Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness,
but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought
from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as
an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master,
because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:13–14
One of the arguments against Christianity today may seem valid to some, but in my opinion it usually just demonstrates ignorance. It should receive a sound Biblical answer in response. Sadly, it seems that few believers engage in this discussion because of a lack of knowledge and/or confidence.
Here is what I’m referring to: let’s say a Christian speaks out against militant Islam. A non-Christian will point to some seemingly violent act of God in the Old Testament and say that Christians are being hypocritical. Our “religion” is no better than any other. Or they’ll point to one of the unusual commands or laws in the Old Testament and say that the Christian is not obeying the entire Bible and, therefore, has no room to talk. Have you encountered this criticism from skeptics in your own life?
I would appreciate a little grace as I try to lay out a somewhat complex issue in one brief devotional. Please also know that we are trying to understand a supernatural God in human terms. There are aspects we’ll not fully comprehend this side of heaven.
Having given this disclaimer, let me attempt to summarize the symbiotic relationship between the Old and New Testament. Starting with Abraham, God chose the Hebrew people (who became the Jews) to bless all nations (Galatians 3:8).
Before Jesus came, God instituted a religious system through Moses for the Jewish people to obey. We looked at this earlier. It covered ceremonies, civil law, and morality. It was not directed to Gentiles. It doesn’t mean that Christians ignore the Old Testament, for there is a wealth of knowledge and guidance that can be gained there. We just have to remember the target audience.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Jesus fulfilled so many of the Old Testament practices and laws that no longer became necessary. He opened the door of acceptance to the world. For the Jews and Gentiles, salvation and freedom henceforth came through Him to those who believed.
Anyone who believes in the atoning work of the cross is not bound by legalism or performing for the sake of approval or special benefits. God’s laws are still good, but many are kept in a spiritual way. The upcoming devotional about physical and figurative circumcision is a good example.
