Biblical Law
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Chapter 2: Law vs. Grace — Reconciling Obedience and Freedom in the New Covenant
Kingdom Ethics and the Ten Commandments Today 1. Introduction One of the most enduring theological tensions within Christianity lies in understanding the relationship between God’s law and God’s grace. For some, the law represents rules and condemnation, while grace signifies freedom and acceptance. Others insist that grace does not abolish…
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3: Jesus and the Law – From Mount Sinai to the Mount of Beatitudes
The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition 1. Introduction The teachings of Jesus Christ represent a climactic moment in the history of biblical law. Far from abolishing the Law of Moses, Jesus clarifies, fulfils, and intensifies its moral meaning. This article explores how…
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15: Jesus’ Two Commandments – Love God and Neighbour as a Gospel Lens on the Law
The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition 1. Introduction The Ten Commandments are foundational, but Jesus summarised their essence into two great commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt. 22:37–39).…
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16: From Law to Spirit – The Commandments in the New Covenant
The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition 1. Introduction The Ten Commandments remain foundational to the biblical vision of righteousness, yet the coming of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit usher in a new covenantal context. No longer written merely on…
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3: Law and Grace
1. Theme Overview This theme explores the relationship between God’s law and His grace, showing how obedience, moral instruction, and covenantal law point to the ultimate grace found in Christ. It highlights God’s justice, mercy, and the transformational role of His Spirit. Key Concept: Core Theological Insight:Law exposes human sinfulness…
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15: The Influence of Biblical Law on Modern Israeli Legal Systems
1. Introduction Biblical law, as codified primarily in the Torah, has significantly influenced legal thought and systems in Israel. This article examines the historical foundations of biblical law, its principles, and its direct and indirect impact on the development of modern Israeli legal frameworks. 2. Foundations of Biblical Law Biblical…
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12: Law — Torah (OT), Nomos (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Torah — תּוֹרָה Pronunciation: toh-RAHMeaning: Law, instruction, teaching; refers primarily to the Pentateuch and God’s revealed will for Israel. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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15: Law — Torah (OT), Nomos (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Torah — תּוֹרָה Pronunciation: toh-RAHMeaning: Law, instruction, teaching; refers primarily to the Pentateuch and God’s revealed will for Israel. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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9: Law (Torah) and Its Interpretation in Jewish Culture
1. Term: Torah — תּוֹרָה Meaning: Law, instruction, teaching; the divine guidance given to Israel. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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Deuteronomy: Covenant Renewal, Law, and Love – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction Deuteronomy, the fifth and final book of the Torah/Pentateuch, functions as a covenant renewal document. It restates and expands the law originally given at Sinai, emphasising faithfulness, obedience, and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Judaism regards Deuteronomy as a crucial text for covenant loyalty and ethical monotheism, while…
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Why do some Apostolic churches insist on strict holiness standards such as dress codes, hair regulations, and lifestyle restrictions? Are these biblically grounded or culturally shaped?
1. Introduction Many Apostolic Pentecostal churches are known for emphasising strict “holiness standards”, including modest dress, uncut hair for women, abstention from jewellery, and lifestyle separation from secular culture. These standards are rooted in both doctrinal interpretations of Scripture and historical developments within the Pentecostal movement, particularly those with Oneness…
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Chapter 3: The Council of Jerusalem – Law and Liberty
The assembly hall fell silent as elders gathered under its sturdy wooden beams. Light streamed through narrow windows, illuminating the worn faces of men who had walked dusty roads with Jesus, and others who had come to faith through His resurrection’s power. At one end of the room sat James,…
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Article 8: Jesus and the Pharisees – Repeated Confrontations over Law and Hypocrisy
1. IntroductionThe Gospels document numerous confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees, religious leaders who were zealous for the Mosaic Law yet often criticised by Jesus for their legalism and hypocrisy. These exchanges reveal deep theological and ethical tensions within first-century Judaism. 2. Historical and Biblical ContextThe Pharisees were a prominent…
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Article 24: Conflicts of James and Paul (Law of Moses)
1. Circumcision and the Law of Moses Biblical Context: Nature of the Tension: Implications: 2. Association with the “Men from James” Biblical Context: Nature of the Tension: Scholarly Interpretation: 3. Teaching Emphases and Church Leadership Roles: Implications: 4. Perceived Status and Apostolic Authority Biblical Context: Nature of the Tension: 5.…
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4. Circumcision, Law, and Gospel: The Theological Core of the Paul-Peter Dispute
1. Introduction The conflict between Paul and Peter at Antioch centres on profound theological issues regarding the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, and the nature of the gospel. This article examines these theological tensions, elucidating how they underpin their dispute and illuminate early Christian doctrine. 2. Circumcision as a Sign of…
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Chapter 4: Circumcision, Law, and the Gospel
Paul and Peter: Conflict, Theology, and Reconciliation in the Early Church Later that evening, after the confrontation, Paul and Peter sat apart from the others, shadows flickering on the walls. Peter broke the silence. “Paul, you challenge me on the Law—on circumcision, the very sign of God’s covenant with Abraham.”…
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Article 1: The Divine Architecture of Blessing – How God Built the Universe to Bear Fruit
1. Introduction The concept of blessing—whether spiritual, material, emotional, or relational—features prominently throughout the Bible. While Christians often focus on covenantal blessing tied to faith and obedience, Scripture also presents a wider framework: God has structured the universe itself to reward certain behaviours, attitudes, and principles, irrespective of a person’s…
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Article 6: Why God Honours Honour – The Law Written on the Heart of All Peoples
1. Introduction One of the profound insights of biblical theology is that moral truth is not restricted to the religiously informed or the covenantally bound. Even those outside the faith—those who have never read Scripture or heard the name of Christ—can and do act with honour, dignity, justice, and compassion.…
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Article 7: Common Grace and Natural Law – Blessing That Flows from Creation Itself
1. Introduction While saving grace through Jesus Christ is central to Christian faith, the Bible also affirms a broader concept known as common grace—God’s generous provision, order, and goodness extended to all humanity, regardless of faith or covenant status. Closely related to this is the idea of natural law—the moral…
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Article 9: Two Streams, One Design – How Universal Law and Covenant Grace Coexist in God’s Economy
1. Introduction Within the biblical worldview, it is possible to distinguish between two major channels through which blessings flow: the universal moral order (natural law) and the covenantal relationship between God and His people. These two streams—common grace through creation and saving grace through Christ—are not in conflict. Rather, they…
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7.11 Stories of Scribes and Teachers of the Law
🔹 Story 1: Jesus Taught with Authority Unlike the Scribes Main Characters: Jesus, crowds, scribesStory Summary: As Jesus taught, the people were amazed at His authority—unlike the scribes, who merely recited traditions. His words had power and clarity.Key Verses: Matthew 7:28–29; Mark 1:21–22Theme Connection: True teaching flows from divine authority,…