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Rethinking the Law

This last Sunday I preached a sermon entitled "Torah, Torah, Torah" which focused on acquiring a new understanding and appreciation for those sections of the Bible we typically call the "Law." A main point that I made was that the word "Law" actually isn't a good translation of the Hebrew word "Torah." Rather the word "Torah" better means "instruction, guidance, or teaching."

Now I have written about this before on this blog, so I won't go at length here. Suffice it to say that looking at Leviticus and Deuteronomy through the lens of "instruction" rather than "Law" makes a big difference. It changes our perspective from "Wow, look at all the stuff God made them do" to "Wow, look at all the wisdom God gave his people." It's a change of focus that helps us better approach that part of the Bible.

Let's be honest, we say that the whole Bible is inspired and authoritative, but we don't treat the whole Bible that way. The Torah just might be one of the worst victims. We go there only to cherry pick a couple of "laws" that support our arguments, and the rest we ignore as "having been fulfilled." We don't seem to take Jesus seriously when he says that not one command or even the smallest pen stroke won't pass away.

I think one major reason for this is our understanding of the Torah as a legal code instead of God's wise instruction for his people. If it's an ancient legal code, whose edicts must be obeyed down to the letter, then it just doesn't apply to us Gentiles today. It also does a number on our understanding of salvation by grace through faith. How could God expect such different things back then than now?

If the Torah is wise instructions meant to aid Israel thrive as a holy nation in an unholy world, and isn't a legal code whose requirements must be perfectly met to attain salvation, then everything is different. We can understand better the rejoicing of the psalmists in the Torah. It is a gift from God and not a burden.

There is a lot more to say on this matter, but I encourage you all to rethink the "Law." See it as a gift of wisdom from God to his people, not a requirement for their salvation or holiness. It is a teacher, as Paul says, to educate them on holiness, sin, and the need for a savior.

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