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HOW TO ANSWER THOSE WHO HAVE CREPT IN UNAWARES
Christ quoted scripture when countering Satan’s half-truths.
Ten statements often heard from the pulpit, which are mixtures of truth and error.
#1. “The law was given by Moses at Mt. Sinai only for the children of Israel; it was not for Gentiles.”
Gal. 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Gal 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
#2. “Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets. He fulfilled them and now the law has passed away. The law of Christ has replaced the law of Moses.”
Matt 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. (Fill-full)
18 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.
Adam Clark’s commentary on Matt 5:17:
It is worthy of observation, that the word gaamar (OT:1584), among the rabbis, signifies not only to fulfil, but also to teach; and, consequently, we may infer that our Lord intimated, that the law and the prophets were still to be taught or inculcated by him and his disciples; and this he and they have done in the most pointed manner.
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 'Not to subvert, abrogate, or annul, but to establish the Law and the Prophets-to unfold them, to embody them in living form, and to enshrine them in the reverence, affection, and character of men, am I come.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary sums it up succinctly using Jesus’ own words: “He (Christ) protests against the thought of canceling and weakening the Old Testament; Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets.”
#3. “The law is a yoke that no one can keep. Trying to keep one of the commandments commits one to keeping all of the law and severs ones relationship with Christ. Keeping the law is legalism and seeking salvation by works.”
How can anyone keep all of God’s commandments? Answer, one at a time.
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
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