WORD TO THE WISE #35: Moving Beyond the Law

Moving Beyond the Law

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; 

by the which we draw nigh unto God.

~ Hebrews 7:19

According to the law, sacrifice was the only way by which we could access God. Even then, it was not us but only a high priest that could intercede on our behalf. But Jesus is the new channel by which we can draw nearer to God.

"For the law made nothing perfect": meaning, to simply follow the letter of the law (as received by Moses) did not free or redeem us from sin. It did not bring us into a closer relationship with God.

"But the bringing in of a better hope did": the hope we have in Jesus - knowing Him to be free of sin yet taking our sins upon himself, that we would not suffer or receive that which we deserved. That's love - perfect love. The hope that Jesus is interceding on our behalf so that we are being perfected as vessels for God's use.

"By the which we draw nigh unto God": Jesus is the example of perfect love. It's when we live and love as Jesus did while he was in this world, that we move toward a more intimate relationship with God.

I relate this to science or mathematics.

We study and memorize the laws of physics and mathematics to the point where we can recite them frontwards and back. We pass all the tests that require us to recall the laws. But do we fully understanding the laws? Usually, not until we see them in practice. Once we see them being used and realize the significance of the outcome, then we understand more fully what can be accomplished when we operate within the laws. Now that we have knowledge of what can happen when we operate within the law, we can begin to see the bigger picture and strive toward excellence.

For example, we learn as children that 5 times 8 equals 40. But, does that really mean anything to us?When we start working it sure does. We know that if we work 8 hrs at a rate of $5 per hr, we'll make $40. We think, "Cool. I can think of where that $40 could help in my expenses." But then we begin to think. "Well, if I work 5 days at $40 per day for 4 wks, I could really have something." That's when we begin to strive to make it happen.

We know that law, but it's not until we see it at work, that we utilize it for our good. That's when we move beyond the law.

What does Hebrews 7:19 mean to you? Please comment.