Conclusion: The litmus test!
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You can see that both of these methods have plenty of bible verses and commentary to support their positions; and so if you find it hard to decide which view to choose, then apply the litmus test of the yoke:
View #1
View #2
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Who’s yoke is this? |
The yoke of Jesus Christ |
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Acts 15 (v. 7) And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them…. (v. 10) Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? |
Matt 11 (v. 29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (v. 30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. |
What was the purpose for this yoke?
View #1
View #2
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Who’s yoke is this? |
The yoke of Jesus Christ |
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Acts 15 (v. 1) And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” (v. 5) But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying: “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses.” (Works and Law keeping!!) The yoke of bondage is a yoke that is depending totally on our performance.[1] |
Matt 11 (v. 28) Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
(God wants you to stop working so hard.)
The yoke of Christ is living a life totally dependent on God.[1]
Why? |
Does Peter correct those who were trying to place upon them the wrong type of yoke?
View #1
View #2
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Who’s yoke is this? |
The yoke of Jesus Christ |
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Acts 15 (v. 7) .…Peter rose up and said to them…. (v. 11) But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved in the same manner as they. What manner? (v. 8) So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us, (v. 9) and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. |
Why? I Sam 16 (v. 7) But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him.” Why? (v. 7) For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. |
So then, what are we to avoid?
Gal 5 (v. 1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (v. 2) Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.
What is your motivation for keeping the Law? Is it to be saved? What is hidden in your heart?
>>>>> See the right reason, to keep the Law (it was never done away with). <<<<<
(v. 3) And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. (v. 4) You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
Sanctification is His gift, just as justification is His gift....We need to also recognize that hindering factors can prevent us from enjoying these gifts. Did you ever try to give someone something, but were deterred due to some hindering factor? It's the same for God. He can impute His character in the process of justification regardless of your past life....and credits to you His character. But from that moment, He begins literally imparting to us His own character, which isn't an easy thing, and takes a lifetime to complete. Any time I object because the purging/imparting process is too painful....we soon find ourselves in the ditch again! This is the ongoing process which God pursues in His anxious desire to impart to us His character. This process is only possible as we remove the hindrances.[2]
As you can see, this process is not done to save us; but rather to slowly change us into the image of Christ by developing His character, so that we can draw people to Christ, and then they can be saved also!
Gal 2 (v. 20) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God….
By putting into perspective, the issues of Law, grace, works, and judgment: may this knowledge help you to stand firm during the time of trouble, which will surely test our faith!
For those of you who think that the christians will somehow avoid the time of trouble by escaping in a secret rapture, please review carefully the topic "Mystery of the Rapture" (I am sure it will be a real eye-opener!!).
One last point to note: God's spirit will never leave us; even during the time of trouble!!
Deut 31 (v. 8) And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
Music video ref. [3]
As we close this portion of our lesson, take a moment to reflect on His love by listening to this music video. "Your love is fierce."
References:
1. Vineyard Ministries. “Freedom in Christ” Tape 8B. The Gospel in Galatians, Audiocassette.
2. Dan Augsburger, (2009). The Branch and the Vine (sermons by Frank B. Phillips), p.44-45, Booklet.
3. Jesus Culture, "Fierce" Your Love is fierce (Lyrics) Online video. YouTube, 20 Jan 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zE4bNa-b88
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