Hard Questions
By Rabbi Dr. Hillel ben David (Greg Killian)
In this study I would like to show some weaknesses in Christian theology using didactic techniques.
QUESTION:
Why do you obey the law when Paul clearly say that we are “not under the law” in Galatians 5:18?
ANSWER:
Paul also said that we uphold the law when we are justified by faithful obedience - Romans 3:31.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:19-21, indicates that even though he is not “under the law” he must still obey the law. Notice that HaShem’s law and Mashiach’s law are synonymous. So, not being “under the law” does not mean that we do not have to obey the law.
Notice in Galatians 6:1 that if a brother sins that we should restore him gently. Since we know that the definition of sin is the “transgression of the law”, from 1 John 3:4, we know that we must still obey the law.
QUESTION:
Some say, “I don’t have to eat kosher because God abolished kosher eating in II Luqas (Acts) 10:9-29”. Is this true?
ANSWER:
A careful reading will reveal that that Peter did not actually eat anything! When Peter explains the vision, he say that he should not call any MAN impure or unclean. This vision had nothing to do with food.
QUESTION:
Why do you worry so much about the Sabbath and the festivals when Paul said that you should not judge me for not observing them in Colossians 2:16-17?
ANSWER:
If you look carefully, in Colossians 2:16, at the word ‘judge’ you will discover that Strong’s dictionary says that this word means to `condemn’. With this in mind lets change that word and reread the verse:
Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man (who is a Gentile) therefore judge (condemn) you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a religious festival, or of the new moon celebration, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow (prophecies) of things to come; but the body (the reality is found in) of Messiah.
Clearly he is talking to believers so these are obviously not pagan rituals that he is talking about. These are the biblical commands, and Paul is saying that no pagan (Gentile) one should condemn us for observing them.
QUESTION:
Yes, but these are just a shadow! We have the reality in Mashiach!
ANSWER:
One day we will have the reality. Today all we have is the shadow. If we are to demonstrate our love for HaShem we need to obey Him by observing His commands as it says in:
Yochanan (John) 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.
This study was written by
Rabbi Dr. Hillel ben David
(Greg Killian).
Comments may be submitted to:
Rabbi Dr. Greg Killian
12210 Luckey Summit
San Antonio, TX 78252
Internet address: gkilli@aol.com
Web page: http://www.betemunah.org/
(360) 918-2905
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