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Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennThe concept of being under the law is central to understanding the life and example of Jesus Christ. To be under the law means to be under its condemnation, as the law points out sin and condemns those who break it to eternal death. However, Jesus Christ was not born under the law in the sense of being bound to keep all the Old Covenant rules and regulations. The scripture often cited, Galatians 4:4, states that God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, but this does not imply He was duty-bound from birth to observe these rituals. The Greek word used, ginomai, means to come into being, focusing on His humanity and miraculous conception rather than a legal obligation. Jesus Christ was subject to the same human conditions as any other man, but He was not under the condemnation of the law because He led a perfect, sinless life. The Old Covenant rules, designed to remind Israel of their sins and need for a Savior, did not apply to Him. Only at the time of His crucifixion was He placed under the law, bearing the curse of the law for humanity's sins. Arguments suggesting that Jesus was bound by the law due to rituals performed by His parents, such as circumcision, fail to recognize that these were actions of Joseph and Mary, not of Christ Himself, who was unaware as an infant. The notion that Jesus was under the law is often used to imply that Christians do not need to follow His example in all respects. Yet, this is contrary to the essence of true Christianity, which is to live the life of Christ in our flesh, conforming to His perfect example in all things. Jesus Christ did not keep the ceremonial law, but He did uphold the spiritual law of God, setting a flawless example for us to emulate. Everything He did, we must do, ensuring that we follow His footsteps without deviation.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke of bondage Paul refers to in Galatians was a combination of the code of regulations added by the Pharisees and Gnostic ritualism, not God's Law.
What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletMillions who say they believe in Jesus Christ have no salvation at all because they trust in the wrong kind of faith. Saving faith is largely misunderstood.
The Traditions of Men
Sermonette by Craig SablichChrist did not end the law, but fulfilled the law, providing a lasting pattern for His saints to follow. We have a responsibility to seek biblical proof.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of Dispensationalism, many believe there is an adversarial relationship between law and grace, as though they cannot be complementary.
What Do You Mean . . . Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletNot one in a hundred knows what salvation is—how to get it or when you will receive it. Don't be too sure you do! Here is the truth, made plain.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasAll the New Testament writers warned about false prophets trying to sever the symbiotic relationship between law and grace, law and faith, law and works.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we are all sinners, we have earned only death; justification is not earned, but must come through faith and believing God as did our father Abraham.
Truly Unleavened
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has imputed righteousness to us as His Children because we are in Christ. Our state before God is unleavened provided we maintain this relationship.
The Christian Walk (Part One): In Love
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we submit to God, allowing His spirit to guide us, we can live in the spirit, walking in love.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasBriars, thistles, thorns, and weeds are visible emblems of sin or its consequences, which we must pull up by the roots for the balance of our physical life.
Are You Alive to God?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEphesians 2 says Christians were spiritually dead. Thankfully, God resurrected us from the grave through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.
Works of the Flesh
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur outward works show what we believe, what we worship, and what we aspire to become. Apart from God, all human works activities are potentially destructive.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Neither permissiveness nor harshness are endorsed by God; sound-mindedness in child-rearing requires control and measured justice while avoiding extremes.
Why We Tithe (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod does not want basic compliance, but growth in godliness. Jesus encourages the Pharisees to emulate the generosity of God rather than stinginess.