Understanding Christ and the Law of Moses

Sep 28, 2024

Lecture Notes: 119 Ministries Teaching - Did Christ Abolish the Law of Moses?

Introduction

  • Ministry Belief: The whole Bible is true and applicable today.
  • Topic: Did Christ abolish the Law of Moses? Examination based on Ephesians 2:15.

Ephesians 2:15 Analysis

  • Context: Gentile believers were initially excluded from Israel but became part of God’s household through Christ.
  • Dividing Wall of Hostility: Broken down by Christ, abolishing the "law of commandments expressed in ordinances".

Antinomian Interpretation

  • Definition: Antinomianism means "against law", suggesting Christians are free from the Law of Moses.
  • Common View: The Law of Moses was a source of division, and Christ abolished it to unify Jews and Gentiles.

Issues with Antinomian Interpretation

  1. Christ’s Own Words: Matthew 5:17 - Christ claimed he did not come to abolish the Law.
  2. Paul’s Consistency:
    • Romans 3:31 - Paul upholds the law rather than abolishing it.
    • Ephesians 6 - Paul refers to the Commandments, affirming their relevance.
  3. Positive View of the Law:
    • Paul’s writings consistently affirm the law as holy and good (2 Timothy 3:16).
  4. Inclusivity of the Law:
    • The Law of Moses allows Gentiles to join God’s people (Leviticus 19:33-34).

Ephesians 2:15 Reinterpretation

  • Qualifying Terms: "Law of commandments expressed in ordinances" suggests a specific misuse of the law, not the entire Mosaic Law.
  • Dividing Wall:
    • Symbolizes extra-biblical rules creating division, not the law itself.
    • Example: The temple barrier separating Jews and Gentiles.

Application of the Teaching

  • Misapplication of the Law: Paul refers to man-made rules, not the entire Mosaic Law.
  • Christ’s Abolishment: Abolished extra-biblical, divisive rules, not the Law itself.

Conclusion

  • Interpretation Summary: Christ abolished misapplications that caused division, not the Law of Moses.
  • Encouragement: Continue testing everything, as per the teaching.

Additional Resources

  • 119 Ministries Flash Drive: Available containing teachings and updates.
  • Access: Materials online for free but physical copies offer offline access and longevity of material.

Note: These notes cover highlights from the teaching by 119 Ministries on whether Christ abolished the Law of Moses, focusing on interpretations of Ephesians 2:15, associated scriptural cross-references, and implications for understanding Biblical law.