Most of us don't have a problem with that, because we know that there are consequences to breaking the law. And if we're followers of Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ) then we also want to be good citizens like Paul says in Romans 13.
Why is it, then, that so many Christians today have a problem with following, or submitting to, God's laws? And why do we constantly disagree as to which laws are still applicable to us today, if any? The simple answer is right there in the pages of God's Word. God's Torah (His commandments, instructions, rules) are first and foremost to show what sin is and bring judgment (1 Timothy 1:8-11; John 12:48-49).
Because of that, the law is what leads us to Messiah; recognizing that we need a Savior to save us!
I think we'd all agree that no flesh shall be justified by the works of the law (Galatians 2:16), so there's nothing we can do in and of ourselves to be saved. So here's where things get a little tricky for some. When we are saved, do we no longer need God's laws? Here's what the bible says to believers about God's law:
Deuteronomy 10:13 - "and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?"
Psalm 1:1-2 - "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night."
Psalm 19:7 - "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making the simple wise."
Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever."
Psalm 119:97-98 - "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me."
Proverbs 6:23 - For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life."
John 14:15 - Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Jesus said earlier, in John, that His doctrine (teaching) was not His own, but the Father's. The Father's teaching was, and is, His laws.
Romans 2:18 - "and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,"
Romans 3:31 - "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law."
Romans 7:22 - "For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man."
Romans 8:4 - "that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
1 Corinthians 7:19 - "Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters."
1 John 5:3 - "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."
Revelation 12:17 - "and the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
These and other passages show an attitude of Godly reverence, from the biblical writers, toward His Law. In both the Old and New Testaments we see a healthy understanding as to the relationship we have with God's commandments once we're saved. Just because we become His children by adoption (Galatians 4:5) doesn't mean we're free to do whatever we want and not pay any penalties (Romans 2:1-5, 13). We are to become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18). Being a slave means doing things against our will (the will of our flesh, our sinful nature).
Our flesh wants to sin, so being a slave of righteousness means we are to do things that are against the will of the flesh. God is giving us a choice, whether or not to follow Him or our own rules. There are always consequences for breaking the commandments of God, even if they are earthly ones. God wants us to learn from His Son Yeshua, the Living Word, and understand His perfect will for our lives. Yeshua said in John 15:10, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love."
Were the commandments Messiah was talking about brand new ones that He had just made up? No, they were the same commandments that He kept - His Father's commandments (God's Torah). God tells us to be holy, for He is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; 1 Peter 1:15-16). We can't do that if we don't know what His standard of holiness is, and don't accept the work of His Holy Spirit in our lives. We also must remember that Yeshua is the only Lawgiver and Judge (James 4:12)! He gave us His commandments for our benefit. Since God is true and every person a liar (Romans 3:4) why wouldn't we follow His word and His ways instead of our own, fallible rules?
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