VII. Of the Old Testament.
THE Old Testament is not contrary to the New; for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, being both God and man. Wherefore there are not to be heard which feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the civil precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet, notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral.
I like this one.
Feel free to go nuts!
“Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ”
How is Christ’s offer in the OT?
I realize about Epiphanes and other types. But this statement seems a little bit more than that.
Also, “as touching ceremonies and rites, do not bind Christian men”. This makes me think that someone qouting from the OT to a Christian audience, on say tithing, would be taking the Scripture out of context?
That being said, what is the Anglican view on tithing?
The Old Testament is true and inspired. We should heed the moral laws but are not subject to the ceremonial laws. Tithing is difficult to categorize, IMO. You will all be relieved to know that I don’t have much to say about this particular Article. :p
I don’t understand this sentence, “Wherefore there are not to be heard which feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises”, although I am multitasking right now.
The main sticking point for me is defining which of the commandments are moral as opposed to civil or ceremonial. It seems to be looking at the puzzle backwards. We have in Jesus Christ 2 commands that should lead us away from immoral behavior – Love God, Love your neighbor. All the law hangs on those two. I agree with the point being made in general, but I am not sure that I would search the Old Testament to define what is moral and make sure I am following it.
The language is a bit difficult. I think I need to take an English as a 2nd Language class.
Papias,
I doubt there’s an official Anglican view on tithing. It’s really not a central doctrine — far from it.
I remember reading a book by John Stott (an Anglican) back in the late 70s or early 80s where he advocated tithing and cited the Malachi passage.
I think tithing is an issue of Christian liberty. What’s a lot more impnrtant are how. We should give, as 2 Cor. says, regularly, liberally, and with a full, thankful heart. Otherwise, don’t bother, in other words.
I think I now understand that sentence – essentially it is saying the OT dudes were not saved by anything else but Christ (not law, or promises to Moses, or David) and anyone who says so is lying.
As to tithing it seems to be a ceremonial law. No one truly tithes today as money was not allowed as a form of tithe, only the produce of the land. If someone brought money they were required to buy sacrifices (doves, wine, ox, sheep, etc.) with it.
interesting – money not allowed – at the time of Christ, i understand that there was some sort of temple coinage separate and apart from the Romans’ – anyone know if this was true down thru the history of Israel?
“feign” – i just realized i didn’t know what that word meant even tho, i’ve been declaring for a very long time that “beneath the cross of Jesus, i feign would take my stand …” – i looked it up in my Apple supplied dictionary and i don’t know what i’ve been doing when i’ve ‘feigned to take my stand’ as it seems to involve “pretense” of something not so … ? …
note: i’ve been sign in “last shot” – didn’t realize that was how i was signed in … guess i’ve been feigning today … well, i’ll try to make this post a sincere last shot
As I read this, it seems two main points are made – and the rest is explanation of those points. Those points seem to me to be:
a) The Old Testament is not contrary to the New.
and
b) The Law does not bind Christian men.
Both of these points are essential in my opinion.
Sorry, James had his 5th birthday today. Been busy.
AV @10, that pretty much sums it up, at least my understanding of the article. It is why I like it so much.
Shaun @6, and in fact, that is what happened right up until the time of Jesus, when the house of the Lord was turned into a shopping mall for sacrifices. Nobody would pick the best of what they had to sacrifice, so they would simply buy something on the way, like a stop at Burger King.
Happy – Happy 5th birthday James! & God keep