Why is the distinction between Law and Grace, the church and Israel, and Jew and Gentile so controversial in the church world today? Is it misunderstood? Avoided purposely, or simply because of a lack of knowledge?
Preface
One of the greatest blessings that stems from studying God’s Word is learning to make a distinction between Law and Grace. Rightly dividing the Word of God from this standpoint forms a basis of knowledge that fortifies the faith of any believer in Christ. Right division of the Word of God keeps the Bible in context and thus lays a foundation for prophetic, historical, and geographical knowledge that can be built upon. Unfortunately, the distinction between Law and Grace is hardly recognized in the church world today.
There are numerous reasons why the distinction between Law and Grace is slighted this day and hour. Only God knows the complete answer to why, “But a student that learns to make this distinction also learns when and when not to apply Holy Scripture to the personal life”. Confirmation of Biblical truth touches the soul of man and thus nurtures his nature and relationship to a better consciousness to the presence of God. When distinction is made between Law and Grace, a wealth of knowledge is grown from the history of both Jew and Gentile, the mystery of the church and promises to Israel, and much prophetic content of the Old and New Testaments. Growing in knowledge concerning this subject keeps the Bible interesting and builds a certainty in the life of a child of God. Although contrary to many doctrines today a simple understanding of Law and Grace will confirm, fortify, and unfold Biblical truth for an entire Christian lifetime.
Some find it difficult to recognize when the authority of the Old Testament actually ended. The Old Testament consists of time frames when promises were given to Abraham before the Law, during the writings of the prophets, and when the Law of Moses was given on Mt. Sinai. The ministry of our Lord was also carried out, “Under the Law of Moses”. Old Testament records always referred to the Hebrew nation, Israel, and the Jew, never to the church. New Testament teaching focuses on a time frame of Grace which began at the death of Christ and continues in this present church age within the body of Christ. Under Grace, the church and the Holy Spirits presence in the human soul makes Jew and Gentile both one man in the sight of God. This mystery concealed through ages past is now revealed through the power of preaching the Gospel message.
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To understand the distinction between Law and Grace it is important to recognize historical time lines and how God worked within these throughout the course of the Bible. The Old Testament records consisted of time frames from creation of the earth, to the creation of Adam, to Cain and Abel, Noah, the flood, Abraham, when the Law was given on Mt. Sinai, until the death and resurrection of Christ. Through every age since creation, men of God through faith and obedience have found a way to receive God’s righteousness. In the period of time before the Law of Moses was given man found righteousness by faith in the promises of God. After the Flood through the years of Noah to Abraham because of man’s immorality the Law and Commandments were given to Israel in order to keep them right in the presence of God. The miracle of the Law of Moses a great blessing of the Old Testament continued until the Promised Messiah came and gave His life at Calvary.
Since Calvary the New Testament has birthed the greatest of God’s blessings. This blessing is the miracle of the church. The church consists of the work of the Holy Spirit given to every member born into of the Spiritual body of Christ. This blessing came through the sacrifice of Christ yet was promised to Abraham hundreds of years before the Law of Moses was given. After the death of Christ the power of the Gospel enabled this promised blessing to come upon a Gentile world.
· Gen 22:18…And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
· Gal 3:14…That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
· Gal 3:16…Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ
How does the Gospel message relate to a distinction between Law and Grace, Jew and Gentile, and the church and Israel? There are two Gospels spoken of in the Bible. These are the Gospel of the Kingdom preached to Israel and the Gospel concerning the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ preached to the church, both Jew and Gentile.
The Gospel of the Kingdom makes reference to Israel under the directive of the Law of Moses. It applies to the earthly ministry of Our Lord and His Messiahship in Jerusalem. John the Baptist also preached this Gospel of the Kingdom. The intent of the Kingdom message was to establish an earthly Messianic Kingdom in Israel which is was recorded in the majority of Old Testament prophecies.
The latter Gospel has no reference to the life of Jesus under the Old Testament. It is a New Testament Gospel that should be preached in the church today. Christ himself after his resurrection commissioned this Gospel to be preached to all nations. This Gospel was mentioned in the Law of Moses, foretold by the Prophets, and written in the Psalms concerning Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
· Luke 24:44-48…And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.
· 1 Cor 15:1-4…Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The word Gospel used to title the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John was not written by the original writers. This word was added later by translators in the second century.
Contrary to most teaching today the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John focus primarily on the birth and life of Christ under Mosaic Law. The theme of these books was focused mainly on Israel during the Law and not the church under Grace. The historical account of these books conveys the transition from the Old Testament into the New. Only at the end of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is a relation made to the New Testament. The transition from the covenant of Mosaic Law into the covenant of Grace birthed the body of Christ, the church. This was the beginning of a New Testament.
· Heb 9:15-17…And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth
Through the birth of the church under the Grace covenant there is a greater blessing than the Law of Moses could ever offer Israel through 613 Commandments. This greater blessing is the personality of Christ testified to the hearts of faithful men through the Omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. Inside this blessing of the Holy Spirit is all morality contained within the 613 commandments of the Law of Moses. For what the Law couldn’t provide because of mans inability Divine Grace provided inwardly to faithful men through the work of Christ. Mans moral state of being could now be changed by power of God through faith in Christ.
In this present Church Age we see beyond the shadow of the Law of Moses to a finished work of Christ at Calvary. Inside Christ’s redemptive work on the cross there is no longer a need for the Priesthood, animal sacrifice, or a Temple like Israel used during the period of Mosaic Law.
· Heb 9:11-12…But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Through prophetic fulfillment of Christ’s death and resurrection the Law of Moses ended and Divine Grace came upon humanity. The once offered sacrifice of the physical body of Christ substituted for the many offerings of animals to a priest once a year under the Law of Moses. Under Mosaic Law the work’s that God required of man to be holy, ceased at Calvary. Man no longer obtained holiness by the deeds of the Law but was now made holy by the work of the Spirit of God within the heart and soul. The sacrifice of the physical body of Christ was Gods plan to create His Spiritual body, the church. Unlike the Temple and Tabernacle for the Jewish people only, this Spiritual body made without hands united both Jew and Gentile into the power, person, and presence, of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Promises from the Old Testament, the Priesthood, and the Prophets were all given to Israel and never to the Gentile. Through Biblical history Gentile people had no knowledge of the Word of God. Gentiles, who knew nothing about the Law of Moses given to Israel, were by conscience a law unto themselves.
· Rom 2:14-15… For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;
The death of Christ was the fullness of God that abolished the Old Testament, united the Jew and Gentile into one body, and birthed the church age 2000 years ago. This miraculous change of dispensation took humanity beyond the covenant of the Law of Moses made with Israel only. The new covenant of Grace under the moral directive of the Holy Spirit made both Jew and Gentile, one new man in the body of Christ.
· Eph 2:13-15…But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
The Church and ministry of the Holy Spirit under Grace are far greater for humanity than anything the Law of Moses ever offered. Why? The work of the Holy Spirit within the human soul contains all morality of the Law of Moses. The Operation of the work of the Spirit is prevalent in the heart of any believer in Christ. Unlike the Law and commandments given to Israel only, Divine Grace made the Holy Spirit’s operation available to both Jew and Gentile who exercise trust alone in the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. All New Testament teaching … Acts through Revelation… points to this fact.
When comparing Israel who was given the Prophets and Priesthood, Gentiles were without a covenant relationship with God. Gentiles were considered, “Strangers from the Covenants of Promise”.
· Eph 2:11-13…Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
· Rom 9:4…Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
The mystery of the church and the miracle of its birth were revealed to the Jew first but also to the Gentile through the Gospel message. The new covenant of Grace different from the covenant of Law of Moses now included a Gentile world. Gentiles who knew nothing of the Law of Moses or Promises of the Old Testament were now able to reach God through the Holy Spirit by faith in Christ. Faith came to Gentile world by hearing the Gospel message. All that was required of man to have Great Grace was a penitent heart and trust alone in the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Unlike the Old Testament which concealed the blessing of Gods Promises in the Hebrew nation and Israel, the revealed mystery of the church through the Holy Spirit was now open to an entire Gentile world through the Gospel message.
The time period when the Old Testament ended and the New Testament began was Biblically defined as the dispensation of the fullness of times. God’s fullness through the power of the Holy Spirit revealed the mystery and birth of the Church age we now live in.
· Eph 1:10…That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
· Eph 3:2-6…If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel
Grace…God’s greatest blessing is now offered to the entire human family through the power of the Gospel.
· Rom 1:16…For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek
The Gospel was the power of God unto Salvation that changed man morally and eternally. The true Gospel is what was foretold by the prophets concerning Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus himself commanded the disciples to preach this Gospel to all the world rather than Israel only.
· Luke 24:47…And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations
· Matt 28:19…Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
Many today take the teaching of Christ under Law and apply it to the present church age. If anyone examines the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John closely enough they will learn Christ taught the Law of Moses. The teaching of Christ in proper context applies to a Kingdom Age promised to Israel under the Old Testament.
In the early part of Christ’s ministry the Kingdom message was first commissioned to the disciples to be sown in the region of Israel. These works were carried out by the disciples but later rejected by the masses in Israel. It was after the rejection from Israel that Christ began His proclamation of the crucifixion. Historical evidence within Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John clearly indicates a Kingdom message sown, a Kingdom message rejected, and then Christ’s proclamation of the crucifixion.
Never did the Apostles after the death of Christ preach this same Kingdom of Heaven message given to Israel during Christ’s earthly ministry. New Testament Apostles preached only what Christ secondly commissioned concerning what the Scriptures and the prophets said about His death, burial, and resurrection. Christ’s second commission to the church came after the Kingdom message to Israel was rejected.
· Luke 24:44-48…And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.
· Rom 1:1-5…Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship
When distinction is made between Law and Grace many passages of the Bible become more clearly understood. For example, the Hebrew letter relates to the principles of Christ’s teaching under the Law as to milk of the Word, for babes. Strong meat was referred to those of full age under Grace. These Hebrew Christians were instructed by the Apostle to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ and go on to Perfection. Perfection here was the acknowledgement of a transition made from the Law given to Israel to Grace provided in the church through the death of a Savior.
· Heb 5:12-6:1…For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection
The misapplication of taking the Law of Moses or Kingdom message given to Israel and applying these to the church today has gone on for centuries. Unfortunately this has become a main channel for spiritualization of the Word of God. Numerous sects and denominations under the title of Christianity have arisen from this form of teaching and continue to take the Bible out of context. As a result, the wrong presentation of these various subjects continues to lead many away from the truth of the Holy Scriptures.
The message of the Kingdom of Heaven preached by John the Baptist, Jesus in the early part of His ministry, the 12 disciples, and then the seventy, was to fulfill Old Testament prophecy concerning Israel’s restoration. It dealt with establishing a Promised Kingdom of Heaven in Israel where Christ would reign as the promised Messiah. This Kingdom of Heaven message was never preached by a Gentile or to a Gentile world. During the earthly ministry of our Lord the disciples were even commanded by Christ not to go to the Gentiles but rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
· Matt 10:5-7…These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
· Matt 15:24…But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel
After the Gospel of the Kingdom message was preached for approx. 1 ½ years and then rejected, the Earthly Kingdom of Heaven for Israel was postponed. The Kingdom of Heaven message ended. Jesus from this point on in the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John began to proclaim His death on the cross. Israel’s rejection of the Kingdom message led to a fulfillment of prophecy concerning His crucifixion. All prophecy in the Bible concerning the Messiahship of Christ was two-fold:
1. The Kingdom of Heaven and restoration of Israel where Christ would reign as Messiah
2. The crucifixion of Christ.
When Christ’s message changed to the crucifixion, prophetically it allowed the Promised Comforter to come upon humanity through His Spiritual body, the Church. The death of Christ ushered in the church as confirmed in New Testament records.
· Acts 20:28…Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
· 1 Cor 12:12-13…For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.,For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles
At the death of Christ the New Testament began. The message changed from the Gospel of the Kingdom to Israel under the Law, to the Gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ to the church under Grace. All morality of the Law of God was now given to the heart of man through the Omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament ended. The covenant of the Law of Moses was taken away and the Grace Covenant was established through the death of Christ.
· Heb 10:9-10…Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Under the Law of Moses the presence of the Spirit of God was limited toward humanity and only recognized in Temple worship. The presence of God was manifest once a year as the priest entered into the Holy place to make atonement for the sins of the people. The fullness of the Holy Spirit was limited during the Old Testament because Christ had not yet been glorified.
· John 7:39…But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
· Heb 9:6-8…Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing
· Heb 9:11-12…But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
After Christ’s exaltation the dispensation of the Holy Spirit was established under the Grace covenant. Unlike the blessing of the Law of Moses to Israel the work of the Holy Spirit under Grace was a far greater blessing. Why? The Law of Moses was carried out by the works of man. Man struggled to keep the Law. Under Grace the law of the Spirit within the human soul changed the moral make-up of man. Man could do right because righteousness was produced inwardly by the power of God. This work was performed by operation of the Spirit inwardly and not by the effort of man.
· Rom 8:2-4…For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit
During the Kingdom ministry of Our Lord under the Law of Moses authority to cast out demons and heal the sick was delegated to the disciples by Christ. This authority was given to the disciples as a testimony to win Israel into the Kingdom Age. This authority also proved the authority of the Messiahship of Christ.
Authority today in the church is different. Now, authority comes from a resurrected Lord seated at the right hand of God who plans to return and set up the future Kingdom. No believer in the church today has Kingdom authority like the disciples had in the days of Christ. Believers today do things out of subjection to the authority of Christ in heaven. Not by their own authority. Jesus stated that greater works would manifest after His exaltation. These works are not a result of mans own authority, but a result of Christ’s authority from the Throne Room.
· John 14:12…Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Under the Law of Moses before the fullness of the Holy Spirit was given man was subject to a carnal nature. (Romans 7) This is why the faith of the disciples during Jesus’ earthly ministry was hindered when casting out demons. Doubt and unbelief was the product of their carnal nature. Under Law before the ministry of the Holy Spirit there was no deliverance from this affliction. Without the inner work of the Holy Spirit faith can be hindered by doubt and unbelief.
Under Grace, a Christian who walks in the Spirit is no longer subject to the carnal nature but delivered from it’s dominion by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the indwelling Spirit can change the state of man and thus make him an over comer to the flesh. This inner work of the Spirit takes away doubt and unbelief and thus fortifies the faith of a believer.
· Rom 8:8-9…So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Opposite from the defeated life of man struggling to keep the Law of Moses, Grace takes away the struggle and gives the child of God victory over sin and temptation.
· Rom 6:14-15…For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid
As the work of the Holy Spirit testifies truth inwardly as it makes men better witnesses to Christ. The Spirit’s work is a greater work because it doesn’t come from man. It comes by the power of God. It’s not based on human effort, human works, or human ability like under the Law. The work of the Holy Spirit proves the New Testament power of Divine Grace.
· Titus 2:11-12…For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world
The greater works and miracles of the Grace Covenant come through the person of Christ, what He done at Calvary, and what He’s doing now seated from the right hand of God. Healing under Grace comes from Christ in the Throne Room not the authority of the believer. During Christ’s earthly ministry when the leper was healed Christ told him to obey the Law of Moses. This showed Israel’s subjection to the Law of Moses.
· Luke 5:13-14…And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Healing today in the church comes from a Living Christ where the recipient is not obligated to show subjection to the Law of Moses. Healing today is strictly based on the work of Christ and has nothing to do with the works of man. In the body of Christ believers are subject to Christ as the head of the church. This kind of subjection takes man out of the picture and allows Christ to operate. As Christ was subject to the Father a believer is therefore subject to Christ in the same manner. By doing these things… in the name of Jesus… signs and miracles shall follow.
· Mark 16:17-18…And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover
Unfortunately because the Word of God is often taken out of its proper context much harm from spiritualization has seeped into the church world. Most spiritualization comes from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John due to not making a distinction between Law and Grace, the Jew and Gentile, and the Church and Israel. Results from this misapplication of Holy Scripture has shattered the faith of many by giving them false hopes or an intellectual worldly understanding that seems to fade in time.
One of the most common misapplications of the Word of God is to take Promises given to Israel and apply them to the Church or the Gentile today. This type of misapplication of Scripture has hindered many from ever receiving rewards from Christianity that stem from the rightly divided Word of God. The product of this form of doctrine has no depth and offers a no understanding. Without proper Biblical knowledge as a basis of faith many depart from Christ or go cold in their walk with God. Many that have faltered from this misconception perhaps never return back to the Lord. This is tragic.
To make a distinction between Law and Grace is essential for anyone who studies the Bible. It blesses the life of a believer by taking away contradiction, controversy, and confusion. It closes the door of spiritualization to the Holy Scripture. It builds a sure foundation of confirmation and Biblical truth. It allows the Holy Spirit to enlighten rather than man to fantasize. It unfolds Biblical knowledge and enlightens the believer throughout the entire course of a Spirit led life. It’s much needed today in this present Church Age.
Here's a link to the "Law and Grace audio" audio if you care to further your studies...
http://churchesontrial.blogspot.com/2009/03/law-and-grace-audio-by-hubert-lindseya.html
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