Wednesday, November 11, 2015

OPINION ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT (3rd of Several)

Have some parts of the Old Testament been repealed? No? Maybe? Yes?

Most definitely there are aspects of Old Testament scripture, the Mosaic Law to be precise that we can all agree has been abrogated by that which is new, that is, in the New Testament. Here is an example.  During the unpredictable fury of two men fighting, a pregnant woman is accidentally struck and this results in the premature birth of her child.
The offending party must compensate the woman's husband whatever claim he makes and whatever the courts grant. However, if the injury is serious, then this seeming extreme outcome is imposed, supposing first that perhaps the woman or the child dies. "You are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." (Exodus 21:23-25)

That is definitely a justice formula with which we are unfamiliar today. In fact, Christians do not have to insist on this system just because it appears in the Old Testament, because when Jesus preached, he said, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-48)

That excerpt comes from Jesus' sermon on the mount and builds upon the Beatitudes where the character of new creation people is described. Jesus bumped up what should now be in evidence in the lives and behaviour of those who are called God's people. In so many ways followers of Jesus are to resemble him in this world. So, yes, the New Testament does override the OT in aspects of the Law.

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