Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Well, again, you are blurring the distinction between historical record and direct teaching to try to hold your point together.
An example of historical record that does not constitute teaching is when in Acts 1:26 the disciples cast lots (dice) to choose the successor to Judas. Does the fact that is part of the inspired record imply that their lot casting was inspired? Not necessarily. In fact, most believe that practice was improper, but regardless that's how Matthias was selected. (This is an example of why pattern theology (the basis of the local ground) is a little dicey (pun intended).)
But a direct teaching is something else. I believe we should take those as instructive and inspired as much as we can.
When you say that Christians need not keep the law, the question is what do you mean by "keep the law." Do you mean ceremonial law, civil law, or moral law? If the first two, I agree. If the last, I disagree. Jesus himself said that none of the law would pass away. But since Paul said ceremonial law had been done away with, we can conclude that's not the law Jesus was referring to. Since civil law governed a culture so foreign to ours that it cannot be followed specifically, we don't need to keep it. Though we can gain general wisdom from it.
But the moral law continues. Adultery was wrong 3000 years ago, and it is wrong now. We need to keep that law.
So James was not wrong to say we need to keep the law. What's wrong is interpreting what he said to include the ceremonial and civil law, and then using that to say he was off in some way. Unfortunately, that's what you and WL are doing.
The perfect law of liberty is the moral law. It is the truth that sets your free. Of course, the Spirit is the reality of truth of the law.
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Igzy,
I don't disagree with any of your points concerning the moral , ceremonial laws.
However, I think you giving James a pass to justify your point because it is clear from the biblical record that the Jewish believers were not only keeping the law but
were zealous for the law.
Case in point:
Acts 21:20 "
....You observe, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews who have believed; and all are zealous for the law. "
James was the leading brother in Jerusalem.