975. How to Fulfill the Law of Moses (Good Luck!)

Did Paul encourage the Galatians to keep the Mosaic law? In spite of the many church teachings we've been exposed to over the years, the answer is no. But one may ask, didn't Paul encourage his audience to work on loving their neighbor as themselves? Isn't this the key summary to people fulfilling that burdensome law? If we chop up one verse without the context, some may assume this is what he said. So let's zoom out and then take a closer look.

Not even this one law from the law could bring life or righteousness. It is not our goal to try to keep it or any lawful command attached with a condition. We have a new motivation as believers in Christ.

Paul begins to contrast the flesh with the Spirit. The flesh can sometimes look sinful and ugly, while at other times it may appear very religious and good outwardly. Jesus fulfilled the law; therefore, the better option is walking by the Spirit and being led by the Spirit in order to avoid all of the old and unprofitable law entirely ... including modernized versions of it.



   
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689. Guaranteed to Fail: Working at Becoming More Like Jesus

Anyone who has spent much time in the church world has probably heard that the primary goal for the Christian is to work at becoming more like Jesus. It sounds logical, doesn’t it? Sermons tend to shine from such a message with a typical backdrop of people shouting “Amen!” But seldom will you find a consistent model on exactly what it means to become more like Jesus through what we do, although most will have their preconceived ideas or assumptions. The general idea religion presents is that we gradually and progressively improve by our works and lifestyle choices. We’re told that improved morality will make us more like Christ. This approach has believers turning the gospel inside out as we work to achieve the impossible. It will benefit us to realize we’ve been born of God and have received an inheritance that has already made us like Jesus - completely righteous and holy just as He is - even while we’re in this world. These qualities we have inherited as children are gifts provided by grace, not our attempts to improve the flesh through human effort.



   
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