Shalom, I in no way was intimating that you followed any of the Jewish works of law. As you are well aware, there are many denominations that preach grace alone, but mix law to encourage guilt among the members. This is a subtle way to excercise control over the Church body. Even in the apostles days, after 1500 years of Jewish law, I know it was very hard for the Christians of that day to let go of what they had so firmly established in their life and religion. Let me show you one instance:
Galatians 2:
11 " But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
And from thence he enters upon the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ, without the works of the law
15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
I could name instances in the Church where Jewish law is still practiced, but wish to avoid a conflict with those that go to Churches where these things are practiced.
What think you?
James |
