NOT like the Old (3)

This is my pilgrimage . . .so I focus on sections of Scripture that changed my life. That's the only source I have for Philosophical change of any kind - sure I have studied several subjects at the Doctoral level, but the Bible is the only Source for ultimate Reality. So - thanks for allowing me to share another rock on the hill called my journey - rocks are what you use to climb on going up a hill.

Paul taught the Galatians and us something about the New versus the Old in Galatians 3. Basically my take is this: (Gal. 3:21) If a Law COULD have been given that saved, then the Old Law would have been it, because it was the best. But - that is not the purpose of law - its purpose is to point out sin. That could be a help because until we know sin, we cannot do much about it. So, as Paul says, Law increases sin. As far as freedom from sin though, Law is helpless - release takes a sacrifice. That was part of the Mosaic system, so in that way it was the Greatest of all time. BUT - the Mosaic system (even though it was the best) had to be underwritten by the Covenant Promise of Jesus, because "bulls and goats sacrifices cannot take away sin." So - if the Covenant who is Jesus was not a reality, the Hebrew nation would have been fooling themselves by killing animals or offering grain.

Let's call the OLD a stepping stone to get on the NEW path - helpful, but certainly not a path on its own. But - we're talking about the new - and if we don't, we can't see the concept of not being UNDER law. So - think for a moment what it means to be UNDER GRACE ! That is the answer to our dilemma - but we hasten to explain away "cheap grace" and deal with an abuse - a self-focused approach to life (which means we don't know we DIED - Romans 6:1ff.) instead of listening to Paul teach us about being under grace. The word "grace" simply means GIFT. Now, if our focus is gift - can we earn a gift ? No - it would be an insult to try. What do we do with gifts ?

Well - first, we receive graciously, and then we enjoy fully. My example is Mephibosheth which I'll deal more with next - for today, Mephibosheth received the gift of being like one of David's own children - life in the Palace, eating at the King's table - gift totally. Requirement of reception - loyalty (which Mephibosheth didn't totally do - at least not near perfectly) but David's commitment was to Jonathan - so from His side HE kept on taking care of Jonathan's son. Yes - more to come