“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21)
Mainstream Christianity teaches that the laws of God are not necessary for Salvation. They stress “faith” and “belief” in Christ, as well as the “confession” of sins, and “heart-centered” repentance. But they challenge the merits of the law and its utility for the inheritance of eternal life.
This is great error(!) and the direct cause leading up to the “Great Rebellion” of professed believers.
Addressing (20) Challenges to the Law:
The Law was fulfilled.
The Law is abolished.
We are not under the Old Covenant but the New Covenant.
Let no man judge you in meat, drink, or holyday.
Legalism is the doctrines of men.
That’s works-based salvation.
No one can keep the law.
You become a curse.
God is love.
We are not to use capital punishment and stoning.
It was an ancient era with old customs.
There is no temple.
Laws were for Israel only.
Paul made all things clean.
Paul’s letters conflict.
In the weightier matters of the law, mercy triumphs over justice.
We are under Grace.
Some statutes are eternal. Others were temporary.
There are only (10) commandments.
We are just rehearsing the righteous acts.
Here are responses to each claim:
Claim 1): The Law was fulfilled.
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matt 5:17)
Matthew 5:17 is often cited to argue that Christ “completed” all the law, and therefore it is “finished.” But Christ also states that He did not come to “destroy” the law. If you read the chapter in its entirety, Christ emphasizes that not all the law has been fulfilled and that the commandments are “not” to be broken.
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matt 5:17-22)
In this passage, Christ actually strengthens the law, stating that our righteousness ought to “exceed the righteousness of scribes and Pharisees.” Because they were discovered to be hypocrites. He also emphasizes the importance of the matters of the heart, noting that anger towards brethren can be just as consequential as physical murder.
Claim 2): The Law is abolished.
“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances.” (Eph 2:14)
Ephesians 2:14 is often cited to argue that the law is abolished through Christ’s death and resurrection. But if you read the passage in its entirety, it pertains to those ordinances affecting the separation and enmity within the household of God (Acts 10:28; Gal 2:12).
“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Eph 2:14-22)
Claim 3): We are not under the Old Covenant but the New Covenant.
“In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” (Heb 8:13)
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jer 31:31-33)
This passage in Jeremiah chapter 31 is reiterated in Hebrews chapter 8. The new covenant is a restoration of the house of Israel and house of Judah which establishes the law in the inward parts of God’s people. It does not nullify the law. It confirms the temple as the body and the collective of God’s people.
“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” (2 Cor 3:6)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom 8:3-4)
The “condemnation” pertains to the punishment inflicted upon God’s people for sin under the old covenant. This is the law of sin and death, such as capital punishment and stoning. But the law is also “spiritual,” and therefore we are to walk after the Spirit in the keeping of the law. (Rom 7:14)
Claim 4): Let no man judge you in meat, drink, or holyday.
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Col 2:16-17)
Paul is referring to meat offerings and drink offerings which were once used to make reconciliation for the house of Israel during holydays, new moons, and sabbaths (Eze 45:17). Because of Christ, these offerings, including burnt offerings and sin offerings, are no longer used to make an atonement for sins. The law which had a shadow of good things to come, is referring to the law of sacrifices, which could never “make the comers thereunto perfect” (Heb 10:1-4).
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Heb 10:1-4)
Additionally, God set His appointed holy days of festivals and Sabbaths as eternal statutes (Lev 23:1-4). His Sabbaths are a sign of the covenant between Him and His people forever. Prophecy says the Sabbaths and new moons will continue on even in God’s kingdom (Isa 66:22-23). So the passage in Col 2:16-17 does not abolish the holy days.
Claim 5): Legalism is the doctrines of men.
“Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.” (Col 2:20-23)
In this passage, Paul is referring to the worldly doctrines of men, not the laws of God. “Legalism” is distinct from “lawfulness” when it involves the adding or removing from the commandments of God.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Col 2:8)
“Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?” (Col 2:22)
Additionally, the old ordinances pertaining to ‘touch not, taste not, and handle not’ related to the law of sacrifices and how sacrifices were handled. For instance, Aaron, the high priest, would lay both of his hands upon the head of a goat and confess the iniquities of all Israel, then send it away into the wilderness (Lev 16:2). Certain sacrifices were deemed clean and acceptable. Others were not. But with the change of the law, animals are no longer necessary for the atonement of sins (Heb 7).
Claim 6): That’s works-based salvation.
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Gal 2:16)
“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:39)
This passage emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ in addition to obedience unto the law. You cannot be justified by Torah observance alone without faith in Christ. So “all that believe are justified” as well as the “doers of the law” in Romans 2:13. This is the example of the biblical patriarch, Abraham. Abraham was justified by “works” for his demonstration of faith in offering up Isaac his son upon the altar (Jam 2:21). This was sacrificial in nature, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
“But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.” (Gal 2:17)
The passage ends with emphasis on seeking Christ without committing sin, reiterating that both standards are necessary.
Claim 7): No one can keep the law.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (Jas 2:10)
Yes, God’s standard is perfection. Christ says, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matt 5:28) Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be perfect. It requires perfectly “eschewing evil.” Because God’s commandments are not grievous, and we are able to walk in them, especially under Grace for certain sins. God was pleased with Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Job, David, Mary, Christ, and more. The law also acknowledges different categories of sins such as unintentional sins, intentional sins, ritual impurity, and accidental (technical) violations. The process to atone (or cleanse) depended upon the nature of the sin. Repentance can restore you on the path to perfection.
Claim 8): You become a curse.
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” (Gal 3:10)
See Claim #7 for explanation of the “works of the law.” But yes, the law includes curses and judgments. But there is mercy, even within the law. The law provides a way to atone for sins and obtain forgiveness. An example is all those commandments leading to blessings or the promise that love can cover all sins. (Pro 10:12)
Claim 9): God is love.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (I John 4:8)
Yes, God is love, but God is also just and holy. It is reiterated over and over again in the scriptures that “if you love [God], keep [His] commandments.” (Exo 20:3-6, Deut 5:8-10; 7:9-11; 10:12-13; 11:1; 11:13-14; 11:22-23; 19:8-9; 30:16, et al). God keeps His covenant promises and shows mercy to “thousands of those who love Me and keep my commandments.” (Deut 5:10). The Lord, although merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, does not clear the guilty. (Exo 34:6-7) He visits the iniquity of the fathers upon their descendants, even unto the third and fourth generation (Exo 34:7). Therefore, we must obey Him.
Claim 10): We are not to use capital punishment and stoning.
“And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.” (Deut 21:21)
Certain laws that if broken were once punishable by death; for example, blasphemy, idolatry, adultery, working on the Sabbath, a rebellious son, adultery, incest, or use of mediums or necromancers. Under Grace however, there is mercy and forgiveness for certain sins, if properly atoned for through Christ (except for the unpardonable sin). But curses and judgments can extend to our lives for breaking God’s laws, even under Grace. At the return of Christ, expect capital punishment for sins to ensue.
Claim 11): It was an ancient era with old customs.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa 2:2-3)
Biblical prophecy supports a continuation of God’s law throughout the course of history and into the everlasting Kingdom. The nations that are saved will be taught His ways in order to walk in His paths. It is clear that this is referring to His law. These laws are not irrelevant to us today but are put into our mind and inward parts, as well as written in our hearts as part of the new covenant. Put simply, the new covenant is about His Law!
Claim 12): There is no temple.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (I Cor 6:19)
Some view laws pertaining to the tabernacle as obsolete, stating that there is no physical temple at the moment. But scripture indicates that the third temple is the body and the collective of God’s people. So laws established in the Book of Numbers, such as the duty to guard the sanctuary and protect it from foreign invasion, apply to us today.
Claim 13): Laws were for Israel only.
“He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord.” (Psa 147:19-20)
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising…For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.” (Isa 60:1-12)
It is true that God gave His word to Jacob and had not done so for any other nation. But the purpose is for Jacob to be a light unto Gentile nations, the nations that are saved (Rev 21:24). Whoever refuses to serve God’s commandments through Jacob’s leadership, will perish.
Claim 14): Paul made all things clean.
“I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” (Rom 14:14)
In this passage, Paul uses the Greek word κοινός (koinos) for “unclean” which means “common, profane, or ritually defiled.” This is not the same word “unclean” (akathartos) used for forbidden animals. The word (akathartos) means “demonic” and refers to impure things which are forbidden to eat like swine. “Ritually-defiled” food however can include clean meat that was mishandled, such as improperly slaughtered (Lev 17:13). The context of this passage is in reference to those who prefer to eat herbs, such as to live a vegetarian lifestyle and abstain from all meats. So it is likely that Paul is addressing the claim by new converts that only herbs should be eaten.
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” (Rom 14:1-3)
Claim 15): Paul’s letters conflict.
“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2 Pet 3:16)
Paul’s letters are hard to understand. This is made clear through the scriptures. Those who are unlearned and unstable will misinterpret Paul’s letters, to their own destruction. So much of modern Christianity relies upon Paul’s letters to justify the claim that we do not have to keep the commandments of God. But even Paul said, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” (Rom 3:31) He followed this statement with, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Rom 6:1-2) Paul, if read properly, is upholding the laws. He himself kept the laws: circumcision, sabbaths, Nazirite vows, Passover, and more.
Claim 16): In the weightier matters of the law, mercy triumphs over justice.
“For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (Jam 2:21)
In this passage, the context is “respect of persons,” comparing a poor man in vile raiment to a rich man of goodly apparel. The rich man entering the congregation is offered a good place to sit whereas the poor man is instructed to sit under the footstool. James reminds of the royal law to “love your neighbor as yourself.” He confirms the law and says to speak and do as those who shall be “judged by the law of liberty.” That by works is faith made perfect and we are justified by it (Jam 2:22). So in this instance of showing partiality to the rich man, they were actually in violation of the law in Leviticus 19:15 to have no respect of persons. In the framework of justice, mercy, faith, and judgment are counted as the “weightier matters of the law.” Mercy is a part of justice, but it does not replace it. Showing mercy in this case aligns with having no respect of persons.
Claim 17): We are under Grace.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Tit 2:11-14)
We are not saved by grace through faith “alone.” The purpose of grace is to teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. By the end of it, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, being zealous of good works. Grace is not to be abused but a corrective mechanism. We have grace from certain capital punishments, but even in grace, curses and judgments can still apply. In this passage, Paul is addressing the matter of “Gentiles in the flesh” who were called “Uncircumcision” by that which is called the “Circumcision in the flesh.” They 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) But Christ reconciled them by the cross, and this pertains to the household of God.
Claim 18): Some statutes are eternal. Others were temporary.
“…this shall be a statute forever unto you…” (Lev 16:29–34)
Often you’ll see this declaration attached to certain commandments such as sabbaths and festivals, priesthood offerings, and temple rituals. The new covenant describes the disannulling of the commandment pertaining to the Levitical priesthood and a change of the law (Heb 7:18-20). “For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.” (Heb 7:12) So out of necessity, there have been changes to the law, such as the method of atonement for sin. But this is not to suggest that the whole body of God’s law has been disannulled.
Claim 19): There are only (10) commandments.
“Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” (Mark 10:19)
In this passage, Christ confirms the commandments as the way to inherit eternal life. He begins reciting some of initial commandments listed in Exodus 20. But this is not a comprehensive list. He follows this instruction with “sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.” (Mark 10:21) This instruction is not part of the commonly listed ten commandments. Christ is revealing to the man where he lacks in obedience (i.e. giving to the poor) because of the multitude of his possessions, indicating that the man was likely wealthy.
Claim 20): We are just rehearsing the righteous acts.
“They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates.” (Judges 5:11)
Some believers suggest that under Grace, we are simply rehearsing the righteous acts of God, and there is mercy for all sins. However, in the last days, Antichrist worship will abound and lead to the killing of those who do not worship the image of the beast (John 16:2, Rev 13:15). So this is much more than rehearsal. There are real dire consequences for disobedience unto God.
I hope you find this information edifying and pursue the path of righteous obedience unto God.
Thanks for reading.
Love, Sara
