Hello MikeIsraelite.
Where does Paul state that his usage of the phrase 'the law', only refers to Mosaic rituals?
Paul uses that same phrase 'the law' roughly 50 times in the letter to the Romans.
Paul uses the phrase 'the law' in the passage below and is referring to a commandment.
Romans 7:3
So then, if while her husband is alive she gives herself to another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she gives herself to another man.
If you understood Paul's letters you would understand that Paul, is referring to the entire Mosaic law.
just to address Romans 7:3 Paul is making the statement regarding adultery in the context of Yahweh God and the children of Israel, Pauls whole ministry was to take the gospel to the Israelites that were scattered along the nations. Romans 7:3 is alluding to Yahweh divorcing the children of Israel and as prophecied the messiah, Christ Jesus gave his life to free those who were under the law from sin and death. that is a whole other study but
as for that context of the law…
hebrews 9:14
“Since this is true, how much more is accomplished by the blood of Christ! Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will purify our consciences from
useless rituals, so that we may serve the living God”
In Acts chapter 15 while in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas were teaching former pagans converted to Christianity that they did not have to be circumcised and follow the other rituals of the laws of Moses, but that “some had come down from Judaea teaching the brethren that if you would not be circumcised in the custom of Moses, you are not able to be saved”
During the ministry of Jesus the Pharisees condemned him and his disciples for not doing the ritual of washing the hands before eating recorded in Mark 7:1-8
“
1Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
2And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
3For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash
their hands oft, eat not,
holding the tradition of the elders.
4And
when they comefrom the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold,
as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
5Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him,
Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with
theirlips, but their heart is far from me.
7Howbeit in vain do they worship me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8For laying aside the commandment of God,
ye hold the tradition of men,
as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Even before Paul, Jesus stood opposed to the outward show of the judaizers cuz they loved their rituals and the traditions of the elders which came from the Talmud and not the Torah. Although Paul uses the word “law” many times in his epistles, he also uses the phrase “works of the law” and these were the Levitical and ceremonial laws which included circumcision and ceremonial washing but also the offering of sacrifices and burnt offerings. These things had been done away with cuz they were perfected in christ, He being the one High Priest who made the one offering with his previous blood as the last sacrifice needed for the propitiation of sin.
When you consider that Paul went to teach the scattered israelites among the nations of which were pagans, the law was still their “schoolmaster” as it should be ours but ultimately we are to have faith that jesus paid the price for when we do sin and the liberty comes from. believing that our righteousness before the Father is in what Christ accomplished and can never be found in anything that we do. Truly believing and washing ourself in the word daily should absolutely make you want the law of God.. An example from my own life, i was getting tattooed for over 20 years and i’m covered head to toe but when i came to Christ i had still gotten tattooed. in the last year ive dedicated myself to seeking God daily in study and prayer, ive decided i am not going to get tattooed anymore cuz Gods law has instructed us not to tattoo or mark up our bodies. sure i could just continue to get tattooed and call it christian liberty cuz i’m forgiven but im choosing to refrain in order to bring my flesh into submission being obedient in the faith.
in reading the new testament jesus never broke any of the moral laws but he did stand opposed to the rituals and traditions and we should be striving to be confirmed to the image of Christ. Read 1 John and it’s clear that he identified sin outside the boundaries of the law. The closer we draw to God the more we should love his ways and his laws but not for the sake of righteousness but to be a son that honors his father.
Romans 11:5,6
“Now in this manner even in the present time there has been a remnant in accordance with the election of favor. 6 But if in favor,
no longer from rituals: since favor would be favor no longer.”
Romans 2:12
12For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13(
For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14For when the nations, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and
their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
ROMANS 2:26
26Therefore
if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
