By Paul Baumgartner

Copyright 2015

 

Theonomy is the idea that Mosaic Law should be observed by modern societies for their civil law.  There are a number of Christian groups that believe in this doctrine, with varying doctrines of application.  The main Christian branches of Theonomy are as follows:

 

1. Covenanter (the original, from the 1600's) - The belief is that a covenant must be made nationally acknowledging Jesus Christ as King and vowing to be God’s people while being lovingly obedient to his laws. This includes not working with evil nations and protecting the true Christian religion.

2. Reconstructionist (1950's) – The belief that national covenanting is necessary or commanded in scripture. Some believe the U.S. Constitution is acceptable and there is no need for another covenant.

3. Bahnsen's - The laws of God are the standard which Christian voters and officials ought to pursue. Civil officials are also not constrained to literally enforce every Biblical law, such as one-time localized imperatives, certain administrative details, typological foreshadows, or those against envy and unbelief.  Rulers should enforce only those laws for which God revealed social sanctions to be imposed.

 

Another form of Theonomy is Judaism, which has a number of forms from Orthodox to Liberal interpretations.  On the most part, Jews believe that Theonomy will return when the Messiah returns and establishes his rule and re-establishes the Temple on its original spot in Jerusalem.

 

Islam also is a form of Theonomy.  It claims to be based on the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible), although it does make some claims that its own laws which are different are a more perfect revelation.          

 

“Lo! We did reveal the At-Taurah (Torah), wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And barter not My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers.” -Quran, sura 5 (Al-Ma'ida), ayat 44

 

Islam also claims to Not only be a continuation of what was revealed to Moses, but also to Jesus in Quran 42:13:

 

“He hath ordained for you that religion which He commended unto Noah, and that which We inspire in thee (Muhammad), and that which We commended unto Abraham and Moses and Jesus, saying: Establish the religion, and be not divided therein. Dreadful for the idolaters is that unto which thou callest them. Allah chooseth for Himself whom He will, and guideth unto Himself him who turneth (toward Him).”

 

And in Quran 29:46:

 

“And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender.”

 

The position of this article is that Theonomy is wrong.  According to the Quranic verses quoted above, Islam’s prophet, Muhammed (peace be upon him), based his teaching on the scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament, and demanded that his followers not argue with any issues except for the doctrine of monotheism.  On the following pages, I will show that Mosaic Law changed into a more civic law throughout Jewish history first, then with Christianity, Mosaic Law was separated from civic law.  With Muhammed’s (peace be upon him) acceptance of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, this principle should also apply to Islam.   This principle will be shown to be pervasive.  Law is an application of principles for life.  They are applied to societies.  Through time, societies change. Thus the application of principles (law), must also change throughout time.

 

This paper will cover the following areas:

 

The Nature of Law in the Time of Abraham and Moses

The Nature of God’s Law in the Old Testament

Old and New Covenants

The New Testament Teaches Separation of Church and State

Covenants In The New Testament

Spiritualizing Christs Laws

There is No such Thing as a Non-Theocratic Government

Jot and Title

Fulfillment of The Law and Prophets

Only Sacrifices Were Replaced

Romans 2

Genesis 9

Common Theonomy Fallacies

Theonomy Arguments

Implementing Theonomy

It is Finished

 

The Nature of Law in the Time of Abraham and Moses

 

The first thing that we notice about Mosaic Law is that there are similarities to laws of that time.  The Mosaic Law was much more just than other laws.  We have to ask ourselves, “Wouldn’t God give a law that would be perfect for all societies of all time?”  Let us examine the first 20 laws in The Code of Hammurabi, and see how it compares to Mosaic Law.  I will list the Code of Hammurabi following, then in parenthesis () I will list the Mosaic equivalent, in block parenthesis [] I will list any Islamic equivalence. 

 

1. If anyone ensnare another, putting a ban upon him, but he cannot prove it, then he that ensnared him shall be put to death.  (Deuteronomy 19:19 “do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party.”) [40 lashes and restitution. http://www.al-islam.org/greater-sins-volume-2-ayatullah-sayyid-abdul-husayn-dastghaib-shirazi/nineteenth-greater-sin-false - no single verse]

 

2. If anyone bring an accusation against a man, and the accused go to the river and leap into the river, if he sink in the river his accuser shall take possession of his house. But if the river prove that the accused is not guilty, and he escape unhurt, then he who had brought the accusation shall be put to death, while he who leaped into the river shall take possession of the house that had belonged to his accuser.  (Deuteronomy 19:19 “do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party.”) [40 lashes and restitution. http://www.al-islam.org/greater-sins-volume-2-ayatullah-sayyid-abdul-husayn-dastghaib-shirazi/nineteenth-greater-sin-false - no single verse]

 

3. If anyone bring an accusation of any crime before the elders, and does not prove what he has charged, he shall, if it be a capital offense charged, be put to death.  (Deuteronomy 19:19 “do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party.”) [40 lashes and restitution. http://www.al-islam.org/greater-sins-volume-2-ayatullah-sayyid-abdul-husayn-dastghaib-shirazi/nineteenth-greater-sin-false - no single verse]

 

4. If he satisfy the elders to impose a fine of grain or money, he shall receive the fine that the action produces.

 

5. If a judge try a case, reach a decision, and present his judgment in writing; if later error shall appear in his decision, and it be through his own fault, then he shall pay twelve times the fine set by him in the case, and he shall be publicly removed from the judge's bench, and never again shall he sit there to render judgement.  (Exodus 21:24, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,”) [Quran 5:45 “The life for the life, and the eye for the eye, and the nose for the nose, and the ear for the ear, and the tooth for the tooth,”]

 

6. If anyone steal the property of a temple or of the court, he shall be put to death, and also the one who receives the stolen thing from him shall be put to death. (Exodus 22:1 “must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.”) [Quran 5:38 “As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise.”]

 

7. If anyone buy from the son or the slave of another man, without witnesses or a contract, silver or gold, a male or female slave, an ox or a sheep, an ass or anything, or if he take it in charge, he is considered a thief and shall be put to death.  (Exodus 22:1 “must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.”) [Quran 5:38 “As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise.”]

 

8. If anyone steal cattle or sheep, or an ass, or a pig or a goat, if it belong to a god or to the court, the thief shall pay thirtyfold therefor; if they belonged to a freed man of the king he shall pay tenfold; if the thief has nothing with which to pay he shall be put to death. (Exodus 22:1 “must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.”) [Quran 5:38 “As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise.”]

 

9. If anyone lose an article, and find it in the possession of another: if the person in whose possession the thing is found say "A merchant sold it to me, I paid for it before witnesses," and if the owner of the thing say, "I will bring witnesses who know my property," then shall the purchaser bring the merchant who sold it to him, and the witnesses before whom he bought it, and the owner shall bring witnesses who can identify his property. The judge shall examine their testimony--both of the witnesses before whom the price was paid, and of the witnesses who identify the lost article on oath. The merchant is then proved to be a thief and shall be put to death. The owner of the lost article receives his property, and he who bought it receives the money he paid from the estate of the merchant. (Exodus 22:1 “must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.”) [Quran 5:38 “As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise.”]

 

10. If the purchaser does not bring the merchant and the witnesses before whom he bought the article, but its owner bring witnesses who identify it, then the buyer is the thief and shall be put to death, and the owner receives the lost article. (Exodus 22:1 “must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.”) [Quran 5:38 “As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise.”]

 

11. If the owner do not bring witnesses to identify the lost article, he is an evil-doer, he has traduced, and shall be put to death. (Exodus 22:1 “must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.”) [Quran 5:38 “As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise.”]

 

12. If the witnesses be not at hand, then shall the judge set a limit, at the expiration of six months. If his witnesses have not appeared within the six months, he is an evil-doer, and shall bear the fine of the pending case.  (Exodus 21:24, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,”) [Quran 5:45 “The life for the life, and the eye for the eye, and the nose for the nose, and the ear for the ear, and the tooth for the tooth,”]

 

[editor's note: there is no 13th law in the code, 13 being considered and unlucky and evil number]

 

14. If anyone steal the minor son of another, he shall be put to death. (Exodus 21:16 “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.”) [Not directly addressed in the Quran]

 

15. If anyone take a male or female slave of the court, or a male or female slave of a freed man, outside the city gates, he shall be put to death. (Exodus 21:16 “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.”) [Not directly addressed in the Quran]

 

16. If anyone receive into his house a runaway male or female slave of the court, or of a freedman, and does not bring it out at the public proclamation of the major domus, the master of the house shall be put to death. (Exodus 21:16 “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.”) [Not directly addressed in the Quran]

 

17. If anyone find runaway male or female slaves in the open country and bring them to their masters, the master of the slaves shall pay him two shekels of silver. (Deuteronomy 23:15 “If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master.”) [Not directly addressed in the Quran.]

 

18. If the slave will not give the name of the master, the finder shall bring him to the palace; a further investigation must follow, and the slave shall be returned to his master. (Deuteronomy 23:15 “If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master.”) [Not directly addressed in the Quran.]

 

19. If he hold the slaves in his house, and they are caught there, he shall be put to death. (Deuteronomy 23:15 “If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master.”) [Not directly addressed in the Quran.]

 

20. If the slave that he caught run away from him, then shall he swear to the owners of the slave, and he is free of all blame. (Deuteronomy 23:15 “If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master.”) [Not directly addressed in the Quran.]

 

21. If anyone break a hole into a house (break in to steal), he shall be put to death before that hole and be buried. (Not directly addressed in the Torah) [Not directly addressed in the Quran]

 

One thing that we notice in this list are that there are some similarities.  Another thing that we notice is that there are some lacks in Mosaic Law and in Islamic Law.  A careful examination will also show that The Code of Hammurabi has some areas that are lacking.  Historically, throughout time, we see that these lacks are filled in with a principal such as “an eye for an eye.”  Exact punishments and applications of law will change over time.  For instance, instead of always putting someone to death for kidnapping, punishments change to match the severity of the results of the crime.

 

The people of Israel were a band of wanderers when the Mosaic Law was given.  They could not have prisons to use as a punishment.  The tendency in a transient society would be to punish crimes with a more serious and one time punishment.  Thus it made sense for them to have a death penalty for kidnapping and not tolerate it.  Islam does not give a penalty at all for kidnapping.  The society of Muhammed was built on conquest, capturing women and treating women like chattel or sex slaves for their own pleasure or for childbearing to increase their numbers.  It would have been incongruent to have a law against kidnapping.  However, Islamic societies have enacted laws against kidnapping since that and employ punishments from public embarrassment to death for kidnapping.  When you study the other laws in the world at the time of the Exodus, you will find many similarities, but you will notice it is a big improvement towards applying grace and fairness, as well as appropriateness.

 

The Nature of God’s Law in the Old Testament

 

We need to look at the context and society of the Old Testament Law first. The phrase, "Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death," I think is more serious than just a moment of speech. It is in a list in Exodus 21 of very serious crimes such as, "Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death." Cursing someone in the Old Testament was more of an action of dis-ownership. So it is like divorcing your parents and refusing to look after them in their old age. And sure, the Pharisees of Jesus’ day had all sorts of rules to interpret the Old Testament Law, much of which circumvented this law or made it a ritual to be kept instead of applying the "precepts" or principles of the law.  So, cursing your parents was not some surface action that should always be applied to the letter and without understanding.  One should not be put to death for calling his dad “a Homer Simpson.”  Do a word search on "precepts" on the Old Testament sometime. I like to use https://www.biblegateway.com/ for Bible verses and you can do a word search in Bible Gateway. 

 

Deuteronomy 33:10 – “He teaches your precepts to Jacob and your law to Israel. He offers incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar.”

 

Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”

 

Psalm 119:27 – “Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.”

 

Psalm 119:104 – “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”

 

Likewise, there are other words used in the Old Testament that showed that the relationship between the people and God was much more than a perfunctory outward performance according to a set of laws, but that there was learning to be had to understand principles to be applied to living.  One of these words is translated “ways” in English.

 

Exodus 33:13 – “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

 

Psalm 25:4 – “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.”

 

Psalm 25:10 – “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.”

 

Isaiah 2:3 – “Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”

 

Micah 4:2 – “Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”

 

Malachi 2:9 - “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

 

If all there was to learn about living the way God wanted you to live was complete in the Mosaic Law, King David, would not have had to say in Psalm 25:4 “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.”  Notice in Psalm 25:10 that “the ways of the Lord” are in keeping “the demands of his covenant.”  Further on, we will see that the covenant involves more than just the Mosaic Law. 

 

In the Isaiah 2:3 prophecy and the Micah 4:2 prophesy, people will come to the temple from many nations so the God of Jacob will teach them his ways.  If the Mosaic Law was complete for all time, there would be no need for future learning of Gods ways in a future society. 

 

Malachi 2:9 reveals that Israel was punished not because they broke a law, but that in showing partiality in keeping the Law, they did not follow God’s ways, God’s principles.  So, this is obvious that Mosaic Law in itself is insufficient for applying God’s righteousness in society. 

 

It is obvious that God intended a continuing revelation as evidenced with the way the ark was built and the High Priest was to ask for guidance.

 

Exodus 25:21, 22 – “Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you.  There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.”

 

Judges 20:27 – “And the Israelites inquired of the Lord. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there,”

 

God predicts in Deuteronomy 31 that the covenant would be broken and that the people of Israel would break the Mosaic Law and the covenant.

 

Deuteronomy 31:16 “And the Lord said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them.”

 

Deuteronomy 31:20 “When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant.”

 

Now the Mosaic Law is part of the covenant.  Jeremiah prophesied that God reinstates law differently after the restoration.

 

Jeremah 31:

“31 The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
    “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
    though I was a husband to them,”
declares the Lord.
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
    after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.”

 

When you read the prophets, you find out that God is chastising his people because the ruling class did not take care of the poor. When you get to Jesus, you see that there is much more leaning away from the law, and towards living according to principles. For instance Mark 5:27, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."  Thus with Jesus, God begins writing his law on the hearts of his people.

 

Old and New Covenants

 

We are in the New Testament now. God writes His Law on our hearts. This was prophesied by Moses and the prophets. God foretold of the breaking of the covenant In Deuteronomy 31:16 "And the Lord said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them." God said through his prophet that he would make a New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31 "“The days are coming,” declares the Lord,

“when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah."

 

The Old Covenant was abolished & New covenant confirmed in Acts 15:22 "Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. 23 With them they sent the following letter:”

 

“The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:”

 

“Greetings.

 

24 “We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.”

 

Farewell."

 

So, the New Testament established the New Covenant through Jesus.  The Apostles abolished applying Mosaic Law as civil law upon believers.

 

The New Testament Teaches Separation of Church and State

 

Mark 12:17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.

 

Matthew 22:21 "They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”

 

Romans 13:1-7 "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ...

 

John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

 

1 Peter 2:13-17 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

 

Luke 4:5-8 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”

 

You cannot implement religious or Mosaic Law under separation of Church and State.

 

Covenants in The New Testament

 

What does the New testament say about the Old Covenant and New Covenant? Does the New Covenant mean the Mosaic Law is imperfect?

 

2 Corinthians 3:14 "But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away."

 

Hebrews 8:6 "But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises."

 

So, the New Testament teaches that the Old covenant has been taken away in Christ and that Jesus is the mediator of a New Covenant which is superior and better than the old one. Now more about the New Covenant:

 

Luke 22:20 "In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

 

1 Corinthians 11:25 "In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

 

2 Corinthians 3:6 "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

 

2 Corinthians 3:7 "Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!"

 

Hebrews 8:1 "Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.

3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said:

“The days are coming, declares the Lord,

    when I will make a new covenant

with the people of Israel

    and with the people of Judah.

9 It will not be like the covenant

    I made with their ancestors

when I took them by the hand

    to lead them out of Egypt,

because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,

    and I turned away from them,

declares the Lord.

10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel

    after that time, declares the Lord.

I will put my laws in their minds

    and write them on their hearts.

I will be their God,

    and they will be my people.

11 No longer will they teach their neighbor,

    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’

because they will all know me,

    from the least of them to the greatest.

12 For I will forgive their wickedness

    and will remember their sins no more.”

13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear."

 

Hebrews 9:15 "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."

 

Hebrews 12:24 "to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."

 

So, we find the following things about the New Covenant:

1) It was established by Jesus at the Last Supper.

2) Christians are ministers of the New Covenant, "not of the letter, but of the Spirit."

3) The Old Covenant brought condemnation, but the New Covenant brings righteousness.

4) There was something wrong with the Old Covenant, which is why a new one had to be established.

5) The Old Covenant is obsolete, outdated and will soon disappear.

 

Therefore, according to the New Testament, the Old Covenant, which contained the Mosaic Law, was not perfect. There was something wrong with it and a new Covenant had to be established. Jesus established the New Covenant based on his sacrifice on the cross. Christians do not minister a Covenant of the letter, but one of the Spirit.

 

Now, some may ask, how is it that the Old Covenant was not perfect, but Psalms 9:7 says that the law of the Lord is perfect?

 

"The law of the Lord is perfect,

    refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

    making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the Lord are right,

    giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

    giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is pure,

    enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

    and all of them are righteous."

 

This is a Psalm of King David. First of all, David was required to write a copy of the Book of the Law, so it is certain that he is talking about the Mosaic Law here.  He is a Jew commanded to keep these commands above all other people in his country for that time. Yes, at that time and for this person, the law of the Lord is perfect.  It is also possible that it is not perfect because it is also not for all times and it is not for all people.

 

The Mosaic Law was imperfect because it could not provide righteousness. It was not complete.

 

Galatians 2:20-21 New International Version (NIV) - 20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

 

The Mosaic Law was imperfect because it was not obeyed:

Acts 7:52 "Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

 

The Mosaic Law does not set us free from sin:

Acts 13:38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the Law of Moses."

 

Therefore, the Apostles established that Mosaic Law was not intended for the Gentiles and decreed that we should not be required to keep all of the Law of Moses:

 

Acts15:1 – “Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the Law of Moses.”

6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. 14 Simon[a] has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:

16 “‘After this I will return

    and rebuild David’s fallen tent.

Its ruins I will rebuild,

    and I will restore it,

17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,

    even all the Gentiles who bear my name,

says the Lord, who does these things’ —

18     things known from long ago.

19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers

22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. 23 With them they sent the following letter:

 

The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. [34] [d] 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

 

Therefore, the Mosaic Law was perfect in that it had true standards for living for the people and time for which it was given. The Mosaic Law was imperfect because it was not complete. It did not make people righteous. It was not obeyed and could be broken.  It could not set one free from sin. Jesus provided the New Covenant with his blood.  Jesus writes God's law on our hearts and in our minds. In this way, we can be righteous.  We have Jesus available to us constantly as an everlasting mediator with God. We have Jesus' commands which give us guiding principles for life.  The Apostles decreed that we no longer have to keep all of the law of Moses. Just avoid sexual immorality and avoid eating meat that was defiled. Romans 13 tells us that the secular governments protect people from things like murder, theft, and fraud.

 

Spiritualizing Christ’s Laws

 

A Theonomist may say, "It is pure Gnosticism to spiritualize Christ's law. He said if you love Him, keep His commandments (law)."

 

The first thing to be noted here is the inferred or eisegesis of the word law. Christ's commandments are not the same thing as the Mosaic Law. Agreed that we should keep Jesus' commandments. Let's take a look at Jesus' commands:

 

    Repent

    “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

    Follow Me

    “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

    Rejoice

    “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12).

    Let Your Light Shine

    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

    Honor God’s Law

    “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).

    Be Reconciled

    “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23–25).

    Do Not Lust

    “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:28–30).

    Keep Your Word

    “Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37).

    Go the Second Mile

    “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away” (Matthew 5:38–42).

    Love Your Enemies

    “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:44–46).

    Be Perfect

    “If ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:46–48).

    Practice Secret Disciplines

    “. . . When thou doest thine alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. . . . When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. . . . When thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:1–18).

    Lay Up Treasures

    “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).

    Seek God’s Kingdom

    “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

    Judge Not

    “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matthew 7:1–3).

    Do Not Cast Pearls

    “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matthew 7:6).

    Ask, Seek, Knock

    “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:7–8).

    Do Unto Others

    “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

    Choose the Narrow Way

    “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13–14).

    Beware of False Prophets

    “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” (Matthew 7:15–16).

    Pray for Laborers

    “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37–38).

    Be Wise as Serpents

    “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

    Fear Not

    “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

    Hear God’s Voice

    “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).

    Take My Yoke

    “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).

    Honor Your Parents

    “For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother: and, he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death” (Matthew 15:4).

    Beware of Leaven

    “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6).

    Deny Yourself

    “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:23–25).

    Despise Not Little Ones

    “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

    Go to Offenders

    “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican” (Matthew 18:15–17).

    Beware of Covetousness

    “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

    Forgive Offenders

    “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21–22).

    Honor Marriage

    “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4–6).

    Be a Servant

    “. . . Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26–28).

    Be a House of Prayer

    “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer . . . ” (Matthew 21:13).

    Ask in Faith

    “Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea: it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:21–22).

    Bring In the Poor

    “Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:12–14).

    Render to Caesar

    “Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:19–21).

    Love the Lord

    “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37–38).

    Love Your Neighbor

    “And the second [commandment] is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:39–40).

    Await My Return

    “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:42–44).

    Observe The Lord’s Supper

    “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26–28).

    Be Born Again

    “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:5–7).

    Keep My Commandments

    “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

    Watch and Pray

    “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

    Feed My Sheep

    “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–16).

    Baptize My Disciples

    “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).

    Receive God’s Power

    “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

    Make Disciples

    “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations . . . teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19–20).

 

The first thing I notice about these commandments is that they are more demanding than the Mosaic Law. The second thing I notice about these commandments is that they are spiritual and can only be applied if they are internalized.  So if you do not spiritualize them, you will not be able to keep them.  Did Jesus ever say, "Do not spiritualize my commandments?" Let me take a look... Nope. I guess if I want to go to heaven, I will have to spiritualize these commandments to keep them.  Previously, we have determined that the Old Testament demanded that the Mosaic Law be spiritualized to obey them fully.  Spiritualizing Jesus’ commands and the Old Testament law is preferred thing to do in God’s sight.

 

There is No such Thing as a Non-Theocratic Government

 

A Theonomist may say there is NO SUCH THING as a non-theocratic government. ALL governments are theocracies. A Christian theocracy means God's law is Supreme. A non-Christian theocracy merely places the laws of another god (Satan) as supreme.

 

First let's look at the definition of Theocracy:

"A form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, the God's or deity's laws being interpreted by the ecclesiastical authorities."

 

Second, let look at the defined method of government in the United States: "constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic tradition."

 

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2128.html

 

Sorry, but you do not get to make up your own government type definitions.

 

Just because you accuse that God is not in control of the people in our government does not make that accusation true. Neither does it change the types of governments in use. Just because God is not in control of any of the people in government does that make it a theocracy controlled by Not God.  Just because God is in control of all or most of the people in government does it mean that it is a theocracy with God in control.  Changing the laws do not make a country a Theocracy or not a Theocracy.  Theocracy is about form.  A Theocratic form of government is not something that is required in the Bible. 

 

Jot and Title

 

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

 

It seems to me that when Jesus says "jot and title" that he is referring to the written law, and that he is saying that the written law will not pass away. However, this does not mean that the application of the law would not change.  Jesus is being very clever here. So as to not usurp the goodness of the law, but also show that something better was to be available.  We must remember that the law was just one part of the Old Covenant. The breaking of the Mosaic covenant was foretold: Deuteronomy 31:16 "And the Lord said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them." Once this covenant was broken, then the application of the law was also broken. Jeremiah 31;31 tells of a new covenant to come when God would write his law on the hearts of his people. Now, the law of Moses was given with the foreknowledge that it was temporary. Law is something that is subject to change by its very nature. Many of the items in the Mosaic Law are based on a certain culture, and we would have to reconstruct that culture to keep those laws. That is not going to happen & I am sure that God does not want that. Some laws are based on people having arranged marriages at the age of 12. That's not going to happen either. Some punishments of the given Mosaic Laws are based on a society that wanders from place to place. That is not going to happen anymore. So part of the purpose of the Mosaic law was to help a very specific culture in a specific time for a specific time period. We can say for certainty that the laws that God now writes on the hearts of his people do not have the same punishments, and may not be all the same laws. He can however see that God was concerned that people keep his "precepts." So there are principles that can be learned from the Old Testament that are applied by understanding those principles and living by those.

 

Once again the Theonomist uses eisegesis to infer what I would say or believe about Genesis 9 should actually be used. In Genesis 9 you have a covenant with Noah.  This is not to be confused with the Covenant that he made with the Israelites, but the Theonomist reads that meaning into the text. As we saw in Romans 2, one does not need to have a covenant with God at all to know that murder is wrong. Just because God gave this one command to Adam or to Noah does not mean that all of the Covenant with Israel was also given to them at that time.  All this shows that Theonomy is a thought made up in the minds of people that they try to read into the Bible in various places where it does not exist.

 

Now let's take a look at that reference in Matthew 5:19.  Here, I'll quote Matt. 5:17-20: "17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."

 

Let's look at the context here. Jesus is a Jew and he is speaking to Jews. So far, we have established that the Law of the Old Testament Law was only applied to the Jews. Are you a Gentile that is circumcised? Are you a Gentile that keeps all the ritual sacrifices? Are you a Gentile and keeping all of the kosher regulations?  Are you keeping circumcision? All that is part of the Old Covenant Law? Why are you not keeping all of that? If you really believe in Theonomy, then you have some explaining to do. Are you truly a teacher of the law, or just pretending to teach it?

 

Please explain that.

 

Now, let's look at what Jessus' whole point is in this passage. We find that in verse 20, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." Wow! So you can diligently keep all of the requirements of the Old Testament law as the Pharisees and teachers of the law did in that day and Not make it to heaven! You can be circumcised, eat only kosher foods, and keep all the sacrifices and laws and still Not make it to heaven!

 

What were these diligent law-keepers missing? And what is the Law for if it cannot bring salvation?

 

Aha! I see, he clarifies it further in the following verses:

 

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘fool,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell." and, 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[e] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

 

So, the Law was insufficient in that it said, "Do not commit murder and do not commit adultery."  But Jesus said God expects more, that is the principles that should have been learned by the Law, that is, also do not hate others, treat others respectfully, and do not lust.

 

1) So to infer that the Old Testament covenant is expected out of Gentiles from this passage is reading something into it. A Gentile does not need to observe the Old Covenant Law and that does not take away from it at all. The Old Covenant Law is still there unchanged for the Jews.  Furthermore, none of the Old Testament Law or the fulfillment thereof will help anyone get to heaven, not even a Jew.

 

2) It is really the matters of the heart that God wants us to serve and not the Law. So in this way, by defining what God really wants, Jesus fulfills the Law. Fulfillment means, "bring to completion or reality." Notice also that what Jesus says about the preservation of the Law:

 

"not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." So until everything is accomplished, completed, or fulfilled... But wait, Jesus said he came to fulfill the law.

Part 2