I posted this in another group a month or two ago. The main disagreement was in reference to: //The eternal “moral law” is by nature within men (Rom. 2:14-15) to love God and their neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40) but being “in Adam” the natural man suppresses the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18-21).// Any thoughts on the summary below or the statement above? Thanks [Did I accurately note the basic NCT teaching on law in contrast of chaper 19 of the 2nd LBCF? (with the help of NCT Theologians of course)] The Second London Baptist Confession of 1689 chapter 19 on the law of God in paragraph two conveys that the same law on that was first written on the heart of man (before the fall) was delivered on Mount Sinai in the form of the ten commandments. Further in paragraphs three and four the distinction of three parts of the Mosaic Law is formulated. Then in paragraphs five and six the moral law (10 commandments) are taught to be “forever binding” and “a rule of life.” In summary it would seem to be a fair assessment to state that according to the Second LBCF the 10 commandments do not contribute to justification but they are applied in progressive sanctification. A few of the scripture references sited are: Romans 2: 14-15; 13:8-10, & James 2:8,10-12. What “law” or “rule” was written on the heart of man before the fall? In the context of Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God with your whole being and also love your neighbor. Then in verse forty the key point is made that all the old covenant law and Prophets “depend” or “hang” on the two greatest commandments. Therefore the 10 commandments were God’s “covenant law” not “absolute law.” Dr. Gary Long writes, “God’s covenant law covenantally bind only those who are in a covenant community according to the terms of the covenant in force at a specific time within redemptive history.” The eternal “moral law” is by nature within men (Rom. 2:14-15) to love God and their neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40) but being “in Adam” the natural man suppresses the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18-21). Although many non-believers behave in a seemingly moral way it is because they are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). The law should be taken as one whole unit not broken into three separate parts. In Exodus 24:3, “Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do. Then in verse seven all the law is referred to as “the Book of the Covenant.” Further reading in the New Testament can shed more light on the common misconception not taking the law of Moses as a unit: Galatians 5:3, James 2:10, and Hebrews 7:11-12. Blake White writes “Furthermore, all that God commands is moral, in the sense that it would have been immoral for an Israelite to disobey any commandment of God regardless of it classification.” Does this mean that since Christ fulfilled the law that everything is now abolished and we are lawless/antinomians? Certainly not, Jesus Christ speaks clearly on this in Matthew 5:17 but we are now “in-lawed” to Christ and under the new covenant (Heb. 7:12 & I Cor. 9:21). Practically speaking does this mean the fourth commandment is no longer in affect? What says the word of God? In the old covenant when the law was in the hands of Moses we read “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8) but now under the new covenant Paul says, ”One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Rom. 14:5). Then in Colossians 2: 16-17, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” The fact is that the new covenant is in the hands of Christ and not Moses, let us follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in love as a rule of life and keeping the holy commandments in Christ our Lord. Amen
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:48:45 +0000
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