THE LAW ABOLISHED? HELL NAW!
My faith journey sometimes felt confusing, especially with verses like Acts 15:10-11: "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." Many interpret this as God's commandments being completely abolished, a burdensome "yoke" Jesus freed us from. But after digging into Jesus’ own words, I found a deeper truth. The key to understanding Acts 15:10-11 lies in its context: the Jerusalem Council. This wasn't about whether stealing or lying was still wrong. It specifically addressed if Gentile converts needed to undergo circumcision and adhere to all the ceremonial laws of Judaism, like dietary restrictions. These were indeed a heavy "yoke" for those not born into Jewish tradition, and observing them perfectly was humanly impossible. The council affirmed salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ, not strict adherence to these specific ritualistic aspects of the Mosaic Law. This revolutionary decision affirmed God's grace extends to all, regardless of ethnic background or ritualistic observance. However, this context doesn't mean Jesus abolished all law. This is where misunderstandings arise. As Matthew 5:17 profoundly states, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Jesus didn't come to throw out God's eternal moral principles; He came to live them out perfectly, showing us their true meaning and spirit. He didn't negate "keeping commandments" but elevated them from mere external rules to matters of the heart. Would Jesus, who perfectly embodied God's will, tell us to disregard His Father's instructions? John 14:15 is a powerful reminder: "If you love me, keep my commandments." This isn't about earning salvation, but expressing our love and devotion. It's a natural outflow of a transformed heart, guided by the Holy Spirit. My personal experience has shown me that truly "following the Messiah" means embracing His teachings and striving to live a life that reflects His righteousness. So, what about "ditching religion"? For me, this isn't about abandoning faith, but letting go of man-made rules and legalism that overshadow God's heart. It’s discerning between the burdensome "yoke" of human expectations and the liberating "yoke" of Christ, which is easy and light (Matthew 11:30). The moral commandments, like loving God and neighbor, are not a burden but a blueprint for a flourishing life. Revelation 14:12 speaks of "the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus." And Revelation 22:14 (often translated as "do his commandments") declares, "Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates." Even Matthew 19:17, when Jesus is asked about eternal life, He says, "If you would enter life, keep the commandments." Ultimately, Acts 15:10-11 teaches us about grace and freedom from specific ceremonial laws never intended for salvation, nor meant as a barrier. It doesn't negate the timeless moral law that reflects God's character. My journey has taught me that the "narrow path" isn't about earning God's love, but walking in obedient love because of His grace. It's a beautiful freedom to live in alignment with His heart, finding joy and peace in His loving instructions.
