We must not fall into the trap of thinking that God just replaced the old laws with another set of similar laws. As Hebrews 8 states, the New Covenant is “not like” the Old Covenant. The old law was a legal system which led to slavery and death (Romans 7; Galatians 4 and 5). Because its offerings were merely animal sacrifices, it had power neither to remove sins nor to clear the sinner’s conscience. It could only point out sin and condemn the sinner. Christ brought a very different system—a system of grace that gives freedom and life to those who actively believe (Romans 8; Galatians 5). Such freedom is not the selfish license to do as one wishes. Rather, this is the true freedom to serve the Father unhindered, as a loving son rather than a compelled slave.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14 cf. 1 Peter 2:16)
Here is the freedom to do all the good—all the loving—envisioned by the law. Indeed, the Spirit makes His home inside us as God’s children and gives us more strength and progress than we thought possible. As 2 Corinthians 3 says of us in Christ’s New Covenant: “We all… beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). As Jesus showed in the Sermon on the Mount, our understanding of Scripture can go deeper than traditional interpretations, which are often superficial and self-serving. The Holy Spirit can help us to give God much more than surface obedience.
Here are a few examples adapted from the Sermon on the Mount:
- The law said, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). But the Spirit empowers us to give up anger and insults (Matthew 5:21-22; Galatians 5:22).
- The law said, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). But the Spirit empowers us even to renounce lustful looks and thoughts (Matthew 5:27-30; Ephesians 5:3-12).
- In the law, God said, “You shall not swear by My name falsely” (Leviticus 19:12). But the Spirit empowers such honesty that oaths are no longer needed. A simple “yes” or “no” suffices, even for the most serious assurance (Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12).
- The law said, “eye for eye” (Exodus 21:24). But the Spirit empowers us to forgive and rather to repay good for evil (Matthew 5:38-42; 1 Corinthians 6:7). l The law said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). But the Spirit helps us to recognize even enemies as neighbors for whom to care and pray (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:19-21).