The Law is abolished! Really? Part 5

Yeshua’s blood atonement broke the enmity between Jew and Gentile and made the Oral Law unnecessary to keep (see previous “The Law is abolished! Really?” blogs). In addition, the priority of certain Jewish laws within the Torah changed. Eating a Biblically kosher diet is still a valid law for Jewish people to follow, but should not come in the way of fellowship between Jews and Gentiles (Jewish New Testament Commentary, pg.588).   

The correct meaning of Eph. 2:15 is most clearly explained in the Complete Jewish Bible, a paraphrased translation of the Scriptures: by destroying in his own body the enmity occasioned by the Torah, with its commands set forth in the form of ordinances. He did this in order to create in union with himself from the two groups a single new humanity and thus make shalom.”

It is unfortunate that spiritual leaders have taught from the pulpit, reading from their Bibles, that the Messiah did away with the Law so it is no longer important to follow. The dangerous spiritual effects are clear in the Barna report (see “The Law is Abolished! Really? Part 1”). This teaching lessens our fear of G-d and creates a cavalier attitude toward our actions. It produces the mentality that we can do whatever we want because G-d’s grace is so great we can just ask for his forgiveness, and he will give it to us.

It is true that if we sincerely regret what we did, repent, seek his forgiveness and turn from our sin, he will forgive us. But there will always be consequences for our actions, says Paul.

“Don't delude yourselves:  No one makes a fool of God! A person reaps what he sows. Those who keep sowing in the field of their old nature, in order to meet its demands, will eventually reap ruin; but those who keep sowing in the field of the Spirit will reap from the Spirit everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)”

When we sin by breaking G-d’s laws, we give our adversary, haSatan, the legal right to bring the curse of the Law upon us. This is the ruin we will reap. Galatians 6:8 in the New King James Version reads, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption.” The curse will bring corruption, or ruin, to our flesh, such as physical disease, as well as ruin our finances, relationships and productivity for the Kingdom of G-d. Thankfully, Yeshua redeemed us from these curses (Gal. 3:13). When we repent, we can break their power over our lives, though we will still have to live with the lasting consequences.

Let us embrace the words of the Psalmist:

“How happy are those whose way of life is blameless,

Who live by the Torah of Adonai!

How happy are those who observe his instruction,

Who seek him wholeheartedly!...then I will not be put to shame (Psalm 119:1-2,6)  

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