The Law-01
The Law is a very often neglected message in most churches. Andy Stanley clearly states that the Old Testament is not meant for today’s New Testament Church. He is not alone. John MacArthur said that there was no law before Sinai. Is that true? Let us study just a few verses.
Genesis 4:1 Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, "I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD." 4:2 Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
4:3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground.
4:4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering;
4:5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.
How did these first children after the fall from the garden know that an offering was important or even required. Why did God not have any regard for Cain’s offering unless HE had made it clear what HE required.
Genesis 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6:6 The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 6:7 The LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them."
What is evil? Why was God sorry for creating mankind? Clearly HE had every right to expect holy, god-fearing behavior. They clearly had disobeyed and ignored HIS commands. Just because there are no passages that describe God giving HIS commands to Adam, does not give us license to say none were given.
1 John 3:11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 3:12 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. 3:13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
1 John 3:22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
1John 3:4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.
God does not punish or kill anyone without cause. HE had given HIS righteous requirements to them and they forsook HIM! God made HIS law cast into stone at Sinai. Jesus made it abundantly clear that the Law is both from God, needed to be obeyed, and is eternal in nature.
Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Clearly, this is not a passage that is often taught in schools, seminaries, or churches. It is ignored, violated, and passed over. Why?
More next Saturday.