The Importance Of The Laws Of The Pentateuch For Christians

Studies in the Pentateuch: Essay 2 The Importance of the Laws of the Pentateuch for Christians Introduction The laws of the Pentateuch are completely irrelevant to us as Christians today. This opinion is commonly heard in Christian circles1. However, is it really the case? In Matthew 5:18 Jesus declares that ‘not the smallest letter’ will disappear from the law until the end of time as we know it. If this topic was important enough for Jesus to comment on, it is certainly worth our full consideration. Subsequently, this essay will seek to engage with the Bible and secondary sources in order to uncover the importance of the laws of the Pentateuch for Christians today. Biblical Overview Jesus is recorded as declaring that the law is significant forever in the gospel. Mirroring the comments in Matthew 5:18, one translation of Luke 16:17 records Jesus as saying that the law has not lost its force. Furthermore, Jesus adds that it is easier for ‘heaven and Earth to disappear’ than for God’s law to be overturned in the slightest2. This, coming from our Lord and Saviour, seems to be abundant evidence that the laws of the Pentateuch are not only relevant today, but need to be followed. Jesus also clarifies in Matthew 5:17 that He did not come to earth to abolish the law. However, if this is the case, why do we live as we do today – not observing the law? If we were following it, we would; get put to death if we mowed the lawns (or did anything ‘work-like’) on Saturdays3, wouldShow MoreRelatedChapter 5 : The Ten Commandments Reviewed1442 Words   |  6 PagesDeuteronomy 5: 1-21 The Ten Commandments Reviewed The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Christian and Jewish Bible and the final book of the Pentateuch. Deuteronomy 5: 1-21 begins with Moses summoning all of Israel and declaring the Ten Commandments to the people of the land. The analysis of historical context, literary techniques and the reader’s response to this passage, empowers the readers to appreciate the purpose of the passage. In the book Deuteronomy chapter five, events unfoldRead MoreEssay on What is the Christians Relationship to the Old Testament887 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction. Before the gospels and Pauline epistles, early church Christians related to the Old Testament as Scripture and viewed their Christian walk as the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel from the Old Testament, which foretold of the coming age of the Messiah. The first New Testament Christians understood the importance of the Old Testament; it was their â€Å"Bible† they preached from. Just as in the early church, Christians today need the Old Testament for preaching and in which to referenceRead MoreThe Old Testament Essay1498 Words   |  6 Pagesproblematic ethically and hence is less helpful than the New Testament, through New Testament violence finally exceeds that of the Old Testament. 4. Questions arise about the authority and consequent use of the Bible. 5. Ethical differences among Christians are often sharp.† (297 298) The first statement regarding ethical issues draws me toward the thought of Solomon and his wives and concubines. In First Kings 11:3 the Bible states â€Å"he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubinesRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of The Law Of Moses 1745 Words   |  7 PagesHis people the Law of Moses to guide them and to help set up their civil courts. The Law of Moses are boundaries set by God to keep His people faithful to Him. Reading biblical law integrates three research groups, law, jurisprudence, and literary theory. While giving a new method of interpretation. It focuses on the character and events and how they are described. While rhetorical elements serve to expound on the content, the communication process through the writer to give the law to the audienceRead MoreThe Between Jewish And Christian Scholars Essay945 Words   |  4 Pagesto the slaughter.† He was a character who â€Å"had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouthà ¢â‚¬ , and suffered â€Å"the punishment that brought us peace was on him†. This has been a subject of debate between Jewish and Christian scholars. In Contra Celsus, a writing by an early Christian theologian, Origen of Alexandria, he discusses the incidence where he mentioned this verse to a Jewish theologian: Now I remember that, on one occasion†¦I quoted these prophecies; to which my Jewish opponent repliedRead MoreWisdom Tradition And The Old Testament Essay2163 Words   |  9 Pages5) The Old Testament is the beginning first section of the Christian Bible. The Old Testament consists of many distinct books written, compiled, and edited by various authors and different Christian religions over a period of centuries. Each religion had a certain purpose and goal for their interpretation of God or Yahweh. The first five books of the Old Testament and Moses are the Pentateuch. The books that are presented in the Pentateuch are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.Read MoreRelationship Between Obedience And The Law And Gods Blessing931 Words   |  4 Pagestrue to his law. This essay will explore the relationship between obedience to the law and Gods blessing using Jacqueline Grey’s Them, Us Me principle of looking at the bible. Them The book of Deuteronomy was written while Israel was in a time of wandering the wilderness due to disobedience. The 40 years of wandering were almost up and God was re-affirming the covenant and giving them the law that covered all areas of their lives. Right near the end of this massive book of covenant law God promisesRead MoreThe Psalter Reclaimed Reflection Essay1722 Words   |  7 Pagespartial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of the course OBST 520 ? D06 Old Testament Orientation II by Oliver M. Brown April 24, 2016 ii Introduction The book of Psalms has been divided into five major sections, like the Pentateuch, with each sections ending with a doxology. It has the most chapters in the Bible, including the longest and the shortest chapters. In completing the reading assignment, a greater insight and understanding about the book of Psalms was gained. InRead MoreAbrahamic Religions : Judaism, Christianity, And Islam1407 Words   |  6 Pagesthe small town of Bethlehem to a virgin named Mary, just a few miles southwest of Jerusalem. (MacCulloch ,36-37) The Christian religion is centered around the idea that Jesus is the son of God, the messiah. The religion itself is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. It is believed that Jesus was crucified and died for the sins of others, and that he rose from the dead. Christians study the Holy Bible and consider it to be a record of the relationship between God and mankind. Christianity is consideredRead MoreExegesis of Genesis 22:1-192385 Words   |  10 PagesJudah (6BCE.) These narrated events are in a chronological sequence (Barton 2001:38).It is the first book of the Old Testament and Pentateuch (Barton 2001:12) . Jews name these five books the Torah or ‘the law’(Holdsworth 2005:71). The passage(Gen22:1-19) reveals God’s relationship through a trial with a major character, Abraham. Key themes that are central to the Pentateuch lie within the passage; the sovereignty and grace of God; sacrifice and obedience; the establishment and reaffirming of covenants