Understanding Our Relationship with the Law
As followers of Jesus, it’s essential to understand our relationship with the law. Romans 6:14 states, “For sin will no longer be a master over you, since you are not under Law [as slaves], but under [unmerited] grace [as recipients of God’s favor and mercy]” (AMP). This verse is often misinterpreted to mean that we have no responsibility towards the law of Moses or any other law. However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced understanding.
Firstly, it’s crucial to distinguish between “law” (Torah) and “covenant” (brit). The Torah refers to God’s instructions, while a brit is a covenant or agreement between God and His people. The Abrahamic covenant, based on faith in God’s grace (Gen 15), is unconditional and more basic than the Mosaic covenant. Each covenant has its own instructions (Torah) for upholding it. Jesus reinforced the ethical and spiritual teachings of the Torah (Mark 12:28-34; Matt 5-7), and the New Testament appeals to its ongoing meaning and relevance (1 John 3:7).
Secondly, the New Testament mentions seven “laws”:
- Law of God (Rom 3:31, 7:22-25, 8:7) – the overarching principle of God’s instruction
- Law of Sin (Rom 7:23-25) – the power of sin that drives human behavior
- Law of Sin and Death (Rom 8:2) – the cycle of sin and death that humanity is trapped in
- Law of Spirit of Life (Rom 8:2) – the transformative power of the Holy Spirit
- Law of Faith (Rom 3:27) – the means by which we are justified and made righteous
- Law of Righteousness (Rom 9:31) – the standard of righteousness that God requires
- Law of Christ (1 Cor 9:21) – the embodiment of God’s instruction in Jesus himself
It’s crucial to note that when Paul discusses “dying to the law” (Rom 7:4-6), he specifically refers to the Law of Sin and Death (Rom 8:2), not the Commandments or the Torah in general. This law represents the cycle of sin and death that humanity is trapped in, and from which Jesus sets us free (Rom 6:7).
Thirdly, these laws work together to reveal the nature of God’s relationship with humanity. The Law of God provides the foundation, while the Law of Faith and Law of Righteousness demonstrate the means by which we are justified and made righteous. The Law of Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s instruction, and the Law of Spirit of Life empowers us to live according to God’s will.
Finally, Jesus taught from the Torah, Prophets, and Writings (Luke 24:27), emphasizing the essential Jewishness of his teachings. To ignore this is to risk misinterpreting the New Testament. Instead, we should study and learn from the Torah, recognizing that the Torah of the New Covenant is written on our hearts, not stone (2 Cor 3:3).
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be Torah observant, adhering to the instructions of King Jesus, who embodies all genuine truth from God (John 1:14). The intention of the Torah is love (Matt 22:37-40), and grace is the only tool for salvation that God ever intended (Eph 2:8-9). Let us embrace this understanding and live according to His will.
