The belief that the Messiah did away with the law is a common misunderstanding rooted in the misinterpretation of Paul's teachings, particularly in Galatians 2:16, which states:
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Yahusha the Messiah, even we have believed in Yahusha the Messiah, that we might be justified by the faith of the Messiah, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
Here is why Christianity is incorrect in claiming that the Messiah abolished the law:
1. The Kingdom Requires Laws
Every kingdom has laws that define its governance, order, and culture. Yahuah’s kingdom is no different. His Torah (law) is the constitution of His kingdom, outlining how His people should live in righteousness, justice, and holiness. Yahusha himself declared in Matthew 5:17-18:
"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."
This clearly affirms that the Torah remains intact as the foundation of Yah’s kingdom.
2. The Penalty of the Law vs. The Law Itself
When Yahusha died and rose again, he did not abolish the law but instead fulfilled its righteous requirements. What he did was take upon himself the penalty for breaking the law, which is death (Romans 6:23). Those who believe in him are absolved of this penalty because they have been justified, declared righteous, by his atoning work. This justification does not negate the law but upholds it by showing that the penalty was paid.
True believers demonstrate their faith by following the law and producing good works, as James 2:18 declares:
"But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
This reinforces that genuine faith is evident through obedience to Yahuah’s law and the righteous actions that flow from it. Far from dismissing the law, Yahusha’s work enables his followers to live according to it in love and gratitude.
Paul emphasizes this distinction in Romans 3:31:
"Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law."
3. Misinterpretation of Galatians 2:16
The key misunderstanding arises from the phrase "works of the law." In context, Paul is addressing the legalistic idea that adherence to the Torah’s ceremonial requirements (such as circumcision) alone could justify a person before Yahuah. Paul explains that justification comes through faith in Yahusha, not by ceremonial observances or external compliance, which had become a source of pride and division among some Israelites.
However, Paul does not dismiss obedience to Yahuah’s moral and ethical laws. Instead, he places obedience in its proper context: as a fruit of faith, not the means to earn justification. True faith leads to walking in the Torah out of love for Yahuah and gratitude for His salvation.
4. Yahusha’s Role as King
As King, Yahusha embodies the law and provides the means for his people to live in accordance with it. His death and resurrection did not erase the law but enabled believers to walk in its principles through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).
Ezekiel 36:26-27 prophesies this transformation:
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in
My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
5. Conclusion
Christianity’s claim that the law was abolished undermines the very essence of Yah’s kingdom, which is built on His eternal Torah. The misunderstanding arises from conflating the penalty of the law with the law itself. Yahusha removed the penalty for those who believe, freeing them to live righteously under his kingship. Paul’s writings, when understood in context, affirm that faith in the Messiah leads to obedience, not lawlessness.
As Yahusha said in John 14:15:
"If you love Me, keep My commandments."
This makes it clear that the law remains vital for those who wish to live as citizens of Yah’s kingdom.
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