Are Christians bound by the Old Testament?

[tjw]

Are Christians bound by the Old Testament in any way?

 

[Nathan]

Are Christians bound by the Old Testament in any way?

Define "bound"

 

[smaller]

Are Christians bound by the Old Testament in any way?

I am a Christian who believes that EVERY WORD of God is fully TRUE, fully ACTIVE and Determinatively ABLE to perform that which God Sent His Word to perform.

What then is the PURPOSE of the LAW?

The LAW is against THE LAWLESS. IN this way THAT LAW STANDS.

What then does THAT LAW show us?

It shows us that WE HAVE SIN. We stand CONVICTED of THE LAWS determinations. We have in Law, findings of FACT.

The FACT that the LAW reveals is THE PRESENCE OF SIN, which same the Law not only reveals, but CONDEMNS.

All mankind stand in the way of LAW, as convicted SINNERS.

There is no DODGING this finding of LAW. Scripture has concluded...ALL ARE UNDER SIN.

Christians can DODGE Law all they want. They can REFUSE the findings of that LAW all they want.

The facts of LAW stand. Sin is EXPOSED therein. ALL have sin and have sinned UNDER THE LAW.

From here we are led to the WORDS OF LIFE, Christ Jesus, OUR LORD.

Our Lord did not, will not MAKE THE LAW 'go away' for the PURPOSES intended for that LAW.

Therefore THE LAW STANDS.

No man will find 'themselves' righteous standing thereunder.

But stand thereunder THEY MUST until the 'get the picture.' Once seen, they are led to MOVE ON. Such who are led in this way will NEVER deny Gods Words of LAW, nor will they futily attempt to make their SIN lawful. Sin will never be LAWFUL. It can NOT. Gods Judging INSTRUMENT IS and remains totally secure.

No man, even in their DENIALS, can make THIS TRUTH go away.

No Word of God can be denied when it PROVES THE FACTS.

enjoy!

smaller

 

[tjw]

Let's look at Numbers 30:2 as an example...

I don't want to take this verse out of context or give the wrong interpretation, but what should a Christian do if they decide that the oath was a bad idea looking back and they no longer want to be bound by that oath? Do they ask God to unbind them from the oath? Also, what if someone can't really remember everything the oath entailed... What do they do?

Am I understanding the word "oath" correctly in this verse... For example, if I say to someone that I will do something (like ride a bike ten miles every other day), is that an oath?

 

[Nathan]

Let's look at Numbers 30:2 as an example...

I don't want to take this verse out of context or give the wrong interpretation, but what should a Christian do if they decide that the oath was a bad idea looking back and they no longer want to be bound by that oath? Do they ask God to unbind them from the oath? Also, what if someone can't really remember everything the oath entailed... What do they do?

Am I understanding the word "oath" correctly in this verse... For example, if I say to someone that I will do something (like ride a bike ten miles every other day), is that an oath?

I do not think that would be considered an 'oath'. An oath is more of a matter of the heart than of the mind. If a Christian told someone they would do something and they feel that they can no longer do it, then they should go and communicate with that person their feelings. Love should always triumph over everything. But before you interpreted that as someone loving you, it should be interpreted as you loving them. 1Corinthians 13 gives an absolute perfect definition of love.

Lets use your bike example. I would go to the person and let them know it is something that I do not believe I will be able to accomplish. Ok, so lets say that they are insistent on you doing this 'oath'?? Should you fulfill it? Well, yes. In all honesty. I think this is why the Bible talks about us not putting our selves in a situation where this springs forth.

One thing though. I am not sure what situation you are in, but I believe 100% that everything Jesus said was not 'hypothetical' or 'exaggerations'. Jesus said that EVERY sin that a man commits can/will be forgiven him. Except one. I cannot see how an oath would fall under that one.

Does the fact that you will be forgiven a sin if you break an oath, mean that you should just make oaths and break them? No. But that is a part of the 'growing up' process of a Christian. And it should also be an indication of where your faith is at. If you constantly find yourself saying you will do things, and then not do them, then you need to examine your walk. Do not just write it off as sin that is unavoidable. This is one thing I am guilty of more than most others. In fact, it has made me very weary of agreeing to do anything. Its all apart of growing up.

In all reality, this is something you will have to go to the Lord about. Pour your heart out to Him. If He wants you to continue in this 'oath' then He will give you the strength. If not then He will make a way out for you. If you find yourself making a way out, then stop. Focus on Him. He will direct your path.

 

[Sissy]

Hi tjw,

Oaths were included in the law.
Christ fulfilled the law for us, because none other were able to.

If you be in Christ, you are dead to the law and it can hold no power over you.

Just as everyone will try to keep the law (emphasis on TRY, because no one is able) which only goes to show our need for Christ --- the only one who kept the law and every oath.

If you are relying on your ability to keep the law (oaths included), then you are relying on the wrong person.


I don't want this to sound too simplistic, but the law was given so man would recognize their inability to please God on their own merit.
So, your inability to keep your oath would only be a confirmation of what God has already proclaimed --- that you are unable to keep the law on your own merit.

It should also be a lesson to not make random oaths in the future without first sitting down and counting the cost of what all that oath entails, and whether you have sufficient resources to complete that oath.
If you are not 100% sure you will complete the oath, then why bother making an oath?


Long story short, you can always do your best to "ride you bike" WITHOUT making an oath to do so.
So, why make an oath about it?


Se what I mean?

 

[Sinthesis]

Are Christians bound by the Old Testament in any way?

Jhn 8:31 ¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;
Jhn 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Jhn 8:33 - They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
Jhn 8:34 - Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Jhn 8:35 - And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: [but] the Son abideth ever.
Jhn 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.​

We are not bound by the old testament, but that does not mean history disappears. Jesus fulfilled the promise of the old testament that we could be set free to continue His work until He returns.

 

[Strangelove]

Are Christians bound by the Old Testament in any way?

No No no no No.

Did I mention no?

We are not bound to the OT in any way.

This non-binding or non-yoking to the old written laws is a CORE teaching of Jesus and His apostles in the New Testament.

Christians are justified by God's Grace through faith in Jesus Christ completly seperate from works.

Does that mean we have free reign to go out and sin all we want?

Of course not. Jesus commanded us to love God and love others. If we do this, or at least TRY to use these commandments as a template for our lives then we will avoid sin to the best of our abilities.

To eliminate sin completely from ourselves, however would be impossible. We are all sinners.

The good news is....Christ died on the Cross for our sins.

God made Christ SIN so that we be made RIGHTEOUS.

It is imputed righteousness. It is a substitutional atonement.

There is nothing more we can do nor do we NEED to do to gain our salvation.

Justification by faith alone.

Amen.

I highly recommend this sermon by Pastor Phil Johnson to understand this better. He is a great speaker.

http://gracelifepulpit.media.s3.amazonaws.com/GL-012-000-PJ.mp3

 

[tjw]

I do not think that would be considered an 'oath'. An oath is more of a matter of the heart than of the mind. If a Christian told someone they would do something and they feel that they can no longer do it, then they should go and communicate with that person their feelings. Love should always triumph over everything. But before you interpreted that as someone loving you, it should be interpreted as you loving them. 1Corinthians 13 gives an absolute perfect definition of love.

Lets use your bike example. I would go to the person and let them know it is something that I do not believe I will be able to accomplish. Ok, so lets say that they are insistent on you doing this 'oath'?? Should you fulfill it? Well, yes. In all honesty. I think this is why the Bible talks about us not putting our selves in a situation where this springs forth.

One thing though. I am not sure what situation you are in, but I believe 100% that everything Jesus said was not 'hypothetical' or 'exaggerations'. Jesus said that EVERY sin that a man commits can/will be forgiven him. Except one. I cannot see how an oath would fall under that one.

Does the fact that you will be forgiven a sin if you break an oath, mean that you should just make oaths and break them? No. But that is a part of the 'growing up' process of a Christian. And it should also be an indication of where your faith is at. If you constantly find yourself saying you will do things, and then not do them, then you need to examine your walk. Do not just write it off as sin that is unavoidable. This is one thing I am guilty of more than most others. In fact, it has made me very weary of agreeing to do anything. Its all apart of growing up.

In all reality, this is something you will have to go to the Lord about. Pour your heart out to Him. If He wants you to continue in this 'oath' then He will give you the strength. If not then He will make a way out for you. If you find yourself making a way out, then stop. Focus on Him. He will direct your path.

In the bike example, say I was "capable" of doing ten miles every other day, but that my interest in bike riding was not really as high as I thought and that I want to pursue some other activity... What are your thoughts on whether the oath (if that is considered an oath) should still be done?

By the way, the bike example is just an example and not a real thing going on in my life... But I do have a similar situation that I am thinking about in my life.

 

[Forgiven83]

I believe the Scriptures are clear that a Christians is only bound by the law when it comes to loving God and our neighbour.

Galatians 5:13-14
13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occassion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 13:8-10.

IMPO if it is an oath you have made to God and it would effect your relationship with Him, YES.
But being saved by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9) I really don't think any oath we make with our Heavenly Father does any damage to our Relationship with Him thru Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

 

[Nathan]

In the bike example, say I was "capable" of doing ten miles every other day, but that my interest in bike riding was not really as high as I thought and that I want to pursue some other activity... What are your thoughts on whether the oath (if that is considered an oath) should still be done?

By the way, the bike example is just an example and not a real thing going on in my life... But I do have a similar situation that I am thinking about in my life.

The post above mine has some good words to think on. I am sorry to say that there is no way anyone on here is going to be able to help you come to 'peace' with your situation. You will have to work it out in your heart. I hope you understand that we really want to help, but because it is between you and God, then there is nothing we can do in the middle except pray that you will come to a peace and understanding in your heart. But like I said. Think on the thoughts expressed in the post above.

 

[stovebolts]

Smaller,
With all due respect, you must know that the Law was given to Moses for the Isrealites in terms of covenant. Gentiles were not under this covenant, thus not bound by the law for they did not partake in the covenant. But in terms of the Law, it was for the purpose of Israel that they may be a light to the nations who were steeped in idolatry and other detestable sins. Not because Isreal was righteous, but because God's laws were righteous. Now then, in terms of righteousness, for those who were to be a light for the nations, in effect, the Law showed that Israel was not righteous, but they were still in Adam.

Christ is the Glory of God our Father and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham by way of a better Covenant spoken by the prophets and yes, even spoken about by Moses himself. Jesus, the new Adam and first born among the dead, that we may have eternal life with Him for as Paul had written, those things occurred for our benefit. Amen.

 

[smaller]

Smaller,
With all due respect, you must know that the Law was given to Moses for the Isrealites in terms of covenant.

I believe Gods Words were spoken by The Spirit of Christ in The Law and by The Prophets.

That does not mean I understand those words then, given as CARNAL commands, to be still in effect as we KNOW The Law to in fact be Spiritual.

After the 'order' of God being first that which is natural, and then that which is SPIRITUAL, God delivered through Jesus and the Apostles the SPIRITUAL ORDER of those same words. See Romans 13:8-10 and how every believer is to comprehend and follow ANY command in the entirety of the Bible.

Gentiles were not under this covenant, thus not bound by the law for they did not partake in the covenant. But in terms of the Law,

The Covenants are a TWO sided matter.

One edge of the Sword or Covenant of the LAW remains against 'the lawless' as that is WHO Paul said those commands are AGAINST. As such the Law remains to condemn all lawlessness in whomever it is found.

Carnal enforcement of the Law is futile as The Law serves to prove all mankind UNDER SIN, which is NOT removed by carnal ordinaces or carnal obedience.

One can not logically throw away the very instrument that proves our condition and the need for our Saviour.

it was for the purpose of Israel that they may be a light to the nations who were steeped in idolatry and other detestable sins. Not because Isreal was righteous, but because God's laws were righteous. Now then, in terms of righteousness, for those who were to be a light for the nations, in effect, the Law showed that Israel was not righteous, but they were still in Adam.

Many try to throw away Gods Words of Law and Prophets on many fabrications. I cannot accept those views when set next to Jesus' Words about these matters. Such views do not hold up for me.

Christ is the Glory of God our Father and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham by way of a better Covenant spoken by the prophets and yes, even spoken about by Moses himself. Jesus, the new Adam and first born among the dead, that we may have eternal life with Him for as Paul had written, those things occurred for our benefit. Amen.

As it is with The Law, there is that which is and remains against the lawless, and also contained therein is the Covenant of LOVE in types and shadows, showing the INCARNATION of Jesus, God in Flesh.

1 Peter 1:
10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

I can not in 'good faith' throw out what The Spirit of Christ delivered in the Prophets, ALL.

In the volume of the Book, it is written OF HIM. Therefore I treasure EVERY WORD.

enjoy!

smaller

 

[stovebolts]

it was for the purpose of Israel that they may be a light to the nations who were steeped in idolatry and other detestable sins. Not because Isreal was righteous, but because God's laws were righteous. Now then, in terms of righteousness, for those who were to be a light for the nations, in effect, the Law showed that Israel was not righteous, but they were still in Adam.

Many try to throw away Gods Words of Law and Prophets on many fabrications. I cannot accept those views when set next to Jesus' Words about these matters. Such views do not hold up for me.

I fear that you've misunderstood what I've written and what I've written is simply the narrative summarized within a theological framework of the actions of God as it pertains to his children.

But in terms of "Throwing away" God's word or laws you have gravely misunderstood for have you not read from the prophets that the Law will be written within our heart?

 

[smaller]

I fear that you've misunderstood what I've written and what I've written is simply the narrative summarized within a theological framework of the actions of God as it pertains to his children.

But in terms of "Throwing away" God's word or laws you have gravely misunderstood for have you not read from the prophets that the Law will be written within our heart?

The Law is already written upon the hearts who are so led there by Romans 13:8-10. There The Spirit of The Law has entered.

s

 

[stovebolts]

The Law is already written upon the hearts who are so led there by Romans 13:8-10. There The Spirit of The Law has entered.

s

The greatest command is to Love the Lord with all your heart, all your mind and with all your might. This is the greatest commandment. The second is this, love your neighbor as yourself.

Simply put, To those who who love the Lord are blessed to the thousands generation and to these, the law is written upon their hearts.

You see, if we love our neighbors before we love the Lord, then we love our neighbors with ourselves, not as the Lord and thus, or rewards are spent. So you see, we are not led by Romans 13:8-10, but rather, we are led by the Spirit, because the Spirit lives in us.

Amen.

 

[smaller]

The greatest command is to Love the Lord with all your heart, all your mind and with all your might. This is the greatest commandment. The second is this, love your neighbor as yourself.

Simply put, To those who who love the Lord are blessed to the thousands generation and to these, the law is written upon their hearts.

You see, if we love our neighbors before we love the Lord, then we love our neighbors with ourselves, not as the Lord and thus, or rewards are spent. So you see, we are not led by Romans 13:8-10, but rather, we are led by the Spirit, because the Spirit lives in us.

Amen.

Only The Spirit can fulfill in us the words of Romans 13:8-10.

Any man can say they love the Lord, but if they do not love their brother they abide in death.

We love because we are first loved by Him. Therein we share in The Bread of Life.

s

 

[stovebolts]

1 John 5
2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.


Can we get an Amen brother?

 

[smaller]

1 John 5
2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.


Can we get an Amen brother?

Amen to the above!

 

[stovebolts]

We love because we are first loved by Him. Therein we share in The Bread of Life.
s

Isn't that the truth now! As the Manna was a new creation to which even the heavenly angels partook, so then are we also new creatures in Christ as we live out the resurrected life.

So it is that we find the writing to Moses to be types and shadows of Christ our Lord. For by even though the Law, faith was a requirement.