Theology Of Paul

THEOLOGY OF PAUL
M.M.NINAN
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Gal 3:24-27 So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But
now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through
faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2Co 3:15-17 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their minds; (16) but when a man turns to
the Lord the veil is removed. (17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
Two Approaches
In Covenant Theology, the two covenants are considered as a continuous methods of God dealing with man. So
Continuity is the important factor. Hence Old Testament Law are the eternal standards of God. Are Christians
under Law? Covenant Theology says Yes. They use the following verse:
Psalm 119: 89-91 Your word continues forever, ADONAI, firmly fixed in heaven; your faithfulness though all
generations; you established the earth, and it stands, Yes, it stands today, in keeping with your rulings; for all
things are your servants. |
Does this refer to the laws given in the Old Testaments or is it referring to natural laws which are never abrogated
completely and major changes will happen only after the redemption of the whole creation.
In Dispensational Theology, each dispensation has a different laws, people are bound only by the laws
pertaining to the dispensation wherein they live. Old Testament laws are not binding on Christians
Legalism teaches it is the keeping of the law to the details of the wording makes one righteous. But as is clear
many of these laws are tied to the historical situation of the Jews of the period. It certainly makes it ridiculous to
claim that we need to follow those outdated statements. Certainly they contain a principle which are still valid.
Thus evidently legalism needs reinterpretation to find the spirit of the law or the purpose of the law. This is given
by the indwelling Holy Spirit within the Grace period. Thus the Grace did not nullify the law but reinterpreted it.
This is clearly emphasized by Paul in many passages.
Rom 6:14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Rom 7:6 But now we are discharged from the law, dead to that which held us captive, so that we serve not under
the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit.
Rom 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of
life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.
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