Churches Of Christ/Four gospels

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/27/2011


Question
Are the four gospels still under the mosaic law since Jesus didn't die till the end of each gospel? We live under grace which started when Jesus died for our sins, so do we still apply the teachings of the four gospels in our life?

Answer
Hey Josh!

Chronologically the Gospels describe events prior to the death of Jesus. However, they record the teachings of Jesus as the Son of God. We confuse ourselves when we attempt to make a sharp distinction between the OT and the NT. God doesn't make such a strong distinction. The Old Covenant is contained essentially, in the Law. It and the OT are not equivalent. Similarly, the New Covenant describes a removal of the Law as normative for the People of God; it and the NT are not equivalent either.

The coming of Jesus - his life and death - ushered in a new way of relating to God for those who would follow him. But this distinction is not as black and white as we are sometimes taught. The message of Jesus (compassion, kindness, caring for others) is consistent with the message of both the Law and Prophets in the OT. God has always been after a people who would live as God wanted them to live (see especially here Micah and Amos). This desire is echoed in the NT and in the teachings of Jesus.

What Jesus taught and the example he set by his life are the concerns of God, and they are echoed also in the later writings of the NT. Someone who lives to follow Jesus has to pay attention to what he said and these are recorded in the Gospels. Since we have few records of his teaching outside the Gospels, we would be hard pressed to follow him if we ignored them.

Hope that helps

Churches Of Christ

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Hoyt Roberson

Expertise

I can answer just about any doctrinal, relational, or Scriptural question from a "traditional" church of Christ perspective, and from perspectives of somewhat more progressive congregations. If you want an answer from a particular perspective, let me know that up front, and I'll respond in that vein. If you want to peg me on the liberal-conservative spectrum, I would suggest a bit left of center. Depending on the question though, I might be far left, or perhaps rather toward the right.

Experience

I am currently a shepherd of a congregation (which means, for those of you who aren't Church of Christ folk, I'm one of a handful of people responsible for the spiritual direction and maturity of the congregation, and who hire and fire the ministers). I have served in many capacities including adult class teacher (also current), deacon, administrator, and lay leader at two military bases. I am a life-long member of churches of Christ, mostly mainline congregations, but am quite familiar with more conservative and more liberal congregations and views as well. I read and subscribe to various books and periodicals for churches of Christ, and have discussed a variety of topics with representatives of our various groups both in person, and via mail.

Organizations
Christian Association for Psychological Studies, American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Publications
www.robersonblog.blogspot.com

Education/Credentials
I hold a Masters of Ministry degree from Pepperdine University, as well as a Masters of Counseling degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.