It seems that the following, according to your own admission, are effectively a law for us as we worship Christ. If not, then by what “law” does it say that I cannot indulge the sinful nature as long as I do it “in love (however I define love since there is no law to define it for me)” or why can’t I use witchcraft as long as I do it to “serve (again, my definition as I feel it)” or be sexually active (if there is no law, it cannot be immoral, and if it can be, then by what authority, by what law?) or etc.?

– “do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love”
– “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.(19-21) Further he tells us, Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.(26)”
– “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity…nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking…”

Or, if there is no law, how can there be any sin, since sin is defined as a transgression of the law? If there is no sin, why do I need Christ, for without sin I am righteous, right? And what law says that I have to accept Christ to be saved? If there is no law, why should I bother to read my Bible? Isn’t it just as good to simply be “led by the spirit”? If so, then how might I “test the spirit” to see if it is from God? If there is no law, does it even matter if it is from God as long as I follow in loving obedience (not quite sure, but following in loving obedience seems to imply a law)?

This is part of why I have a problem with the law being no longer important or no longer having any effect over us.

Oh, and circumcision is a type of keeping the law, keeping the law is the anti-type. Christ, and Paul, made it clear that they symbol (or type) was less important than the real deal. It’s not quite accurate to say that “when Paul talks about circumcision he is talking about following the law.” (I Cor 7:19)

Just some more food for thought. And I honestly would be interested to hear how you answer those questions, because I do not understand your position. And I’m not just trying to be a jerk, I’m being honest. Not lying is part of the law I try to keep.;-)

I don’t have time for a well thought out post at the moment. Sorry. But I am really enjoying hearing you share, even when we disagree (ie, when you are wrong;-P). You are making me think, and I appreciate it!

As far as what you have actually posted about, the only thing I’ll take the time to say is this. Although it may not be appropriate for your study this week, I would highly encourage to shift from the “proof text” approach to Biblical concepts to a “weight of the evidence” approach. Not that one is necessarily better, but it gives you a new perspective. Just a thought.

PS – How’d your exam go?