For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to THIS RULE, peace be upon them, and mercy . . . (Gal. 6:15-16)
The rule Paul says we are to walk in is the very heart of the Gospel. When Paul mentions circumcision in the verse above, it is more than just the physical aspect of circumcision that he is referring to, but the subjected adherence to any aspect of the Law under the Old Covenant. Physical circumcision was the doorway (so to speak) into life under the Law. Paul’s admonition to the Galatians was a warning to all believers of the danger of looking back to the other side of the cross of Christ in search for ANYTHING that Christ’s work did not accomplish; and in so doing subvert the work of Christ as inadequate in some regard.
Today there has been a resurgence of teaching surrounding the Jewish roots of our faith. I have no initial problem with this direction of research for it can serve well in deepening our understanding of our redemption in Christ. But when a notable television minister starts pushing “keeping the Sabbath” because there is a special anointing on that day to get your prayers answered, something has spun completely out of control.
As believers in Christ, we live on this side of the cross where grace is enacted, freeing us from any and all works of the Law. Those who lived during Old Testament times, while following the Law which was only a shadow of things to come, looked forward to this side of the cross with earnest expectation of the grace we now enjoy.
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. (John 8:56)
Therefore, be watchful of the subtleness of those who frustrate the grace of God, and understand THIS RULE of which Paul speaks. Peace and mercy are for those who walk in it, confusion and bondage for those who don’t!
by John Wiertzema
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3 Responses to The Rule of Christianity
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Funny, after I became a believer, I still found myself keeping the law – not killing, no idols, not stealing, honoring my parents … of course, I didn’t keep them to gain salvation. Salvation comes only through Jesus, but keeping the law is what we do once we are saved – to honor our saviour. That is also what distinguishes us from the world – from unbelievers. The only “law” that believers have an issue with is Sabbath. Just like the other nine commandments, we do them in obedience to our Father, not for salvation … how is this one different?
Thanks Liz, good question! Trying to keep the Law actually dishonors Him, in that it does away with the necessity of Christ. Keeping the Law is not what we do once we are saved. If that were the case Paul’s epistles would be full of admonitions of such, but in fact, we find just the opposite! He was adamantly opposed to imposing any part of the Law upon the Gentiles including the Sabbath.
But I think your question is more general, in that, what is wrong with keeping the Law or the Sabbath since it is moral in nature and we mostly do it anyways?
Well first, Paul rebuked the Galatians (Gentile believers) for falling prey to observing certain days, and months, and times, and years, (Gal. 4:10-11) and all this in context of Judaizers coming in and corrupting the Gospel by telling them that it was necessary to do so. Any preacher today, who would try to convince believers to observe the Sabbath because that day is more special than others, or that there’s an anointing on that day to get your prayers answered, is no better than the Judaizers whom Paul rebuked.
If you want to take a day off and rest, no problem, but if you are “keeping the Sabbath” as commanded under the Old Covenant, then what will you do with Romans 3:21, which says, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested.” There is no necessity of the Law for those in Christ. And it’s not just the Sabbath that’s an issue, it’s the whole Law. Yet, the moral aspect of the Law we do not transgress, not because we are under the Law, but rather because we have been made free from sin by grace through faith in Christ.
Oh, and what distinguishes us from unbelievers is that we are believers in Christ, not because we have morals. Again, it’s all about Him, not us!
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