HOME

BACK TO ARTICLES BY SUBJECT

BIBLE SEARCH

SEARCH SITE

Open A Print Ready Copy

Did The Crucifixion Abolish God's Laws?
by Lani W. Finley
 

The vast majority of modern theologians teach that the Laws of God, which includes the Ten Commandments, were “nailed to the cross” and abolished by the death of Jesus Christ.  Most mainstream Christians have accepted the belief  that God’s free gift of grace eliminated His laws of love.  However, this doctrine is not in concert with the Word of God, and it creates a serious problem for pastors, who wish to call sinners to repentance. For if the laws of God were abolished at the crucifixion, then the foundation for calling people to repentance has also been eliminated. 

Repent of What? 

Anyone who has ever entered the doors of a church, and that church professes to believe in the Christian way of life, has most likely experienced the pastor’s call to repentance. Some clergyman, with tears in their eyes, will try to persuade unconverted members of the audience to repent of their sins.  Others will try to convince their listeners to repent by speaking frightening words about the “Fiery Flames of Hell.”  In either case, the intention of the speaker is to entice people to repent of their sins

However, the plea for repentance of sins and the belief that God’s laws were nailed to the cross are contrary to one another, and cannot be reconciled within the scriptures.  This can be proven by searching God’s Word and learning the true definition of sin.  The apostle John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, provides us with God’s definition of sin. 

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:
or sin is the transgression of the law
(I Jn 3:4).   

And the Apostle Paul teaches us that sin can not exist, where the law has been abolished. 

...for where no law is, there is no transgression (Rom. 4:15).
   

Paul goes on to describe the purpose of the laws of God and explains that the law is not sin. 

...: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom 3:20). "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. ... For without the law sin was dead" (Rom 7:7-8).

It is important to notice Paul’s answer to his question “Is the law sin”?  Paul quickly dismisses the thought that the law could somehow be sin, or sinful.  He immediately answers this question with a resounding “God forbid.”  Paul was trying to explain that the law simply tells us what sin is, and shows us when we have committed an unloving act toward another person.  He goes on to help us understand that it is sin, which can be eliminated by the cross of Jesus, not the law.  Paul makes it perfectly clear that the law is not sin!   

These scriptures unquestionably teach that sin is the violation of God’s laws.  They also teach that sin cannot exist if His laws were eliminated by the crucifixion of Jesus.  Therefore, anyone who calls unbelievers to repentance, and also teaches that the laws have been abolished, is preaching opposing messages?  For no one can be found guilty of committing a sinful act - if the Laws of God are no longer in force.  If we are to believe the Holy Bible’s definition of sin, then we must conclude that sin cannot exist without the law.  The Biblical principle is clear, NO LAWS  =  NO SIN. 

It would be impossible for a person to receive a ticket for speeding in their automobile, if there were no laws that prohibiting speeding.  Likewise, no transgression (or sin) can exist, where no law is in force.  This makes it impossible for pastors, who profess that the law has been abolished, to have a Biblical platform upon which to call people to repentance.  For if the laws of God were abolished at the cross, then there is nothing for a person to repent of, who was born after the death of Jesus.   

Think about it for a moment.  If the Ten Commandments ceased to exist after Christ’s death, then no one born after His crucifixion can be found guilty of sin.  But the Apostle Paul clearly denies such reasoning in his epistles to the church at Rome. 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). 

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Rom 5:12). 

How could Paul make such profound statements about the sinful state of mankind, if no laws exist?  Remember what the Bible has confirmed, NO LAWS  =  NO SIN.   

The Apostle John supports the words of Paul, and also declares that all humanity is guilty of sin.  He goes on to teach that only those who are willing to confess their sins and accept the blood of Jesus will receive forgiveness from God.   

     If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9    
  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all  unrighteousness.
10 
   If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us I Jn 1:8-10.

But again the question is raised, “How can one be guilty of sin, if the laws are no longer in existence”?  The answer becomes obvious when we believe the scriptures and let them interpret themselves.  These Bible verses make it clear, that pastors who teach a lawless gospel message, have incorrectly interpreted the Holy Scriptures.  The Apostle Paul never taught that faith in Jesus eliminated the laws of God.  But, he did teach that faith establishes them.

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law (Rom 3:31).

Maybe it is time for modern Christianity to believe the Word of God, instead of formulating its own doctrines, which are in opposition to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The following scriptures provide additional proof that obedience to God's commandments is an essential part of a Christian's daily walk with God the Father and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

§         And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is {only} One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "You shall not commit murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness;  19 Honor your father and mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 19:17-19 NAS).

§         Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring-- those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus (Rev 12:17 NIV). 

§         And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (I Jn 2:3-4).

§         "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'  23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.' (Matt 7:22-23 NAS)

§         The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, (II Th 2:9 NIV)

§         For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (I Jn 5:3).

§         Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus (Rev 14:12).  



Will You Help Us
Achieve Our Objective?