Questions On The Law

Q

I always hear we are free from the law. I have understood that to be Jewish laws and traditions, not the 10 Commandments, since if that were true we would be free to murder or commit adultery. We have Christ saying I come to fulfill the law but also we are free from the (condemnation) law.

There is a duality here that no one can explain to me. Everyone admits we are free from the law yet everyone says we are to obey the (law) 10 commandments (except The Sabbath). Why do they exclude the Sabbath??

If the 10 commandments are in fact still applicable, why is observing the Sabbath not applicable, especially since it was first hinted at in Genesis, prior to the existence of Jews or Gentiles. I have understood the 10 commandments as establishing the relationship of man to man and God to man and to be somewhat eternal.

Recently, in looking at the Sabbath, I see the Authority of the Father in establishing the Sabbath but no authority to make our day of worship Sunday Frankly, I can’t see how the leap was made to Sunday.

A

In Matt 5:17 Jesus said that He didn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. That means it’s still in effect and that violating the Law is still a sin.

To fulfill the Law Jesus died so that we could be forgiven all of our violations of it. In essence, His death was the punishment in advance for all of our sins. Being free from the law means we can have a righteousness that comes through faith in Him, instead of trying to earn a righteousness that comes from keeping the Law.

Now we’re free to follow God’s laws as a sign of our gratitude, because that’s the way He wants us to behave, not out fear of going to hell if we don’t. We don’t have to obey His laws, but it pleases Him when we do, and He blesses us for it.

Sunday worship is a tradition that came out of celebrating the Lord’s Resurrection, which took place on Sunday Morning. In Colossians 2:16 Paul said “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.”

If you are convinced that Saturday is the only legitimate Sabbath day, then keep the Sabbath on Saturday. But you should not judge a person who believes that Sunday is the right day, or criticize him or her for keeping the Sabbath then.