Is the Law of Moses (Torah) Still Binding?
BY WAYNE JACKSON
Never has there been a period in my lifetime when there is as much doctrinal confusion in the body of Christ as there is at this time. Some of the most fundamental issues of biblical truth are being challenged.
One of the curious oddities that has made its appearance is the notion that the Torah (the law of Moses) was not abolished by Jesus’ death upon the cross. Rather, it continues on, its commands (at least some of them) being bound upon the church, and its obligatory force continuing until the return of Christ. A young professor in a Christian university has expressed the following thoughts.
If Jesus’ death on the cross really did do away with the Torah altogether, why does he affirm it so strongly in Matthew 5, and even enjoin those in his kingdom to fulfill its commands? Don’t forget how Jesus closes his teaching on the Law. He says: “Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven! But whoever keeps them and teaches others to do the same will be great in the kingdom of heaven.” Is the Kingdom of Heaven now? Are Jesus’ words for us? I strive to keep and teach the Torah because I want to be considered great in the Kingdom of Heaven. But I want you to know something. Unlike Israel of the OT, I study, keep, and teach a fulfilled Torah; a Torah redefined by Christ and his death. Many of the types and shadows of the Torah have been replaced by the realities to which they point in Christ. This fact, however, does not nullify the Torah; rather it makes the Torah even more beautiful and meaningful (emphasis original).
FAST FORWARD..."The professor under review has been dismissed from the university with which he was associated"
Conclusion
"There should be tremendous concern among the Lord’s people when a teaching this fundamental has become so terribly misconstrued, and is fed “intravenously” to sincere young men who are anxious to proclaim the gospel of Christ."[sic] [1]
*Note: The professor under review has been dismissed from the university with which he was associated at the time this article was published. He now is associated with another university.Dismissed for Keeping Torah and Teaching Others to do the same!?
Wayne Jackson goes on: "The error in this affirmation is egregious, not to mention contradictory. It concedes the Torah has been fulfilled, and yet contends it must be “kept” today—even the least of its obligations. This stands in sharp contrast to the teaching of Christ, as well as the writers of the New Testament. It really is most amazing that any mature Christian would advocate it—much less one who is in a position of responsibility, and exercises considerable influence over impressionable youth."
A few points on this days Twistianity:
- Fulfilled? Based on what. Is that found in the Book of Opinions?
Well, why don't we see what He said, shall we?
Think not that I have come to destroy the law and the Prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Matt 5:17
Uhhh, the word "fulfill" was translated from the Greek word "Pleroo". The definition of pleroo is "to confirm something. Look it up.G4137
πληρόω
plēroō
play-ro'-o
From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: - accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.
If you think he nailed the Torah to the cross, then you have to say that he contradicted Himself in the next two verses when He clearly said that not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law until the heavens and the earth pass away. And that whoever teaches to break even the least of the commands will be called the least.
Clue: The heavens and the earth are still here.
Okay, there's one opinion for Achem's Razor. Let's look at the scriptures for a second one before we choose, shall we?
Let's see what HaShem (blessed be His name forever) says. His opinion should probably count since He authored the Torah that Moses scribed.
Deuteronomy 12:32
What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Does HE mean what HE said?
...Deuteronomy 4:2
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of HaShem your EL which I command you.
HE said it again! Is HE serious? HE really just said not to diminish from HIS Commands? Hmmmm......
Maybe HE will change HIS mind? Let's see......
Malachi 3:6
For I am HaShem, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Well, I guess HE means forever when HE says forever. I'm convinced!
Well, we can't use Achem's Razor. We have 2 opinions from The Father and The Son, but they are of the same opinion. Let's find two more.....
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of HaShem endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
1 John 2
3And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
4He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.
That didn't work. Peter and John also agree. I guess maybe we should take their word for it? Four opinions from HaShem, MessiYAH and two chief Apostles all say the same thing. The Torah stands.
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
The message is consistent throughout the TaNaCH, AND the Witness Writings (NT)......Keep HIS Commands. All it takes is humbleness to gain eyes to see.
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his
ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be
abomination.
"Every (kol — the entire) Word (‘imrah — saying, communication, utterance, instruction, command, and promise) of God (‘elowah) is pure, tested, and true (tsaraph — refined, precious, flawless, and worthy), a shield for (magen — an enclosure which surrounds, defends, and saves) those who put their trust in (chacah — those who take refuge in, who seek safety, salvation, protection, and rest through reliance upon) Him." (Proverbs 30:5)
HE says: "Listen carefully to Me. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen so that you may live, and so that I will be able to establish an everlasting Covenant Relationship with you."Yashayahu / Isaiah 55:3)
" establish an everlasting Covenant Relationship with you".......everlasting means forever.
If ignorance of HaShem’s Way was acceptable, HaShem would not have revealed: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priests for Me; because you have forgotten the Torah of your EL, I also will forget your children." (Hosea 4:6)
Deuteronomy 11:1
Therefore thou shalt love ADONAI your God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and His judgments, and His commandments, always.
Matt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to (Pleroo) CONFIRM.
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of HaShem endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Isaiah 48:18
O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:
Psalm 81:13
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!
Psalm 78:7
That they might set their hope in HaShem, and not forget the works of HaShem, but keep his commandments:
Deuteronomy 11:1
Therefore thou shalt love ADONAI your God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and His judgments, and His commandments, always.
Deuteronomy 5:33
Ye shall walk in all the ways which HaShem your Elohim hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.
Deuteronomy 4:40
Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which ADONAI your God giveth thee, for ever.
Deuteronomy 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments ALWAYS, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
1 John 2
3And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
4He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments [2]
"Every (kol — the entire) Word (‘imrah — saying, communication, utterance, instruction, command, and promise) of God (‘elowah) is pure, tested, and true (tsaraph — refined, precious, flawless, and worthy), a shield for (magen — an enclosure which surrounds, defends, and saves) those who put their trust in (chacah — those who take refuge in, who seek safety, salvation, protection, and rest through reliance upon) Him." (Proverbs 30:5)
HE says: "Listen carefully to Me. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen so that you may live, and so that I will be able to establish an everlasting Covenant Relationship with you."Yashayahu / Isaiah 55:3)
" establish an everlasting Covenant Relationship with you".......everlasting means forever.
If ignorance of HaShem’s Way was acceptable, HaShem would not have revealed: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priests for Me; because you have forgotten the Torah of your EL, I also will forget your children." (Hosea 4:6)
Deuteronomy 11:1
Therefore thou shalt love ADONAI your God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and His judgments, and His commandments, always.
Matt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to (Pleroo) CONFIRM.
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of HaShem endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Isaiah 48:18
O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:
Psalm 81:13
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!
Psalm 78:7
That they might set their hope in HaShem, and not forget the works of HaShem, but keep his commandments:
Deuteronomy 11:1
Therefore thou shalt love ADONAI your God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and His judgments, and His commandments, always.
Deuteronomy 5:33
Ye shall walk in all the ways which HaShem your Elohim hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.
Deuteronomy 4:40
Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which ADONAI your God giveth thee, for ever.
Deuteronomy 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments ALWAYS, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
1 John 2
3And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
4He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments [2]
- πληρόω
- to make full
Derivation: from G4134;
KJV Usage: accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. G4134
1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full
1a) to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally
1a1) I abound, I am liberally supplied
2) to render full, i.e. to complete
2a) to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim
2b) to consummate: a number
2b1) to make complete in every particular, to render perfect
2b2) to carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking)
2c) to carry into effect, bring to realisation, realise
2c1) of matters of duty: to perform, execute
2c2) of sayings, promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish
2c3) to fulfil, i.e. to cause God's will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God's promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfilment
1a) to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally
1a1) I abound, I am liberally supplied
2) to render full, i.e. to complete
2a) to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim
2b) to consummate: a number
2b1) to make complete in every particular, to render perfect
2b2) to carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking)
2c) to carry into effect, bring to realisation, realise
2c1) of matters of duty: to perform, execute
2c2) of sayings, promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish
2c3) to fulfil, i.e. to cause God's will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God's promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfilment
πληρόω plēroō
play-ro'-o From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net),level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse,influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task),verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.
KJV Usage: accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.
