The Judeo-Christian Ethic: Fallacy or Foundation?
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Jesus himself spoke of G-d's ancient commandments with the highest
accolade and with an unusually stern warning.
"It is written, Man shall not
live by bread alone, but
by every word that proceeds from the mouth of G-d."
Matthew 4:4
"Think not that I come to destroy the
law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
For truly I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, not one jot
or one tittle shall pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of the
least of these commandments and shall teach men to do so, he shall
be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall
do and teach them, the same shall be great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed
the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no
case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-20
Y'shua sees enough value in G-d's commandments that He encourages
that they be taught and observed (He exemplified teaching and observance
in light of the New Covenant in Matthew 12:1-12). The righteousness
that He is requiring (which exceeds the outward, superficial righteousness
of religious observance devoid of a humble and contrite heart),
is that which comes through thoughtful heartfelt repentance and
child-like faith.
"Now we know that what things the law says, it says to them
who are under the law: that every mouth may
be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before G-d.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge
of sin. But now the righteousness of G-d without the law
is manifested, being witnessed by the law
and the prophets." Romans 3:19-21
Here the Apostle Paul makes it clear that the purpose of the law
was to silence all human arguments of self-righteousness, pointing
us to and affirming the righteousness, which comes to us by faith.
Without the law, we cannot fully comprehend the holiness of G-d
and our utter hopelessness without a savior.
"What shall we say then? Is the law
sin? G-d forbid. No, I had not known
sin, except by the law: for I had not known lust, except
the law had said, 'You shall not covet.'" Romans 7:7
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the
commandment holy, just, and good." Romans 7:12
"For we know that the law is spiritual:
but I am carnal, sold under sin." Romans 7:14
"If then I do that which I would not, I
consent unto the law that it is good." Romans 7:16
In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul explains how the law reveals to us
the sinfulness of our humanity as it unveils to us the holiness
of G-d. Jesus and Paul are declaring that the Ten Commandments are
the basis for our morality and our understanding of G-d. Without
them, all the blessings of the New Covenant would be without purpose
and we would not be able to comprehend why they are so precious
and priceless. I would suggest that the Judeo-Christian Ethic is
alive and well, as I believe G-d would have it.
I humbly submit these thoughts in hopes of encouraging this dear
pastor to reconsider his statement. I share this with the greatest
respect and admiration for this precious pastor who continues to
bless our city with his faithful declaration of the Gospel of our
L-RD and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. Shalom and may G-d graciously
bless you, Messianic Rabbi Ed Rothman
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