The Written Torah-Law is A Blessing, Not A Curse

The written Torah-law is a blessing. It is perfectly clear from scripture that keeping the written Torah-law isn't a curse. It never has been and never will be. Paul of course says in Romans 7:12:

Romans 7:12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. NKJV

Romans 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. - Young's Literal Translation

We know that Paul's talking about the written Torah law here, because he's specifically mentioning the commandments. But notice that he refers to it here as "the law". Although that said there are some cases when Paul writes and refers to the written Torah-law as "law" without the definite article.

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Paul tells us that all of the Old Testament scriptures were inspired and profitable.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJV

Furthermore Jesus Christ said:

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, AND TEACHES MEN SO, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. NKJV

Psalms 19 tells us what David (a man after God's own heart) thought of the written Torah:

Psalms 19: 7 ¶ The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

And if anyone's still in any doubt just read Psalm 119: it's equally positive about the wonderful benefits of keeping God's laws.

Psalms 119:14-16 4 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. NKJV

Psalms 119:23-24 23 Princes also sit and speak against me, But Your servant meditates on Your statutes. 24 Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors. NKJV

Psalms 119:33-35 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. NKJV

Psalms 119:44-48 44 So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. 46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. 48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes. NKJV

For the sake of brevity, let's skip down to the end of the longest chapter in the Bible.

Psalms 119:172-174 72 My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness. 173 Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. 174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD, And Your law is my delight. NKJV

Is there any sign of the written Torah law given to Moses, (which is what's being referred to here in Psalm 19 and Psalm 119) being an oppressive burden?

We think not.

The Written Torah Law is Deeply Respected By Jews Today

At least in a Reform Synagogue, every Sabbath a member of the congregation is given the privilege of taking the written Torah in its heavy scroll form from the Ark, lifting it up before God and presenting it to the congregation. He then walks it right around the synagogue, (up one isle and down the other) and as he does so the entire congregation turn their bodies to follow it, so that they don't turn their back on God's written Torah law. As the man takes the law up and down through the congregation people kiss the Torah scroll. They do this by kissing the tassels on their prayer shawls and then touching the scrolls with their tassels as it passes.

It's a ceremony with enormous reverence for God's written Torah law and its very moving. The only burden on the Jews is the physical weight of the scrolls!

It's nonsense to suggest that the written Torah has ever been a curse, as anyone who has kept it will tell you.

God's written Torah law reveals His plan for mankind and is a simple but extremely effective recipe for happiness in our families.

But what does scripture reveal about Paul's views of Oral Torah law ?

Return to the start of Galatians, Paul, The Torah-Law and Legalism a Judianity website ?

One small and predictable change to an "Old Testament" law about circumcising gentile proselytes in Acts caused massive turmoil in the predominantly Jewish first century church. If most of the other Old Testament laws were "done away" why then isn't any comparable fuss recorded in the New Testament ? Why also do many christian theologians believe even after the crucifixion, that Paul kept Nazirite vows & offered sacrifices at the temple?

Let's take a closer look at Paul and the Oral Torah Law Before & After The Road to Damascus
© www.galatians-paul-the-torah-law-legalism.info Jan 2006.