In many churches this weekend, Ephesians 2:11-22 will be
read at worship. Verse 15 is especially noteworthy: “…by abolishing the law of
commandments expressed in ordinances, that he (Jesus) might create in himself
one new man in place of the two, so making peace…” (ESV)
Undoubtedly many will interpret the above text to say that
Jesus has abolished God’s moral law and, therefore, we are welcome to live as
we please. Let us sin boldly so that grace may abound! Those with more sense will say that Jesus has indeed abolished the law and we can live as we please, but only insofar
as we don’t violate the law of love.
That’s true, so far as it goes. But those who offer this interpretation seem to have trouble defining the law of love. The question that
needs to be answered is this: Can we violate the moral law of God (e.g. “You shall not murder, commit adultery, steal,
covet, etc.”) and still fulfill the law of love? In other words, can
we murder, fornicate, steal, covet, etc., and still be loving people? The
answer is obvious: By no means!
Three Types of Law: Moral, Civil, and Ceremonial
Then what law did Jesus abolish? If not the moral law of the
Ten Commandments, then what law is Ephesians talking about? It is helpful to
note that three types of laws are present in the Old Testament: moral, civil,
and ceremonial.
God’s moral law is that which pertains to right and
wrong, good and evil. That law has not been abolished by Jesus. I will
return to its place in the Christian life toward the end of this post, but for
now it suffices to say that Ephesians is not talking about God’s moral law. It speaks of a law that put a barrier between Jews and Gentiles. (Reading
the entire passage shows this.) God’s moral law did not erect any such barrier.
It always has been, and always will be, universal.
There is also God’s civil law, which was meant to govern
ancient Israel. That type of law was strictly for that people and that time
period. That's why Christians don't stone people to death, for example, even though the Old Testament civil law calls for it on certain occasions (e.g. Deuteronomy 17:5).
God’s ceremonial law, meanwhile, was meant to instruct ancient Israel
in worship. The ultimate purpose of that ceremonial law – and this is worth
emphasizing – was to foreshadow Jesus
Christ. For example, the unblemished Passover lamb (Exodus 12) was meant to point to Jesus, the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the
world.” (John 1:29)
Ephesians Speaks of Ceremonial Law
Now here's the main argument of this post: This is the type of law that was abolished by Jesus. Since
the ceremonial law was a foreshadowing of Christ, it is no longer needed. Once the reality has come, we don’t need to follow the shadows anymore.
Yes, the shadows can certainly be helpful in understanding more fully who Jesus
is and what he came to do, but they’re not to form the basis of our identity.
The Ephesians passage in question speaks of the abolishment not
of God’s moral law (as some would have it), but of the ceremonial law. That’s why Christians don’t need
to be circumcised (that’s a ceremonial law that pointed to the circumcision of
heart wrought by Jesus), but do need to refrain from fornication and robbery
(those are moral laws, which the Spirit of Jesus does not abolish but actually writes
on a believer’s heart).
The Role of God’s Moral Law Among Christians
If Jesus does not abolish God’s moral law, then
what role does that law have in the Christian life? Three. One is to
restrain sinful inclinations, much like a dam restrains the flow of a river. (Timothy 1:9-10.) Another is to reveal one’s own sinfulness, much like an internal mirror showing
us the blemishes of sin on our hearts. (Romans 7:7-13)
A third and final function of God’s moral law is to instruct
a believer in true righteousness and holiness. (Notice how so many of Paul's letters begin by proclaiming the gospel and then conclude by commanding moral obedience. Those commandments are examples of this third use of the law.) Put simply, a Christian doesn't get to make up the kind
of righteousness he practices. Instead, God commands a particular kind.
And,
among the elect, God not only commands his moral law but also writes
it on their heart so that obedience happens freely
and joyfully. (Jeremiah 31:31-34 is worth reading. “I will put my law within
them…”) This obedience is certainly not the cause of a believer's righteousness before God, but it is the necessary effect and shape of it.
Last Word
For anyone who would interpret Ephesians 2:1-22 as an abolishment
of God’s moral law, I hope the above points would give pause. And if they don't,
let Scripture interpret Scripture, and let Jesus’ own words in Matthew govern
our interpretation of Ephesians:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the
Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For
truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot,
will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one
of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be
called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them
will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:17-19
Monday, July 13, 2015
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Summer Reading - A Few Good Books
An increase in daylight and a decrease in life’s pace make
summer a good time for reading. In case your summer reading list isn’t
complete, here are a few good books for consideration:
1. The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis
I first read the Narnia series while on summer break during seminary. Long a fan of Lewis’ writings (many of which have been foundational to my formation in theology), I had nevertheless avoided his fiction. After all, what could be gained by reading a children’s book?
Much, in every way. The symbolism of Narnia has incredible depth that can instruct even the most mature of Christians. Lewis is masterful in casting biblical themes into new light. Indeed, it's hard to read the story of Aslan without developing a deeper understanding of Christ.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a relatively easy (albeit long) read. More importantly, it is immensely enjoyable and edifying. If I could suggest only one book for summer reading, this would be it.
2. The Book of Concord
Somewhere I can hear my seminary friends laughing. The Book of Concord is a compilation of Lutheran writings from the Reformation of the 1500s, and most of the time no one chooses to read it. (Much more often it is assigned.) These writings tend to be polemical and theologically dense. An easy read this is not.
Read it anyway. True doctrine is life-giving, and The Book of Concord is chock-full of such doctrine. Perhaps the best sections to read are the Large Catechism (written by Martin Luther, covering Christian essentials such as the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer) and the Formula of Concord (written principally by Martin Chemnitz, covering a number of important doctrines such as original sin and predestination).
There are no guarantees The Book of Concord will be comprehended with ease, but to anyone who would put in the effort and "chew the cud" of doctrinal precision, the benefits are well-worth it. These writings are a good corrective to the juvenility and shallowness that pervades much of American Christianity.
3. The Sermons of Jonathan Edwards: A Reader, Jonathan Edwards
Edwards was a Puritan pastor in colonial America and perhaps best known for his sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” (Less known is that he served briefly as President of Princeton University.) That sermon is included in this collection, but it is by no means Edwards’ finest work.
I’ll mention just two of my favorites. First, “Heaven Is a World of Love” beautifully describes the wonders of God’s Kingdom, including how one can participate in such wonders even now. It offers great encouragement to walk in the way of love. Second, “The Pleasantness of Religion” demonstrates how following the way of Christ Jesus is an enjoyable endeavor. Sometimes the biggest obstacle to obeying God is that it seems like it will ruin one’s life, but Edwards shows that it's precisely the opposite: Not obedience, but sin ruins one’s life. True, wholehearted obedience - that which is born of faith - is “exceedingly pleasant.”
Edwards’ sermons follow the typical Puritan form of “doctrine” followed by “use” or “application.” This lends his sermons a clarity that is sometimes missing in modern preaching. It also evidences a conviction (with which I agree) that doctrine is directly related to life, and life to doctrine.
This book is a good read for anyone who’d like to be taught by perhaps America’s most creative and brilliant theologian.
4. The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
Another book by a Puritan, The Pilgrim’s Progress is a classic in Christian literature. It’s written as an allegory of the Christian life, giving its characters and settings self-revealing names: Pilgrim (the main character), Mr. Fear, the Hill of Difficulty, the Delightful Mountains, Vanity Fair, etc. Each person and place has the potential to hinder or to help Pilgrim on his journey.
The allegory is pretty easy to follow: Pilgrim’s journey is a journey of faith, following the “straight and narrow way” to God. Potential readers who are walking in the same “straight and narrow way” – the way of Christ Jesus – will see in Pilgrim’s journey the story of their own life. They’ll meet many of the same difficulties and distractions as Pilgrim, and hopefully receive the same graces that kept his journey on track.
I remember hearing that in the field of Christian literature, The Pilgrim’s Progress is second only to the Bible in importance. I hesitate to go that far, but I agree that it should be read by anyone who takes seriously the call of Christ Jesus, “Follow me.”
5. Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales
I tend to dislike books that are intentionally “devotional,” but this one is different. Many devotional books are consciously trying to be therapeutic (trying, that is, to induce a certain feeling in the reader). In contrast to that, St. Francis de Sales seeks to truly edify his reader through sound instruction and constant encouragement.
Devout Life begins by describing what true devotion to God is, and then outlines ways in which a life of devotion can be cultivated. This book is eminently practical. It’s also filled with thoughtful illustrations that cast new light on the Christian life. One example will suffice:
“The bees approach some plants and flowers even when they produce bitter fruit, but they draw out the bitter juices and turn it into honey…In the same way, devout souls encounter great bitterness in their works of mortification, but by performing them they change them into something beautiful and delightful.”
Finally, one thing remarkable about St. Francis de Sales is his kindness. It might sound strange to call an author kind, but in this case it's entirely true. The writing in this book conveys a heart that cares deeply about the well-being of the reader. That care, along with the profundity of de Sales’ mind, make it easy to trust him as a spiritual guide.
Your Suggestions?
Those are my suggestions. I’d love to hear your own in the comments section. I’ve read all of the above books and wouldn’t mind filling-out my summer reading list with a few more good ones.
Happy reading.
1. The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis
I first read the Narnia series while on summer break during seminary. Long a fan of Lewis’ writings (many of which have been foundational to my formation in theology), I had nevertheless avoided his fiction. After all, what could be gained by reading a children’s book?
Much, in every way. The symbolism of Narnia has incredible depth that can instruct even the most mature of Christians. Lewis is masterful in casting biblical themes into new light. Indeed, it's hard to read the story of Aslan without developing a deeper understanding of Christ.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a relatively easy (albeit long) read. More importantly, it is immensely enjoyable and edifying. If I could suggest only one book for summer reading, this would be it.
2. The Book of Concord
Somewhere I can hear my seminary friends laughing. The Book of Concord is a compilation of Lutheran writings from the Reformation of the 1500s, and most of the time no one chooses to read it. (Much more often it is assigned.) These writings tend to be polemical and theologically dense. An easy read this is not.
Read it anyway. True doctrine is life-giving, and The Book of Concord is chock-full of such doctrine. Perhaps the best sections to read are the Large Catechism (written by Martin Luther, covering Christian essentials such as the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer) and the Formula of Concord (written principally by Martin Chemnitz, covering a number of important doctrines such as original sin and predestination).
There are no guarantees The Book of Concord will be comprehended with ease, but to anyone who would put in the effort and "chew the cud" of doctrinal precision, the benefits are well-worth it. These writings are a good corrective to the juvenility and shallowness that pervades much of American Christianity.
3. The Sermons of Jonathan Edwards: A Reader, Jonathan Edwards
Edwards was a Puritan pastor in colonial America and perhaps best known for his sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” (Less known is that he served briefly as President of Princeton University.) That sermon is included in this collection, but it is by no means Edwards’ finest work.
I’ll mention just two of my favorites. First, “Heaven Is a World of Love” beautifully describes the wonders of God’s Kingdom, including how one can participate in such wonders even now. It offers great encouragement to walk in the way of love. Second, “The Pleasantness of Religion” demonstrates how following the way of Christ Jesus is an enjoyable endeavor. Sometimes the biggest obstacle to obeying God is that it seems like it will ruin one’s life, but Edwards shows that it's precisely the opposite: Not obedience, but sin ruins one’s life. True, wholehearted obedience - that which is born of faith - is “exceedingly pleasant.”
Edwards’ sermons follow the typical Puritan form of “doctrine” followed by “use” or “application.” This lends his sermons a clarity that is sometimes missing in modern preaching. It also evidences a conviction (with which I agree) that doctrine is directly related to life, and life to doctrine.
This book is a good read for anyone who’d like to be taught by perhaps America’s most creative and brilliant theologian.
4. The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
Another book by a Puritan, The Pilgrim’s Progress is a classic in Christian literature. It’s written as an allegory of the Christian life, giving its characters and settings self-revealing names: Pilgrim (the main character), Mr. Fear, the Hill of Difficulty, the Delightful Mountains, Vanity Fair, etc. Each person and place has the potential to hinder or to help Pilgrim on his journey.
The allegory is pretty easy to follow: Pilgrim’s journey is a journey of faith, following the “straight and narrow way” to God. Potential readers who are walking in the same “straight and narrow way” – the way of Christ Jesus – will see in Pilgrim’s journey the story of their own life. They’ll meet many of the same difficulties and distractions as Pilgrim, and hopefully receive the same graces that kept his journey on track.
I remember hearing that in the field of Christian literature, The Pilgrim’s Progress is second only to the Bible in importance. I hesitate to go that far, but I agree that it should be read by anyone who takes seriously the call of Christ Jesus, “Follow me.”
5. Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales
I tend to dislike books that are intentionally “devotional,” but this one is different. Many devotional books are consciously trying to be therapeutic (trying, that is, to induce a certain feeling in the reader). In contrast to that, St. Francis de Sales seeks to truly edify his reader through sound instruction and constant encouragement.
Devout Life begins by describing what true devotion to God is, and then outlines ways in which a life of devotion can be cultivated. This book is eminently practical. It’s also filled with thoughtful illustrations that cast new light on the Christian life. One example will suffice:
“The bees approach some plants and flowers even when they produce bitter fruit, but they draw out the bitter juices and turn it into honey…In the same way, devout souls encounter great bitterness in their works of mortification, but by performing them they change them into something beautiful and delightful.”
Finally, one thing remarkable about St. Francis de Sales is his kindness. It might sound strange to call an author kind, but in this case it's entirely true. The writing in this book conveys a heart that cares deeply about the well-being of the reader. That care, along with the profundity of de Sales’ mind, make it easy to trust him as a spiritual guide.
Your Suggestions?
Those are my suggestions. I’d love to hear your own in the comments section. I’ve read all of the above books and wouldn’t mind filling-out my summer reading list with a few more good ones.
Happy reading.
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