Spiritual Law

Spiritual Law

Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

The reality of our society is that we cannot impose faith on others. The Constitution of the United States forbids a state sponsored religion. While the first Amendments is interpreted in many different ways no one has pushed successfully for a Christian theocracy.

Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Faith is a gift not something we can impose on other people. Parents may be able to influence their children but when they leave the nest it now becomes their decision to keep the faith.

Matthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

However with choice you have consequences. Some of these consequences are earthly with the destruction of Babylon and eventually the ruin of the Earth in Revelation. Noah’s flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Even if these “physical” punishments do not come to past in your life they surely will come in the next life. So while we give people the free choice to commit crimes they are indeed arrested and punished for doing so by our police agencies.

Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

There are those who I have discussed with that feel the Mosaic Law was abolish by Christ and that we are justified by faith. This notion comes from Paul’s numerous mentions of circumcision and the law. What is stated is that the law of the Commandments are not to be abolished but Jewish customs created by man were no longer relevant or necessary in Christian society. At the time Paul raced to convert as many as possible in the Roman Empire. By doing so there was a clash between Jewish Christians and Gentiles on tradition. Paul preaches faith rather than Jewish law but ironically he is given permission to preach such things by St. Peter who was the leader of the Christian Church. By no means did Paul advocate spiritual anarchy.

From Jesus’ own actions we see that Jesus and his parents followed the Jewish law.

Luke 2:22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

2: 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

2:39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

The parents of Jesus also obeyed the laws of the Roman Empire even though it was a harsh journey especially for the very pregnant Mary.

Luke 3 And all went to be taxed, F6 every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed F7 with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

St. John the Baptist baptized soldiers with this: Luke 3:14And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence F13 to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. So in this case as well St. John the Baptist doesn’t scold the soldiers for being soldiers. In a society of law soldiers were necessary to keep order even if they sinned against Christians on numerous occasions.

Luke 16: 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one title of the law to fail.

A special emphasis in the Bible to know the law can be found in: John 7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.

Acts 7:51-53 51 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Acts 21:24Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.