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Foreword

This book is an insightful exposition of the Bible as it relates to the Church and the believing one. It deals with a fundamental problem of the Church, which is in understanding the Bible in the area of doctrine and practical application of same.

Under the above, it took a bold thrust into the murky and thorning issue of the law: what the law is, and how God’s moral precepts run through the periods before, during, and after the law and even unto eternity.

In demystifying the issue of the law, the author employs an exegetical masterpiece in breaking down the whole Law into three parts, which are:

The Commandments (containing God's moral precepts.
The Statutes/Judgement (which deal with civil and social relations among the Israelites);
The Ordinances (which deal with religious or sacred instruments relating to the worship of Yahweh by the Israelites).

The book further reveals how God’s moral precepts, which are a part of the Mosaic Law, remain the precepts of the Church, though the Mosaic Law had been abolished by the death of Christ. Hence, the moral laws cannot be abolished because they represent God’s character. God wants His Children to comply with them so that they can be like Him. In other words, the Church of Christ, though not under the Mosaic Law, is still subject to the Commandments and moral laws of God as an eternal guiding principle.

The book also deals with the twin extremes (evil pillars) of legalism and license that have torn the modern-day Church apart. By rightly dividing the word of truth, these extreme concepts of legalism and license are exposed.

As such, legalism which advocates strict adherence to and practice of the Mosaic Law and license which takes away the responsibility of the believing one for his actions on the grounds of 'Once saved is saved forever’ and 'Sin is dead' are exposed for what they are. They are antithetical to the teachings and instructions of Christ, thus ungodly.

With copious scriptural citations, the author made it abundantly clear that legalism cannot be the way of the Church (Romans 3:19; Ephesians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:18).

While license appears to be the more popular of the two extremes because of its appeal to the flesh and the younger Christians, the truth of the Gospel as taught and practiced by Christ and His apostles says otherwise.

“11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)

Indeed, the grace that saves also teaches us to live godly and righteously because that is the way of God.

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Gal 5:24)

This book is invariably an exposé on Christian living and responsibility. What many in the License Bloc regard as “mere moral failures” are disobedience and deliberate refusal to take responsibility.

Finally, this book draws our attention to the fact that instead of 'crucifying God's moral precepts on the altar of legalism and faithlessness, we should appreciate that God has given us faith and His Spirit to help us live by His moral precepts. Hence, failure to live by His precepts is in itself an act of faithlessness.

The value of this book cannot be overemphasized. Hence, it is recommended to Christian teachers, church leaders, young ministers, new converts, and all lovers of truth.

Abiye S. Ideriah

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Chapter 1

What is the Law?

First, we have to be willing to accept what the Bible says as the truth, otherwise, our understanding will be impaired. It is eternally settled that the Mosaic Law, popularly referred to as the Law, has been abolished.

According to reliable rabbinical authorities, the Mosaic Law contains at least 613 sets of laws. These laws can be categorized into three groups. These include:

The moral laws or the COMMANDMENTS
The civil or social laws that were meant for governing the theocratic Jewish society of old, called the STATUTES or JUDGMENTS, and
The religious ceremonial laws of Judaism, called the ORDINANCES.

We know that despite these divisions, the Mosaic Law is one body (corpus) of Law that is binding on the recipients (the Israelites). To obtain righteousness by the Law, one has to keep the minutest, even the jots and tittles, of the Law. The Law could not be cherry-picked. Hence, it is impossible for anyone to be saved by obeying the Mosaic Law since offence in any part automatically disqualifies the adherent.

“10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” (Gal 3:10-12)

This is why God had to send Jesus to satisfy the requirements of the Law and abolish it by His death. He is the only one who could do it because He is sinless.

“18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” (Heb 7:18-19)

“Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Col 2:14)

“13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:13-14)

“6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah- 9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.” (Heb 8:7-9)

We must admit that the moral laws of God like mercy, justice, faithfulness etc. are eternal universal principles that have been in existence before the Mosaic Law. Therefore, they cannot be abolished in that sense.

A diligent student of the Bible will notice that the moral laws are contained in the scriptures that predate the enactment of the Mosaic Law, namely, the book of Genesis and Job, in the Mosaic Law proper and the scriptures of the New Testament.

We see in Genesis how God judged people for violating His moral laws even when the Mosaic Law had not been enacted. He cursed Cain for killing his brother, Abel; the whole of the human race, excluding Noah and his family, was exterminated by a deluge because of their violation of God's moral laws; the same applied to Sodom and Gomorrah. We also see how Job kept himself from the moral pollution of his time and how God commended him.

The Lord Jesus and the apostles reiterated and summarized the moral laws with one word- LOVE. They are the ones Jesus called the weightier matters of the Law (Mat 23:23).

“13 But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mat 9:13)

“30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

“8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Rom 13:8-10)

However, we must bear in mind that the whole body of the Mosaic Law has been abolished as the Scripture says because one does not need to keep the Mosaic corpus to obtain justification or salvation. Justification is obtained solely by faith in Christ Jesus.

“20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:20-22)

The easiest way to explain this is to compare the Old Testament to the Nigerian parliamentary constitution of old which has been abolished and the New Testament to the 1999 presidential constitution, as amended, that is currently in use. Though some of the contents of the former may have been repeated in the latter, the reader will agree that any president of Nigeria who intends to govern the country with the old parliamentary constitution has already set himself up for failure. This is the case of children of God who abandon New Testament precepts for Old Testament ordinances.

Therefore, the word "Law" could mean the whole body of the Mosaic Law or the moral laws of God in the New Testament, depending on context.

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Chapter 2

The Christian and the Mosaic Law

It is important at this juncture to define the relationship of the Christian with the Mosaic Covenant (Old Covenant) that gave birth to the Mosaic Law. According to the Bible, the Mosaic Covenant was an exclusive covenant while it stood. It was exclusive in the sense that it was an arrangement between God and the Israelites of old only. All other nations, called the Gentiles, were excluded, they had nothing to do with it. While the Covenant endured, the Gentiles were like a people without God and hope in this life.

“11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Eph 2:11-12)

Since only the Jews were a party to the Mosaic Covenant, they were the ones who were subject to the dictates of the Law and the curse thereof. This curse, the Bible explicitly states, has been removed by the sacrificial death of Christ on the Cross of Calvary

“13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” (Gal 3:13)

The only way the Law affected the Gentiles before the death of Christ was that it prevented them from having access to God and the Commonwealth of His people, Israel. This is why the Bible calls it "the middle wall of partition". It was the partition that prevented the Jews and the Gentiles from becoming one people while it lasted.

Again, the death of Christ has removed this middle wall of partition. So, the Gentiles are now free to be a part of God's family.

“13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Eph 2:12-19)

If the Law prevented the Gentiles from having access to God and His people, why was it given in the first instance? The primary reason the Law came to be was to preserve a peculiar people unto God through whom the Messiah was to come. It was meant to be the pedagogue of the people (Israel) until the coming of the Seed through whom Israel and the world would be blessed.

“23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” (Gal 3:23-25)

In other words, the Law (Mosaic Covenant) was never meant to be a permanent arrangement. It was a temporary arrangement (a parentheses) to keep the people for the Seed through whom the blessing of Abraham would be fulfilled. Therefore, it was necessary to abolish this arrangement (Mosaic Covenant) as soon as it has served its purpose.

Since the Gentiles were never a party to the Mosaic Covenant and the curse of the Law has been removed, it is not possible for a believer in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, to incur the curse of the Law under normal circumstances contrary to what many "ministers" of the gospel teach today.

I say this with all sense of responsibility. Whoever teaches the Law in its literal sense without due regard for its implication in the death and resurrection of Christ or imposes the ordinances of the Mosaic Law such as circumcision, tithing, firstfruit, firstborn redemption offering, observance of days etc. on believers in Christ as a means of getting God's approval is not, in reality, ministering the Gospel. He is ministering the Law of Moses. He is ministering death and condemnation, according to the Bible.

“7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.” (2Cor 3:7-9)

Since the majority, if not all, who are reading these articles are Gentile Christians, it is important for you to always bear in mind that you were never a party to the Mosaic Covenant. This awareness would make a world of difference in your understanding of the Bible if you pay attention. It would free you from the encumbrances of men who are hell-bent on making your life miserable by imposing the ordinances of the Mosaic Law on you. It would be difficult for anyone to harass, coerce, or defraud you with religious inanities going forward.

"1 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery (the Mosaic Law; addition mine). 2 Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised (add any ordinance of the Mosaic Law; additions mine), Christ will be of no benefit to you at all! 3 And I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 you who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace!" (Gal 5:1-4; ESV)

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Chapter 3

The Nature and Place of the Moral Laws

We stated in Chapter 1 that the whole body (corpus) of the Mosaic Law was abolished by the sacrificial death of Christ. We also stated, that the moral laws of God, though incorporated into the Mosaic Law, could not be abolished in the real sense of the word because they are eternal universal principles.

Why is it that the moral laws could not be abolished? It is because they embody the character of God.

God is love, He commands man to love
God is just, He commands man to be just
God is merciful, He commands man to be merciful
God is patient, He commands man to be patient
God is holy, He commands man to be holy etc.

Invariably, God is by the moral laws commanding man to be like him (God).

The other reason why the moral laws cannot be abolished is because God rules and governs the universe by them. It is by them He has Governed the affairs of man from creation till date. This is why the Bible says God rules by righteousness.

“He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” (Psa 9:8)

“For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness.” (Psa 11:7)

“7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” (Psa 45:7)

The reader would do well to note that the word "Righteousness" in the cited scriptures is not the popular New Testament righteousness that is also called justification. It simply means rightness, justice or equity.

So, when the Bible says God rules by righteousness it is saying God rules by His moral laws that embody His character. This is the major reason why the moral laws cannot be abolished in reality. To abolish them is to abolish God's character, which is impossible.

What then is the relevance of the moral laws to us today? First, man is brought to the realization that he is a lost sinner who can't save himself as he comes face to face with the moral laws of God. His conscience gets convicted that he has fallen short of God's glory and holiness. He then realizes that he needs a Savior.

“... for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Rom 3:20)

It is also by the moral laws we get to know the innate tendency to sin in us. Paul made allusion to this in Romans 7:7-24.

“7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good ...... 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find ...... 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom 7:7-18)

Second, when we talk about conscience, we are simply referring to the moral laws written on the tables of our hearts by God himself.

“14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them).” (Roman 3:13-15)

Though it was meant to be the voice of God in man, it is important to bear in mind that human conscience is no longer sufficient to be an absolute moral guide because of the fallen nature of man. This is why people who have been indoctrinated would think they are doing God a service when in reality they are working contrary to him. Moreover, it is impossible for obedience to human consciences to procure salvation for man because all men violate their conscience in varying degrees. This is why God concluded all men are sinners and need the Savior (Jesus Christ).

Third, God's moral laws are meant to be the foundation of civil laws. The closer the laws of a nation are to the moral laws of God, the better the lives of the citizens of the nation if the laws are diligently implemented. This is why the Scripture says "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov 14:34). Again, the word righteousness in this scripture is not justification by faith. It simply means doing what is right. It means "rightness". It means diligent compliance with God's moral laws in governance.

We can now see clearly why God commands that His children should obey civil authorities as a matter of obligation. Whoever obeys the good laws of the land obeys God because they are founded on His moral laws.

“1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves …. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” (Rom 13:1-2)

Nevertheless, a Christian is not under any obligation to obey any civil law that runs contrary to Scripture or the law of natural justice. He should feel free to violate such a law when occasion demands because doing so is obedience to God.

“18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.” (Acts 4:18-19)

“27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” 29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:27-29)

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Chapter 4

Loving Obedient Children

We stated in Chapter 1 that the word "Law" could mean the whole body of the Mosaic Law or the moral laws of God in the New Testament, depending on context. We shall restrict the meaning of the word to the latter in this chapter unless otherwise stated.

We need to be aware that the Christian life is not primarily about morality but about God having a Father-son relationship with us. It is very important that we get this clearly from the outset so as not to run our race in vain. No matter how much a slave seeks to please his master, he can't be his master's heir unless the master adopts him as his son. Hence, moral uprightness is not the first thing, becoming a child of God through faith in Christ is the first step on the journey to a blissful eternity.

“3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)

Again, we have to come to terms with the fact that God did not change His mind concerning the demands of the Law. He only provided a way of escape for man. First, the law demands that every transgressor must die for his sin. Wherever sin is found, it must be punished by death.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 6:23)

God provided a way of escape for man in this regard by sending His Son into the world who lived a sinless life under the Mosaic Law and died in his place. Therefore, anyone who believes in Christ would escape the wrath of the Law. This is called justification.

“6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly… 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Rom 5:6, 8-10)

Second, the Law demands that all men must be holy but man is incapable of doing this by himself because his nature has been corrupted by sin. No matter how much he tries he cannot measure up to the demands of the Law. All men inherited this sinful propensity as a result of Adam's fall.

“14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. … 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.” (Rom 7:14-16, 18; emphasis mine)

In other words, the problem is not with the Law but with man. The Law is holy in all its intentions but man can simply not measure up in his natural state. It is a problem of a corrupt nature that requires a new nature.

“12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. 13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.” (Rom 7:12-13)

This is why salvation is not all about forgiveness of sin. The one who is saved (the redeemed) died with Christ to sin and the Law so that he would no longer be held bound by them.

“4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” (Rom 6:4-6)

“4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.” (Rom 7:4)

“6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.” (Rom 7:6)

He is also regenerated and given a new nature that hungers and thirsts after righteousness. He is no longer bound by the corrupt nature that is in enmity with God. Jeremiah made allusion to this in his prophecy concerning the New Covenant.

31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jer 31:31-34).

Paul also made reference to this, calling it the new-man.

“And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph 4:24)

“10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” (Col 3:10)

The redeemed does not need to be told to live holy. He yearns for it naturally. He knows by instinct that he should live holy without been told. So, when we see a supposed child of God who is arguing against the need to live holy, there is a high chance that such a one may not have experienced the new birth in the first instance. Let's be aware that what such a person requires is not an argument but a genuine conversion experience.

In addition, the redeem is given the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides and empowers him to live a victorious life over sin and its allurement.

“14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Rom 8:14-15)

We can see that this is a totally different arrangement from what obtains under the Mosaic Law. Under the Mosaic Law, man in his natural sinful state is required to obey the Law by self-effort but under grace regenerated and Spirit empowered men are led in loving obedience to God. This is what it means to be under grace and not under the Law. This is what is called newness of life.

“1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Rom 8:1-4)

Having stated all these, the question comes to mind, "Is the new life free from moral restraints? Is the man under grace free to live as he pleases because he is not under the Law?

The first position one can take in this regard is to assume that God's moral laws are not to be obeyed since we have been saved. This, without fail, would lead to license, a life of sinful indulgence. This position is called antinomianism. It is the position the prodigal son assumed before he came back to his senses. No one needs to be a Bible scholar to know that this position contradicts the intent of the New Testament scriptures. This is what Paul rhetorically addressed in Romans 6:1-2

“1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Rom 6:1-2)

Indeed, the whole of Romans 6 is devoted to answering this question. The reader should kindly refer. Due to the emphasis the Reformers of the 16^th century placed on justification by faith, some people began an Antinomian Movement, teaching that the Christian no longer requires to obey God's moral laws because he has been saved by grace. Martin Luther had to content vehemently with these people. Unfortunately, we are beginning to see this erroneous teaching today disguised as grace teaching, though the proponents may not even be aware that they are repeating a negative history. Those who take this position believe they are not to take responsibility for how they live because they are "covered by grace". We need to be aware that the grace that saves also teaches. It teaches us to deliberately deny all ungodliness, live discretely and holily in this world.

The second position one can take is legalism. Legalism implies strict conformity to the letter of the Law rather than its spirit which is love. It is seeking to obtain God's approval or favor by personal merit rather than by the merit of Christ. This is the position the elder brother of the prodigal son assumed. It is also a wrong position to take. God is not seeking for slaves who would serve him legalistically, he seeks for loving children. The one who seeks to attain justification by personal merits needs to be aware that he has already cut himself off from the grace of God because all his effort is like a menstrual rag before God.

"We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind." (Isa 64:6; NET)

“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” (Gal 5:4)

The third position is to lovingly obey God as a proper child obeys his father. God never intends for His children to live in this world without moral restraints but He does not desire a legalistic kind of obedience from us at the same time. He desires a loving obedience that comes from the heart in view of what He has done for us- forgiven, given a new nature and equipped with the Holy Spirit.

“1 And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.” (Rom 12:1-2; TLB; emphasis mine)

This is the position the prodigal son took after repentance.

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Chapter 5

Grace and Moral Uprightness

We stated in Chapter 4 that God never intends for his children to live without moral restraints. Although this writer does not subscribe to several of the propositions of Dispensationalism, an honest Bible student cannot but admit that God's method of dealing with man has not been exactly the same from creation. The student will also admit that in all of God's dealings with man since the fall, his moral laws have remained a constant factor, including in the New Testament era, called the dispensation of grace by some.

We also stated earlier that the Lord Jesus and his apostles summarized the moral laws of God with one word, Love, and incorporated them into the New Testament. So, we see that anyone who argues against moral restraints and the good works (deeds) of faith is invariably arguing against Christ and his apostles. Such a person is inevitably denying the faith of Christ.

“17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? “21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:17-26)

The reality we all need to face is that man cannot escape the moral laws of God under any guise because they are an expression of His character. To repudiate the moral laws is to attack God's character. Even in eternity, the moral laws of God would remain the premise upon which we would relate with one another. Paul stated this in 1Corinthians 13:8 & 13.

“8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away …. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1Cor 13:8 & 13)

The difference here is that there would be no more temptation not to walk in love like we have today because the Devil and his demons who tempt us would have been banished. We would have also put on our incorruptible redeemed bodies. So, the innate propensity to sin that plagues us down here would have been eliminated.

Although morality is not the primary goal of the Gospel (the New Creation is), no one can claim genuine faith in Christ and live without moral uprightness. License is simply not compatible with faith in Christ. Faith essentially leads to obedience and obedience inevitably produces moral uprightness. Peter wrote lucidly about this in his second Epistle.

“5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2Pet 1:5-11; emphasis mine)

Because Paul wrote extensively against the futility of attempting to be saved by the works of the Mosaic Law, some people teach that all works, without distinction, are irrelevant to faith in Christ. It is important that we are aware that there is a clear distinction between the works of the Law and good works of faith that are a byproduct of obedience to the instructions of Christ.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)

It seems many are confused about these things. We need to be aware that whenever Paul wrote “works” without qualification in his apologetics against the Judaizers of his time, he was referring to the works of the Law, that is, seeking to be saved by circumcision, primarily, and keeping the dictates of the Mosaic Law, in general. He wasn't talking about the good works of faith that Christ and His apostles taught.

“1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.” (Acts 15:1-2)

It is true that good works in themselves cannot save. However, the Bible is emphatic on the fact that we are saved to do good works by faith. The good works of faith are good deeds that are performed in obedience to Christ’s instructions. They are the physical expression of the faith in the heart of the believer. Therefore, whoever does not express his faith practically does not truly possess it.

The Judaizes whom Paul confronted were not in reality concerned about the weightier matters of the Law. They were hypocrites who were seeking to be justified by conformity to the letter, externalities, and rituals of the Mosaic Law like circumcision, tithe, firstfruits, ceremonial washing, abstention from unclean meat, observance of festive holidays etc.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith...” (Mat 23:23)

“16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ ….. 20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations - 21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using - according to the commandments and doctrines of men?” (Col 2:16-22)

“11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” (Gal 5:11-12)

The truth is, those who seek reconciliation with God, purity of heart and mercy will eventually find what they seek. Such people don't reject Christ when they hear about him because they see what they seek in Him. They know in their hearts they need a Savior. Those who truly seek the weightier matters of the Law often find Christ. Examples of such people abound among both the Jews and the Gentiles: Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, the Ethiopian Enoch, Cornelius the centurion etc.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Mat 5:6)

It is unfortunate faith has been reduced to some kind of passive intellectual assent to God and vain repetition in some quarters in today's Christianity. Though there is an intellectual or attitudinal side to faith, faith is not complete without the corresponding action(s). Therefore, obedience to the instructions of Christ is not self-righteousness or works of the Mosaic Law as some claim. It is faith by deeds.

Contrary to what we have been taught that faith is primarily for getting our physical or material desires from God, the number one area the Christian needs to deploy his faith is in obedience to Christ’s instructions. It takes an active faith to be submissive to Christ because many of his instructions are contrary to norms and conventions. For example, the norm is for people to hate their human enemies and do good to those who are friendly with them but Christ instructs that His followers should love all men, including their enemies. Hence, faith without obedience to Christ's instructions is no faith at all. It is self-deceit.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Our calling is a high calling. It is a life of responsibility. The Scripture admonishes that we should see to it that our conduct corresponds to our calling.

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” (Eph 4:1)

Therefore, a professor of faith in Christ who keeps emphasizing his rights and privileges without paying adequate attention to his responsibilities is denying the faith. Such a person would turn out to be a reprobate, a reject, sooner or later.

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you are disqualified.” (1Cor 13:5)

We need to bear in mind that the Christian man is not an automaton. He is a free moral agent who retains his autonomy to obey or disobey Christ's instructions. Though the Holy Spirit leads him, the Spirit does not force him to do what he does not want to do. If this were not so, he wouldn't have had the capacity to sin after conversion. This is why we all need to take personal responsibility to follow the leading of the Spirit as Paul wrote extensively about in Romans 6 and 8.

“16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (Gal 5:16-17; emphasis mine)

This treatise is a modest attempt to counter the antinomianism wave that is currently blowing across the Christian landscape. There are certain people who have taken it upon themselves to misled the unwary seekers of truth. Such people have made themselves the enemies of the cross of Christ. They teach directly or indirectly that the grace of God is a license to live without obedience to Christ. They would have Christ as their Savior but they are unwilling to submit to His Lordship. I believe all efforts must be made to stop these people from polluting the heritage of the Lord with their pernicious doctrine.

Let the reader bear in mind that this work is not in any way espousing moral perfectionism. Nevertheless, it is important to appreciate the fact that the writers of the New Testament scriptures did not subscribe to any idea that suggests a person could claim faith in Christ without practically expressing his belief through good deeds and appropriate conduct.

The grace life is not a reckless one. It is a life of responsibility. Whoever claims faith in Christ but persistently disobeys Him, without repentance, has denied the faith. He is worse than an infidel. He is worse than an infidel because he holds the truth of God in ungodliness.

The hill of liberty in the Spirit is surrounded by the valleys of legalism on the right and license on the left. Stay on the hill. Take heed unto yourselves beloved, these are indeed perilous times.

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Postscript

Responsibility in Grace

It seems people generally gravitate towards concepts and ideas that absolve them of personal responsibility. I have watched this tendency with much concern even among professed Christians. Some supposed ministers of the Gospel push bizarre doctrines that absolve the Christian of personal responsibility in his walk. These doctrines come in various forms, shades and names but the goal is essentially the same - to make of you an irresponsible Christian who will eventually become a reprobate (a reject).

The fact is, God does not waste resources. He does not do for man what He has empowered him to do for himself. Therefore, the believer needs to appreciate that he is responsible to, by the help of the Holy Spirit

Seek the truth of the Gospel in all its ramifications. To diligently make himself approved to God by dividing the word of truth correctly (2Tim 2:15)
Scrutinize what he believes and ensure it conforms to the written word of God (Luke 11:34-36)
Reckon himself as dead unto sin (Rom 6:10-14)
Mortify the flesh (Rom 8:13, Col 3:5)
Put off the old man and put on the new man (Eph 4:22)
Deny self of its cravings and carry his cross daily (Mat 16:24)
Abstain from every appearance of evil (1Thess 5:22)
Flee from sin and evil (1Cor 6:18, 1Cor 10:14, 1Tim 6:11, 2Tim 2:22)
Renew his mind with the word of God (Rom 12:2)
Watch out for false prophets and teachers and dissociate himself from them (Mat 7:15)
Seek the wisdom of God in his affairs (James 1:5)
Cultivate a personal walk of faith (Eph 4:1, Rom 6:4, Rom 8:1, Rom 8:4, Rom 13:13)
Be an example of the believer in this crooked world (1Tim 4:12)
Fight the good fight of faith (1Tim 6:12, 2Tim 4:7)
Lay hold on eternal life (1Tim 6:12)
Submit himself unto God and resist the devil (James 4:7)
Watch and pray (Mat 26:41, Mar 13:33)

These and several more are his personal responsibilities no one can do for him. Even God wouldn't since He has empowered him by His Spirit to do these things. Any believer who abdicates these responsibilities frustrates the grace of God in his life.

We need to always remember that the Christian faith stands on two legs: doctrine and practice. We do not only have privileges and rights in Christ, we are also under obligation to live for Him. Otherwise, we make ourselves unworthy of His calling.

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to live in a way that is worthy of the calling to which you have been called." (Eph 4:1)

This is why the apostolic Epistles contain a mixture of doctrinal and practical instructions. Indeed, Paul's letters to the Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians and the Epistle to the Hebrews are clearly demarcated into an initial part containing doctrinal instructions and a latter part with practical instructions.

The grace of God is not a license for self-indulgence. It is an empowerment for godly discipline. It is grace that teaches us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. Those who went ahead of us ran their race with holy fear, constantly on the alert against the allurement of the flesh and the world. Let no one be carried away by the irreverent gospel some fellows are selling. It has ruined not a few.

“Having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.” (1Tim 1:19)

No one runs and wins an Olympic race by standing at the starting line shouting "I qualify". There is a race to run. God's grace is available but we have to run to the finishing line.

“24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. … 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1Cor 9:24-27)

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Would You do Me a Favor?

Thank you for reading this book. I am positive that you learned some important lessons that would help you in your walk with the Lord.

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Other Books by the Author

Tithe and Giving in the Christian Church: Setting the Record Straight
What is wrong with the Black Man? Busting the Myths; Finding Answers
Anatomy of the Prosperity Gospel: A Biblical Scrutiny of the Prosperity Theology
Errors of the Word of Faith: Unveiling a Cleverly Concealed Lie
How People Prosper Financially: A Christian Perspective on Financial Prosperity
A Case for Another Reformation: A Call to Apostolic Christianity

You can find them on Amazon.com

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Table of Contents

Dedication

Copyright

Foreword

Chapter 1

What is the Law?

Chapter 2

The Christian and the Mosaic Law

Chapter 3

The Nature and Place of the Moral Laws

Chapter 4

Loving Obedient Children

Chapter 5

Grace and Moral Uprightness

Postscript

Responsibility in Grace

Would You do Me a Favor?

Other Books by the Author

The End