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The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn discerning the applicability of biblical law today, two key principles guide our understanding. First, does the law define sin? God's law, scattered throughout the entire Bible, serves to identify sin as any failure to meet His standard, encompassing all unrighteousness. This broad definition applies to us, as the Old Testament, including Genesis through Deuteronomy, was written with the New Covenant church in mind, not solely for ancient Israelites. Second, is there a scripture that definitely states a specific law no longer needs to be physically observed? The Bible reveals a progression from the letter of the law to its spiritual intent, often broadening and sharpening its application over time, always rooted in love toward God and fellow man. Certain laws, such as the sacrificial system, were temporarily imposed under the Old Covenant, as seen in Jeremiah 7:22-23, where God did not initially command sacrifices when bringing Israel out of Egypt but later added them due to transgression. Hebrews 9:8-10 and 10:1-4 clarify that these ceremonial laws, including sacrifices and washings, were set aside with the coming of Christ, whose superior sacrifice replaced them with eternal effectiveness. However, not all laws are set aside. The civil aspects of the law of Moses remain binding in their spirit, as Jesus affirmed in Matthew 5 that not one jot or tittle would pass until all is fulfilled. Acts 15:19-21 demonstrates this, as the Jerusalem council required Gentiles to observe specific laws from Moses while expecting further instruction through synagogue attendance on the Sabbath. Examples from Leviticus and Exodus, such as honoring the elderly, fair business practices, and prohibitions against bestiality and kidnapping, still apply, showing that these laws are extensions of the Ten Commandments, guiding community life. The administration of law has changed under the New Covenant, as described in II Corinthians 3:5-9, moving from a carnal, letter-based approach to a spiritual one empowered by the Holy Spirit. While the church lacks civil authority to enforce punishments, the laws themselves are not abolished but magnified to their spiritual intent, applicable to all, as God declared in Exodus 12 that there is one law for both Israelite and stranger. Thus, discerning which laws remain binding requires diligent study and meditation on God's Word, comparing scriptures to understand His will.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCircumcision is a token, sign, or seal that one was the heir of Abraham. No physical sign has the power to transfer righteousness to the doer.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRighteousness consists of applying the Law's letter and/or intent. Sin constitutes a failure of living up to the standards of what God defines as right.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, which writes God's law onto the heart, in no way does away with any aspect of the law. Works do not justify us, they sanctify us.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Colossian Christians were criticized by ascetics for the way they were keeping the Sabbath and holy days. Paul argues against a philosophy, not the law of God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that spiritual growth and glorification depends on an individual's relationship with Christ, the centerpiece of the Book of Hebrews.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews' audience consisted of converts from Judaism, suffering estrangement from family and community, excommunicated from the temple.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove, justice, mercy, and fidelity (the weightier matters of the law) God desires more than meticulous, mechanical religiosity.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Acts 15 decision did not do away with God's law, but solved the question of circumcision and the misconception that it was a recipe for salvation.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParts of God's law are not presently required, yet not 'done away." Paul took a vow that required animal sacrifice. Ezekiel 34-48 shows the sacrificial law observed.
Acts (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughActs 15 focuses upon the Council of Jerusalem, discussing the controversial subject of circumcision and its relationship to salvation.
Acts (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people of Lystra and Derbe mistake Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus. When Paul convinces the crowds that he and Barnabas are not gods, they are rejected.
Deuteronomy and History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Israelites lost their identity when they went into captivity. They failed to teach their children, to keep the Sabbath, and to remember who they were.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSins committed presumptuously by people of high responsibility (leaders) are judged more rigorously than those sins committed by people in ignorance.
Acts (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must always conduct ourselves with the long-term spiritual interests of others in mind, being sensitive to the conscience and scruples of others.