This study concerning the Law is not readily understood, that is, to know why the Law was given or the purpose it would serve, or was it to supersede the original plan of God, requires an in depth study. In finding the answers to these questions it would certainly empower us to live out the Kingdom Life or The Church Life. For an example of this we will choose Romans 14:17 which read, for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The term Kingdom used in this context suggests the practice, the right or just actions, the conduct or culture. In short, but precise language not only this text but the whole context ranging from Romans chapters 12-14 depicts how the citizens of The Kingdom/Church would be proven, in matters pertaining to fellow citizens, whether new to the Kingdom or those with a long tenure. It stresses that the basis for all handling or dealing of Kingdom matters must first begin in righteousness; In indicating Kingdom matters the scriptures is not pointing out only those things pertaining to the confines of the local church, but rather all inclusive. We must have a proper or just perspective towards God, then those within as well as those without, even activities, behavoirs, activities and circumstances. When this rule or conduct is implemented, it produces a beautiful fruit called peace in Hebrews 12:11 ‘No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.’ Consequently, as we the citizens live by this proper living the joy in the Holy Spirit becomes evident, …Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 15:13
Having established this reality of the Kingdom, it should help us to see more clearly that this is the chosen way, The New and Living Way that Christ has consecrated for us. This is simply, the way of the Spirit or living in the Spirit in contrast to living by the Law.
First, why was the law given? The law was given to declare the standard of God. Without the law man would abide in total chaos. Everyone would live according to what was right in their own eyes. Leviticus 19:2 reads, "Speak to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy” (HCSB). The law’s purpose was to take away people’s excuses for lawlessness and bring them into judgment before God. However, man was not able to obey God’s law because he had taken into his being a lawless and rebellious nature (Romans 3:19, 20). God’s purpose in giving the law was to expose man’s weakness, put him in captivity and guard him. The Scripture imprisoned everything under sin's power, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith, Gal 3: 23, 24 (HCSB). These verses clearly explain the purpose of the law.
Guarded by the law clarifies the picture that is given in John 10:1 and 10:16 " I assure you: Anyone who doesn't enter the sheep pen by the door but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.” The pen held the sheep for a period of time until the shepherd came to lead them out as the law held people captive until One came who was worthy to set them free John 10:3-6. The sheepfold references the law and the religion of the law which is Judaism. Christ is the door and the shepherd who leads them out to the green pastures. The green pastures are the permanent feeding and resting place for the people of God (Psalm 23). Christ is in every sense the Good Shepherd.
It was evident that the leaders of Judaism missed Christ as the shepherd because they held the law as an enduring object and not as temporary. We are likewise in danger of missing the Christ, The Good Shepherd, if we seek to take up the law as permanent, that is, as the end or the ultimate goal of God’s plan. But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree He is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been legally enacted on better promises. Heb. 8:6. Since the Law had fulfilled its function,
1. It shone the light of the holiness of God,
2. It revealed and made known what sin was, as the nature and activity of Satan dwelling in the human beings,
3. It exposed the inability of man to correct or redeem himself,
4. It imprisoned man with the guilty charge and the death sentence upon him.
The Law certainly condemned but it could not justify anyone Gal. 2:16 And knowing that a man is not justified out of works of law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, we also have believed into Christ Jesus that we might be justified out of faith in Christ and not out of the works of law, because out of the works of law no flesh will be justified.
The Law certainly demanded but could not supply the ability to meet God’s righteousness, ‘For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. Rom. 7:15
