Written by Felicia Trecek

Paul's writings can be misinterpreted if you don't understand the law within the first covenant and the remaining Torah. Readers of the new testament need to determine what law he expressed in the various verses when he refers to the law in the "old testament". The scriptures of the "old testament" were the only divine inspired law they had at that time. Even during Paul's day, he was misunderstood and his writings misinterpreted. 2 Peter 3:16 reads, "...in all his [Paul's] letters, speaking in them concerning these matters; in which some are hard to understand, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the other Scriptures. (v:17) You, then, beloved ones, being forewarned, watch, lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being lead away with the delusion of the lawless." The lawless unstable ones who were untaught in scripture containing the law, were the ones twisting scripture to defend their disobedience to the law.

Romans 2:12, "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (v:13) For not the hearers of the law are just before YHWH, but the doers of the law shall be justified."

According to Romans 2:13, we must follow the 'law'. Paul wrote these words. He also wrote other scriptures that people use today to say the "old" testament laws were abolished. If you are true to your faith in the bible, you don't pick and choose scripture to fit your contrived doctrine.

When reading Paul's writings concerning the "law", you need to examine all of the scriptures that cover the law. Paul was notorious for not clarifying what law he was expressing in many scriptures. For some examples, he writes about the law of righteousness, law of sin, and law of fleshly commands. (There are more.) In some scriptures he only writes the word 'law' and assumes the reader knows what law he is expressing.

As an example of the various laws, according to Romans 7:25 and 8:2, Paul is expressing two laws: the law of YHWH and the law of sin/death (which is of the flesh)

YHWH did not abolish his divine law written in the old testament
Romans 3:31 reads, "Do we then make void the law through faith? YHWH forbid: yea, we establish the law."

Romans 6:20-21 reads, the end to sinful fruits (law breaking) is death. To be free from sin is to follow the law of righteousness unto [everlasting] life.

Romans 7:12,14 reads, The law and commandments are holy, just, good and spiritual.

In 2 Timothy 3:14-16 Paul wrote, "You (Timothy), stay in what you have learned and trusted, having known from whom you learned, (v:15) and that from a babe you have known the Set-Apart Scriptures [the old testament since the "new" was not established then] which are able to make you wise for deliverance through the belief in Messiah Yahushua. (v:16) All scripture is breathed by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for setting straight, for instruction in righteousness,"

Paul's expression is clear in his writing to Timothy. We can learn how to become righteous just from the old testament, excluding the new testament! The old testament can be used for teaching, reproof, and setting straight. The new testament wasn't even established when Paul wrote these words to Timothy. At that point in time, it was merely a letter to Timothy.

UNDERSTANDING PAUL
1 John 3:4, "...sin is the transgression of the law."

The law defines sin. If you sin (murder, steal, commit adultery, etc.), the law stands as a witness against you. The law, by contrast, is righteousness. But, when you obey the law (don't murder, don't steal, don't commit adultery, etc.), there is no law against your obedience. The act of obeying the law (the law that defines sin) leads you to obey the law of righteousness. The law of righteousness becomes a law unto itself, because there are no laws against it. The law of righteousness can be compared to the law of gravity. It is a natural law YHWH set in motion that mankind is subject to. YHWH created us to need love, encouragement, etc. We cannot break this natural law. If we attempt, we damage ourselves and others. Today, the word used for damaged human beings is: dysfunctional.

Without the law as a distinguishing factor, one wouldn't know the difference between good and evil. One could think killing your neighbor is all right to do without YHWH's divine law in place. Righteousness, by contrast, is to do good to your neighbor. Righteousness is the polar opposite of sin. You cannot obtain righteousness by simply not killing your neighbor. That is merely following the letter of the law. Righteousness requires positive action. (1 Peter 1:22-23, Romans 6:14). For example, if you don't give encouragement to someone when needed, but simply don't say or do anything, you may not break the law (letter of the law), but you are also not following the law of righteousness either. That is what the bible calls "Luke warm".

SOME MISUNDERSTOOD SCRIPTURES
Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustworthiness, (v:23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

The word "against" is Strong's #2596 (Greek = Kat-ah') meaning: down (in place in time), after the manner of, beyond out of measure. Denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.

"Against such there is no law" does NOT mean: there is no law after one achieves the fruits of the Spirit. "Against such there is no law" means: there is no law opposing the fruit of the spirit. No such law exist. These fruits are beyond measure; therefore, there is no law beyond or above them. The intensity of the fruit of the Spirit is very great and all encompassing.

Galatians 5:18, "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law."

The word "under" is Strong's #5259 (Greek = hoop-o) meaning: a prim prep,: under, i.e. (with the gen.) a place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through).

"Under law" means in Galatians 5:18: if you are lead by the Spirit, you are not "under" the penalty of the law which is death. (See also Romans 5:13-14 definition below.)

Romans 5:13, "(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law). (v:14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him (Messiah) that was to come."

Verse 13 is a contradictory statement if one believes the law ended at the time of Messiah's death. Moses wrote the law down. Verse 13 doesn't mean there was no sin before Moses wrote the law down. Adam and Eve sinned as well as countless others afterward, before the time of Moses. By definition, the law existed before Moses wrote it down because mankind sinned. For further delineation about the law before Moses - with scripture references - read the article titled "Abraham kept the holy days and the law!"

In verse 13, the word LAW in the phrase, "For until the law..." is referring to the law of righteousness. Righteousness is a law unto itself, but there is no law against it. This verse would be better understood if written like the following: "For until the law of righteousness was ushered in by Messiah, sin (law breaking) was in the world, and the penalty of death. But, sin is not imputed when one lives in righteousness". The phrase, "when there is no law" ironically refers to law keeping. If you keep the law, there is no law against you.

Verse 14, expounds verse 13. Death is equated to the law. Death is what reigned over mankind before Messiah. Salvation was not open to mankind before Messiah. (Side note: every human being that ever lived will have a chance to obtain salvation at later time in YHWH's great plan of salvation.)

Romans 3:20, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His [YHWH's] sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (v:21) But now the righteousness of YHWH without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;"

The word "without" is Strong's #5565 (Greek = choris) meaning: adv from 5561; at a space, i.e. separately or apart from (often as prep,):-beside, by itself, without.

In verse 21, "without the law" could have been translated: "apart from the law", or "separate from the law". The righteousness (Spiritual) aspect of the law is not governed. There are no laws against it. According to Galatians 5:22-23, righteousness is beyond measure.

Romans 6:14, "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law [sin/death], but under *grace [the divine influence upon the heart]. (v:15) What then? shall we sin [break the law], because we are not under the law [sin/death], but under *grace? YHWH forbid. (v:16) Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

If you are righteous, you need to obey. Obedience naturally dictates a law. It's the law of righteousness, and the opposite of the law of sin.

*Grace = Strong's # 5485 - the Greek word 'charis' meaning: from #546 graciousness (as gratifying) of manner or act (abstr. or concr; lit., fig. or spiritual: espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and it's reflection in the life; including gratitude):- acceptance, benefit, favor, gift, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

Romans 7:6, "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Verse 6 paraphrased: We are delivered from death and now we must serve in the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. "The oldness of the letter" is in reference to the ones following the law who did not have the Spirit that Messiah came and poured out on His chosen ones. Before Messiah, they only had the ability to follow the letter without the Spirit. We need to serve above and beyond the letter. For further delineation on the letter v.s. the spirit, read the article titled, "The ten commandments in a positive light".

Galatians 3:24, "...the law was our school master to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (v:25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster."

Without the divine law of YHWH to instruct us, we wouldn't be at the point to accept Messiah. The law taught us how wretched and unhappy we can be in this carnal flesh. Paul wrote in Romans 7:22, "For I delight in the law of YHWH after the inward man: (v:23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (v:24) O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

Paul was fighting the law of carnal nature as do the rest of us. Most of YHWH's laws we can understand intellectually, but find it more difficult to obey them or put it into practice. Our goal is to bring every thought to the obedience of Messiah (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Ephesians 2:15, "Having abolished in His (Messiah's) flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in *ordinances for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;"

This scripture is one of the most misunderstood. To understand what Paul is communicating, you need to read the scriptures surrounding it and keep it in context, and you need to examine the various words used in the Greek for "ordinances". Which ordinances were abolished?

Beginning in verse 11, (paraphrasing the topic) the Ephesians were Gentiles and walked according to the fleshly lusts before they accepted Messiah. (v:12) At one time, the Ephesians were separate from Messiah, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope of salvation without YHWH. (v:13) The Ephesians now could have hope because of the blood of Messiah; who died for all mankind. (v:14) For Messiah is a peace maker, making the Israelite and Gentile one in Him; consequently, breaking down the wall of hostility. [There was hostility between the Israelites and Gentiles. The Israelites prided themselves in being of Abraham's seed of promise; whereas, the Gentiles - in their minds - were dogs - unclean - and were treated as such. Messiah opened up the door of salvation for the Gentiles; therefore, making Israelites and Gentiles alike - one in hope and promise. Reference Acts 10:10-28] (:15) Messiah abolished the enmity between the new Spirit lead Israelites and Gentiles only, and He abolished the commandments contained in the *ordinances.

*The word for "ordinances" in the Greek according to Strong's is: dog'-mah #1378 and means: from the base of 1380; a law (civil, ceremonial, or ecclesiastical):- decree, ordinance.

Messiah did not abolished YHWH's divine law, but Israel's civil, ceremonial and ecclesiastical laws. [Ecclesiastical meaning: church or the clergy. In the case of Israel, their 'church' would be the physical nation, and the 'clergy' would be the priesthood. For those of you that may not know the meaning of church, it means the called out ones. The physical nation was a church at one time; they were called out from among the rest of the world for a time and purpose.] YHWH abolished the nation of Israel's civil system, temple and services related to the temple, not YHWH's divine laws. Read Hebrews chapters 8-11 to obtain a better understanding of which ordinances were abolished. A short summary: the priesthood itself; consequently, their duties - sacrificial system, the food and drink offerings, and the reciprocity tithing system (inheritance from the land), were abolished. The physical inheritance was transformed into a Spiritual inheritance for the new Spirit lead called out ones. YHWH abolished the old covenant (contract) with the physical Israelite nation, and reestablished His covenant (contract) with the Spiritual Israelite nation, but changed out the promises (inheritance) for better promises. The Gentiles (meaning other nations) were no longer considered Gentiles when they accepted Messiah, but were considered Spiritual Israelites.

Colossians 2:14, "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;"

Colossians 2:14 contains the same Greek word, dog'-mah used in Ephesians 2:15, translated into English as "ordinances". So, how were these ordinances against us and contrary to us? Psalms 40:6 reads, "Sacrifice and offerings thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened..." Hebrews 10:1-6: verse 6 reads, "In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure." Verse 4 reads, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins." Verse 1 reads, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered up year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect." The key to understanding what Paul is trying to convey is in verse 1. The offerings and sacrifices made atonement for sins, but it did not take away any future sins. That is why they had to continually offer sacrifices year after year. The sacrifices and offerings foreshadowed Messiah's sacrifice for all sins, for all time (Hebrews 10:12). Through Messiah, we can obtain everlasting redemption (Hebrews 9:12). And, Messiah's sacrifice was much greater in importance because He is able to bring individuals to perfection; whereas, the blood of bulls and goats could not. That is why the sacrificial law was actually against us. If the Israelites were not able to achieve perfection in righteousness, then they could not obtain eternal life. They were given the covenant of death, and they also knew it (Isaiah 28:14-15). The physical Israelite nation and it's sacrificial system played a role and had a purpose. YHWH likens them to the soil and clods of the field. Isaiah 28:24 reads, "Does the plowman keep plowing all day to sow? Does he keep turning his soil and breaking clods?" YHWH readied the soil to plant His spirit lead chosen ones. Messiah, the first of the first fruits, was planted, then the first fruits - the called ones after Messiah's death and resurrection.

In 1 Corinthians 11:2, Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow the ordinances that he delivered unto them.

The Greek word for 'ordinances' in 1 Corinthians 11:2 is not the same word as it is in Ephesians 2:15 or Colossians 2:14. The Greek word is: par-ad' #3862 and means precepts. Paul delivered YHWH's divine law unto the Gentile Corinthians, and he encouraged them to follow that law!

There are 75+ New Testament Scriptures In Favor of Law Keeping
(Scriptures researched by Richard Trecek, and text written by both Richard and Felicia Trecek.)

1. Matthew 5:17-19 Law and the prophets still valid.
2. Matthew 7:23 The lawlessness people will be told to depart from Yahushua Messiah at His coming.
3. Matthew 12:1-12 It is lawful to break the Sabbath when a need arises to perform good works - extending mercy to those who need it.
4. Matthew 19:16 Keep the commandments in order to obtain (everlasting) life.
5. Matthew 22:36-40 The two greatest commandments. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (To obtain a better understanding of what "all the law and prophets" mean, read the article titled: "The ten commandments in a positive light".
6. Mark 2:23-28 / 3:1-5 It is lawful to help your neighbor on the Sabbath, to save life or do good.
7. Mark 3:28 All lawlessness can be forgiven men, except He who blasphemes the Set-Apart Spirit.
8. Luke 1:6 Example of 2 Jewish people, who were called righteous because they were walking in the law of Moses.
9. Luke 4:16-31 Yahushua Messiah kept the 7th day Sabbath.
10. Luke 4:39 Peter's mother-in-law served people food on the Sabbath.
11. Luke 8:44 Yahushua Messiah wore tassels - one of YHWH's laws.
12. Luke 16:16-17 It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
13. Luke 16:29-31 If people don't hear Moses (read, believe, and obey), neither will they be persuaded by one who rises from the dead.
14. Luke 18:18-22 Keep the commandments for eternal life.
15. Luke 23:56 Rest on the Sabbath according to the command.
16. John 6:28 Believe YHWH
17. John 14:20-24 Guard YHWH's commandments.
18. John 15:20 Keep Messiah's commandments so that we abide in His love, as Messiah kept YHWH's commandments and abides in His love.
19. John 17:6 We are to guard the Father, YHWH's words.
20. Acts 20:6, 16, 24:11 Apostles observed the Holy Days: Unleavened bread festival and Pentecost (First Fruits)
21. Acts 21:20-24 New convert Jews were zealous for the law.
22. Acts 22:12-13 A Spirit filled disciple who was a devout law keeper.
23. Acts 24:14-15 Paul wrote: some called keeping-the-law, "heresy", but Paul also wrote he worshipped and kept all things that were written in the law according to his fathers!
24. Acts 27:9 Paul observed the "fast", the day of Atonement.
25. Romans 1:5 Belief - obedience, two parts.
26. Romans 2:12-13 Doers of the law are deemed righteous.
27. Romans 2:17-29 The law is a superior thing in life. A true "Jew" is he whose heart is circumcised, who guards the law.
28. Romans 3:1-2 Law keeping is an advantage.
29. Romans 3:31 The law is not done away, but is established. (Paul denied his message was against the old testament law.)
30. Romans 6:1-2,12 Compare to 1 John 3:4. Sin is the transgression of the law.
31. Romans 6:14 Sin is lawlessness; therefore, lawlessness shall not rule over you. We are not under the consequences of the lawless.
32. Romans 6:18-19 Became servants of righteousness.
33. Romans 6:21,23 The end of lawlessness is death.
34. Romans 7:1 The exists as long as the life of man.
35. Romans 7:7 The law shows us what sin is!
36. Romans 7:12 The law is Holy, righteous and good.
37. Romans 7:22,25 Paul delighted in the law and served it.
38. Romans 8:7-8 A carnal man cannot obey YHWH's law.
39. Romans 13:8-10 Owe no man nothing except love. Love fulfills the law. (Paul lists the last six commandments out of the great ten - love toward man.)
40. Romans 16:26 We are to believe and obey the scriptures.
41. 1 Corinthians 4:6 Don't think on anything BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN (the book s of the law).
42. 1 Corinthians 7:19 Keeping YHWH's law matters
43. 1 Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin, the strength of sin is the law.
44. 1 Corinthians 16:8 Paul stayed at Ephesus until Pentecost (the first fruits).
45. 2 Corinthians 6:14-7 Believers are righteous. They are law-keepers.
46. 2 Corinthians 13:1 (Deut 19:15), Two or three witnesses (scriptures) to prove any doctrine.
47. Galatians 2:15-21 Righteousness does not come from the law; the law that defines sin. The law of righteousness, through faith, comes from Messiah. Messiah is not the minister of sin. Therefore, Messiah is against sin, and the law that defines sin remains in affect.
48. Galatians 3:12 The man who does the law shall live by it.
49. Galatians 3:13 When you break the law (murder, steal, commit adultery), you are under it's penalty and curse.
50. Galatians 5:19 The ones doing the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of YHWH. The works of the flesh listed are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft-drug sorcery, hatred, quarrels, jealousies, wrath, strife (selfish ambitions), heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, raveling (wild parties), and of the like.
51. Galatians 6:13 The ones (circumcised) did NOT keep the law - the Jewish religious sects - even though they claimed they were law keepers. (Messiah called the religious leaders of His day, hypocrites - Matthew 15:1-7. Their own traditions (man made laws - the oral law) transgressed the law of YHWH.)
52. Ephesians 2:8 By grace we are saved through belief, but must walk in good works - follow Messiah.
53. Colossians 2:16-17 These gentile believers (converts) were observing the dietary laws, the festivals, the new moon (YHWH's calendar system) and Sabbath days. These laws foreshadow Messiah, who is the real body which the shadow falls from.
54. 1 Timothy 1:8 The law is good for those who use it lawfully.
55. 1 Timothy 1:9-10 The law was made for the sinners, not for the righteous.
56. 1 Timothy 6:14 Keep the commandment without spot. (Compare with Deut 17:20)
57. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Paul admonished Timothy to continue in the things (laws) he had learned from a child in the Holy Scriptures. (The old testament were the only scriptures he learned from. The new testament did not exist at that time.)
58. Titus 2:14 We need to be zealous in doing good works.
59. Hebrews 1:9 The Father hates lawlessness and loves righteousness.
60. Hebrews 4:9-10 The 7th day Sabbath remains for us to keep today.
61. Hebrews 8:7-10 The laws did not change from the old covenant to the new. The fault with the old covenant Ws the people because they did not follow YHWH's laws. In the covenant, YHWH will write them on our hearts and mind so we can obey them. (Compare with Jeremiah 31:31-34)
62. James 1:23-25 The law is a perfect law of liberty, and is a mirror to which we can see (examine) ourselves. Enable to see yourself, you must be a doer of the law.
63. James 2:8-26 The royal law are the ten commandments (love). James advocates keeping the whole law.
64. James 4:11 We need to be doers of the law.
65. 1 Peter 1:2 We need to be obedient. Obedience mandates a law.
66. 2 Peter 2:20-22 Do not turn from the Holy commandment (righteousness). The latter end is worse for them that turn than the beginning.
67. 2 Peter 3:16-17 Don't be lead away by the error of the wicked. The wicked preach lawlessness.
68. 1 John 2:4-7 Keep the commandments (Word) that was from the beginning.
69. 1 John 3:3-4 Whoever sins transgresseth the law. Whoever abideth in Messiah does not sin.
70. 1 John 3:7-8 He who commits sin (breaks the law) is of the devil.
71. 1 John 3:22 If we keep His commandments, YHWH hears our prayers.
72. 1 John 5:2-3 We love YHWH by keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.
73. 2 John 1:6 We love YHWH when we keep His commandments. This is what was taught in the beginning.
74. Revelation 14:12 The patience of the saints: they keep the commandments of YHWH and the faith of Yahushua Messiah.
75. Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do His commandments.