Bible Study WHY!

[Douglas Summers]

Presently, I'm studying the history of Israel, or the Jewish people....So, the Old Covenant (OT) was written concerning Israel.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Now we come to the New Covenant (NT). As it was for Israel, so it is with the writings of the Apostles etc. They are a history of the early churches that got established. The letters by Paul was to specific churches. Each one received instruction in righteousness.

Here's my question. The Bible is a holy Book of history concerning Israel and the early churches. What makes you think that those words are for us, 2,000 years later? As 1 Corinthians 10:11 says.it was an example to those early churches, and to anyone who was alive at that time.

Hi Chopper, Because God's dealing with sin has not changed. Christ is the same God of the OT before His incarnation. The OT theme is God is LORD. The NT theme is The Lord is God. The only thing Christ gave up as God was "JUDGMENT " The OT type is the NT in fulfillment in grace. All the laws in the OT were Spiritual, But Israel tried to obtain God's favor by the works of the flesh. (Cain)
NO ONE can fully understand the NT without studding the OT. So the OT words are how God deals with sin and disobedience. God's grace in this age means He forgives sin. He does not tolerate sin. And the OT is a reminder of that.

In Christ

Douglas Summers

 

[Kenny_ms]

This may be worth little or nothing but all I can add is, I never questioned it...I just assumed it was for always....then and now.

 

[Rob Cuse]

Hello Brother Chopper. You are a man of God. I give you 3 scriptures to meditate and pray with. John 14:26, John 16:13, and John 17:20. I use KJV but if you break it down to the Greek words the meaning should not change. My question to you out of brotherly love is, what is the Holy Spirit telling you? I don't need that answer, it's a question for you and God to discuss. May God bless you and keep you brother.

 

[Chopper]

Chopper, I have a number of thoughts that I could share, and if time permits maybe I will try and share some of them later tonight or over the weekend. But before I do, can you please clarify what you mean when you use the word "responsible"? There is a lot riding on that particular word. Are we responsible for the works it demands? Or are we responsible to understand the failures and triumphs of those that are written about?

First, I haven't posted for a while because I've been to Maine for the Christian wedding of my Grandson. I'm back and will respond to as many as I can....I feel that my OP takes in both of your questions. Instead of responsible, how about accountable. Certainly, the Old Covenant with Israel's triumphs and failures become a teaching example to us today. So in that thinking, It's for us today.

I just don't see in the letters to the churches that the Apostle writes to, is for me today. Like the OC (OT) they are an example for me to follow, it's just that I don't see a command for me to follow them.

Now, my friend, what do you think of Revelation? I would say that that is for me today because it points to the future beyond what was spoken for the churches and believers of the first Century....Also, I see John 17:20 "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word."

Now, this is what I'm looking for, a Scripture that includes you and me today and tomorrow etc.

 

[Chopper]

Now you're sounding like an atheist I used to debate on this forum.

Funny you would say that, one of my Grandsons, "Chad" has been asking that for years. I simply want to satisfy my own mind with ammunition for the atheist.

 

[selihah]

Chopper, are you asking for scriptural evidence just from the Christian New Testament? Btw, my wife and I have cruised the Maine coast one summer, beautiful country. Lots of fog and blueberries.

 

[eddif]

Maybe time is one of the issues here. To God a thousand years is as a day. If we have the mind of Christ, just a few days ago all the history of the bible occurred.

Matthew 24:2
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

I do not know how to be a time expert. If we look at eternity existing before time (let there be light), and a brief existence under the solar time clock (day four till now). Then eternity will shortly resume again, and time will have been so brief.

I look at Pentecost as just a couple of days ago, and not as way off where nothing from that time could effect this present time.

A snapshot of Jesus slain on the cross; cast shadows to creation past and judgement day future. The power of God is still here.

I wonder if I said anything?

eddif

 

[Chopper]

Chopper, are you asking for scriptural evidence just from the Christian New Testament? Btw, my wife and I have cruised the Maine coast one summer, beautiful country. Lots of fog and blueberries.

Good morning selihah and welcome to our amazing Forum. Maine, IMO, is God's country! I was born and raised in central Maine. Still love going back, all my family is there.

I am asking for Scripture that states that the New Covenant (NT) is for me today. I have become a student of the Old Covenant (OT) because I see verses that apply to future generations. That's what I want to see in the in the writings of the New Covenant because it appears to me that the letters were for a specific church or people.

I'm asking some tough questions because I don't like man's traditions or denominational teachings. Lets see what saith the Lord. Here is an example: 1Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

 

[Chopper]

Here's a thought. I have been before the Lord pondering about the Word of God and how much of it is applicable to me. I know it sounds foolish that I would ponder such a thing. I have a Grandson who's name is Chad. He is not a believer in Christ Jesus, YET. He only believes the "lovey duvy, warm and fuzzy" Scriptures. He disregards the Old Covenant because he sees God as a cruel tyrant that makes demands and kills anyone who disobeys. This thread is all about gaining wisdom and knowledge about the letters to the New Covenant Churches. Are they for me as well as those 1st Century Christians.

In praying and considering the Word of God, the thought came to me, "wait a minute, I have been grafted into Israel thru the Blood sacrifice of Jesus", and therefore all Scripture applies to me....The following verses explain how I got there....What do some of you think of what I've said?


Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye 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 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 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;
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

 

[Douglas Summers]

Here's a thought. I have been before the Lord pondering about the Word of God and how much of it is applicable to me. I know it sounds foolish that I would ponder such a thing. I have a Grandson who's name is Chad. He is not a believer in Christ Jesus, YET. He only believes the "lovey duvy, warm and fuzzy" Scriptures. He disregards the Old Covenant because he sees God as a cruel tyrant that makes demands and kills anyone who disobeys. This thread is all about gaining wisdom and knowledge about the letters to the New Covenant Churches. Are they for me as well as those 1st Century Christians.

In praying and considering the Word of God, the thought came to me, "wait a minute, I have been grafted into Israel thru the Blood sacrifice of Jesus", and therefore all Scripture applies to me....The following verses explain how I got there....What do some of you think of what I've said?


Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye 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 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 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;
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Greetings Chopper,
There is an ethnic division of the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 10:32) Give no offense,neither to the Jews,nor to the Gentiles,nor to the Church of God; If we study the Bible at all we will see that over half of the Scriptures are related to one people -The children of Israel.(Jews) We see that Israelite s have a special place in the dealings of God. They are separated from the mass of mankind and taken into covenant with Jehovah who gives them promises not given to any other People. There history alone is the OT. Other people mentioned only as they touch the Jew.
Continuing we see a large mention in Scripture of another distinct body called the Church or (the called out one assembled) which is the Greek translation of Church. This body also has a distinct relation to God, and as Israel the Church has also received from Him specific promises
We also find a scriptural division of the race another class distinguished in every respect from Israel and the Church, and that is the Gentiles, considered as human beings, all having the common descent from Adam. But in the beginning, from Adam to the calling of Abraham that unity was absolute in every respect. No part of the race during that time was dealt with separately.
The mistake is often made that the Church is the new Israel or the Church is the kingdom. Neither one is true. The Truth is that the Church is the Lambs wife (meaning one body in relationship) as a marriage is suppose to be. Christ is King of Israel as the son of David according to the flesh and High priest according to the Spirit.(Rom. 1:1-4). But to the Church, He is the Head of the body (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15-16; Col. 1:18) and All of the above that you wrote (Eph. 2:11-22). Where it says "being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel mean that in the past, the Gentiles had no hope of God for they were not counted in the covenant, but in the Church, God created one new man...This new man is the Church, not Israel. Christ is King of Israel, not the Church. He is the Head of the Church and we are His body. We are the new Jerusalem as a habitation of God's Spirit and temple. We are heirs and co rulers with Christ. There is much Scripture on this but length would be to long for one post. We can discuss and look at Scripture as we fellowship.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[Deborah13]

Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye 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:

G4174
politeia
From G4177 (“polity”); citizenship; concretely a community: - commonwealth, freedom.
G4177
politēs
From G4172; a townsman: - citizen.
G4172
polis
Probably from the same as G4171, or perhaps from G4183; a town (properly with walls, of greater or less size): -**city.**

Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Heb 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

It appears to me that you are a citizen of the same city that Abraham was looking for.

 

[eddif]

Hebrews 8:6
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

There were two covenants to which the Jews had access. The second covenant is the better covenant. The better covenant was presented through the Jews just like the first covenant, but some Jews reverted back to the first covenant.

Philippians 3:8
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

And what did he count loss?

Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Go back and read again Philippians 3:8

Paul had been in the covenant of the law, and excelled. Paul then moved on to the NC in Christ and left the works of the law (counting the works of the law but dung).

The Gentile inclusion of Acts was under the NC, but almost immediately the circumcision party wanted them circumcised and placed under the law of Moses.

We today face the same battle. Will we stand for Christ, or will we revert to the old covenant and the works of the flesh.

Not all have had this:
Hebrews 6:4
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put himto an open shame. Once in the NC we are not to revert.

In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek.......
We are all one in Christ. We can be tempted to return, but the price is too great.

Not all have tasted of all there is in Christ Jesus. The circumcision party still forbids the entrance today. Oh they have new names today, but the concept is still the same.

Agape love is both sweet and tough.

Love Y'all
eddif

 

[Chopper]

Greetings Chopper,
There is an ethnic division of the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 10:32) Give no offense,neither to the Jews,nor to the Gentiles,nor to the Church of God; If we study the Bible at all we will see that over half of the Scriptures are related to one people -The children of Israel.(Jews) We see that Israelite s have a special place in the dealings of God. They are separated from the mass of mankind and taken into covenant with Jehovah who gives them promises not given to any other People. There history alone is the OT. Other people mentioned only as they touch the Jew.
Continuing we see a large mention in Scripture of another distinct body called the Church or (the called out one assembled) which is the Greek translation of Church. This body also has a distinct relation to God, and as Israel the Church has also received from Him specific promises
We also find a scriptural division of the race another class distinguished in every respect from Israel and the Church, and that is the Gentiles, considered as human beings, all having the common descent from Adam. But in the beginning, from Adam to the calling of Abraham that unity was absolute in every respect. No part of the race during that time was dealt with separately.
The mistake is often made that the Church is the new Israel or the Church is the kingdom. Neither one is true. The Truth is that the Church is the Lambs wife (meaning one body in relationship) as a marriage is suppose to be. Christ is King of Israel as the son of David according to the flesh and High priest according to the Spirit.(Rom. 1:1-4). But to the Church, He is the Head of the body (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15-16; Col. 1:18) and All of the above that you wrote (Eph. 2:11-22). Where it says "being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel mean that in the past, the Gentiles had no hope of God for they were not counted in the covenant, but in the Church, God created one new man...This new man is the Church, not Israel. Christ is King of Israel, not the Church. He is the Head of the Church and we are His body. We are the new Jerusalem as a habitation of God's Spirit and temple. We are heirs and co rulers with Christ. There is much Scripture on this but length would be to long for one post. We can discuss and look at Scripture as we fellowship.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

Very well said my friend. I see the difference that you are pointing out. Thank you.

 

[Douglas Summers]

Hebrews 8:6
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

There were two covenants to which the Jews had access. The second covenant is the better covenant. The better covenant was presented through the Jews just like the first covenant, but some Jews reverted back to the first covenant.

Philippians 3:8
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

And what did he count loss?

Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Go back and read again Philippians 3:8

Paul had been in the covenant of the law, and excelled. Paul then moved on to the NC in Christ and left the works of the law (counting the works of the law but dung).

The Gentile inclusion of Acts was under the NC, but almost immediately the circumcision party wanted them circumcised and placed under the law of Moses.

We today face the same battle. Will we stand for Christ, or will we revert to the old covenant and the works of the flesh.

Not all have had this:
Hebrews 6:4
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put himto an open shame. Once in the NC we are not to revert.

In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek.......
We are all one in Christ. We can be tempted to return, but the price is too great.

Not all have tasted of all there is in Christ Jesus. The circumcision party still forbids the entrance today. Oh they have new names today, but the concept is still the same.

Agape love is both sweet and tough.

Love Y'all
eddif

Greetings eddif,
Yes, Abraham was looking for a better country, and a city (built by God). It is called the kingdom of God with the New City Jerusalem (Rev.chapter 21 thru 22:5) But Israel is not the kingdom nor is the Church, but they are in the Kingdom of God together with different responsibilities all serving and worshiping God. (1 Cor.15:20-28). Christ is calling out his Church, His body at this time. Once the body is complete (Jew and Gentile) together as one new man. (Eph. 2:14-18). Then during the tribulation, more will be saved then ever before....You wont be able to count them.(Rev.7:9-14). The epistle of Hebrews is named that because it was written to the Hebrew. For they accepted Christ as their savior, but kept going back to Judaism if they sinned to sacrifice. But as the epistle says, you can not hang Christ on the cross every time you sin once you have experienced the joy of the Spirit (Heb. 6:1-11). And yet there are still those who think righteousness come from the Law or works. The whole of the Bible is about The kingdom of God and will be the end result of God's work in Grace.

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[Chopper]

Hebrews 8:6
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

There were two covenants to which the Jews had access. The second covenant is the better covenant. The better covenant was presented through the Jews just like the first covenant, but some Jews reverted back to the first covenant.

Philippians 3:8
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

And what did he count loss?

Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Go back and read again Philippians 3:8

Paul had been in the covenant of the law, and excelled. Paul then moved on to the NC in Christ and left the works of the law (counting the works of the law but dung).

The Gentile inclusion of Acts was under the NC, but almost immediately the circumcision party wanted them circumcised and placed under the law of Moses.

We today face the same battle. Will we stand for Christ, or will we revert to the old covenant and the works of the flesh.

Not all have had this:
Hebrews 6:4
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put himto an open shame. Once in the NC we are not to revert.

In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek.......
We are all one in Christ. We can be tempted to return, but the price is too great.

Not all have tasted of all there is in Christ Jesus. The circumcision party still forbids the entrance today. Oh they have new names today, but the concept is still the same.

Agape love is both sweet and tough.

Love Y'all
eddif

I like what you have said. The only thing that I would add is, what Paul said was dung was the way to righteousness. The Jews had to adhere to the Law, and by faith follow what Yahweh commanded them to do....Our righteousness as Paul so rightly wrote was thru the sacrifice for sin on the cross by Christ Jesus.

 

[eddif]

Romans 3:21
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of Godwhich is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Jew and Gentile alike are made righteous through belief in Jesus Christ (who died on the cross for our sins - shedding blood), and not through the law of Moses.

eddif

 

[eddif]

Like 17:21
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Any man. Jew, Greek , male, female, bond, free.......

eddif

 

[Deborah13]

The Jews had to adhere to the Law, and by faith follow what Yahweh commanded them to do....Our righteousness as Paul so rightly wrote was thru the sacrifice for sin on the cross by Christ Jesus.

No man, not even a Jew, has ever been justified for salvation, by the Law of Moses, it was/is impossible. That is why Jesus had to do it, perfectly.
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Those who slept/were physically dead, and had died in faith, before the cross.
He is the firstfruits of the harvest. That harvest does not just include those after the cross.
In Moses' Law this was a commanded observance, done by the High Priest...
The sheaf offering, the omer lifted up, on the first 8th day (Sunday) after passover, represents the resurrection of our Lord.

I believe when people, who do not accept that the NT is for today's believers, would see how what was being done for 1500 yrs. before the cross, under a different covenant, was the precursor to the cross and the new covenant, they could see how and why the new covenant and the teachings under that covenant, are still applicable to us today.

 

[selihah]

I know this is not a debate forum. I only want to point out that Torah (the Law) has nothing to do with an afterlife or eternal salvation. If I were to compare it to something to help some understand it would be like your Constitution. It and Torah is a set of laws governing our everyday life here on earth and nothing more. It is what we strive to do, to live according to the will of our Father in heaven. When God said in so many words follow my Torah and be saved it was salvation from death and destruction or being cut off here on earth.

Yes we fail, everyone fails, as it is written in your book we all fall short of the Glory of God. King David commited murder and adultery yet when he repented, was forgiven by our God from his throne in heaven and was 'saved' from death even after committing such sin and still David like others was called a righteous man.

Eternal life, well that is something I think we all will have. And since in my faith there is no "Devil" or Hell in the greek sense of the terms I think we go back to our creator. Anyway it is my hope to meet my Creator when I shed this tent.

sorry I do want to cause derail, debate or controversy just thought I needed to throught that out there.

 

[eddif]

Maybe this might help us understand the use intended for the Law.

Galatians 3:19
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator is not a mediatorof one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

eddif