s Word. It is sure and true.
So far, then, I have observed the dimensions of reliability and accuracy of God’s Law being displayed through David’s song.
Your decrees are the theme of my song, in this my place of exile. (Psalm 119: 54)
So far, I feel satisfied by what I have found. There still remains one last parameter that I have defined, that is, the element of ‘exclusion’ to the rule, but I shut up for the moment, in my satisfaction.
There is still yet another point that I would really like to draw out of David’s hymn. I continue reading on: I continue to read from the book of Psalms Chapter one hundred and nineteen.
27 Explain to me all of your ordinances and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
33 Explain to me, O Lord, your commandments and I will be ever faithful to them.
34 Give me understanding that I may observe your law with all my heart.
35 Guide me in obeying your instructions, for my pleasure lies in them.
98 Your command- mine forever – has made me wiser than my enemy.
104 Your precepts have given me knowledge, and I hate all that is false.
125 Give me knowledge; I am your servant who desires to understand your statutes.
128 Because my steps are guided by your precepts, I hate all false ways.
130 As your words unfold, light is shed, and the simple hearted understand.
135 Favour me with your smile and teach me your statutes.
144 Your statutes are just forever; give me understanding, that I may live.
What stands out to me that causes this king to treasure God’s laws is that His laws come with teaching. His teachings are pinned to His laws. This is a very crucial point. Why is this so crucial? Because it is through much understanding, this king was able to keep or uphold the laws. King David rested on the teachings of knowledge that was granted to Him by the Word Himself. The Word of God became King David’s teacher, companion and best friend. It is to say, that the teaching is way more important to grasp, than just the law itself. David understood this concept and applied it for his own preservation. King David understood that in order for the law to be kept, He would first have to understand the law, by first being taught the law and receive his statutes and precepts that accompanied the law.
But now I ask myself, why is this so? It must be in this order, for the objective of God’s Law is to grow the fruit of Wisdom. Man endures much to bear the fruit of Wisdom. It is to say, that coming out of tribulation, man bears the fruits of patience, self- discipline and perseverance. Wisdom; understanding of God’s laws, helps to bring these characteristic traits [patience, self- discipline and perseverance] to maturation as man passes through the flames of tribulation. This is man’s spiritual baptism.
Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3: 5,6)
Then John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire... (Luke 3: 16)
Though man undergoes much in his time of trouble, it is to say, that he be also baptized with the Holy Spirit to help him endure through his trials clinging to the traits of patience, discipline and perseverance. Sounds tough to me! But this is what I have found out.
What seems to be encouraging however is that the Holy Spirit is present to support man through the fire of his baptism. Could it be then, that though man passes through the flame, he does not get burned? It brings to mind the following verse.
I read from the book of Isaiah Chapter forty- three:
1 But now, thus says Yahweh, who created you, Jacob, who formed you, Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; neither will the flames consume you.
I also cite an important case taken from the book of Daniel Chapter three:
12 There are some Jews, those whom you appointed administrators of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who gave no heed to your order. They would not serve your gods or worship the golden image you set up.
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego answered, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we need not defend ourselves before you on this matter.
17 If you order us to be thrown into the furnace, the God we serve will rescue us.
19 Nebuchadnezzar’s face reddened with fury as he looked at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual
20 and commanded some of his strongest soldiers to bind Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the burning furnace.
23 The three, bound fast, fell into the midst of the blazing furnace.
24 They walked in the midst of the flames, singing to God and praising the Lord.
25 Azariah stood up in the midst of the fire and prayed aloud:
26 Blessed and worthy of praise are you, O Lord God of our fathers!
27 Justice is in all that you do; your acts are faultless, your ways are right, your judgments are always true.
49 But the angel of the Lord came down into the furnace beside Azariah and his companions; he drove the flames of the fire outside the furnace, and blew upon them,
50 in the middle of the furnace, a coolness like that of wind and dew, so that the fire did not touch them or cause them pain or trouble them.
From these verses, it can be shown that Azariah in song, comes into agreement with the song sung by King David: God’s laws are right and judgments are always true.
There is evidence then, that does indeed show, that though man walk through the flames of trouble, God’s Spirit is always there to tenderly support him through the fire. This seems to be the process that man undergoes for his Spiritual Baptism. In the process, Wisdom is breathed into this man. He learns to walk in the path of patience, discipline and perseverance, as he passes through his baptismal process. As he passes through the flame, he can also now verify God’s word as sure and true and he now holds strong testimony of God’s Word, which is God’s Law.
A patient man will tear for a time, and afterward joy shall spring up unto him. He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall declare his wisdom. (Sirach 1: 23,24)
Rulers persecute me for no cause, yet my heart stands in awe of your words.(Psalm 119: 161)
Lovers of your Law have found great peace; nothing can make them stumble, not even distress. (Psalm 119: 165)
So, now I have established that
_God’s Law is reliable by order of its fixed eternal nature.
_God’s Law is accurate because it is sure and true and its judgment can be trusted.
_God’s Law is accompanied by precepts and statutes, which seek to further cement understanding to bring Wisdom to fruition and maturation.
_The benefit of God’s Law is accessed through man’s baptism, when God’s Spirit comes in to walk side by side with man through the flames.
This final point now takes to me to another idea. I go back to the word ‘baptism’ as I try to understand this in more detail.
I bring back to memory, the following verses:
Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3: 5,6)
Then John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire... (Luke 3: 16)
It is clear, then, when considering man’s growth and development, it is clear that the process to make man occurs in two steps or stages. The above verses seek to explain the same.
Let me recall what the Father initially said, when He had the creation of man in mind.
God said, “Let us make man in our image, to our likeness...” (Genesis 1: 26)
The first step to man’s creation was to first make the flesh of the man. This is the first Adam.
Then Yahweh God formed Man, dust drawn from the clay, and breathed into his nostrils a breath of life and Man became alive with breath. (Genesis 2:7)
I go on to read from the book of Genesis Chapter two:
17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
I continue reading. I read from Chapter three:
9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”
12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
I have come to learn now that death = absence of God’s Spirit.
I have also come to learn, that the Father was operatively working on man’s heart through circumcision.
The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. (Deuteronomy 30: 6)
On this basis, it leads me to believe that man is still being formed and transformed in his spirit, as the Father continues His work on completely circumcising man’s heart.
When Christ entered into the world, God’s Spirit was breathed into flesh. This was always going to be the second Adam, the Adam who the Father always had in mind to create long before the creation of time. For He had already gave the command to make man in his image and to his likeness.
It seems from my point of view, that man is still resting in God’s History of time, still being formed in Wisdom’s womb as he learns to walk in God’s Spirit.
Having knowledge of this, I now presume, then, that man actually has two parts:
1. The Flesh
2. The Spirit
Automatically, I think then, that there must laws to govern both entities as man walks through life’s history.
It is much to say, then, why man was given the Law of Moses to follow. For in that time, God had already removed his Spirit from man and instead, man received laws that would help to govern his flesh. Man’s thoughts and ways were not yet like that of his Father’s. The laws given to man were to help him still live, even in the relative absence of God’s Spirit. I mean, God’s Spirit was still with man, for that is what gave him the breath and the blood. But the spirit given to man was not in full measure to equate with that of the Father. Man was given the Father’s Spirit to get by, but it was the laws that would help govern the flesh, such that their lives be preserved. The laws given at that time were to preserve man’s flesh.
I insert, then, an interesting statement made by Christ Himself.
I read from the book of John Chapter fifteen:
15 I shall not call you servants any more, because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead, I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father.
Many things can be said about this one verse, but I only choose to just highlight a few observations.
Jesus made it known that He moved His status from master to friend. This goes in tandem with King David’s song. For he himself have found a great companion through God’s Law and he also received much understanding through the teaching of the laws, with all their accompanying precepts and statutes. Indeed, Jesus Christ not only died for the sins of the whole world, but He also made it clear the teachings of the Law. Christ came to teach the ways of the Father. This is the second part or stage in man’s manufacture. Man was created to develop Wisdom so that he can walk in his Father’s ways and be called sons of God.
So, what I deduce now is that both the laws to govern the flesh and the ones to govern the spirit, which is to govern the heart, must be taken into consideration. From this point of view, both the laws given by Moses and the ones that Jesus Christ taught on still hold as sure and true, for both are perpetual. The Father has spoken on all of these from His place of Eternity.
But, it doesn’t come as a surprise that if one is to rigidly follow the laws or rules verbatim, one may end up in deep confusion. That is quite understandable. But as I reflect, I now come to see where the ‘exception to the rule’ applies. This gets interesting.
I read from the book of Matthew Chapter five:
17 Do not think that I have come to remove the Law and the Prophets. I have not come to remove but to fulfil them.
18 I tell you this: as long as heaven and earth last, not the smallest letter or stroke of the Law will change until all is fulfilled.
What does He mean? I raise an example to bring this point across.
I read from the book of Luke Chapter thirteen:
10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,
11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.
12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.”
13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?
16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
There are other examples that can be cited where Christ Jesus performed healing works on the day of the Sabbath. So, did Jesus actually break the law? Did He go against His own word?
No, He did not break the law. In fact, not only did He not break His law, he used this specific example to highlight a much salient point.
First of all, in doing His work, Jesus brought much rest to help this lady fall into alignment with his law of rest. Through his unbinding, this lady was finally able to receive much rest after being bent for eighteen years. That must be some relief after eighteen whole years!
But I now see another point to be made from this example.
The state of being bound = state of infirmity
Sin binds
To be bound also means to have a yoke around one’s neck, which breeds a state of infirmity.
This lady remained bent for such a long time. This could represent man’s crooked state, when he in not walking the straight path. He is bound to become bound by much infirmity. It is only when Christ made straight her state, she finally became freed. This is much the same in Christ’s walk on the earth, when He came to make straight the paths, as John the Baptist had declared. When one remains bound to sin, this person becomes riddled with infirmity which manifests in this person as pain or illness of sorts. This person is held hostage because of his ways of living. Not living in the ways of life eventually takes man to his death. Christ came again on the earth to re-establish the laws that would lead man to back eternal life. The Word seeks to loose and unbind all that has been bound to man through man’s transgressions of the law, so that he can achieve his state of freedom.
So, no, from this point of view, the law of rest was actually fulfilled. But this is just only one example. This elicits the element of ‘exclusion to the rule’.
It is He who gives knowledge to humans so that His power be glorified; the doctor uses it to heal and comfort, the chemist to make his mixtures. In that way the Lord’s work never ceases and well-being prevails on the earth. (Sirach 38: 6-8)
So, now I come to a really provocative point. This for sure has been a highly debated topic. Which of the laws are the ones to follow? Is one to still make burnt offerings and sacrifices? Well, I rather tread carefully around this point, as I dwell in much thought.
Instead of making my own conclusion, I look to the advice of what was already written in the Law Book. I look to three places.
I first revisit the following verses:
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter twenty-four:
23 All this is in the Bible, the Testament of the Most High God, the book of the Law which Moses entrusted to us, the inheritance of the congregations of Israel.
I continue reading on:
25 This Law feeds the springs of wisdom, like the Pishon or Tigris in the season of fruit.
26 Waters overflowing with understanding come from it, as from the Euphrates and Jordan at harvest time.
From this understanding, all of the Book is worth the read for understanding and wisdom to reach its fullest state of maturation. Every line in the Book of Life seeks to breathe wisdom into the learner. This is further supported by the testimonies of all the servant kings and prophets who came and went. They all sang to the same tune and the Word was life for them, boldly demonstrated in King David’s song. For what it is worth, then, to the reader that reads and absorbs all that he reads, much wisdom is breathed into him, the more he reads. There is no end in sight as to the depths of wisdom that may be obtained through reading the Word of God, which for man, is the Book of Life.
He who comes first is unable to grasp her fully and neither will the last exhaust her. For her thoughts are wider than the sea and her designs, deeper than the abyss. (Sirach 24: 28,29)
Anyone who treasures wisdom, will treasure the fullness of God’s Word... as much as he is able to grasp.
I now consider the Gospels that form part of the New Testament. Christ Himself came to teach His Word. It is therefore paramount that one sticks very closely to His teaching. For He not only gave the way to the Father’s ways of living, but He also showed the way that his children were to go through their spiritual baptism, that is, the way through the fire. Christ came to ripen the minds of His beloved to prepare the way for all that they must endure, prior to being fully born into Life Eternal. This is why the student pays so much attention. For his teachings serve to bring much understanding; understanding that would most certainly be needed when man makes his right of passage through the flames of tribulation. He wanted to set the mind of the man up for success for the trials that he is to face in the furnace of life. It is for this reason, that man reads the full Gospel, for in reading, He is washed by the Word to later become filled with God’s Spirit. It is in Christ's teaching, that man prepares to become his mature self.
I recall the words of John the Baptist.
Then John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire... (Luke 3: 16)
Also, I read from the book of Hebrews Chapter nine:
11 But now Christ has appeared as the high priest with regard to the good things of these new times. He passed through a sanctuary more noble and perfect, not made by hands, that is, not created.
12 He did not take Himself with the blood of goats and bulls but his own blood, when He entered once and for all into this sanctuary after obtaining definitive redemption.
13 If the sprinkling of people defiled by sin with the blood of goats and bulls or with the ashes of a heifer provides them with exterior cleanness and holiness,
14 how much more will it be with the blood of Christ? He, moved by the eternal Spirit, offered Himself as an unblemished victim to God and his blood cleanses us from dead works, so that we may serve the living God.
I now look to one final place that may help to answer the question.
As it is, the Body of Christ is scattered throughout the earth. Having lost a sense of traditions and customs, it is so much harder to follow the real practices of a lost tradition. But there is a point that comes to mind. God's children have been in pretty much the same situation, several times before. I look to Moses for some advice.
I read from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter five:
31 But as for you, remain here with me that I may teach you all the commandments, precepts and laws which you have to teach that they may put them into practice in the land that I will give them for their possessions.
I also read from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter eleven:
1 So love Yahweh, your God, and observe all that he has commanded you: his laws, norms and commandments
2 You, with whom I am speaking, understand all this. Perhaps this may be more difficult for your children who have not known the teaching of Yahweh or seen his greatness and strength.
I read from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter twelve:
6 To that place you will bring your burnt offering and your sacrifices, tithes and offerings. There you will present the offerings that you promised to God, and those which you voluntarily offer, as well as the firstlings of your cattle and sheep.
7 There you shall eat in the presence of Yahweh.
8 You shall not do there as we do here. For now, everyone does what seems best for him,
9 because we have not yet come to the place of rest, that is, the land which Yahweh is giving you as your inheritance.
It is simply the case that everyone does as he knows best for his current and very real situation. Everyone’s situation is different and also the knowledge and understanding that each holds may also vary, when it comes to accessing the resource material that may serve to satisfy norms and customs. There is then, no strict and hard-pressed rule that serves to measure equally for each case. This brings up a very important point. One may consider utilizing wisdom obtained from the Word and His teachings to derive and suitably apply the law, where one's informed discretion is needed. It is to say then, that one uses his discretion after he has obtained much understanding from the laws to help guide the conscience when the decision isn't exactly a clear cut one to make.
But the best judge is the Lord Himself. God’s Spirit, the Advocate leads man into a life that seeks to preserve both the body and the spirit and works to lead that man into all truth. I make it a point then, that the Father works on man by degrees, but He pays attention to both body and mind when it comes to man’s salvation and promise of eternal life. In the meantime, the grace of Christ seeks to cover the rest of what is not covered from what man simply cannot know, through lost knowledge of traditions and practices. The Father already takes all these into consideration, knowing that there was once a famine for His Word through time.
From now on, the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have told you. (John 14: 26)
In fact, your immortal spirit is in all. And so by degrees you correct those who sin, you admonish them, reminding them how they have strayed so that turning away form evil, they may trust in You, Lord. (Wisdom 12: 2)
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
(Proverbs 16: 32)
But I do not mind if you or any human court judges me. I do not even judge myself; my conscience, indeed, does not accuse me of anything, but that is not enough for me to be set right with God: the Lord is the one who judges me. Therefore, do not judge before the time, until the coming of the Lord.
(1 Corinthians 4: 3-5)
I have a question. First of all, is the term ‘Law’ separate and apart from the term ‘laws’? Am I able to interchange the word ‘Law’ to mean ‘laws’? How is the term ‘Law’ separate and apart from the term ‘laws’? I think to myself. Perhaps, there exist laws, but overall, there is Law. The Law encapsulates all of the laws. The laws are all bound by the Law. When I think of the word ‘law’, I also think of the word ‘order’ and I also think of the word ‘govern’.
So, let me now extrapolate its meaning. In scientific terms, law is usually a principle or formula that is bound by certain parameters and conditions. When I study from the topic of Physics, I study the many formulae which act as guiding principles or governing principles that provide value when applied, with the added advantage of predicting certain outcomes or probabilities. There is a high level of predictability, then, when a formula is applied and it can be applied to many different and distinct variables to achieve certain expected or desired outcomes. The possibilities for use of the guiding principles are endless. One simply has to follow the instructions given as input into the formula to receive a desired effect as its output. I may suppose then, that the laws are mathematical in nature. When one inputs, the output is more likely to be expected.
The simplest example that I may find, is through the use of the calculator. For example, if I want to determine my Body Mass Index, I can perhaps rely on an application that has already installed within it, a set of guiding principles or rules that remain fixed; they never change, such that when I input certain variable values such as age, gender, weight and height, with set units, I am likely to receive a result that may closely match the true value for what I was hoping to find out. The formula, though not openly mathematically known to me, tells me or predicts a certain result or outcome. The key point is that the law remains fixed. The formula remains fixed.
The other observation is that with a fixed law, the outcome remains reliable. No matter how many times I plug in the same values, I expect to see or witness similar results on each subsequent try.
Fixed laws or principles produce reliable results. Results are expected to be reliable when laws remain fixed and unchanging. I pin this thought for the moment as I continue to stretch my imagination.
Now, I play with a different dimension of the same thought. Suppose, then, the formula or set of rules exist such that it produces the same results, no matter the number of times one plugs in the input variables. Does it mean, that though I receive the same results over and over again, does it mean that the results are accurate? Well, of course not, it just means that reliability runs its course. It is for this reason, that students of various Scientific subjects utilize different sources of information to help mitigate the risk of having a less than accurate result. In fact, mathematically, the weighted average taken from several sources is usually the preferred choice when predicting an outcome. The Scientist never relies on just one source of outcome or result, for he takes into account the inherent nature of human error. Scientists universally agree on the probability of human error and the possibility of not taking into account the unknown unknowns. The Scientist leaves room for much uncertainty when it comes to accuracy.
So, now I have derived two dimensions on the same thought. Laws may carry with it the potential for differing levels of reliability and accuracy. Human error plays a key role for allowing such varied results as a consequence of the different levels of reliability and accuracy that may be attached to a formula or law or governing principle. Now I pin these two thoughts for the moment. I still want to explore yet another dimension on the same thought.
I go on.
One thing that I have learnt from lessons in the field of Science and Mathematics is that, there is always an exception to the rule. Always! When I was younger, I always wondered to myself, why is it that these exceptional rules exist? Is it to further complicate my studying journey and stress me out? I mean, I already had enough on my plate to cram. Now, I need to learn exceptions and changes to the rule, after already spending so much time and effort just trying to learn the basics? I used to be annoyed a great deal, for I had somewhat of the much lazy mind. It seemed like work to have to try and remember some new exception or difference. Not to mention when learning a language! Nonetheless, this is a unique feature that I have observed through time that still must be considered when considering the nature of law or guiding principles of any kind. It cannot be omitted.
So, now I have drawn up three dimensions to just one thought.
I now deduce that a law or principle or formula carries the dimensions of accuracy and reliability, leaving room for exceptions to the rule; three fantastic dimensions. I am sure there are many more, but this is already enough on my plate and I am more than satisfied to work with and work through for the moment.
Now, all the while, I tried to define the law in human terms with human understanding, trying at best, to pull from my very human experience from my bank of experiential learning. I have now a very difficult task at hand. How exactly, can I understand law from that eternal perspective through human eyes? Quite the task I presume. I go slowly with this study as I work through much thought.
While reading through the Gospel of Luke, something peculiar stood out to me quite frankly. It made me think for a while, then question.
I read from the book of Luke Chapter three:
18 With these and many other words John announced the Good News to the people
19 until Herod had him put in prison. For John reproached Herod for living with Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for his evil deeds.
20 Then Herod added another crime to all the rest he had committed: he put John in prison.
These verses make for an interesting read when one reads with the background understanding that Herod served as King for the jurisdiction where John the Baptist was placed to serve.
Here, we have King Herod and John the Baptist, both giving service, One as King, the other to herald in and prepare the way for the King, though Herod be King. It seems then, for the fomenting of two worlds intersecting and colliding.
Herod was king, yet it is written that he committed a crime. Just look at verse 20. Yet, at the same time, John the Baptist was put into prison by King Herod. What is going on here?
One gets put into prison and the other commits a crime. Even further, one commits a crime for putting the other into prison. Does that make any sense? This is what got my initial attention! The irony I find in these verses. Who is right and who is wrong when it comes to the law?
Well, for me, in order to reason through, my only assumption is that each served under laws that were equal and opposing. I mean, how can a king commit a crime for imprisoning one under his own rulership? That makes no sense to me. It must mean that there existed two different types of rulership or kingdoms that come with their own set of rules and guiding principles. What works in one kingdom may be regarded as a crime in the other kingdom.
Jesus answered, “My kingship does not come from this world. If I were king like those of this world, my guards would have fought to save me from being handed over to the Jews. But my Kingship is not from here.” (John 18: 36)
It does distil, for me, the idea that there was indeed another kingdom that existed that described Herod as a transgressor to the law that circumscribed that invisible kingdom. But what exactly did King Herod actually do to break the law of this invisible kingdom? After all, he put John the Baptist in prison. It must mean that John the Baptist was serving an opposing Kingdom and while on his mission to serve, he received opposition. John was sent to complete a mission, while Herod opposed, offering resistance to the command that was sent out.
Though the story concluded with John’s death, the order or command still remained upheld to this day, for one can read to this very day all that took place in that time or era. The law was still upheld, even though the agent or carrier of that law or command has already died in this world and moved on.
But then I think to myself, what law is it that exists that has nothing to do with the laws already given by this world? I am curious.
This curiosity takes me to study from the book of Psalms. King David placed a lot of emphasis on these very laws; laws that somewhat unfamiliar and distant to my general understanding. He goes at great length in his one hundred and nineteenth (119th) Psalm, singing about these laws. He sang a whole lot about these laws. I extract a few of his verses.
1 Blessed are they whose ways are upright who follow the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are they who treasure his word and seek him with all their heart.
Wait! I stop here for the moment. King David has revealed one clue. In just these verses alone, he defines the law and identifies the Kingdom to which the law belonged. He uses the terms ‘law of the Lord’. So, there is a law and this law has an owner. Further, he equates this law to the owner’s word. Even further he describes the law to be a person when he uses the words ‘seek him’.
From what King David has described, I work out that:
The Law = The Word and that
The Father owns the Word.
The Son of God is the Word and comes from the Father.
David has established here that the ‘Law’ is the Word of God.
David has established here that the ‘Law’ is Jesus Christ.
It must mean then that the Law is not just piece or part of the Scripture. The ENTIRE BOOK is the Law. The Bible is the Law Book. And Jesus Christ is He. If one is to omit any part of the Script, one has not yet come into the full realization of knowing the Father. For the Father speaks the entire Script from beginning to end.
Now, there is a condition that I have noted when the Father speaks. When He speaks, He speaks for all time. I think to myself, that it must be because He speaks from His eternal seat. When God opens His mouth to speak, anything that comes out of His mouth is for all time. For God is not bound by time. There is just no timeline from His point of view. When He speaks, He speaks through the boundaries of time. Because His words are timeless, his words are automatically bound to law. When He speaks, the very words that He speaks, just automatically becomes a law. For His words remain timeless; fixed and unchanging. This is what I have discovered when I think about studying God’s laws. His laws are not ever going to change. His laws are timeless. His laws are for all eternity.
If I compare this to human examples, room is usually left by scientists to make alterations to the basic formula or law of some kind, when more insight or information becomes known through further research and experimentations. It means then, that there is the capacity for scientific laws to become altered or changed, just based on new findings and realizations. Laws defined my science can change. Much is expected.
What becomes amazing though is understanding that God’s laws are the only laws that remain unchanged for all time. God Himself is the Law and He is not going to change. His ideas are not ever going to change. From since the creation of the world, God felt satisfied with all that He had made through His Word. God was satisfied with His thoughts, that would later become for man, His Law. Christ is God’s thoughts and ideas for man, that were made flesh. When He planted the seed of the Word into man’s mind, He was actually planting His ideas and His thoughts that would later develop and mature to become Law in man’s heart. The Father wanted to rest His Law in man’s heart such that man lives.
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter seventeen:
1 The Lord created man from the earth and let him to return to the earth.
7 He filled them with wisdom and knowledge; He taught them good and evil.
11 He gave them revealed knowledge as well and handed over to them the Law of life.
I also read from the book of Ezekiel Chapter twenty:
11 I gave them my decrees and made my laws known to them, laws by which man lives provided he observes them.
Further, I read from the book of Sirach Chapter twenty-four:
23 All this is in the Bible, the Testament of the Most High God, the book of the Law which Moses entrusted to us, the inheritance of the congregations of Israel.
It is clearly written that the Father makes known to man, His Law of Life, that is, His Word and this is eternal, which means that it is for all time and that which stretches beyond the borders of time.
Now, I make my course back to the song of David in the book of Psalms Chapter one hundred and nineteen:
24 Your laws are my delight, my counsellors who uphold me
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart upon your laws.
47 For I delight in your word, which I fear.
59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your paths.
60 I hasten and no longer delay in keeping your commands.
72 Your law is more precious to me than heaps of silver and gold.
97 How I love your law meditating on it all day!
127 I love your commandments more than gold- the finest gold.
131 I gasp in ardent yearning for your commandments that I love.
167 My soul clings to your words for I truly cherish them.
Wow! King David went at length here as he passionately sings of his love for God’s Law. King David found God’s Word insatiable. I recall the words taken from the Chapter on Mind Field:
‘Those who eat me will hunger still; those who drink me will thirst more. (Sirach 24: 21)
The above verse highlights the insatiable nature of the Word of God. With God’s Spirit, man is drawn to dwell in the midst of the Word. For the Word is insatiable and wants to be read over and over again and then understood. To hunger and thirst speaks of consumption. To consume the Word is to read the Word.’
So, it is evident that King David acts in accordance with God’s Spirit, that is, being drawn to dwell and meditate in the midst of the Word. King David clearly describes how valuable he thought the Word to be.
But there is something even more interesting that I have observed from King David’s musings. I continue to read from the book of Psalm’s Chapter one hundred and nineteen. I read:
89 O Lord, your word stands forever, firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness lasts throughout the ages – as long as the earth you created.
91 Your ordinances last to this day for all things are made to serve you.
King David confirms a unique feature. He deliberately describes God’s laws to be firmly fixed in the heavens. He goes on further to describe them as faithful. In terms of dimensions, I extrapolate that faithfulness speaks to a measure of reliability. God’s Law is reliable. So much that King David trusts and waits in hope for Him. King David equates the everlasting nature of the Law to be faithful or reliable. This satisfies one of the dimensions earlier defined. God’s Law is reliable and worthy of trusting. King David holds testimony to this. Else, He would not have mentioned or admitted it. In other words, King David trusts the condition that no matter how many times he applies the laws, the outcomes will always remain the same. King David fixes my understanding of the reliability of God’s laws.
Now, I search from a different angle. I continue reading from the book of Psalms Chapter one hundred and nineteen:
42 Strengthened by my trust in your word, I can answer my enemy’s reproach.
43 Take not the word of truth from my mouth, for I would also lose my hope in your word.
67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word.
71 It is good for me to have been afflicted, for I have deeply learned your statutes.
71 I know that your laws are just and there is justice in my affliction
66 Give me knowledge and good judgment for I trust in your commands.
140 Your promises have been tested; therefore your servant loves them
142 Your justice is eternal and your Law is true.
160 The essence of your word is truth, everlasting are your just ordinances.
172 Let my tongue sing of your good news, for all you say is true.
The above verses reveal the truthfulness, veracity or accuracy of God’s Laws. These verses build on and add flavour to the reliability of God’s Word. It is sure and true.
So far, then, I have observed the dimensions of reliability and accuracy of God’s Law being displayed through David’s song.
Your decrees are the theme of my song, in this my place of exile. (Psalm 119: 54)
So far, I feel satisfied by what I have found. There still remains one last parameter that I have defined, that is, the element of ‘exclusion’ to the rule, but I shut up for the moment, in my satisfaction.
There is still yet another point that I would really like to draw out of David’s hymn. I continue reading on: I continue to read from the book of Psalms Chapter one hundred and nineteen.
27 Explain to me all of your ordinances and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
33 Explain to me, O Lord, your commandments and I will be ever faithful to them.
34 Give me understanding that I may observe your law with all my heart.
35 Guide me in obeying your instructions, for my pleasure lies in them.
98 Your command- mine forever – has made me wiser than my enemy.
104 Your precepts have given me knowledge, and I hate all that is false.
125 Give me knowledge; I am your servant who desires to understand your statutes.
128 Because my steps are guided by your precepts, I hate all false ways.
130 As your words unfold, light is shed, and the simple hearted understand.
135 Favour me with your smile and teach me your statutes.
144 Your statutes are just forever; give me understanding, that I may live.
What stands out to me that causes this king to treasure God’s laws is that His laws come with teaching. His teachings are pinned to His laws. This is a very crucial point. Why is this so crucial? Because it is through much understanding, this king was able to keep or uphold the laws. King David rested on the teachings of knowledge that was granted to Him by the Word Himself. The Word of God became King David’s teacher, companion and best friend. It is to say, that the teaching is way more important to grasp, than just the law itself. David understood this concept and applied it for his own preservation. King David understood that in order for the law to be kept, He would first have to understand the law, by first being taught the law and receive his statutes and precepts that accompanied the law.
But now I ask myself, why is this so? It must be in this order, for the objective of God’s Law is to grow the fruit of Wisdom. Man endures much to bear the fruit of Wisdom. It is to say, that coming out of tribulation, man bears the fruits of patience, self- discipline and perseverance. Wisdom; understanding of God’s laws, helps to bring these characteristic traits [patience, self- discipline and perseverance] to maturation as man passes through the flames of tribulation. This is man’s spiritual baptism.
Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3: 5,6)
Then John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire... (Luke 3: 16)
Though man undergoes much in his time of trouble, it is to say, that he be also baptized with the Holy Spirit to help him endure through his trials clinging to the traits of patience, discipline and perseverance. Sounds tough to me! But this is what I have found out.
What seems to be encouraging however is that the Holy Spirit is present to support man through the fire of his baptism. Could it be then, that though man passes through the flame, he does not get burned? It brings to mind the following verse.
I read from the book of Isaiah Chapter forty- three:
1 But now, thus says Yahweh, who created you, Jacob, who formed you, Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; neither will the flames consume you.
I also cite an important case taken from the book of Daniel Chapter three:
12 There are some Jews, those whom you appointed administrators of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who gave no heed to your order. They would not serve your gods or worship the golden image you set up.
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego answered, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we need not defend ourselves before you on this matter.
17 If you order us to be thrown into the furnace, the God we serve will rescue us.
19 Nebuchadnezzar’s face reddened with fury as he looked at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual
20 and commanded some of his strongest soldiers to bind Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the burning furnace.
23 The three, bound fast, fell into the midst of the blazing furnace.
24 They walked in the midst of the flames, singing to God and praising the Lord.
25 Azariah stood up in the midst of the fire and prayed aloud:
26 Blessed and worthy of praise are you, O Lord God of our fathers!
27 Justice is in all that you do; your acts are faultless, your ways are right, your judgments are always true.
49 But the angel of the Lord came down into the furnace beside Azariah and his companions; he drove the flames of the fire outside the furnace, and blew upon them,
50 in the middle of the furnace, a coolness like that of wind and dew, so that the fire did not touch them or cause them pain or trouble them.
From these verses, it can be shown that Azariah in song, comes into agreement with the song sung by King David: God’s laws are right and judgments are always true.
There is evidence then, that does indeed show, that though man walk through the flames of trouble, God’s Spirit is always there to tenderly support him through the fire. This seems to be the process that man undergoes for his Spiritual Baptism. In the process, Wisdom is breathed into this man. He learns to walk in the path of patience, discipline and perseverance, as he passes through his baptismal process. As he passes through the flame, he can also now verify God’s word as sure and true and he now holds strong testimony of God’s Word, which is God’s Law.
A patient man will tear for a time, and afterward joy shall spring up unto him. He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall declare his wisdom. (Sirach 1: 23,24)
Rulers persecute me for no cause, yet my heart stands in awe of your words.(Psalm 119: 161)
Lovers of your Law have found great peace; nothing can make them stumble, not even distress. (Psalm 119: 165)
So, now I have established that
_God’s Law is reliable by order of its fixed eternal nature.
_God’s Law is accurate because it is sure and true and its judgment can be trusted.
_God’s Law is accompanied by precepts and statutes, which seek to further cement understanding to bring Wisdom to fruition and maturation.
_The benefit of God’s Law is accessed through man’s baptism, when God’s Spirit comes in to walk side by side with man through the flames.
This final point now takes to me to another idea. I go back to the word ‘baptism’ as I try to understand this in more detail.
I bring back to memory, the following verses:
Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3: 5,6)
Then John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire... (Luke 3: 16)
It is clear, then, when considering man’s growth and development, it is clear that the process to make man occurs in two steps or stages. The above verses seek to explain the same.
Let me recall what the Father initially said, when He had the creation of man in mind.
God said, “Let us make man in our image, to our likeness...” (Genesis 1: 26)
The first step to man’s creation was to first make the flesh of the man. This is the first Adam.
Then Yahweh God formed Man, dust drawn from the clay, and breathed into his nostrils a breath of life and Man became alive with breath. (Genesis 2:7)
I go on to read from the book of Genesis Chapter two:
17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
I continue reading. I read from Chapter three:
9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”
12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”
13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
I have come to learn now that death = absence of God’s Spirit.
I have also come to learn, that the Father was operatively working on man’s heart through circumcision.
The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. (Deuteronomy 30: 6)
On this basis, it leads me to believe that man is still being formed and transformed in his spirit, as the Father continues His work on completely circumcising man’s heart.
When Christ entered into the world, God’s Spirit was breathed into flesh. This was always going to be the second Adam, the Adam who the Father always had in mind to create long before the creation of time. For He had already gave the command to make man in his image and to his likeness.
It seems from my point of view, that man is still resting in God’s History of time, still being formed in Wisdom’s womb as he learns to walk in God’s Spirit.
Having knowledge of this, I now presume, then, that man actually has two parts:
1. The Flesh
2. The Spirit
Automatically, I think then, that there must laws to govern both entities as man walks through life’s history.
It is much to say, then, why man was given the Law of Moses to follow. For in that time, God had already removed his Spirit from man and instead, man received laws that would help to govern his flesh. Man’s thoughts and ways were not yet like that of his Father’s. The laws given to man were to help him still live, even in the relative absence of God’s Spirit. I mean, God’s Spirit was still with man, for that is what gave him the breath and the blood. But the spirit given to man was not in full measure to equate with that of the Father. Man was given the Father’s Spirit to get by, but it was the laws that would help govern the flesh, such that their lives be preserved. The laws given at that time were to preserve man’s flesh.
I insert, then, an interesting statement made by Christ Himself.
I read from the book of John Chapter fifteen:
15 I shall not call you servants any more, because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead, I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father.
Many things can be said about this one verse, but I only choose to just highlight a few observations.
Jesus made it known that He moved His status from master to friend. This goes in tandem with King David’s song. For he himself have found a great companion through God’s Law and he also received much understanding through the teaching of the laws, with all their accompanying precepts and statutes. Indeed, Jesus Christ not only died for the sins of the whole world, but He also made it clear the teachings of the Law. Christ came to teach the ways of the Father. This is the second part or stage in man’s manufacture. Man was created to develop Wisdom so that he can walk in his Father’s ways and be called sons of God.
So, what I deduce now is that both the laws to govern the flesh and the ones to govern the spirit, which is to govern the heart, must be taken into consideration. From this point of view, both the laws given by Moses and the ones that Jesus Christ taught on still hold as sure and true, for both are perpetual. The Father has spoken on all of these from His place of Eternity.
But, it doesn’t come as a surprise that if one is to rigidly follow the laws or rules verbatim, one may end up in deep confusion. That is quite understandable. But as I reflect, I now come to see where the ‘exception to the rule’ applies. This gets interesting.
I read from the book of Matthew Chapter five:
17 Do not think that I have come to remove the Law and the Prophets. I have not come to remove but to fulfil them.
18 I tell you this: as long as heaven and earth last, not the smallest letter or stroke of the Law will change until all is fulfilled.
What does He mean? I raise an example to bring this point across.
I read from the book of Luke Chapter thirteen:
10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,
11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.
12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.”
13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?
16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
There are other examples that can be cited where Christ Jesus performed healing works on the day of the Sabbath. So, did Jesus actually break the law? Did He go against His own word?
No, He did not break the law. In fact, not only did He not break His law, he used this specific example to highlight a much salient point.
First of all, in doing His work, Jesus brought much rest to help this lady fall into alignment with his law of rest. Through his unbinding, this lady was finally able to receive much rest after being bent for eighteen years. That must be some relief after eighteen whole years!
But I now see another point to be made from this example.
The state of being bound = state of infirmity
Sin binds
To be bound also means to have a yoke around one’s neck, which breeds a state of infirmity.
This lady remained bent for such a long time. This could represent man’s crooked state, when he in not walking the straight path. He is bound to become bound by much infirmity. It is only when Christ made straight her state, she finally became freed. This is much the same in Christ’s walk on the earth, when He came to make straight the paths, as John the Baptist had declared. When one remains bound to sin, this person becomes riddled with infirmity which manifests in this person as pain or illness of sorts. This person is held hostage because of his ways of living. Not living in the ways of life eventually takes man to his death. Christ came again on the earth to re-establish the laws that would lead man to back eternal life. The Word seeks to loose and unbind all that has been bound to man through man’s transgressions of the law, so that he can achieve his state of freedom.
So, no, from this point of view, the law of rest was actually fulfilled. But this is just only one example. This elicits the element of ‘exclusion to the rule’.
It is He who gives knowledge to humans so that His power be glorified; the doctor uses it to heal and comfort, the chemist to make his mixtures. In that way the Lord’s work never ceases and well-being prevails on the earth. (Sirach 38: 6-8)
So, now I come to a really provocative point. This for sure has been a highly debated topic. Which of the laws are the ones to follow? Is one to still make burnt offerings and sacrifices? Well, I rather tread carefully around this point, as I dwell in much thought.
Instead of making my own conclusion, I look to the advice of what was already written in the Law Book. I look to three places.
I first revisit the following verses:
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter twenty-four:
23 All this is in the Bible, the Testament of the Most High God, the book of the Law which Moses entrusted to us, the inheritance of the congregations of Israel.
I continue reading on:
25 This Law feeds the springs of wisdom, like the Pishon or Tigris in the season of fruit.
26 Waters overflowing with understanding come from it, as from the Euphrates and Jordan at harvest time.
From this understanding, all of the Book is worth the read for understanding and wisdom to reach its fullest state of maturation. Every line in the Book of Life seeks to breathe wisdom into the learner. This is further supported by the testimonies of all the servant kings and prophets who came and went. They all sang to the same tune and the Word was life for them, boldly demonstrated in King David’s song. For what it is worth, then, to the reader that reads and absorbs all that he reads, much wisdom is breathed into him, the more he reads. There is no end in sight as to the depths of wisdom that may be obtained through reading the Word of God, which for man, is the Book of Life.
He who comes first is unable to grasp her fully and neither will the last exhaust her. For her thoughts are wider than the sea and her designs, deeper than the abyss. (Sirach 24: 28,29)
Anyone who treasures wisdom, will treasure the fullness of God’s Word... as much as he is able to grasp.
I now consider the Gospels that form part of the New Testament. Christ Himself came to teach His Word. It is therefore paramount that one sticks very closely to His teaching. For He not only gave the way to the Father’s ways of living, but He also showed the way that his children were to go through their spiritual baptism, that is, the way through the fire. Christ came to ripen the minds of His beloved to prepare the way for all that they must endure, prior to being fully born into Life Eternal. This is why the student pays so much attention. For his teachings serve to bring much understanding; understanding that would most certainly be needed when man makes his right of passage through the flames of tribulation. He wanted to set the mind of the man up for success for the trials that he is to face in the furnace of life. It is for this reason, that man reads the full Gospel, for in reading, He is washed by the Word to later become filled with God’s Spirit. It is in Christ's teaching, that man prepares to become his mature self.
I recall the words of John the Baptist.
Then John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire... (Luke 3: 16)
Also, I read from the book of Hebrews Chapter nine:
11 But now Christ has appeared as the high priest with regard to the good things of these new times. He passed through a sanctuary more noble and perfect, not made by hands, that is, not created.
12 He did not take Himself with the blood of goats and bulls but his own blood, when He entered once and for all into this sanctuary after obtaining definitive redemption.
13 If the sprinkling of people defiled by sin with the blood of goats and bulls or with the ashes of a heifer provides them with exterior cleanness and holiness,
14 how much more will it be with the blood of Christ? He, moved by the eternal Spirit, offered Himself as an unblemished victim to God and his blood cleanses us from dead works, so that we may serve the living God.
I now look to one final place that may help to answer the question.
As it is, the Body of Christ is scattered throughout the earth. Having lost a sense of traditions and customs, it is so much harder to follow the real practices of a lost tradition. But there is a point that comes to mind. God's children have been in pretty much the same situation, several times before. I look to Moses for some advice.
I read from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter five:
31 But as for you, remain here with me that I may teach you all the commandments, precepts and laws which you have to teach that they may put them into practice in the land that I will give them for their possessions.
I also read from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter eleven:
1 So love Yahweh, your God, and observe all that he has commanded you: his laws, norms and commandments
2 You, with whom I am speaking, understand all this. Perhaps this may be more difficult for your children who have not known the teaching of Yahweh or seen his greatness and strength.
I read from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter twelve:
6 To that place you will bring your burnt offering and your sacrifices, tithes and offerings. There you will present the offerings that you promised to God, and those which you voluntarily offer, as well as the firstlings of your cattle and sheep.
7 There you shall eat in the presence of Yahweh.
8 You shall not do there as we do here. For now, everyone does what seems best for him,
9 because we have not yet come to the place of rest, that is, the land which Yahweh is giving you as your inheritance.
It is simply the case that everyone does as he knows best for his current and very real situation. Everyone’s situation is different and also the knowledge and understanding that each holds may also vary, when it comes to accessing the resource material that may serve to satisfy norms and customs. There is then, no strict and hard-pressed rule that serves to measure equally for each case. This brings up a very important point. One may consider utilizing wisdom obtained from the Word and His teachings to derive and suitably apply the law, where one's informed discretion is needed. It is to say then, that one uses his discretion after he has obtained much understanding from the laws to help guide the conscience when the decision isn't exactly a clear cut one to make.
But the best judge is the Lord Himself. God’s Spirit, the Advocate leads man into a life that seeks to preserve both the body and the spirit and works to lead that man into all truth. I make it a point then, that the Father works on man by degrees, but He pays attention to both body and mind when it comes to man’s salvation and promise of eternal life. In the meantime, the grace of Christ seeks to cover the rest of what is not covered from what man simply cannot know, through lost knowledge of traditions and practices. The Father already takes all these into consideration, knowing that there was once a famine for His Word through time.
From now on, the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have told you. (John 14: 26)
In fact, your immortal spirit is in all. And so by degrees you correct those who sin, you admonish them, reminding them how they have strayed so that turning away form evil, they may trust in You, Lord. (Wisdom 12: 2)
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
(Proverbs 16: 32)
But I do not mind if you or any human court judges me. I do not even judge myself; my conscience, indeed, does not accuse me of anything, but that is not enough for me to be set right with God: the Lord is the one who judges me. Therefore, do not judge before the time, until the coming of the Lord.
(1 Corinthians 4: 3-5)
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