A Comparison Chart between the Law of Moses, the Present day Church, and the Grace of God

A Comparison Chart to show the Law of Moses, as it Functions in the Present day Church System, and the Church as Given by the Grace of God

Preface

Churches of this day have come to the place where the Law of Moses is fully integrated into their doctrines and practices. Yet Scripture makes it quite clear that the Law of Moses has been fulfilled at the cross of Christ (Acts chapter 15; Romans 10:4; Galatians 2:16-19; Colossians 2:14-17). The religious man may see nothing wrong in relating to God through practices that are from the law, however, for the Christian, it is the place of death (2 Corinthians 3:7, 9), not life in the Spirit.

The Christian is told in Scripture that he is complete in Christ apart from the Law of Moses (Colossians 2:9-13).

In the booklet, “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth,” by C. I. Scofield, Mr. Scofield points out that this truth; “the Judaizing of the Church has done more to hinder her progress, pervert her mission, and destroy her spirituality than all other causes combined.” No Christian should be swayed by persuasions of church practices, doctrines of men, or the religious flow of the day. We are told that Scripture is the very words of God, these and these alone should direct the pathway of a Christian.

1

Law of Moses: God appointed a one man ministry to minister to Israel, only Moses (Exodus 19:24).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Church appointed clergy to minister to laity according to church bylaws in incorporation documents. These are legal binding bylaws upon all members.

Church under Grace: God gives gifts of the Holy Spirit to believers to minister (Ephesians4:11; Romans 12:6).

2

Law of Moses: Ordaining of priests who alone minister in the tabernacle or temple (Exodus 29:5-9).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Ordaining of clergy who alone minister in the churches or give authority to those who can.

Church under Grace: All believers are priests who have been given the right and privilege to minister in the church (1 Peter 2:5-9; Revelation 1:5-6).

3

Law of Moses: God gave through the Law of Moses a hierarchy of men to rule Israel (Exodus 18:25- 26; 29:5-9; 40:12-16).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Hierarchy of men in the church rule through election, appointment, or through legal bylaws of church incorporation.

Church under Grace: No Scriptural doctrine of hierarchy in the churches. The grace of God does not have any place for a hierarchy. Work of oversight is done by an elder desiring the work of oversight, who meets Scriptural qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7;Titus 1:6-9; 2:1-10).

4

Law of Moses: All truth came by Moses who alone spoke for God (Exodus 19:9-25).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Only official church doctrine set by men in the hierarchy, or a founder of the church can be believed or accepted.

Church under Grace: Christ alone is the truth He will lead his people into all truth (John 16:13). Jesus is the Word of God, the Holy Spirit and the Scripture are the test of truth (John 1:1; 6:63).

5

Law of Moses: All authority of God came only through Moses (Exodus 4:12, 15-16; Numbers 16:28).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Clergymen are to have all authority over laity.

Church under Grace: Oversight of the Lord’s assembly is the responsibility of the elders, who are brothers among the Lord’s brethren (1 Timothy 3:1; 5:1; 1 Peter 5:1-6).

6

Law of Moses: Tithes and offerings are mandatory. Collected for the Levitical priesthood. Tithe: (Leviticus 27:30-32). Priests: (Numbers 18:21-24). Temple tax: (Exodus 30:13-16).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Tithes and offerings collected for headquarters of the church organization maintaining the clergy, keeping a hierarchy in power. Tithes mandatory in some church bylaws.

Church under Grace: No tithes collected, believers admonished to give as the Lord has prospered. No offerings are to be taken (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving is to be from purpose of heart (1 Corinthians 9:7).

7

Law of Moses: Judaism is founded on the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses is built on 613 commandments given and recorded in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Churches of today are built on a founder of a church or denomination, the Law of Moses, and the bylaws of incorporation as filed and recorded with the state.

Church under Grace: The Church that the Holy Spirit is building is the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Not built on men, 1 Corinthians 3:11, not in league with the state John 17:16, the Law of Moses is not a part the of the Church of God (Colossians 2:8, 14.17).

8

Law of Moses: In the Law of Moses, God appointed one man, Moses to tell the people what the word of the Lord is for them.

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Churches ordaining and appointing of clergy to tell the laity what the word of the Lord is for them.

Church under Grace: Christ speaks directly to His people: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). “For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted” (1 Corinthians 14:31).

9

Law of Moses: The power of God rested solely and fully on Moses (Exodus 4:1-9; 7:1; 9-13; 11:1-6; 12:29-30; 14:21-31).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: The legal position of clergyman has authoritative power over the people in the church or parish.

Church under Grace: All believers are servants. “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your slave” (Matthew 20:26-27).

10

Law of Moses: “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you” (Deuteronomy 28:15). The law of Moses was a ministration of death (2 Corinthians 3:7).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Churches teach that the Ten Commandments, or some parts of the other commandments, are for a Christian to live by: separate priesthood or clergy, tithing, church building called a temple or sanctuary, incorporation of a church with all members under its bylaws and edicts.

Church under Grace: “Jesus said: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak unto you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). “In Him was life and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

11

Law of Moses: “Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country. Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land. Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out” (Deuteronomy 29:16, 18-19). The Law of Moses is a ministration of condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:7).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Churches teach that a Christian is to keep some parts of the Law of Moses and they are to be kept for good church order and for spiritual life. Guilt put on those who do not follow some parts of the Law.

Church under Grace: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Christ is the end of the law for righteness (Romans 10:4).

12

Law of Moses: The Law of Moses is to be kept as a complete unit all 613 commandments: “Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say amen.” this means all 613 commandants (Deuteronomy 27:26).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Ordination of clergy comes directly out of the Law of Moses (Exodus 29:1, Leviticus 8:1-13).

Church under Grace: If any part of the Law of Moses is to be kept a believer is a debtor to the whole Law (Galatians 5:3).

13

Law of Moses: “Now the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God engraved on the tablets” (Exodus 32:16).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Churches rationalize taking certain parts of the law and making them into legal church doctrine.

Church under Grace: “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

14

Law of Moses: God gave feast days underthe Law of Moses (Leviticus chapter 23). Israel turned the feast days into something God did not intend, and contrary to His purpose (Amos 5:21).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Jesus gave the remembrance feast, of His death. Churches have turned the remembrance feast of the Lord’s death into a legal sacrament.

Church under Grace: Worship is the primary and the highest purpose of the remembrance of the Lord in His death (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34).

15

Law of Moses: In the Law of Moses priests were sanctified through the washing of baptism, without this washing Levities could not enter into the priesthood (Leviticus 8:6).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Churches turning water baptism into a sacrament, in many churches a condition for church membership. Rather than identification with Christ (Romans 6:5).

Church under Grace: Every Christian a member of the Church of God through the Holy Spirit baptizing them into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians12:13). Every Christian is washed (baptized) by the water of the word (Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5).

16

Law of Moses: Moses to reign over Israel, the then Aaron, then the priests, then the Levities, then the common Israelite.

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: The church structure is built on the Law of Moses. Authority is based in general headquarters, an apostle, general superintendent or president, then district authority, then local authority, then pastor or board, then the laity. Structure of this type of authority is given through the incorporation documents filed with the government, or by the agreement within any church.

Church under Grace: “And He said unto them, kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief as he that doth serve” (Luke 22:25-26).

17

Law of Moses: God addressed only Moses with His word (Exodus 24;2-3). Truth of God could only come through Moses.

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Official ordained church authority is to have the final word on truth. This structure of authority is derived from man made denominations, independent gatherings, sects, etc. These divisions in Christendom are not from the Holy Spirit or the truth taught in Scripture.

Church under Grace: “For other foundation can man lay than is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Letters of Scripture to the churches are addressed not to authorities, but to whole assembly (Romans 1:7-13; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:2-3; Ephesians 1:2-3; Philippians 1:1-2; Colossians 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1:1-2).

18

Law of Moses: “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant” (Exodus 31:16). “…For whosoever doth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people” (Exodus 31:14).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Some churches attempt to keep Saturday as the Sabbath as was given under the Law of Moses to Israel. Other churches attempt to make Sunday a Christian Sabbath.

Church under Grace: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath day: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).

19

Law of Moses: God chooses through Moses, those whom will bear the burden of the ministry with Moses.

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Church boards establish ministries for the propagation of their denomination, sect, or independent movement.For these ministries the church pastor or board will chose the minister to serve at the boards pleasure.

Church under Grace: “And God has appointed in the Church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, …” (1 Corinthians 12:28). “But to each of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). “And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us exercise them accordingly…” (Romans 12:6). In these Scriptures we learn that God by the Spirit chooses, not men.

20

Law of Moses: “And it came to pass on the marrow, that Moses sat to judge the people…” (Exodus 18:13).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Foursquare church pastors are required under church bylaws to keep a dossier on church members, active or inactive; “by laws of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; pastors duties” page 36, section c.

Church under Grace: “For bearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13).

21

Law of Moses: Moses was the mediator between God and man (Exodus 32:7-16). “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator” (Galatians 3:19).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Church membership for some churches is based on the member putting faith in the founder of the church. For example the Foursquare Church law states: “subscribes and adheres to the ‘Declaration of Faith’ compiled by Aimee Semple McPherson,” Bylaws of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; church membership page 32, section C. Dismissal of Membership: “Refusal to adhere to ‘Declaration of Faith’ or comply with the provisions of the articles or these bylaws.” Page 34 section A. Faith in this woman founder is required for church membership and to keep church membership.

Church under Grace: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). “For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones” (Ephesians 5:30). “For other foundation can man lay than that is laid, which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

22

Law of Moses: God to Moses for the children of Israel: “All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live…” (Deuteronomy 8:1).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Bylaws of the denomination required for church membership in many churches, the spiritual standing with God is here thought edicts of the church.

Church under Grace: “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift to be tied to these bylaws and of God: not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

23

Law of Moses: Moses said to Aaron and his sons: “Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations” (Leviticus 10:9).

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: Some church denominations require a signed statement by members that they will not drink any strong drink or wine. A requirement of some Baptist churches and other holiness churches.

Church under Grace: “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking and you say, look a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 7:34).

24

Law of Moses: Only Moses spoke with the authority of God for all Israel.

Church Operating under The Law of Moses: The Roman Catholic Church claims that the Pope speaking from Peter’s chair alone is speaking without error, all must obey or be branded a heretic.

Church under Grace: “However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:13). Jesus said: “…Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37).

Conclusion

Many may think after reading this graph; yes, this is true but why worry about these things. My church is very successful and we have good clergymen, so why make a big deal out of these truths. A story may help to illustrate the point that this graph offers:

A religious man had married a religious wife who loved him. Their home was a happy home, so they called it the house of God. He felt the home was lacking and in need of more people, so one day he brought home another wife. His wife was very upset, and she told her husband so. The husband consoled her with kind and loving words. He told her how much he loved her no matter what. Sometime later the husband brought home another wife. Again his first wife was greatly upset. He again consoled her with very loving words. This happened again and again until he had 10 wives. His first wife felt something was wrong and complained to him bitterly. She told him that her spirit was wounded and hurt. Her husband loved her but felt she lacked understanding. So he said to her; even though I have 10 wives have I not given unto you your conjugal rights and have I not continued to love you? Do not all my wives love you and each other? Are not all of you sister/wives in one big happy family? Are we not all just brother and sisters in the house of God? Are not all of our 35 children good children? Do any of my other wives complain or look sad like you are doing? Are not the other 9 wives all happy without any complaints? Why do you want to find fault with everything? Can’t you just be happy and enjoy what God is doing? For our family is a shining example of what a family should be that live in the house of God; that being a loving relationship between brother and sisters.

There are no legal minded people here to come in and destroy this wonderful family. There are no absolutes here, just love. God is love and He has commanded that we love one another, ask yourself; are you against God?

Just go with the flow and love all your sister/wives and your children, and their children. We want to love you so don’t spend your time stirring up strife. Remember when we first got married we together decided to call our house, the HOUSE OF GOD. Now we have many more here who have come to enjoy our spiritual blessings and live in equality and totally on the basis of love.

The first wife could not be consoled with words. When she married her husband she thought the marriage came with absolute structure of marriage. Her husband used the word love to undermine the God given structure of marriage. Her husband instituted a new structure of marriage all for the purposes of doing God’s will more perfectly. The first wife’s spirit could not be fooled into putting away the God given structure of marriage, for what seemed to be outwardly a happy family. Only when the first wife is free of these other wives will she enjoy a true God structured marriage with her husband.

So it is with the Christian who will follow Christ, according to who Christ is, that being; the divine revelation of Grace and Truth (John 1:17). The other wives for the Christian are the doctrines, practices and structures of men brought into the church. They infringe into the intimate position that the first wife has with her husband. The spirit in the Christian cannot be fooled with what seems to be good works, and cunning words of deception. The love of God (agape) compels the Christian (as part of the bride of Christ) to follow only the Holy Spirit, and the structure of His Word, in order to have only one husband.

When the Christian believed, he was brought into a marriage relationship with Christ, then upon entering the church he had to live with things not of Christ. No amount of reasoning from what ‘our church believes’ will quiet the spirit of the one who desires Christ and Christ alone, without the other wives. Only in this place will the Christian be free and stay free.

Many Christians may not at all be aware that they are free from the Law. This freedom is freedom unto one husband, even Christ. The Christian who is involved in these legal organizations is living with other wives. The Bridegroom coming for His wife is Christ, He will come for one wife, not wives. The addition of the commandments of men in the churches is exactly what the Pharisees did to God’s Word, Jesus told them: “You reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark 7:9).

The calling of God for every Christian

For the Christian who wants to live in the freedom of the Spirit of Christ. Only what the Spirit of God has revealed in Scripture, will take the Christian into the place of being one wife of Her husband, in intimacy, without competing secular or religious spirits. (John 14:23).

God’s design for blessing and freedom for the Christian is for the Christian to live and walk in the kingdom of Christ. This means without the religious entanglements founded by men. God redeemed a sinner, made him a saint, to be only unto Himself.

D. Neely, 4-15-05 reprinted 12-24-06

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).