How Does Scripture View the Law?
Many within Christianity view the law or Torah observance as a curse and bondage. Some even state that the law was a debt that the Messiah needed to pay. However, this is not how Scripture presents the Torah.
Have you ever considered how the law is considered “truth”, “light”, “the way of spiritual prosperity” and “liberty” in the Old Testament? Many of the following verses are very familiar, but one needs to really consider what they are saying in respect to the law. Do the following verses describe the law as something that is designed for man’s bondage, that needs to be done away with, and/or something that needs to be paid?
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Ps 19:7-11)
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. (Ps 119:1-2)
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Ps 119:9-11)
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. (Ps 119:35)
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. (Ps 119: 45)
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (Ps 119:97)
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. (Ps 119:129)
Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever. (De 4:40)
Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey (De 6:3)
And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? (De 10:12-13)
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Jos 1:7-8)
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself (1Ki 2:3)
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Eccl 12:13)
When reading the above verses, it is important to keep in mind that the law has nothing to do with providing a means of salvation. It was designed to show what righteous living looks like. To those walking in the flesh and not faith, it becomes a schoolmaster that shows the shortfalls of man.
When one reads the New Covenant, one finds a continuation of the uplifting of the law:
And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. (Ro 7:10)
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. (Ro 7:12)
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Ro 7:14) [consider how in Ro 8:4 Paul states, “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” A believer that is walking spiritually rather than after the flesh is following that which is spiritual which is the law!]
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man (Ro 7:22) [Paul sounds a lot like David]
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully (1Ti 1:8)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2Ti 3:15-17)
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (Jn 14:21)
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1Jo 5:2-3)