Introducción a los Diez Mandamientos

No hace muchas décadas, la mayoría de los ciudadanos de las culturas occidentales estaban muy familiarizados con los Diez Mandamientos y buena parte del resto de la Biblia. Los maestros de escuela oró y citó de la Biblia. Los Diez Mandamientos fueron escritos en lugares públicos-salones, palacios de justicia, parques públicos y plazas, e iglesias. Las cosas han cambiado drásticamente. Las manifestaciones públicas de los Diez Mandamientos son cada vez más raros. Ellos han estado ausentes de las aulas públicas desde hace muchos años, y la religión contra los grupos han tenido éxito en intimidar a los funcionarios públicos en la eliminación de ellos de propiedad pública. Por lo tanto, el conocimiento de los Diez Mandamientos ya no es universal. Muy rara es la persona que hoy en día puede recitar ni la mitad de ellos.

El comediante Jay Leno, en su "Cruzar la calle imprudentemente" segmento, ha pedido recientemente a los siguientes:

"¿Cuántos mandamientos hay?"
"Diez!"
"¿Puede usted nombrar alguno de ellos?"
"La libertad de expresión!"

Tal confusión y la ignorancia puede parecer gracioso, pero también es reveladora. La ignorancia de la ley conduce a la anarquía. Sin una comprensión de las expectativas morales básicos, cada uno hará lo que es recto ante sus propios ojos (Jud 17:6), lo que redundará en el caos. Además, las personas secularizadas son a menudo reacios a considerar la idea de que la moralidad es algo más que una opinión personal. Incluso los que saben algo acerca de los Diez Mandamientos por lo general los ignoran o pensar en ellos como simples sugerencias. Normas de caída de la moral pública, como la gente ignora, el abandono, y despedir a las expectativas de la Biblia como los que aparecen en los Diez Mandamientos. Sin normas trascendente, eterno, el comportamiento humano se convierte en cada vez más inhumano, bárbaro y salvaje.

Las condiciones no son mucho mejores dentro de la iglesia de lo que son en nuestra cultura secular. Un poco de pasar las páginas que se requeriría para el creyente común encontrar en los Diez Mandamientos aparecen en la Biblia. Una tarea aún más difícil es entender la significancia de los mandamientos por los creyentes del NT. Son los Diez Mandamientos todavía en vigor? Todos ellos? ¿Por qué o por qué no? ¿Cuál es la relación entre la Ley y el Evangelio?

¿Por qué es importante para nosotros para estudiar los Diez Mandamientos? John Bunyan nos da la respuesta: "El hombre que no conoce la naturaleza de la ley no puede conocer la naturaleza del pecado. Y el que no conoce la naturaleza del pecado no se puede conocer la naturaleza del Salvador. " ¹ La ley del Antiguo Testamento nos muestra nuestra necesidad de un Salvador. Nos convence de pecado y nos conduce a Cristo. Así que estamos de acuerdo con Pablo cuando dice que "el mandamiento santo, justo y bueno" (Romanos 7:12). Debemos afirmar la legitimidad de continuar, la validez y la necesidad de la ley de Dios para guiar el comportamiento humano.

El uso de la Ley del Antiguo Testamento para los creyentes del NT

Antes de iniciar nuestro estudio de los Mandamientos persona, lo primero que debe considerar cómo los creyentes son NT para entender y aplicar la ley del Antiguo Testamento. Así que vamos a examinar esa cuestión en primer lugar.

Muchos cristianos están confundidos acerca de la utilización de la Ley del Antiguo Testamento. No lo seguimos o no? ¿Es todavía en vigor o no? ¿Qué partes de que debemos seguir? Si no lo estamos siguiendo, ¿qué valor es?

Esta lección está diseñada para explorar lo que la ley del AT es y cómo se aplica actualmente a los creyentes del NT.

I. El significado de la palabra "ley"

Los Diez Mandamientos son una pequeña parte de la ley del Antiguo Testamento. Encontramos múltiples usos de la palabra "ley" en la Biblia. Algunos de los usos del término:

Una, en general la voluntad moral de Dios expresado a través de la Biblia (AT y NT); mandamientos divinos en el sentido más amplio (Rom 7:25).

B. Los principios morales de los Diez Mandamientos no comenzó con el Sinaí, sino que son como eterno e inmutable como el mismo carácter santo de Dios mismo (1 Pedro 1:16). ²

C. El código de Moisés del Antiguo Testamento (incluyendo o, especialmente, los 10 Mandamientos), es decir, el conjunto de normas y reglamentos que Dios dio a Moisés para Israel (Romanos 2:14 a, 2:17; 3:21, 28; 7:12; Gal 4:21, 5:3).

D. Escritura en general (especialmente el Antiguo Testamento). Por lo tanto: "la ley" (Mateo 5:18; 12:5; Lc 2:27; 10:26; 16:17, Romanos 3:19), "la ley y los profetas" (Mateo 5:17); " la ley del Señor "(Lc 2:23, 24, 39)," la ley de Moisés "(Lc 2:22;. cf. también Hch 28:23)," Moisés y los profetas "(Lc 24:27) . La triple fórmula de "Moisés y los profetas y los salmos", también se produce (Lc 24:44).

E. La "ley de Cristo" (1 Corintios 9:21; Gal 6:2)

Una regla, principio o la fuerza (Romanos 2:14 b, 3:27, 7:02, 21, 23, 8:2)

Las diversas formas de las leyes humanas, las prescripciones previstas por el hombre a través del gobierno o la costumbre humana (Lucas 20:22, Hechos 19:38)

II. NT enseñanza sobre la ley del AT

R. La ley (es decir, el código de Mosaic) amplió "hasta Juan" el Bautista (Mt. 11:13), después de eso viene el evangelio de Cristo.

B. Cristo no vino a abolir la ley sino a cumplirla (Mateo 5:17). Es imposible que cualquier parte de la ley desaparecería (Mt. 5:18-19). Jesús esperaba a su audiencia a guardar la ley. Es importante recordar que Jesús vivió y ejerció su ministerio en virtud de la ley. El fin de la ley llegó con la muerte de Cristo, el velo rasgado que simboliza el final del sistema levítico (Mc 15:38; Hebreos 6:19, 9:03, 10:20). Cumplimiento de Jesús de la ley sentó las bases para la era de la iglesia.

C. La ley puede resumirse en estos dos mandamientos: Amar a Dios y amar al prójimo (Mt 22:34-40). Pablo afirma que el amor cumple la ley (Rom 13:10).

D. cristianos no están bajo la Ley del Antiguo Testamento. Tenga en cuenta los siguientes versos en este sentido: Hechos 15:10, 19; Rom 6:14, 7:1-6, 10:4; 2 Corintios 3:7-18; Gal 3:10-13, 3:24-25, 05:01; Efesios 2:15; Col 2:14

1. ¿Qué significa estar "bajo" la ley? Significa estar sujetos a sus normas y reglamentos, para ser responsable ante ella, que está sujeto a las sanciones, y de ser obligados a obedecerlo.
2. Los israelitas estaban "bajo" la ley en el sentido de que se aplica directamente a ellos, Dios esperaba que ellos lo aplican y obedecerla. Él bendijo a la obediencia y la desobediencia es castigada.
3. En el concilio de Jerusalén (Hechos 15:5-11 leer, 19-21, 29), los discípulos rechazó específicamente la idea de que los creyentes gentiles necesidad de observar todas las disposiciones de la Ley del Antiguo Testamento.
4. El libro de Gálatas refuta la idea de que el mantenimiento de la ley del Antiguo Testamento es un medio de salvación. Los que se ponen bajo la ley del Antiguo Testamento se han "caído de la gracia" (Gal 5:4). Pablo afirma que él es "muerto a la ley" (Gálatas 2:19) y que aquellos que quieren seguir la ley están bajo maldición de la ley (Gálatas 3:10). Cristo ha redimido al creyente de la ley (Gálatas 3:13). Los creyentes ya no están bajo ese "ayo" (Gálatas 3:25). La ley es un "yugo de esclavitud", con lo que no debe ser "enredados" (Gálatas 5:1). Los que son guiados por el Espíritu, no estáis bajo la ley (Gálatas 5:18). Pablo no podía ser más clara en esta materia.
5. Algunos Judios, al igual que Pablo (1 Corintios 9:19-23) determinada para observar los rituales de la Ley del Antiguo Testamento, por lo menos de vez en cuando, simplemente para no ser ofensivo para aquellos que estaban tratando de alcanzar. En otras ocasiones, Pablo ejerció su libertad de los mismos rituales y restricciones (ver Gálatas 2:11-21).
6. La ley de Moisés es una unidad, una propuesta indivisible, de todo o nada. La Biblia nunca hace una distinción entre las partes de la ley. La gente suele reconocer los diferentes aspectos civiles, ceremoniales y morales de la ley, pero estas categorías no se pare de forma individual, sino que son partes del todo. No se puede escoger y elegir las partes que más te gusten e ignorar el resto. Este es precisamente el punto de Pablo en Gálatas 5:3-4-si acepta ser circuncidado, usted está de acuerdo a obedecer toda la ley, lo que significa que usted está rechazando la salvación por la fe en Cristo.

Las distinciones típicos reconocidos en la ley del Antiguo Testamento:

Ceremonial: se ocupa de los sacrificios, los rituales, purificaciones, y otras actividades religiosas cumplido en Cristo

Civil: normas relativas a las regulaciones gubernamentales, la teocracia; gobernado la nación de Israel

Se ocupa de los principios morales eternos, como los 10 Mandamientos: Moral

Cita: "Dios se deshizo de la ley mosaica por completo, tanto en el [civil] ceremonial y las partes morales. Se ha puesto fin a un código y lo ha sustituido por un nuevo código, "la ley de Cristo" (Gal 6:2). Algunos mandamientos de la ley de Cristo son las mismas que las de la ley de Moisés (por ejemplo, nueve de los Diez Mandamientos, excepto el mandamiento de observar el día del sábado) ". ³

E. cristianos están bajo la ley de Cristo

Rom 8:02 de la ley del Espíritu de vida en Cristo Jesús me ha librado de la ley del pecado y la muerte.

1 Corintios 9:21 para los que están sin ley, como sin ley (no estando yo sin ley de Dios, sino bajo la ley de Cristo), para ganar a los que están sin ley;

Gal 6:02 Llevad los unos las cargas y cumplid así la ley de Cristo.

¿Cuál es la ley de Cristo? Es el conjunto de normas y expectativas que Jesús enseñó y ampliado por los autores del NT. Es la regla cristiana de la vida, en esencia, la enseñanza de las epístolas del Nuevo Testamento. En contraste con el código de Mosaic, que hace hincapié en los rituales y las obras, la ley de Cristo hace hincapié en la gracia y el amor (cf. Juan 1:17, 13:34). Servimos "en la novedad del Espíritu y no en el arcaísmo de la letra" (Romanos 7:6). La ley de Cristo cubre todos los ámbitos de la vida del creyente al igual que el código de Moisés lo hizo para el creyente del Antiguo Testamento.

III. Interpretación de la ley del AT

A pesar de que no debe importar ideas NT en el Antiguo Testamento en nuestra interpretación, que se consideran enseñanza del Nuevo Testamento al aplicar los principios del Antiguo Testamento. Nuestra aplicación del Antiguo Testamento debe ser leído thru lentes de NT. ¿Qué principios sigue siendo válida en los tiempos del NT? ¿Qué partes ha cumplido o realizado a Cristo? ¿Qué partes son meras sombras y símbolos?

IV. Los valores de la Ley de OT

R. La ley es "santo y bueno" (Romanos 7:12), uno de los dones de Dios a Israel (Romanos 9:4).

B. La ley establece un estándar de justicia (Deuteronomio 4:8; Salmo 19:7-9). La ley revelada la justicia, la santidad y la bondad de Dios (Deuteronomio 4:8; Levítico 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; Rom 7:12-14).

Tenga en cuenta la cita: la Ley de Dios es la base y los parámetros para la libertad civil y política. Aquí nos encontramos con la sabiduría intemporal que tiene por objeto regular el discurso diario y que da significado y propósito a la vida y el trabajo. ⁴

C. La ley entró en "que el pecado abundase" (Romanos 5:20; cf 7:8-13;. 1 Corintios 15:56 b), y con el fin de "confinar" los hombres bajo la ley y el pecado, y sin perspectivas de escapar hasta que Cristo venga (Gálatas 3:22 ss.). La ley produce la realización sorprendente de pecado, que no salva (Romanos 3:20; 7:7), pero que provoca un grito de ayuda en la propia condición perdida (Romanos 7:24), un grito que se puede responder con eficacia sólo por medio de Jesucristo (Romanos 7:25). ⁵

Rom 3:19 Ahora sabemos que todo lo que dice la ley, lo dice a los que están bajo la ley, para que toda boca se cierre y todo el mundo quede bajo el juicio de Dios.

Rom 7:13 Tiene entonces, ¿qué es la muerte convertido en una buena para mí? Por supuesto que no! Pero el pecado, para mostrarse pecado, produjo la muerte en mí por lo que es bueno, por lo que el pecado por el mandamiento llegase a ser sobremanera pecaminoso.

1 Tim 1:9 sabiendo esto: que la ley no fue dada para el justo, sino para los transgresores y desobedientes, para los impíos y pecadores, para los homicidas irreverentes y profanos, para los asesinos de los padres y madres de asesinos, por , ...

Nota: En una apelación evangelística, hay que destacar pecados del pecador. Una comparación del estilo de vida de la persona a los requisitos de los 10 Mandamientos y las enseñanzas de Jesús en el Sermón de la Montaña a menudo es útil en la revelación de la depravación total del pecador.

Lutero: La ley debe ser puesto sobre los que se pretende justificar, que puede ser encerrado en la prisión del mismo, hasta que la justicia de la fe viene-que, cuando están abatidos y humillados por la Ley, deben volar a Cristo. La ley les humilla, no a su destrucción, pero a su salvación. Porque Dios hiere de que Él puede sanar de nuevo. Él matas que pueden acelerar de nuevo. ⁶

Lutero: Mientras una persona no es un asesino, adúltero, ladrón, podría jurar que él es justo. ¿Cómo puede Dios para humillar a una persona, excepto por la Ley? La Ley es el martillo de la muerte, el trueno del infierno y el trueno de la ira de Dios para derribar a los hipócritas orgullosos y descarada. .... Mientras que una persona piensa que está bien que va a ser incomprensiblemente orgulloso y presuntuoso. Él va a odiar a Dios, desprecian su gracia y misericordia, y hacer caso omiso de las promesas de Cristo. El Evangelio del perdón gratuito de los pecados por medio de Cristo nunca apelar a la justicia propia. Este monstruo de la justicia propia, esta bestia de dura cerviz, necesita una gran hacha. Y eso es lo que la Ley es, una gran hacha. En consecuencia, el uso y funcionamiento de la Ley es para amenazar hasta que la conciencia está muerto de miedo. ⁷

D. Tal vez el objetivo más importante de la ley es llevar a los hombres a Cristo. La ley es una paidago4gos, "ayo, tutor, custodio" (Gálatas 3:24-25). Los paidago4gos solía ser un esclavo cuya obligación era llevar al alumno a la escuela y supervisar su conducta en general. La ley del Antiguo Testamento a este propósito-que tenía la autoridad hasta la venida de Cristo. Pablo afirma claramente que después de que la fe es, "ya no estamos bajo ayo" (Gálatas 3:25).

E. 2 Timoteo 3:16 Toda la del Antiguo Testamento es la revelación, el material rentable, que contiene la doctrina y la instrucción en justicia.

F. 1 Corintios 10:11 Y estas cosas les acontecieron como ejemplos, y están escritas para nuestra admonición.

Buena cita: Es posible concluir que, dado que no es necesario guardar la ley para ser salvos, no es necesario prestar atención a la ley por cualquier razón. Sin embargo, Pablo no estaba instando a sus conversos a quemar sus Antiguo Testamento. La ley tiene valores, como se ha señalado anteriormente, ... Bajo la gracia, somos libres para cumplir la ley amándonos unos a otros. [Cf. Ro 13:10.] Para el cristiano la ley de Moisés tiene un valor revelador (2 Timoteo 3:16-17) a pesar de que no tiene valor normativo, el control de nuestro comportamiento. ⁸

V. Las deficiencias de la ley del AT

R. La ley no puede salvar. La salvación no se basa en la obediencia a la ley, sino en la gracia de Dios y la fe del hombre en las promesas de Dios (Romanos 4:1-3). No hay nada de cierto en la afirmación de que bajo el sistema de OT, la gente se salva por las obras (Gálatas 2:16).

B. La debilidad fundamental de la ley es que su única respuesta al pecado es prohibirla, y la condenarán. La ley no puede vencer el pecado, porque depende de la cooperación de la carne (es decir, la naturaleza humana autónoma), que es débil (Romanos 8:3), incapaz de obediencia.

C. La ley es esencialmente una letra que mata, un yugo de los Judios fueron incapaces de soportar (Romanos 7:06, Hechos 15:10). Por el contrario, la vida del nuevo pacto es el Espíritu que da vida (2 Corintios 3:6). Lo que exige la ley sólo puede ser ganada por el Espíritu, porque de la obra de Cristo (Romanos 8:4).

D. El libro de Hebreos demuestra que el antiguo pacto de la ley de Moisés era sólo temporal y ha sido sustituido por la venida de Cristo, cuyo ministerio se basa en (1) un sacerdocio mejor, según el orden de Melquisedec, que es superior a la de Aarón , y (2) un mejor pacto con mejores promesas (Heb. 7-10). El antiguo pacto era sólo una sombra de las cosas celestiales, y si hubiera sido capaz de hacer que los hombres perfectos delante de Dios no habría habido ningún motivo para un segundo pacto o nuevo (ver Heb 7:11-12; 8:1-13) . ⁹

Hebreos 7:19 Porque la ley nada hizo perfecto, pero sí de la introducción de una mejor esperanza, por la cual nos acercamos a Dios.

VI. ¿Por qué no se coloque bajo la Ley?

Muchos hoy en día claramente de manifiesto que al menos algunas de las normas y reglamentos de la OT siguen siendo vinculantes para los cristianos. Ellos afirman que los cristianos deben observar las estipulaciones del Antiguo Testamento morales siempre que sea posible. Dicen que, si bien no somos salvos por guardar la ley, nosotros mantenemos la ley como medio de santificación. La ley del Antiguo Testamento se convierte en una regla de vida para el creyente. Dios le dio esas reglas por una razón, así que debe haber algún valor en su mantenimiento.

Ejemplos: normas alimentarias, directrices prendas de vestir, la circuncisión infantil, la observación del sábado Sábado

Lo que es cierto de los que buscan ponerse bajo la Ley del Antiguo Testamento?

A. Están violando el uso correcto de la ley (leer 1 Timoteo 1:9).

B. Ellos ignoran el hecho de que la ley exige la obediencia total (Gal 3:10, citando Deuteronomio 27:26). Es ilegítima de escoger y elegir los elementos del mismo que parecen ser "aplicable".

C. Pablo dice que si uno se ha librado de la ley por la fe en Cristo, a la exposición deliberada poner bajo control sus resultados en "caer de la gracia" (Gal 5:4). En otras palabras, para volver a los montos de la ley a un rechazo de Cristo.

D. Para volver a la ley como una forma de vida lo pone a uno bajo el control de la carne, sino que anula la verdadera espiritualidad por la fe en el Espíritu Santo y las derrotas del creyente. El resultado es la dominación de la naturaleza de pecado o de la carne (Gálatas 5:1-5; Col 2:14 f). ¹⁰

E. Para volver a la ley hace caso omiso de todas las declaraciones NT diciendo a los creyentes que no están bajo la ley del Antiguo Testamento.

VII. ¿Debe el cristiano sin ley (es decir, sin ley, antinómica)? Gracia N º y el perdón no son una licencia para pecar.

Gálatas 5:13 Porque vosotros, hermanos fueron llamados a la libertad, sólo que no uséis la libertad de una oportunidad para que la carne, sino servíos por amor los unos a los otros.

Gal 6:02 Llevad los unos las cargas y cumplid así la ley de Cristo.

Tito 2:11-14 Porque la gracia de Dios que ha manifestado para salvación a todos los hombres, enseñándonos que, renunciando a la impiedad ya los deseos mundanos, vivamos sobria, justa y piadosamente en este mundo;

Hebreos 1:09 [Cristo] amado la justicia y odiado la maldad ...

1 Juan 3:4 Todo aquel que comete pecado también compromete a la anarquía, y el pecado es la anarquía.

Tabla de contenidos

• Introducción: la interpretación de la Ley del Antiguo Testamento para los cristianos NT
• Mandamiento # 1: No tendrás dioses ajenos
• Mandamiento # 2: No hay imágenes grabadas
• Mandamiento # 3: No hay mal uso del nombre de Dios
• Mandamiento # 4: Recuerda el día de reposo
• Mandamiento # 5: Honra a tus padres
• Mandamiento # 6: no cometen asesinatos
• Mandamiento # 7: No cometerás adulterio
• Mandamiento # 8: no robar
• Mandamiento # 9: no mentir
• Mandamiento # 10: No codiciarás

Recursos Primarios

Escrito en piedra por Philip Graham Ryken (Crossway, 2003)

Camino a la Libertad por Alistair Begg (Moody, 2003)

La Ley de la perfecta libertad por Michael S. Horton (Moody, 1993)

Otras fuentes como se señaló

Biblia de Estudio Lección 7: Josué

Entrando en la Tierra Prometida

Contenido: El libro de Josué cubre unos treinta años de historia de Israel, haciendo hincapié en un período de cinco años de campañas militares de Josué. ¹ El libro recoge la derecha donde Deuteronomio dejado: Israel acampado por el río Jordán en el umbral de entrar a la prometida Tierra. Josué narra la historia de la conquista de Israel de la tierra y de su asentamiento en ella.

Dios asigna a Josué la tarea de destruir los reinos cananeos y mover a los israelitas a su tierra. Los capítulos 7 y 20 indican que los israelitas debían destruir totalmente a los cananeos que vivían dentro de los límites de la Tierra Prometida. Josué destruyó treinta y una las principales ciudades o reinos en todos (12:24). Después de eso, cada tribu era responsable de la entrada en su territorio asignado y destruir todos los cananeos que dejan allí. Por desgracia, muchas de las tribus que no supo o no pudo acabar con los cananeos. Este fracaso demostraría problemas a los israelitas durante muchos años por venir.

Josué contiene numerosas y conocidas historias de la Biblia: ocultación de Rahab a los espías, la división del río Jordán, la caída de los muros de Jericó, la desobediencia y la destrucción de Acán, y la determinación de Caleb.

Autoría: Aunque no hay un autor declaró del libro, la tradición judía lo asigna a Josué. Está claro que él sí escribió algunas de ellas por lo menos (24:25-26). El autor fue, obviamente, un testigo presencial de los hechos descritos en el libro. La fecha de la autoría es de aproximadamente 1390 antes de Cristo. La conquista se produjo probablemente alrededor de 1406 aC.

Título: El texto hebreo lleva el Yehoshua la inscripción. La palabra "Josué" significa "Yahvé salva" o "Yahvé es salvación." El título por lo tanto, convenientemente describe lo que Dios usó a Josué que hacer, es decir, para salvar a su pueblo por la conquista de Canaán, y la partición a Israel como su patria prometida. ² Nota que "Jesús" es la forma griega de "Josué".

Finalidad: para registrar la conquista de la tierra de Canaán por Israel y por lo tanto, mostrar la fidelidad de Dios en cumplir su promesa de bendecir a la línea de Abraham de la familia. ³ Parte del pacto de Abraham (Génesis 12:2-3; 15:12 cf. -21) incluye una promesa incondicional que Dios le daría a Abraham una tierra específica y muchos descendientes. El libro de Josué nos muestra que Dios cumple sus promesas.

Personajes clave: Josué, Caleb, Rahab

Palabras clave: herencia, poseen

Un esquema de Josué

I. La invasión y conquista de la tierra (1-12)

A. entrar en Canaán (1-5)

B. conquista de Canaán (6-12)

1. Central de la conquista

2. El sur de la conquista

3. El norte de la conquista

II. La división de la tierra (13-24)

A. La distribución de la tierra a las tribus (13-22)

B. Los últimos mensajes de Josué (23-24)

Jenuine Jems de Joshua

I. Dios cumple sus promesas

Dios hizo las promesas de los siglos pacto de Abraham antes de su realización. A pesar de que tanto tiempo había pasado, que Dios estaba haciendo las cosas por cumplir sus promesas.

Aplicación: Dios ha hecho muchas promesas creyentes del NT, uno de los más notables es la Segunda Venida de Cristo. Aunque ha pasado mucho tiempo desde que fue hecha la promesa, podemos estar seguros de que Dios cumplirá sus promesas para nosotros. Dios es fiel y digno de confianza.

II. Lo que parece imposible es posible para Dios.

De acuerdo con diez de los doce espías, la conquista de Canaán era totalmente imposible. Sin embargo, eso es exactamente lo que hizo Israel. Dios dio a los israelitas en repetidas ocasiones el poder de hacer lo que nunca podría haber hecho por sí mismos.

[Israel no era exactamente una potencia militar. Eran los antiguos esclavos, con prácticamente ninguna experiencia militar. Así que para ellos para conquistar la tierra era imposible. ]

Aplicación: Se podrán ser llamados a hacer lo aparentemente imposible en el servicio de Dios. Sin embargo, Dios proveerá la fuerza necesaria para lograr grandes cosas en su servicio. Tenemos que ser fuertes y valientes como servir a Dios (Josué 1:9)

III. Dios juzga el pecado.

A. Dios juzga a las naciones pecadoras. Dios usó a Israel para destruir la civilización cananea idólatras y malos. Medida de tierra de los cananeos del pecado es ahora "plena", es decir, listo para ser juzgado (Gen 15:16).

B. Dios juzga el pecado en la vida de su propio pueblo. Acán deseado a algunos de los despojos de la guerra y tomó para sí mismo. Su pecado causó la muerte de muchos soldados, porque no había "pecado en el campamento." Cuando se descubrió su pecado, él y su familia fueron destruidas.

Aplicación: Los malvados todavía puede esperar el juicio de Dios. Los que se guardan debe esperar un castigo. Además, su pecado afecta a los demás. Toda la familia de Acán sufrió las consecuencias del pecado de Acán.

IV. Dios es misericordioso.

Rahab la ramera, se convirtió en miembro de la nación israelita. A pesar de que era un pecador (una prostituta) que viven en medio de una nación pecadora, ella respondió a Dios en la fe. Ella incluso se menciona en Hebreos 11:31 como uno que vivía por la fe. Curiosamente, se convirtió en un antepasado del Rey David, y por lo tanto, Jesús (Mateo 1:5).

Aplicación: Dios puede tomar el peor pecador y convertirlo en un santo (cf. Tito 3:3-5). Nadie está más allá del ahorro de la gracia de Dios ofrece. Por ejemplo, "sin ataduras", programa de radio.

Conclusión:

Josué habla de la conquista de Israel y el asentamiento en la Tierra Prometida. Dios sigue mostrando su fidelidad a su promesa a Abraham para hacer de su familia en una gran nación en la tierra de Canaán.

Discusión:

1. Resumir el libro de Josué. La conquista y la división de la tierra prometida.

2. ¿Cómo fue capaz de conquistar a Israel de la tierra? Thru ayuda de Dios. Ellos no eran una gran fuerza militar por sí mismos.

3. ¿Cuáles son algunos de los principios eternos que podemos aprender de Josué que Dios cumple sus promesas, ¿que todas las cosas son posibles para Dios, para ser fuerte y valiente, que Dios juzga el pecado, que Dios es misericordioso

Un estudio de las Escrituras: Lección 6 Deuteronomio

Compromiso

Deuteronomio deriva su nombre de dos palabras griegas, deuteros que significa "segundo" y "la ley". Nomos significado El libro es realmente un registro de los sermones de Moisés en la ley. ¹ El nombre hebreo es "éstas son las palabras" (HLA Myrbdh ).

Deuteronomio ofrece una revisión de la historia del país y una renovación de la alianza establecida entre Dios y los padres de la nación relativa a la Tierra Prometida, Canaán. La idea clave de este libro podría resumirse: ". Dios te bendiga si escucha su palabra, la guardan, y amar a Dios con el corazón" era la meta de Moisés en este libro para animar a la gente de Dios para hacer un nuevo compromiso de el Señor. ² Esta renovación del compromiso con Dios era necesaria por varias razones:

• La generación que había salido de Egipto, ahora estaban muertos.
• La 2 ^ª generación necesitaba oír la Ley y hacer su propio compromiso con Dios.
• Estaban a punto de entrar en Canaán y tratar de conquistarla. Tenían que estar unidos.
• Después de conquistar la tierra, iban a convertirse en una nación resuelta y que se enfrentarían a nuevos retos y tentaciones.
• Moisés estaba a punto de pasar por la escena, y Josué estaba a punto de asumir el control como líder.

[¿Quién fue con vida de la 1 ª generación? Moisés, Caleb, y los menores de 20 años de edad en Cades-barnea. ¿Por qué era importante exhortar a estas personas a que se comprometan a obedecer a Dios? Sus padres tuvieron por primera vez? Un conocimiento directo de Dios, pero no puede tener. Lección: no se puede vivir su vida en la fe de sus padres. Usted tiene que tener su propia relación con Dios.]

El libro de Deuteronomio es importante por varias razones. Jesús cita de él (Mateo 4:4), al igual que muchos de los autores del AT y NT. Deuteronomio "se erige como la fuente de la revelación histórica bíblica. Es una fuente primordial para la AT y teología del Nuevo Testamento. " ³

La estructura del libro se desprende que de los tratados de vasallaje propias del segundo milenio antes de Cristo. Es decir, cuando un rey a un acuerdo con un sujeto (o vasallo) país, el tratado sigue un patrón determinado. Deuteronomio sigue este patrón vagamente.

{Un vasallo es una persona o país. El reino rey o gobernante se refirió también a como el soberano, es decir, una nación que controla a otra nación en los asuntos internacionales, pero permite que la soberanía nacional. ⁴ }

Palabras clave: mantener, observar, recordar

Personajes clave: Moisés y Josué

Fecha: alrededor de 1405 aC, después de 38 años de deambular en el desierto

La mayor parte del último capítulo está escrito en la 3 ^ª persona. Josué o algún otro editor debe haber añadido esta parte después de la muerte de Moisés.

Propósitos del Deuteronomio:

ü para explicar o exponer la Ley

ü para alentar a la nueva generación de poseer la Tierra Prometida y obedecer a Dios (4:1-2, 6:3, 17-19, 24-25; 8:1; 10:12-11:32)

ü para evitar el juicio y la promoción de la bendición de la nación por el Señor a medida que entran en la Tierra Prometida (6:15-19, 24-25; 7:4, 9-16; 15:4-6, 10)

Esquema del Deuteronomio

Introducción: El Marco Histórico (1:1-4)

I. Una revisión de los actos poderosos de Dios (1:05-04:43)

II. Revisión de la ley, los comandos y advertencias (4:44-26:19)

III. La renovación del pacto, las bendiciones y maldiciones (27:1-29:1)

IV. Resumen de las demandas del Pacto: Rendimientos de Obediencia bendiciones (29:2-30:20)

V. La transición de liderazgo de Moisés a Josué (31-34)

Dirección dinámica del Deuteronomio

I. Dios desea un compromiso genuino.

Deuteronomio insiste en la importancia de un amor verdadero para con Dios (6:4-6; 10:12; 11:13; 30:6). Curiosamente, los últimos cuatro libros del Pentateuco se centran más en la obediencia externa en lugar de la actitud interna. Deuteronomio hace hincapié en el corazón: la Palabra de Dios debe estar en sus corazones (5:29; 6:6), el desánimo comienza en el corazón (1:28), y que debe amar y servir a Dios desde el corazón (4:29, 10: 12).

[Este fue el medio de salvación en el Antiguo Testamento-a amar a Dios con el corazón. Uno no se ha guardado a través de la participación en el ritual solo. Los que se salvaron participaron en el ritual, pero eso no es lo que los salvó. La mayor parte de Israel no era verdaderamente salva.]

Aplicación: la religión hacia el exterior no es aceptable para Dios. Debemos tener una relación genuina con Él y servirle a Él con un corazón de amor.

II. Dios espera que su gente a obedecer su Palabra.

Moisés hace hincapié repetidamente en la importancia de obedecer la Palabra de Dios (11:27-28, 13:4; 27:10). Los israelitas habían sido culpables de olvidarse de su Palabra, dando vuelta a los ídolos, y despreciando la ley. Ahora, en el umbral de entrar a la Tierra Prometida, que deberá regresar a la Palabra de Dios y se comprometen a obedecerlo.

Aplicación: Es necesario obedecer a la Palabra de Dios.

III. Dios es bueno.

Moisés le recuerda a la gente de la bondad de Dios para ellos en la entrega de la esclavitud de Egipto, cómo los había sostenido a través de las peregrinaciones en el desierto, y cómo los está preparando para entrar a la tierra prometida (cf. 2:7). Se les exhorta a no olvidarte de Jehová y las grandes cosas que ha hecho por ellos. Israel tenía una posición privilegiada con Dios, y Moisés exhorta al pueblo para servir a Dios fielmente y ser santos, porque de él. ⁵

Aplicación: Dios ha sido bueno para nosotros. Él nos ha librado de la potestad y el castigo del pecado, que nos sostiene a través de nuestras vidas, y nos ha prometido un lugar con él. Debido a la bondad de Dios hacia nosotros, debemos estar agradecidos y comprometidos con él.

IV. Dios bendice y provee para su pueblo obediente

A pesar de que Moisés y los hombres del éxodo no verá la tierra, Caleb, Josué y la próxima generación de la nación va a ver, entrar y heredar la tierra (1:34-40). Dios quiere bendecir a su pueblo con la posesión de la tierra (1:6-8a) si van a obedecer la ley (5:29, 32-33).

Application: Blessing follows those who trust God and obey Him. Obedience yields blessing.

V. God Judges Evil

As Moses recounts the history of the nation, it becomes very evident that God chastened them for their sin and lack of faith. When they should have entered Canaan, they refused to trust God and ended up wandering in the wilderness for nearly 40 years (2:1). Even Moses does not enter the Promised Land because of his disobedience (32:51-52). The Lord does promise to deliver his people from judgment if they turn again to him (repent) and listen to Him (4:29-31).

Application: God has not changed–He still judges evil. Those who sin will experience God's hand of chastening. Cf. Heb 12:5-7. We should repent when we sin.

+ Obedience results in blessings (28:1-6).

+ Disobedience results in cursings (28:15-19)

One of the clearest themes in the entire book is the idea of blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience (points IV and V above). Chapters 27-30 are largely given over to explaining how God intends to bless the Israelites as they obey Him or how God intends to curse the nation if it disobeys Him (28:1-2f cf. 15f). Unfortunately, the rest of the OT shows how Israel decided to disobey (for the most part).

Note that the nature of the blessings and curses were physical . That is, the Israelites would prosper financially, militarily, and politically if they obeyed God. Likewise, the curses: if they disobeyed, God would strike them with poverty, let other nations overtake them, and disperse them from the land.

Can NT Christians expect the same sort of blessings and cursings? ¿Por qué o por qué no?

[No. Remember the nature of this agreement: it was between God and Israel. The same cannot be said of the relationship between God and the church. Israel is not the church. There is, however, a spiritual parallel of sorts. We will be blessed in a spiritual sense as we obey, and we will experience chastisement when we disobey. But we shouldn't expect political or financial gain to be the result of obeying God (contra health and wealth/prosperity theology).]

Conclusión

Deuteronomy has many lessons for modern believers. The blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience are still in operation today. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, but God chastens those who sin. God displays His goodness and His patience with His people every day. And above all, God is pleased with those who seek after Him with all their hearts.

Discusión

1. Summarize the book of Deuteronomy. Review of the Law, Commands and Warnings, Covenant Renewal, Blessings and Cursings

1. ¿Cuáles son algunos de los temas principales en el libro? Obediencia, bendiciones y las maldiciones, la bondad de Dios y el poder.

2. ¿Por qué era importante para Moisés para explicar la Ley y renovar la alianza con el pueblo, porque se trataba de una nueva generación, ¿porque estaban a punto de entrar a la Tierra Prometida.

3. What are some important applications modern readers can make from Deuteronomy? That God desires genuine, heart-felt commitment; that God expects us to obey his word; that God is good; that God blesses obedience and judges sin.

A Survey of the Scriptures: Lesson 5 Numbers

Instructions for Israel

Like Leviticus, the book of Numbers doesn't often show up on lists of favorite Bible books. But Numbers, although rather obscure, contains a great deal of information about the history of Israel as well as many practical lessons that we can apply today. [In fact, several well-known Bible stories come out of Numbers. ]

News about Numbers

Name: The book is called “Numbers” because of the many statistics contained in it, such as tribal populations and the totals of priests and Levites. The Greek title in the translation of the OT (LXX) was arithmoi . The Latin Vulgate picked up on the Greek title and named the book Numeri from which the English acquires the name Numbers. The book also recounts two censuses taken in Israel. Interestingly, the Hebrew name for the book is bemidbar (rbdmb), the fifth word of the book, meaning “in the desert of.”

Theme/content: Besides many statistics and lists of things, Numbers contains information about (a) how Israel as a nation was to order itself as it traveled through the desert; (b) how the priests and Levites were to function as they traveled; (c) how they were to prepare themselves to conquer the Promised Land (Canaan). The book covers a 40 -year period from the giving of the Law at Sinai to the eve of the conquest of Canaan. The narrative sections demonstrate the successes and failures of the Lord's people as they conformed or did not conform to the Law. ¹ Numbers continues the account of God's faithfulness to his promise to Abraham to make his family a great nation. ²

Key word: wandering . Israel wandered in the desert for about 40 years. ¿Sabes por qué?

{Because of their lack of belief at KB.

Also remember that Israel was about 2 million people strong. Certain organizational strategies had to be implemented in order to move people efficiently. Israel was arranged by tribes around the Tabernacle, which was at the center of the camp. There was a fixed marching and camping order. Each tribe knew when to leave as the nation broke camp and marched, and where to set up camp when the march ended. ³ }

Key chapter: 14 – unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea

Key characters: Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Caleb, Korah, Balaam

An Outline of Numbers

I. The Journey from Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea (1-12)

A. Preparation

B. The journey itself

II. Israel in the Wilderness (13-19)

A. The crises of unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea

B. Laws after the crises

C. The rebellion of Korah and its results

III. The Journey from Kadesh-Barnea to Moab (20-36)

A. Incidents on the way to Moab

B. Incidents with Balaam

C. The census

D. New laws

Purposes of the Book of Numbers:

A. to fill-in the historical period from the Exodus and Sinai revelation to the preparations in Moab to enter the Promised Land

B. to explain that the 38 year period in the wilderness was a consequence for the unbelief of the older generation (Dt 1:35ff)

C. to demonstrate God's faithfulness and forbearance against the backdrop of Israel's unfaithfulness, rebellion, apostasy and frustration

D. to narrate the preparation of Israel for entry into the Promise Land by describing the journey from Sinai to the region beyond Jordan, and the legal decisions made in the wilderness ⁴

Implicit Instruction in Numbers:

1. God hates complaining . (11:1?2)

This was not the first instance of Israel complaining about something. They grumbled at the sight of Pharaoh's army on the banks of the Red Sea, about the bitter water at Mara, and about the lack of food and water in the desert. Such complaining aroused God's wrath.

Application: God still hates complaining, especially complaining about providential circumstances. Ver Phil. 2:14-15.

[Why is complaining such a detrimental attitude/action? It evidences a lack of trust in God. It also tends to spread.

When are you most prone to complain? What could you do to prevent a complaining attitude? Try to be thankful, not blame others, say nothing instead of talk, determine if your complaint is valid.]

2. God hates rebellion . (chs. 13-14, 16)

Chapters 13 and 14 tell the story of the reluctance of the people to enter Canaan after the discouraging report of the 10 spies. What was the result of the peoples' rebellion at this point?

[That whole generation died as they wandered thru the desert for 40 years.

What did these people base their decision on? 13:31 (on sight, appearance, size, circumstance). What should they have based it on? 14:8?9 (God's promises). ]

Chapter 16 tells the story of Korah, who, motivated by jealousy, challenged Moses' leadership. In response, Moses stated that this challenge was really rebellion against God, since God Himself had clearly placed Moses in the leadership position (16:11). God judged the rebels by causing the ground to open and swallow them up. Unfortunately, neither of these incidents cured Israel's inclination toward rebellion and complaint (16:41).

Applications: We can learn much from these incidents in the life of Israel.

We can trust God no matter what the circumstances .

While it seemed that the odds were against Israel, they still should have entered Canaan when God told them to. They should have realized that the God who plagued Egypt and opened the Red Sea could conquer the land for them. In the same way, we shouldn't be discouraged when circumstances seem to be against us. We should trust that God will make a way for us when we are following Him.

[Caution: They had something we don't: direct revelation and a prophet telling them exactly/specifically what to do, where to go, when to go, etc.]

Don't follow others who don't follow God .

250 leaders of Israel with their families died in the rebellion of Korah. Watch who you follow—you may end up sharing in their same end.

[Can you think of who suffered by following false prophets? Eg, Brand Davidians-David Koresh; Jim Jones.]

It's a serious thing to call into question or rebel against legitimate spiritual leadership .

Rebelling against God-given authority is a serious sin. If you've got a complaint or gripe against legitimate leadership, you'd better handle it in the right way.

[There are proper times to replace the leader: immorality, doctrinal deviation, not meeting the biblical criteria, etc. But even then you should deal with it in the biblically prescribed manner. ]

God always judges rebellion .

Korah and his followers learned first hand the high price of rebellion.

[If you are in rebellion, you can count on being chastised if you are a Christian. Remember what happened to the rebels in this case. You may experience similar results. ]

3. God hates idolatry . 25:1?4, 9

While staying near Moab, the Israelites were influenced to worship false gods. As a result, “the LORD's anger burned against them.” This was not the first time, nor would it be the last time, Israel worshipped other gods. The Babylonian captivity (586 BC) was largely the result of idolatry.

Application: While a true Christian will never actually worship other gods, he may be guilty of substituting something in place of God, or of giving something else God's rightful place. Further, believers must be careful who they let influence them. Limit your exposure to false doctrine.

[Remember that most of Israel were not actually believers at this point. Hence, getting them to do the right thing would be like getting a bunch of unsaved people to run the church right. ]

Conclusión

The book of Numbers has plenty of biblical principles that are applicable to modern believers. God hates complaining, rebellion and idolatry.

Discusión:

1. Summarize the contents of Numbers. Israel in the wilderness. They refuse to enter the Promised Land and start their 40 years wandering in the desert.

2. Why is it sometimes unwise to make decisions based on appearances? Doing so does not take God's power into consideration. God can do the impossible.

3. Why is rebellion against legitimate authority so serious? Because it's really rebellion against God, since all power comes from God.

4. Why is it so dangerous to allow the influence of false teachers in your life? Besides being a bad influence on you, you could end up suffering the same end as they do.

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A Survey of the Scriptures: Lesson 4 LEVITICUS

Holiness in Worship and Life

When was the last time you read through the book of Leviticus? ¿Alguna vez has leído? This book is usually not high on the list of favorite Bible books, yet it contains many timeless principles that are applicable to us today.

Learning Leviticus:

Name : The name of the book comes from a Greek word meaning “that which pertains to the Levites .” The Hebrew name for the book comes from the first word, “and he called.” The Latin Vulgate rendered the Greek heading Liber Leviticus (Book of Leviticus) from which the English is derived.

[Who were the Levites? A descendant of the tribe of Levi, the tribe to which Moses and Aaron belonged; generally used as the title of that portion of the tribe which was set apart for the subordinate offices of the sanctuary service (1Ki 8:4; Ezr 2:70) as assistants to the priests. The Levitical order consisted of all the descendants of Levi's three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; whilst Aaron and his descendants constituted the priestly order. They were the special guardians of the tabernacle. It was their duty to move the tent and carry the parts of the sacred structure from place to place. They were given to Aaron and his sons the priests to wait upon them and do work for them at the sanctuary services. As being wholly consecrated to the service of the Lord, they had no territorial possessions.]

Theme: holiness . Because God is holy, God's people must be holy and their worship of God must be holy. The basic meaning of holiness is to be set apart and/or dedicated to God. The word “holy” or “holiness” is mentioned about 85 times in the book.

Leviticus goes into great detail about how both people and offerings must be perfect, without blemish. Lack of physical perfection somehow was associated with sin. Those who had diseases were banished from the camp, the place of God's presence. Further, the offerings (sheep, doves, and cattle) had to be perfect. The spiritual significance of all this is that God requires perfection . Since man cannot be perfect, he must sacrifice a perfect substitute.

Content: Most of the book describes the Levitical sacrificial system centered around the Tabernacle. [Describe the tabernacle.] The Mosaic Law governed nearly every aspect of life in the Theocracy. [Define theocracy.] Leviticus includes laws and regulations for worship, ceremonial cleanness, morality, holy days, the Sabbath year, etc. The book contains God's directions for Israel maintaining a right relationship with Him.

[I'm glad I don't live under this system. No church, no shrimp, no cotton/poly blends, etc.

While it had its drawbacks, those who trusted God loved the Law and the system. Also remember that this system was the only proper way to approach/worship God. If one wanted to be right with God, he had to convert to Judaism. Eg, Ruth.

Further, as we compare the regulations of Lev. with what is currently required, we should be reminded of dispensational truth, ie, that God has changed in His dealings with man over time and in accordance with new revelation.

Time, date, author are the same as the other books of the Pentateuch.]

Purposes of Leviticus:

A. Priests : To remind the priests who officiate before God that He must be treated as holy and honored before all the people (Lev 10:3)

B. Individual : To instruct the individual that he must come before God in worship through cleanness, atonement, and holy living

C. Nation : To remind the nation of their covenant obligations which are necessary for continued occupation of and blessing in God's land

D. Requirements : To present his redeemed, covenanted people with a collection of religious, civil, social, moral, and economic rules in order that the Holy God may continue to dwell amid an unholy people as He continues His work through them in the world.

E. Reveal : To reveal God in His holiness, righteousness, mercy, and sovereignty

F. Model : To demand that the Israelites live in a way that would show to the neighboring nations the true nature of holiness. ¹

Significance : Leviticus is referred to about 40 times in the NT. Many NT concepts are based on an understanding of the Levitical system. This is especially seen in the book of Hebrews. Leviticus also reveals important information about God's holiness that had not been revealed up to this point.

An Outline of Leviticus:

I. The five main offerings (1-7)

II. The ordination and work of Aaron and his sons (8-10)

III. Laws of cleanness (11-15)

IV. The Day of Atonement and tabernacle worship (16-17)

V. Moral laws (18-20)

VI. Regulations for priests, offerings and feasts (21-24)

VII. Crimes and punishments (24)

VIII. The Sabbath year, Jubilee, and slavery (25)

IX. Blessings and cursings (26)

X. Vows (27)

Lofty Lessons from Leviticus:

I. Our Worship must be Holy.

A. God is Holy. 11:44, 45; 19:2

Holy means separate, set apart, sacred.

B. God is to be worshipped in a specific way. The sacrificial system maintained the faithful believer's fellowship with God (4:20, 26, 31, 35). Forgiveness was granted based on the future work of Christ (Heb 9:26).

Some have taught mistakenly that God “covered” sin but did not really forgive sin under the OT system. Esto no es cierto. If offered in true faith and obedience, sacrifice brought actual forgiveness and removal of guilt and punishment for sin. While forgiveness was ultimately based on Christ's sacrificial death, the OT sacrifice did remove sin and guilt. Sacrifice in that dispensation was the only appointed means of forgiveness and fellowship with God. One could not ignore the ritual and still have a right relationship with God.

Question: Did merely working the system save anyone?

[No, one had to have a heart attitude of faith in God. Many of the rules had more to do with citizenship in the nation of Israel than with faith in God. So one could be a “good Jew” by working the system, yet not have faith in God.]

C. Incorrect worship is unacceptable to God. 22:25b

Many people have the mistaken notion that they can worship God in any way they see fit, as long as they are sincere. Yet the Bible repeatedly teaches that one must approach God in the way that He has specified. Incorrect worship, though sincere and well-meaning, is simply unacceptable. See 1 Sam 15:22.

Application : God must be revered and worshipped. We cannot approach God in any way we want. Our worship should be reverent and obedient, in keeping with God's character and with biblical guidelines.

[Hence the character of our worship services: reverent, subdued, more intellectual than emotional, focusing on the character of God.]

II. Our lives must be Holy.

A. God's holiness is the basis for our holiness. 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7-8;

It makes sense that Israel, God's chosen people, would imitate God's character. If still makes sense for God's people to do so. Since God is holy, we should strive to be holy.

B. Holiness is measurable : conformity to the standard . The focus of Leviticus is an external obedience to the regulations. Obedience equals holiness. There is an external dimension to holiness. Notice the regulations in chapters 19?20. See also 1 John 2:3-6.

[There is little mention of being sorrowful for sin, of guilty feelings, of heart attitudes. This obviously doesn't negate the importance of heart attitude. I point this out because of the modern emphasis on heart/feelings over strict obedience. People think that as long as their motivations are pure, they can do what they want. Esto es falso. God is concerned about heart attitudes, but He is also concerned about external obedience to His commandments.

There is a danger in equating obedience to the letter of the law with salvation or spirituality. But I think the danger of laxity/apathy is equally as great.]

Application : 1 Pet. 1:15?16. There are two aspects of holiness: separation from sin and dedication to God. Both of these should be evident in the Christian's life.

Conclusión

While the regulations in Leviticus, as part of the Law, no longer apply directly to NT believers, there are important principles that we can learn from the book. God is holy; therefore, believers must be holy. They must worship God in the correct manner and their lives should be holy.

Discusión:

1. Briefly summarize the contents of Leviticus. Laws and regulations for Israel to maintain a positive relationship with God.

2. Why do we insist on a worship style that is reverent and serious? Because our worship should reflect God's holy character.

3. What are the two aspects of holiness? Separation from sin and dedication to God.

4. Is holiness simply keeping the rules? No, one's heart attitude needs to be right as well. One must be dedicated to God, ie, have a desire to maintain a right relationship with God.

What are the primary lessons of Leviticus for Christians? That God is holy, that our worship of God must be holy, and that that we must live holy lives.

A Survey of the Scripture: Lesson 3: Exodus

EXODUS–THE DELIVERANCE AND INSTRUCTION OF THE NATION

Exodus is the story of the exodus of the nation of Israel from Egypt, and their subsequent reception of the Law in the wilderness. The word “exodus” is from a Greek word meaning “ exit .” Exodus picks up the story of God's providential care of His people after a silent period of 275 years.

At the conclusion of Genesis, Israel's population was about 75 . During the 275 silent years, Israel grew to about 2.5 million people and became enslaved to the Egyptians. Israel lived in Egypt for about 430 years.

The Law was Israel's constitution . Prior to this point, Israel was a people, but not an organized nation. With the giving of the Law, the people became a nation, organized with a legal system, rulers, procedures, policies, and a systematized religion.

Exodus is an important book for a number of reasons. It records much of the early days of Israel's history and the origins of Jewish religious practices. Further, nearly every OT book makes reference to the material contained in Exodus, as do many NT books.

[Again we see the interrelatedness of Scripture–if one part falls, so does all the rest.]

An Outline of Exodus:

I. The Exodus from Egypt and Traveling to Mt. Sinai (ch. 1-18)

A. Israel is enslaved. (1:8-14)

B. Moses is born and called. (ch. 2-4)

C. The nation is delivered from Egypt. (ch. 5-18)

1. God plagues Egypt.

2. God passes over Israel.

3. God leads the nation out of Egypt.

II. The Giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai (ch. 19-24)

A. The 10 Commandments (moral law)

B. Social and civil laws

C. Religious laws

III. The Tabernacle (ch. 25-40)

A. Its design

B. Its delay

C. Its completion

Important Facts about Exodus:

¨ Hebrew title: “These are the names,” which is the first phrase of the book. In the Greek (LXX) the book is named Exodus , emphasizing the departure (or exit) of Israel from Egypt.

¨ Author: Moses . Duet 31:9 “Moses wrote down this Law.” Cf also 1 Kings 2:3, Neh 8:1. Jesus called Exodus “the book of Moses” (Mark 7:10, 12:26).

¨ Date of the exodus: about 1445 BC. Both biblical and secular evidence support this date.

¨ Date of the writing of Exodus: probably while in the wilderness, around 1425 BC (Moses died in 1406).

¨ Key word: Redeem . God promised to redeem His people from bondage under Egypt (6:6). God also stipulated that every first-born child be redeemed with the sacrifice of an animal (13:13, 15).

¨ Key chapters: 12 – the exodus out of Egypt; 20 – the 10 Commandments

¨ Key characters: Pharaoh, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Caleb

¨ Interpretive Difficulties: The date and route of the Exodus have been the subject of considerable debate. Sorting out the chronology, the places named, and the characters involved (especially the Egyptian pharaohs) has been very difficult.

Exciting Ideas from Exodus:

1. God is sovereign . God is clearly controlling the events played out in the pages of Exodus. Israel stayed in Egypt for as long as God wanted them there. The plagues of Egypt especially display God's power over nature and over mankind. Everything is following God's eternal plan. Read, eg, Ex 6:6 .

Modern Applications: God is still sovereign. He's in control of all things, and everything is following His divine plan. We may not understand why things happen, but we can trust that God is in control and working all things according to His will (Eph 1:11).

2. God is faithful to His promises . He will redeem His people. God had promised to give Canaan to Abraham. After over 400 years, and when Abraham's family had become a great nation, Israel was ready to enter the Promised Land. God is fulfilling His promise to Abraham to make his family into a great nation.

Modern Applications: We can trust God to come thru on His promises. Eg, 2 ^nd coming of Christ; rewards for the righteous/judgment for the wicked; trusting God to take care of you; trusting that God knows best and His word is true.

Interesting note: 4x in Exodus 7-8 we see the phrase “as the LORD had said.”

Also, God's redemption of Israel from Egypt is an illustration of the believer's redemption from sin. God will redeem those who trust in Him.

3. God has given us a standard to live by. The standard that controlled nearly every aspect of Jewish life was the Law of Moses. The 10 Commandments (Ex 20) summarize God's requirements for man.

Modern Applications: While we are not under the Mosaic Law, we still have a standard to follow–the Bible. There are many principles from the OT that still apply to us.

4. God has a particular place and plan for His people to worship Him. God designed the temple and gave detailed directions for the correct way to approach and worship Him. Read Ex 25:8-9.

Modern Applications: We must be very careful how we worship God. We must make sure our worship practices are biblical and appropriate. Some of the ways that people try to worship God today are inappropriate. Many think that as long as you are sincere, you can approach God any way you want. No es cierto.

The Westminster Confession (Chapter XXI) says: The acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture.

5. God hates complaining . The Israelites were repeatedly guilty of murmuring against the Lord (15:24; 16:2, 7, 8). They complained about the quality of food, the lack of water, and about Moses' leadership.

Modern Application: Don't complain or whine. These people were impatient and dissatisfied with God's treatment of them (read 16:8). Don't be guilty of the same offense.

Conclusión:

At the beginning of Exodus, we find the Jews oppressed under their Egyptian taskmasters. By the end of the book, Israel has left Egypt, is heading toward the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses, and is organized as a nation with a governing constitution. Throughout the book we clearly see God's sovereign hand of guidance and protection for His chosen people. Thus God fulfills his promises to Abraham.

Discusión:

1. Summarize the contents of Exodus. Moses and the exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Law at Sinai, the pattern for the Tabernacle and for worship.

2. In what chapter of Exodus do we find the 10 Commandment? Chapter 20.

3. What does the detailed description of the Tabernacle tell us about how we are to worship God? It shows that God desires for us to worship Him in a certain way. We must insure that we follow the Bible in or worship practices.

4. How do we know that we no longer have to follow the directions for worship as given in Exodus? NT tells us so. Christ came to redeem us from the curse of the Law (Gal 3:13). Paul states plainly that we are no longer under the Law (Rom 6:14; Gal 5:18).

A Survey of the Scriptures: Lesson 2 Genesis

Genesis is a book about origins. It gives the account of the origins of mankind and his world, of the origin of sin and its curse, and the beginnings of God's plan to redeem man through His chosen people, Israel .

Genesis is not merely history. It is not intended to be a chronicle of events, a history for history's sake, or even a complete biography of the nation. It is a theological interpretation of selected records of the ancestors of Israel. Genesis explains the causes behind the results. The book records God-planned and God-directed history. ¹

Genesis describes FOUR MAJOR EVENTS:

1. creation 2. The fall of man

3. the flood 4. The Tower of Babel

Genesis describes FOUR IMPORTANT PEOPLE:

1. Abraham 2. Isaac

3. Jacob 4. Joseph

Note : Genesis records the history of actual people. It is not religious myth or legend.

[Why would some people suppose/believe that Genesis is a myth or legend? Because much modern science/philosophy disagree with it. We have to determine if we are going to believe what people say or what God says.]

Why is the book of Genesis so important?

1. It describes the origin of man. Cf. Gen 1:27

The fact that God created man gives him a purpose and meaning for life. Man's ultimate purpose is to honor and obey God. Evolution is random and meaningless. Attempts to integrate the biblical record with evolution are bound to fail because the two systems are basically contradictory.

[What are some ways that the Genesis account and evolutionary theory are contradictory? The existence of God; the age of the earth; the origin of species; the purpose/meaning of life. These are basic, essential contradictions.]

It's important that we retain a commitment to Genesis as an accurate account of what really happened. Genesis doesn't record events in scientific terms, but it is an accurate account. If it's not true, the Bible is not trustworthy.

2. Jesus believed that Genesis was true. Cf. Matt 24:37; John 8:58

[What if Jesus was wrong? He's no savior. Maybe he was just accommodating the ignorance of the people who surrounded him. Again, this calls into question his claim to be the savior and the Son of God.]

3. Other books draw on the contents of Genesis. Cf. Matt 1:2f

Genesis is quoted about 60 times in the NT in 17 different books. The other biblical writers act as if Genesis was actually, literally true. If Genesis is wrong, then the other writers were either ignorant or wrong, and in any case not to be trusted. The whole Bible stands or falls with Genesis. The book is foundational to all that follows it.

The Theme of Genesis

Genesis gives Israel the theological and historical basis for her existence as God's Chosen People. ² The theme of Genesis is God's providential care for His people . He created and sustained Adam, chose Abraham to be the patriarch of His people, and cared for this family from one generation to the next.

Genesis not only means 'beginning', but it is the book of beginnings. El libro del Génesis nos da nuestro punto de referencia histórico, de la cual todos los ingresos revelación posteriores. En el libro del Génesis, todos los grandes temas de la Biblia tienen su origen. It is a book of many beginnings: in it we see the beginning of the universe, of man and woman, of human sin and the fall of the race, the beginning of God's promises of salvation, and the beginning of the nation Israel as the chosen people of God because of God's special purpose for them as the channel for the Messiah. En Génesis aprendemos de Adán y Eva, sobre Satanás, el tentador, acerca de Noé, el diluvio, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, y José y sus hermanos. But here we also have the beginning of marriage, family, work, sin, murder, capitol punishment, sacrifice, races, languages, civilization and the Sabbath. La Biblia es, de principio a fin, una revelación histórica. It is the account of God's activity in history. ³

An Outline of Genesis:

1. God's providential care of mankind in general (1-11)

una. The Creation (1-2)

b. The Fall of Man (3-5)

c. The Flood (6-9)

d. The Nations (10-11)

2. God's providential care for the Nation of Israel (15-50)

una. Abraham (12-23)

b. Isaac (24-26)

c. Jacob (27-36)

d. Joseph (37-50)

Other Important Facts from Genesis:

1. El Génesis nombre es tomado de la Septuaginta (LXX), la traducción griega del Antiguo Testamento. “Genesis” is from a Greek word meaning “beginning” or “origin.”

2. Palabras clave:

ü Beginning . The Hebrew title is “in the beginning.”

ü Generations or account . Una palabra o frase clave es "estas son las generaciones de" o "esta es la cuenta de". Se utiliza unos once veces para introducir al lector en la siguiente sección que da a la narración de lo sucedido en relación con los acontecimientos clave y personas de la obra de la creación de los cielos y la tierra a todos los patriarcas de Israel.

3. Key chapter: 12 – the Abrahamic covenant. God's agreement with Abraham and God's dealings with Abraham's family are the central emphasis of the book.

[By way of contrast, creation takes up only 2 chapters, and man's early history prior to Abe takes up only 9 more chapters. The other 39 chapters deal with Abe and his family.]

4. Key passage: 12:1-3, the Abrahamic Covenant .

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

God promised to bless Abraham personally, to bless his descendants, and to bless the entire world through Abraham's family. This covenant was eternal and unconditional . The rest of Genesis (and the rest of the Bible) shows how God did exactly what He promised to do.

5. Author: Moses . Both Scripture and tradition attribute the Pentateuch to Moses.

[Briefly explain the documentary hypothesis--JEDP]

6. Time of writing: most likely after the Exodus and before Israel entered the promised land, probably during the forty years in the wilderness, around 1425 BC

Genesis is a highly organized, structured book. After the prologues, Genesis is divided into ten parts marked out by the formula: “This is the genealogy [or history] of ….” This heading is followed by a genealogy of the person named or by stories involving his notable descendants. ⁴

Genuine Gems from Genesis

1. There is only one God , the creator and sustainer of all things.

• Beginning with the opening lines of the book, the reader is faced with the Creator God, the One who made all things from nothing with the power of His will. This is the only one and true God. The first line of the book overturns all false views of God (eg, atheism, polytheism, pantheism).
• The world and the universe are dependent upon God. He created them and sustains them. They exist for God's pleasure and are under His control. God rules over all creation.
• God has revealed Himself in word and deed to man. His particular dealings are with the Jews. Genesis gives Israel the theological and historical basis for her existence as God's chosen people.

2. God desires to enter into a relationship of loving sovereignty with people.

• The majority of Genesis deals with a single family, that of Abraham and Sarah. The book records how God chose Abram and cared from his family. It is through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that the nation of Israel comes into existence.
• God promised Abraham's family an eternal seed, land and a kingdom. Genesis gives the background for the fulfillment of these promises.
• God requires that men trust and obey Him. Like Abraham, those who trust God are counted as righteous. God blesses those who follow him and curses those who don't.
• Part of God's requirement for maintaining a positive relationship with Him is substitutionary sacrifice for sin. From the very beginning, God required the shedding of blood to pay for sin. This foreshadows the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin when Jesus died on the cross.

3. God sovereignly controls all things, including the affairs of men.

• God displays His sovereignty throughout the entire book. He wills the universe into existence, creates the first people, destroys the earth with a flood, confuses the languages, and chooses Abram's family to be His people. God's hand of guidance is clearly seen again and again. Nothing happens randomly. God is firmly in control of all things. What God promises He is able to fulfill .
• A very prominent theme in Genesis is God's unconditional choice of the Israelite nation through Abraham, which is described in the Abrahamic covenant (12:1-3; 15:1-21).

Conclusión

Much of what is begun in Genesis is fulfilled in Christ . He is the seed who will destroy Satan. He is the ultimate offspring promised to Abraham. Because of their union with Christ, believers participate in many of the blessings God promised to Abraham. The paradise lost by the first Adam is restored by the last Adam, Jesus Christ. Genesis explains the origins of God's dealings with man and sets the stage for the rest of the Bible. If you don't understand this book, the remaining 65 books will be closed to you.

Discusión

1. Summarize the book of Genesis. Creation, fall, flood, Babel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph.

2. What is the major theme of Genesis? God's providential care for His people.

3. Who is the main character in the book? Other than God, Abraham.

4. Why is Genesis such an important book? Because it gives the origins of everything and sets the stage for the rest of the Bible. All the other biblical books are based on Genesis.

A Survey of the Scriptures: Introduction (Genesis-Esther)

INTRODUCCIÓN: It is very important for Christians to get a general overview of the Bible because it is their source of faith and practice. This series is designed to examine the backgrounds and themes of Genesis through Esther.

[This is called a survey because we will hit just the highlights of the books we study, not much in depth. We'll talk about authorship, dates, some history, etc., and the main themes or messages of the books, but that's about it. So it will be a kind of “hit and run” series. ]

The Bible is God's written revelation of Himself to mankind. It was written by men who were “carried along” (2 Pet 1:21) by the Holy Spirit so that the autographs (ie, the original documents) were verbally and plenarily inspired and thus without error. Verbal inspiration means that every word of Scripture is inspired (Matt 5:18; 1 Cor 2:13), not just its thoughts or ideas. The Bible does not merely contain or reflect God's Word; it is God's Word in its entirety.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE:

1. The Bible is one book composed of 66 books. It was written over a period of about 1,500 years by some 40 different authors.

2. Each book has a definite purpose or theme . Each writer had a specific message for a certain audience. Our task is to find the theme and then apply the principles of each book to our lives.

[The theme is usually the author's purpose. Ie, why did he write? Eg, John 20:31]

3. The OT is composed of 39 books. They fit into the following categories:

* Law (Genesis – Deuteronomy; also called the Pentateuch or Torah)

* History (Joshua ? Esther)

* Poetry (Job ? Song of Solomon)

* Major Prophets (Isaiah ? Daniel)

* Minor Prophets (Hosea ? Malachi)

[What's the difference between major and minor prophets? They are not called the “minor” prophets because they are any less important; they are simply shorter books.]

The Old Testament lays the foundation for the coming of the Messiah anticipating Him as Prophet, Priest, and King and as the suffering Savior who must die for man's sin before He reigns.

The first five books of the OT are sometimes called the Pentateuch, which means “five books.” They are also known as the books of the Law because they contain the laws and instruction given by the Lord through Moses to the people of Israel. Moses wrote these books, except for the last portion of Deuteronomy (which tells of Moses' death). These five books lay the foundation for the coming of Christ. As God's chosen people, Israel became the custodians of the Old Testament, the recipients of the covenants of promise, and the channel of Messiah (Rom. 3:2; 9:1-5). ¹

4. The NT is composed of 27 books.

· Gospels (Matthew ? John): Tell the story of the coming of the long-anticipated Savior and His person and work

· History (Acts): Through the work of the Holy Spirit, Acts proclaims the message of the Savior who has come.

· Paul’s Letters (Romans ? Philemon) and General Epistles (Hebrews ? Jude): Develop the full significance of the person and work of Christ and how this should impact the walk of the Christian as Christ's ambassador in the world

·

Prophecy (Revelation, also called the Apocalypse): Anticipates the end time events and the return of the Lord, His end time reign, and the eternal state

IMPORTANT TERMS TO KNOW:

Inspiration: that supernatural influence whereby the Holy Spirit caused men to compose and record without error the very words of God's choosing as found in the original manuscripts (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:21). God did this without overriding the individual personalities of the writers in the process. Inspiration technically applies only to the originals (1 Cor 14:37). Copies and translations are inspired to the degree that they accurately reflect the originals. Versions such as the KJV, NKJV, NASB, and NIV are accurate, reliable and suitable for personal reading and study.

[Remember that translations and versions are not the product of inspiration per se . The miracle of inspiration occurred only once–when God originally gave the material to the writers. Modern versions are inspired in a derivative sense, ie, in that they accurately reflect the originals, they are inspired.

Preservation is providential, not miraculous.]

Revelation: the content of God's communication to man; the facts and ideas that God wanted recorded in Scripture.

General revelation : information that comes to all men generally. General revelation is a universal witness to God's existence, power and deity (Rom 1:20). All men know God because of creation (Ps 8:1?3, 19:1?6; Rom 1:18?20) and conscience (Rom 1:18?21, 2:14?15). General revelation is not sufficient for salvation. Man is condemned because he perverts and rejects what knowledge of God he has.

Special revelation: information disclosed to a specific individual or group. The Bible is special revelation. Scripture is sufficient for man's condemnation, salvation, and sanctification (John 17:17, 20:31; Rom 10:14?17; Heb 1:1?2).

Canonicity : the historical process whereby God, through the Holy Spirit, directed His people to recognize and collect the inspired writings. The word “canon” means “ standard ” or “rule.” A book that is canonical is part of the standard or canon. Only those books which bore the marks of canonicity were included in the canon. Man did not determine which books were canonical (they were canonical the moment they were penned); he simply recognized which ones were. The canon is comprised of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments (1 Pet 3:16; 1 John 4:6; Rev 22:18?19). The canon was permanently closed with the writing of the book of Revelation at the end of the first century AD (Rev 22:18-19). Because the canon is closed, we don't believe that God is currently issuing direct revelation to anyone.

Tests of Canonicity

Have you ever wondered why certain books were included in the canon? How could the early believers tell that the works of Isaiah, Paul or Peter were inspired and authoritative? They employed several tests of authenticity:

OT: Because of the old age of the OT, what tests believers used to recognize the inspired writings from all others is hard to determine. For all Scripture, the ultimate proof is the testimony of the Holy Spirit to the authority of His own Word in the heart of the community of believers. The OT authors were “holy men of God” who spoke (or wrote) as the Holy Spirit carried them along (2 Pet 1:21). God insured that His people would recognize and receive His inspired Word. God's people recognize God's writing. Although we know that it occurred, we may never understand the exact mechanism of this process.

NT: The early church apparently employed the following tests to help them recognize the inspired books from those not inspired:

1. Apostolicity —written by an apostle or the close associate of an apostle. For example, Luke, the author of Luke and Acts, was a close associate of the apostles.

2. Catholicity —universal (the word “catholic” means “universal”) recognition by believers. The book was relevant to all and accepted by all.

3. Orthodoxy —agreement with the faith of the church. “Orthodox” means “straight” or “right.” A book had to conform to the faith that the church had already received.

4. Traditional Usage —customary employment by the church in worship and teaching. Believers found the book to be edifying and used it in their services.

What About Other Books?

Along with both the inspired OT and NT books were written other religious books that most believers did not think were inspired. These books are usually called the Apocrypha . Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox traditions include several apocryphal books in their Bibles that Protestants do not recognize as canonical. Protestants reject the Apocrypha because they do not pass the tests of canonicity listed above, although it may be profitable to read them. ²

Where Is God's Word Today?

If God's Word is true and if He has preserved it, it stands to reason that we should be able to obtain a perfectly accurate copy of it. Así que ¿dónde está? In what text is God's Word perfectly preserved?

Unfortunately, the autographs (ie, the original documents) no longer exist. Further, because imperfect people have been responsible to copy and care for the text, small errors or inaccuracies have been introduced into it. So it's impossible to point to one version or one text as the absolutely perfect copy of the preserved Word of God. [3.There are no two ancient copies of the text that are absolutely identical. Before the introduction of the printing press, creating an absolutely perfect copy was virtually impossible. Small, minor variations always creep in to hand made copies.] Where is God's Word perfectly recorded? In the many existing Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. It's the job of textual scholars and translators to compare all the textual evidence and put together the best possible version. For common use, versions such as the KJV, NKJ, NASB, or NIV are accurate and dependable. ³

Interpretation : the process of arriving at the correct understanding of Scripture. One should interpret each passage according to its grammatical, historical, literary, and theological context. The central message of the Bible is essentially clear (Ps 119:105, 130). [5.The theological word for this truth is “perspicuity,” which means “essentially clear.”] Anyone can determine the basic meaning of Scripture through proper methods of interpretation. However, only saved individuals can grasp the significance of Scripture (1 Cor 2:14). Theologians sometimes use the word hermeneutics to describe the art and science of interpretation.

Conclusión

It's essential for us to learn the central truths of the Bible. But the goal is neither mere academic knowledge nor the accumulation of facts. The goal is to get to know God better, to know ourselves better, and to better be able to serve God. Had God not preserved His Word, it would have disintegrated into the dust of the Middle East long before now. But because God promised that His Word “shall stand forever” (Isa 40.8), we can be confident that we have it in an accurate and dependable form today.

Discusión:

1. How do you find the theme of a book? [Try to figure out the author's purpose for writing. Sometimes this is stated outright, but normally you have to make an educated guess at why the author wrote. Study Bibles and commentaries usually have such info.

2. What are three names for the first 5 books of the Bible? [Pentateuch, Torah, the Law]

3. Define the process of inspiration. [Inspiration is that supernatural influence whereby the Holy Spirit caused men to compose and record without error the very words of God's choosing as found in the original manuscripts.]

4. What's the difference between general revelation and special revelation? [General extends to all people, while special was given to a select group.]

5. What is the canon? [That group of books recognized as God's word. “Canon” means “rule” or “standard.”]

6. What do we call the other books that are included in some Bibles but that most Protestants do not recognize? [the Apocrypha]

The Use of the OT Law for NT Believers ¹

Muchos cristianos están confundidos acerca de la utilización de la Ley del Antiguo Testamento. No lo seguimos o no? ¿Es todavía en vigor o no? ¿Qué partes de que debemos seguir? Si no lo estamos siguiendo, ¿qué valor es?

Esta lección está diseñada para explorar lo que la ley del AT es y cómo se aplica actualmente a los creyentes del NT.

Meaning of the word “law”

Part of the confusion on this issue stems from the multiple uses of the word “law” in the NT. Algunos de los usos del término:

1. God's general moral will expressed throughout the Bible (OT and NT); divine commands in the widest sense (Rom 7:25). The moral principles of the Ten Commandments did not begin with Sinai; they are as eternal and immutable as the very holy character of God Himself (1 Pet 1:16). ²

1. The OT Mosaic code (including or especially the 10 Commandments): the set of rules and regulations that God gave Moses for Israel. (Rom 2:14a; 2:17; 3:21, 28; 7:12; Gal 4:21, 5:3)

2. The “law of Christ” (1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2) refers to Jesus' teaching or NT truth in general.

3. Scripture in general (especially the OT). Por lo tanto: "la ley" (Mateo 5:18; 12:5; Lc 2:27; 10:26; 16:17, Romanos 3:19), "la ley y los profetas" (Mateo 5:17); " la ley del Señor "(Lc 2:23, 24, 39)," la ley de Moisés "(Lc 2:22;. cf. también Hch 28:23)," Moisés y los profetas "(Lc 24:27) . La triple fórmula de "Moisés y los profetas y los salmos", también se produce (Lc 24:44).

4. A rule, principle , or force (Rom 2:14b, 7:2, 21, 23, 8:2)

5. Various forms of human laws, those prescribed by man through human government or custom (Luke 20:22; Acts 19:38).

6. Law in general (Rom 3:27 and possibly Rom 5:13b).

NT enseñanza sobre la ley del AT

1. The Law extended “until John” the Baptist (Mt 11:13); after that comes the gospel of Christ.

2. Christ did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Mt 5:17). It is impossible that any part of the Law would disappear (Mt 5:18-19). Jesús esperaba a su audiencia a guardar la ley.

Es importante recordar que Jesús vivió y ejerció su ministerio en virtud de la ley. The end of the Law came with the death of Christ, the torn veil symbolizing the ending of the Levitical system (Mk 15:38; Heb 6:19, 9:3, 10:20). Jesus' fulfillment of the Law set the stage for the church age.

3. The Law can be summarized by these two commands: Love God and love your neighbor (Mt 22:34-40). Paul states that love fulfills the Law (Rom 13:10).

4. Christians are not under the OT Law. NT authors, especially Paul, states this truth in no uncertain terms and in various ways:

Ac 15:10, 19 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? … Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God…

Ro 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Ro 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Ro 7:1-6 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. ... Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. … But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

(Note: the entire book of Galatians is a response to the idea that we are saved through the keeping of the Law.)

Ga 3:10-13 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)…

Ga 3:24-25 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Ga 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Eph 2:15 having abolished [to destroy, do away with; to render idle, inactivate, inoperative: to deprive of force, influence, power; to cause to cease, put an end to, do away with, annul; to pass away, be done away ] in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.

Col 2:14 having wiped out [to eliminate, cancel, erase, blot out ³ ] the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. Y lo ha quitado de en medio y clavándola en la cruz.

1. ¿Qué significa estar "bajo" la ley? Significa estar sujetos a sus normas y reglamentos, para ser responsable ante ella, que está sujeto a las sanciones, y de ser obligados a obedecerlo.

2. The Israelites were “under” the Law in the sense that it applied directly to them; God expected them to apply it and obey it. Él bendijo a la obediencia y la desobediencia es castigada.

3. At the Jerusalem council (read Acts 15:5-11, 19-21, 29), the disciples specifically rejected the idea that Gentile believers need to observe the OT Law.

4. Algunos Judios, al igual que Pablo (1 Corintios 9:19-23) determinada para observar los rituales de la Ley del Antiguo Testamento, por lo menos de vez en cuando, simplemente para no ser ofensivo para aquellos que estaban tratando de alcanzar. En otras ocasiones, Pablo ejerció su libertad de los mismos rituales y restricciones (ver Gálatas 2:11-21).

5. The Law of Moses is a unit , an indivisible, all-or-nothing proposition. The Bible never makes a distinction between parts of the Law. People typically recognize the different civil, ceremonial and moral aspects of the Law, but these categories do not stand individually; they are parts of the whole. No se puede escoger y elegir las partes que más te gusten e ignorar el resto. Este es precisamente el punto de Pablo en Gálatas 5:3-4-si acepta ser circuncidado, usted está de acuerdo a obedecer toda la ley, lo que significa que usted está rechazando la salvación por la fe en Cristo.

Breakdown of the OT Law:

Ceremonial: deals with sacrifices, rituals, purifications, and other religious things fulfilled in Christ.

Civil: rules dealing with the government regulations, the Theocracy; governed national Israel.

Moral: deals with timeless moral principles like the 10 Commandments.

Quote: “God did away with the Mosaic Law completely, both the [civil,] ceremonial and the moral parts. He terminated it as a code and has replaced it with a new code, “the Law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). Some commandments in the Law of Christ are the same as those in the Law of Moses (eg, nine of the Ten Commandments, excluding the command to observe the Sabbath day).” ⁴

Christians are under the law of Christ

Ro 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

1Co 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;

Ga 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

¿Cuál es la ley de Cristo? It's the set of regulations and commitments taught by Jesus and expanded by the NT authors. It's the Christian rule of life. In contrast to the Mosaic code, which emphasized rituals and works, the law of Christ emphasizes grace and love (cf. John 1:17, 13:34; 1 Jn 2:3-6). Servimos "en la novedad del Espíritu y no en el arcaísmo de la letra" (Romanos 7:6). La ley de Cristo cubre todos los ámbitos de la vida del creyente al igual que el código de Moisés lo hizo para el creyente del Antiguo Testamento.

Interpretación de la ley del AT

While we should not import NT ideas into the OT in our interpretation, we do consider NT teaching when considering application of OT principles. Nuestra aplicación del Antiguo Testamento debe ser leído thru lentes de NT. ¿Qué principios sigue siendo válida en los tiempos del NT? ¿Qué partes ha cumplido o realizado a Cristo? ¿Qué partes son meras sombras y símbolos?

Los valores de la Ley de OT

1. The Law is “holy and good” (Rom 7:12), one of God's gifts to Israel (Rom 9:4).

2. The Law provided a standard of righteousness (Deut 4:8; Psalm 19:7-9). The Law revealed the righteousness, holiness, and goodness of God (Deut 4:8; Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; Rom 7:12-14).

3. The Law entered “that the offense might abound” (Rom 5:20; cf. 7:8-13; 1 Cor 15:56b), and in order to “confine” men under Law and sin, with no prospect of escape until Christ should come (Gal 3:22f.). The Law produces the startling realization of sin which does not save (Rom 3:20; 7:7); but it calls forth a cry for help in one's lost condition (Rom 7:24), a cry which can be answered effectively only by Jesus Christ (Rom 7:25). ⁵

Ro 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Ro 7:13 Has then what is good become death to me? Por supuesto que no! Pero el pecado, para mostrarse pecado, produjo la muerte en mí por lo que es bueno, por lo que el pecado por el mandamiento llegase a ser sobremanera pecaminoso.

1Ti 1:9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,…

Note: In an evangelistic appeal, one must emphasize the sinner's sinfulness . Una comparación del estilo de vida de la persona a los requisitos de los 10 Mandamientos y las enseñanzas de Jesús en el Sermón de la Montaña a menudo es útil en la revelación de la depravación total del pecador.

Luther: The Law must be laid upon those that are to be justified, that they may be shut up in the prison thereof, until the righteousness of faith comes—that, when they are cast down and humbled by the Law, they should fly to Christ. The Law humbles them, not to their destruction, but to their salvation. Porque Dios hiere de que Él puede sanar de nuevo. He killeth that he may quicken again.? ⁶

4. Perhaps the most significant purpose of the Law is to lead men to Christ. The Law is a ??????????? , “schoolmaster, tutor, custodian” (Gal 3:24-25). The ??????????? was usually a slave whose duty it was to take the pupil to school and supervise his conduct generally. The OT Law served this purpose—it held authority until the coming of Christ. Pablo afirma claramente que después de que la fe es, "ya no estamos bajo ayo" (Gálatas 3:25).

5. 2 Tim 3:16 All of the OT is still revelation, still profitable material, still contains doctrine and instruction in righteousness.

6. 1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition.

Good quote: It is possible to conclude that since it is unnecessary to keep the Law to be saved, it is unnecessary to pay attention to the Law for any reason. Sin embargo, Pablo no estaba instando a sus conversos a quemar sus Antiguo Testamento. The Law has values, as he previously pointed out, … Under grace we are free to fulfill the Law by loving one another. [Cf. Ro 13:10.] For the Christian the Mosaic Law has revelatory value (2 Tim 3:16–17) even though it does not have regulatory value, controlling our behavior. ⁷

Weaknesses of the Law

1. The Law cannot save . La salvación no se basa en la obediencia a la ley, sino en la gracia de Dios y la fe del hombre en las promesas de Dios (Romanos 4:1-3). No hay nada de cierto en la afirmación de que bajo el sistema de OT, la gente se salva por las obras (Gálatas 2:16).

2. The fundamental weakness of the Law is that its only answer to sin is to forbid it and condemn it. Law cannot overcome sin, because it depends on the cooperation of the flesh (ie, autonomous human nature), which is weak (Rom 8:3), incapable of obedience.

3. What the Law demands can be gained only by the Spirit on the basis of the work of Christ (Rom 8:4). The Law is essentially a letter that kills; the life of the new covenant is the Spirit who makes alive (Rom 7:6; 2 Cor 3:6).

4. The book of Hebrews demonstrates that the old covenant of the Mosaic Law was only temporary and has been replaced by the coming of Christ whose ministry is based on (1) a better priesthood , one after the order of Melchizedek which is superior to Aaron's, and (2) a better covenant with better promises (see Heb 7-10). The old covenant was only a shadow of heavenly things, and if it had been able to make men perfect before God there would have been no occasion for a second or new covenant (see Heb 7:11-12; 8:1-13). ⁸

Hebreos 7:19 Porque la ley nada hizo perfecto, pero sí de la introducción de una mejor esperanza, por la cual nos acercamos a Dios.

¿Por qué no se coloque bajo la Ley?

Many today advocate observing some of the rules and regulations from the OT. They assert that Christians should observe OT moral stipulations whenever possible. Examples: dietary regulations, clothing guidelines, infant circumcision, observation of the Saturday Sabbath, various sexual restrictions.

Lo que es cierto de los que buscan ponerse bajo la Ley del Antiguo Testamento?

1. They are violating the proper use of the Law (read 1 Tim 1:9).

2. They ignore the fact that the Law demands entire obedience (Gal 3:10, quoting Deut 27:26). It's illegitimate to pick and choose those aspects of it that seem “applicable.”

3. Paul says that if one has been delivered from the Law through faith in Christ, to deliberately place oneself under its control results in “falling from grace” (Gal 5:4). In other words, to go back to the Law amounts to a rejection of Christ.

4. To go back to the Law as a way of life puts one under the control of the flesh ; it nullifies true spirituality by faith in the Holy Spirit and defeats the believer. It results domination by the sin nature or the flesh (Gal 5:1-5; Col 2:14f). ⁹

Is the Christian without law (ie, lawless, antinomian)? No.

Gal 6:02 Llevad los unos las cargas y cumplid así la ley de Cristo.

Hebreos 1:09 [Cristo] amado la justicia y odiado la maldad ...

1Jo 3:4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

Discussion questions:

1. Some people preach that the keeping of the OT Law is a moral and spiritual obligation for the Christian. They say that keeping the Law of Moses is necessary for sanctification, ie, for living a holy life that is pleasing to the Lord. Although we are not saved by the Law, once we have been justified by faith, then the Mosaic Law becomes our rule of life. In other words, the OT moral Law still applies. Is this what the Bible teaches? No, we are not under any part of the OT Law—civil, ceremonial or moral. The OT Law is an all-or-nothing deal. Read Acts 15:10 and Gal. 5:1. Warning about Bill Gothard—major proponent of this error.

2. Jesus said (Mt 5:18f) that not even the smallest part of the Law would pass away until all is fulfilled. Doesn't that mean that the Law must still be in force? No, because Jesus fulfilled the Law. Mt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Ro 10:4 For Christ is the end ( telov ) of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

3. Why not just cut the OT out of our Bibles if we are not under the Law? The OT still has revelatory value, just not regulatory value. It's profitable (2 Tim 3:16) and gives us many examples to follow or to shun (1 Cor 10:11).

4. How do we know what parts or principles from the OT we can apply? Generally, by how they correspond to NT principles.

5. If the OT is not the Christian's rule of life, what is? The NT, the Law of Christ, grace. “The believer is now to live in the liberty and power of God's grace by the Spirit, not the rule of Law. This new liberty must never be used as an occasion to indulge the flesh or sinful appetites (Gal 5:13) nor does it mean the Christian has no moral Law or imperatives on his life, but simply that he or she is to live righteously by a new source of life.” ¹⁰

6. Why don't we keep the Saturday Sabbath? 1) We are not under the OT Law; 2) There is no particular virtue in recognizing one day over another (Col 2:16); 3) Saturday Sabbath keeping is a command not repeated in the NT. However, observing a day of rest is biblical. Observing the Lord's Day (Sunday) as a day dedicated to worship is proper. A “soft” or “modified” form of Sabbath observance allows other activities on the Lord's Day that focus one's attention on God or on the good things God provides. Various forms of recreation, if pursued with a thoughtful attitude, need not be prohibited on Sunday afternoons.

7. Does the Bible teach the necessity of circumcision? 1Co 7:19 “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God [is what matters].” Galatians 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.” Circumcision is no longer binding on Christians today. It may or may not be a good idea for health reasons, but the practice has no spiritual value.

1 For a very good discussion of this issue, consult Alva McClain's brief volume Law and Grace (BMH Books). This lesson updated April 08.

2 J. Hampton Keathley III , “The Mosaic Law: Its Function and Purpose in the New Testament” www.Bible.net

3 Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.) (GGK1981). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

4 Tom Constable. (2003, 2003) Notas de Tom Constable expositivo acerca de la Biblia (Ga 5:1).. Galaxie Software.

5 NIDNTT

6 Quoted in R. Kent Hughes, The Sermon on the Mount: The Message of the Kingdom (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2001), 95.

7 Constable.

8 Keathley

9 Keathley

10 Keathley