A New Apostolic Way

Introduction: The Glory of the New Covenant

Isaiah 64:6–7 (CSB)

Christian perfectionism- John Wesley

Legalism

Why do we struggle with legalism and the temptation to live in the Old Covenant? In the first-century church, there were all sorts of issues threatening the message of Jesus Christ. Jesus warned the first believers of this threat in Matthew 7:15 “15 “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.” While there were many false doctrines present in the first-century church, the most dangers doctrine was the teaching of legalism.

Paul was one of the biggest opponents of legalism. He discouraged trusting in one’s obedience of the law for salvation in nearly every epistle he wrote. Galatians 3:1-3

Galatians 3:1–3 CSB

1 You foolish Galatians! Who has cast a spell on you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by the Spirit, are you now finishing by the flesh?

You see, when Paul referred to the risk of living in the flesh, he was referring to living according to the law of Moses. It is the attempt to justify oneself through the obedience of laws that could be measured by works. So, what does that look like today? It would be like claiming the status of salvation because of the clothes worn or the church attended.

During a time when man-made rules governed the lives of God’s people, Paul saw himself and the believers of Christ as ambassadors of a new covenant. That is, Paul recognized the power of God’s new heaven and new earth breaking through the world of man-made religion. The law was the old way that led to death, while the new covenant is the way lived in the Spirit, which leads to life.

Paul likened the blindness of those who preferred the old way of living to what the Israelites experienced once Moses returned from Mount Sinai. After receiving the law, Moses’ face shone with the glory of God. Yet, that glory could not be seen, because the people were so afraid. So, Moses placed a veil on his face to protect the Israelites from the radiance of his face.

Paul uses this event to demonstrate those who are still under the law. Those under the law read the law of Moses with a veil over their faces. So, they cannot understand what the law was truly meant to do. Yet, when a person that turns to Christ, the veil is removed and they get to experience the freedom of the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17

2 Corinthians 3:16–17 CSB

16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

The writer of Hebrews wrote about the beauty of the new covenant and how much better it is when compared to the old covenant. The old covenant is outdated, irrelevant, and obsolete. In fact, the writer saw the old covenant disappearing and making way for the new covenant. And today…we can surely say, the old covenant is no longer in effect. We are free to by the Spirit of God, without condemnation, and by the power of God’s guidance. Hebrews 8:9-12

Hebrews 8:9–12 CSB

9 not like the covenant that I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. I showed no concern for them, says the Lord, because they did not continue in my covenant. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 And each person will not teach his fellow citizen, and each his brother or sister, saying, “Know the Lord,” because they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them. 12 For I will forgive their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins.

So, here’s to a new apostolic way! A way of living by the Spirit, without condemnation, and without any obligation to man-made rules. Enjoy your freedom in the Spirit!