Author Topic: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law  (Read 131615 times)

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Mimi

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Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #280 on: October 15, 2007, 08:06:00 AM »
Considering the Law of Moses was given to the COI just after being delivered by the Hand of God from Egypt - a parallel can be seen relative to us this very day. God, through Moses, sat about reforming His people to learn to live a holy life so they could "cross over" into a better land. He continues that reform today.

It has been a little while since we have discussed the binding aspects of these laws - let's not let them drop. Having re-read the last ten pages of this topic, I am thrilled at some of our discoveries, yet, our ways are not God's ways.

In addition to the spiritual aspect of not mixing linen with wool as Brother Haskell stated, this statute must have a health aspect to it that we have not addressed.

What happens to our bodies when wool and linen are mixed as clothing? Why is there a command against it?

Does it have to do with static electricity?

Does it have to do with perspiration absorbtion? Coolness in the heat, warmth in the winter?

Or is it an overall command not to mix things that has meaning much more far reaching? I cannot get this subject off my mind.  

An Orthodox Jewish website gives this reason: Ancient pagan priests used to wear wool and linen processed together, because they knew how to make use of it for occult practices, including idol worship and other terrible things, and therefore the Torah forbade us to use it for all time, and ordered us to stay far away from shatnez, as well as all other practices of the pagans.

And another one:  The law, it is to be observed, did not prohibit the Israelites wearing many different kinds of cloths together, but only the two specified; and the observations and researches of modern science have proved that `wool, when combined with linen, increases its power of passing off the electricity from the body. In hot climates it brings on malignant fevers, and exhausts the strength, and when passing off from the body, it meets with the heated air, inflames and excoriates like a blister' (Whitelaw).” (emphasis mine throughout)

In other words, WEAVING WOOL WITH LINEN INTO THE SAME CLOTH, when used in a garment, CAUSES EXCESSIVE HEAT, SWEAT AND IRRITATION TO THE BODY - beyond what wool alone would do!

Does this sound reasonable? Or is there more?

[This message has been edited by Sybil (edited 10-15-2007).]

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #281 on: October 15, 2007, 08:40:00 AM »
Most of the commentary I have found relative to this subject also covers prohibition of mixing (interbreeding) animals as well as mixing crops. There is a theme for the preservation of purity of the seed, whether animal or plant.

Thus far, the commentary on the mixture of clothing causing excessive body heat or interference of the body's electrical currents make the most sense. What think ye?
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #282 on: October 15, 2007, 08:53:00 AM »
More commentary that appears to add light on this subject:

The Rabbi’s know to interpret Lev.19:19 in light of Deut.22:10-11. The teachings of Leviticus came before those of Deuteronomy. Exodus, Numbers and Leviticus began from the exodus out of Egypt and through out their wandering in the wilderness. Then after Israel’s wandering in the wilderness was about complete, Moses recapped, reminded, explained and expounded many of God’s Statutes, Judgments and Testimonies from Exodus, Numbers and Leviticus - in what is called Deuteronomy. In this summary of the previous teachings of the Pentateuch, Moses often explains these previous passages by adding a bit of clarification by way of additional information and by context. Thus Deuteronomy complements the previous three books, like the gospels complement one another. So let’s see the parallel Statute to Lev.19:19 in Deuteronomy.

Deut 22:9 You shall not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled. 10 You shall not plow with an ox and an ass together. 11 You shall not wear a garment of divers sorts, of wool and linen together.

Notice verse 9 gives us the point of these Statutes of separation – to protect us from DEFILEMENT! There are certain types of seed, that if mixed together will cause them to be defiled because they are DIVERSE in nature. Others can actually complement each other. God’s point is to avoid the unnatural harmful union of things that don’t complement each other.

This word “divers sorts” in Hebrew is “shah-at-naze,” which literally means spun linen and wool into one fabric. This is a “diverse” mixture where the two fabrics are not compatible! Either material by itself is fine. It is the combination that is a problem.

The word translated “diverse,” or “mixed” from the Hebrew is “kala`” which comes from the root word meaning to refrain or restrain, to hold back and restrict.

This is talking about mixing seeds, or fabrics, or oxen – OR PEOPLE in a way that will HOLD THEM BACK causing defilement, friction, and a constant struggle. Other mixtures that are not “diverse” in nature are not prohibited.

Notice here this principle is expanded and explained by Moses by placing it right alongside the prohibition against the unnatural union of yoking the ox and the ass together. The spirit of this statute is against any unnatural or contrary union. It is also against imitating the pagan mystical practices – which is another form of UNNATURAL UNION BETWEEN BAAL AND GOD – paganism and God’s Truth.

That is why Paul made the comparison he did when referring to these Statutes. Notice Paul uses this Statute of not yoking an ox and an ass together (a clean animal with an unclean animal – see Deut.22:10 & Lev.11), to teach God’s principle of not yoking believers together with unbelievers.

2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV)

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #283 on: October 15, 2007, 10:35:00 AM »
It is an interesting restriction that is still binding. The question in my mind is how far do we go?  Are we to not mix nylon and cotton as in most socks?  Generally we see a small amount of synthetic in socks with the majority being cotton.  It would appear that are better off by using single thread material. I think my wooll socks are 100 % wool. My tshirts are all cotton. Most of my clothing is all cotton. I won't wear synthetic material against my skin.

There is a blessing for us as we search the Bible wanting to live in harmony with the laws of our being. Many don't see it this way and do not want to be disturbed. But, they will lose the blessing that God has in giving to the world much instruction.

If the command to not mix fibers had been part of the sacrificial system, then we would not be concerned, but it was not from all we see. The same applies to much of the Levitical law. The health message has been rejected by much of the Christian Church, to their detriment. The principles involved in this area are of great importance to our happiness and our religious experience.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #284 on: October 15, 2007, 03:04:00 PM »
I am convicted of this.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #285 on: October 16, 2007, 06:12:00 AM »
Then what else does God have to reveal to us through His Word that will bless us today? How about the command to not mingle seeds when planting? Is there a blessing in taking care to follow this command? Or was it only for the Jewish economy?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #286 on: December 05, 2007, 04:51:40 PM »
January 20, 1881 The Cities of Refuge.

By Mrs. E. G. White.

     At the command of God, Moses fixed the future boundaries of the land of Canaan. He then proceeded to select a prince from each tribe, and committed to them the work of dividing the land by lot among the different tribes when they should come in possession. In this arrangement the tribe of Levi alone was exempted. They were considered as especially set apart to the service of God, and hence were given no inheritance among their brethren. Instead of this, forty-eight cities in different parts of the country were to be assigned them, as a permanent dwelling-place.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 1}

     And now the Lord proceeded to give his people another evidence of his care and tender compassion for the unfortunate and the erring. To provide for the effectual punishment of murder, it was customary in ancient times for the execution of the murderer to devolve upon the nearest relative or the next heir of the deceased; and in extreme cases the avenger might pursue the criminal anywhere, and execute vengeance upon him without the formality of a trial. While the Lord would have the crime of murder regarded with great abhorrence, he would carefully guard the innocent. Hence, without entirely destroying the custom of private vengeance, he makes the most thorough provision that the guiltless be not rashly slain without trial, nor the guilty escape punishment.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 2}

     Of the cities assigned to the Levites, six were appointed as cities of refuge, to which the man-slayer might flee for safety. This provision was not designed for the willful murderer; but "that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person unawares." "And they shall be unto you cities of refuge, that the man-slayer die not until he stand before the congregation in judgment." Special directions were given to determine whether the man was guilty of willful murder, or had taken life by accident.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 3}

     The cities so wisely provided were to be located within a half-day's journey of every part of the land. It would not often happen that the avenger of blood would be in the spot, hence the unfortunate man-slayer would have an opportunity to flee, and but few would be overtaken before they gained the place of safety.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 4}

     But if the fugitive would escape with his life, there must be no delay; family and employment must be left behind, there was no time to say farewell to loved ones. His life is at stake, and every other interest must be sacrificed to the one purpose,--to reach the city of refuge. Weariness is forgotten, difficulties are unheeded. He does not for one moment slacken his pace until he is safe within the walls of the city.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 5}

     
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #287 on: December 05, 2007, 04:53:55 PM »
Cities of Refuge continued:

The roads to these cities were always to be kept in good repair; all along the way, sign-posts were to be erected bearing the word Refuge in plain, bold characters, that the fleeing one might not hesitate for a moment. Any person,--Hebrew, stranger, or sojourner,--might avail himself of this provision. The case of the fugitive was to be fairly tried by the proper authorities, and if found guiltless of intended murder he was to be protected in the city of refuge. Should he carelessly wander away beyond the prescribed limits, and the avenger of blood find him, his life would pay the penalty of his disregard for the Lord's provision. Those who remained within the city until the death of the high-priest were then at liberty to return to their possessions.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 6}

     Among the specific directions for the trial of persons suspected of murder were the following: "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die." How wise and just is this injunction. If the charge was supported by only one witness, the accused person was not to be condemned, although circumstantial evidence might be strong against him. On the other hand, if proved guilty no atonement or ransom could rescue him. However distinguished his position might be, he must suffer the penalty of his crime. The safety and purity of the nation demanded that the sin of murder be severely punished. Human life, which God alone could give, must be sacredly guarded.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 7}

     The blood of the victim, like the blood of Abel, will cry to God for vengeance on the murderer and on all who shield him from the punishment of his crime. Whosoever,--be it individual or city,--will excuse the crime of the murderer, when convinced of his guilt, is a partaker of his sin, and will surely suffer the wrath of God. The Lord designed to impress upon his people the terrible guilt of murder, while he would make the most thorough and merciful provision for the acquittal of the innocent.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 8}

     God understands the perversity of the human heart. Personal enmity, or the prospect of personal advantage, has ruined the reputation and usefulness of thousands of innocent men, and in many cases has resulted in their condemnation and death. The worthless lives of violent and wicked men have been preserved by a bribe, while those who were guilty of no crime against the laws of the nation have been made to suffer. By their wealth or power, men of rank corrupt the judges and bring false witness against the innocent. The provision that none should be condemned on the testimony of one witness, was both just and necessary. One man might be controlled by prejudice, selfishness, or malice. But it was not likely that two or more persons would be so perverted as to unite in bearing false witness; and even should they do so, a separate examination would lead to a discovery of the truth.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 9}

     This merciful provision contains a lesson for the people of God until the close of time. It was Christ who gave to Moses those explicit directions for the Hebrew host; and when personally with his disciples on earth, the great Leader repeated the same lesson as he taught them, how to treat the erring. One man's testimony was not to acquit or to condemn. One man's views and opinions were not to settle disputed questions. In all these matters, two or more were to be associated, and together they were to bear the responsibility in the case. God has made it the duty of his servants to be subject one to another. No one man's judgment is to control in any important matter. Mutual consideration and respect imparts proper dignity to the ministry, and unites the servants of God in close bonds of love and harmony. While they should depend upon God for strength and wisdom, ministers of the gospel should confer together in all matters requiring deliberation. "That by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 10}

     The laws instituted by God for the prevention and punishment of crime were marked by strict and impartial justice. But the sinfulness of man perverts the wisest laws, both human and divine. It is because men in authority can be bribed to excuse sin, and let the guilty pass unpunished that justice has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter. These evils are causing the earth to become as corrupt as in the days of Noah. The most terrible crimes are becoming so common as hardly to awaken a feeling of horror. Our own nation is guilty before God of permitting the most atrocious crimes to pass unheeded. The accumulating weight of unpunished sin is sinking the nation to destruction. The wrongs they do not condemn and punish are making this people the subjects of God's retributive justice. Licentiousness, robbery, and murder, continually on the increase, are deluging our world, and preparing it to receive the unmingled wrath of God.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 11}

     
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #288 on: December 05, 2007, 05:00:33 PM »
Cities of Refuge continued:

The injunctions of God to the Hebrews should cause us to be filled with horror at the thought of even unintentionally destroying a human life. But when man is put to death by his fellow-man, to serve some selfish purpose, --as Naboth was slain that Ahab might obtain the coveted vineyard,--what honor [horror], what anguish, should be felt by those who make and execute  the laws! How zealous should be their efforts to ascertain the facts, and  then decide the case with strict integrity, and execute the penalty with  impartial justice.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 12}

     It was the opposite course pursued by the antediluvian world that made the growth of wickedness so rapid, and violence and crime so widespread, that God cleansed the earth from its moral pollution by a flood. It was the fact that licentiousness and murder were lightly regarded that fitted Sodom for God's judgments. Had those in authority taken upon themselves the work which the Lord had appointed them,--fathers commencing in their own families to correct wrong, and magistrates and rulers acting with promptness and decision to punish the guilty,--others would have feared, and crime would have decreased. God would not then have deemed it necessary to take the matter in hand himself, and by terrible things in righteousness, execute the justice which had been perverted by men in authority.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 13}

     To increase the horrors of murder, and aid in the detection of the criminal, the Lord ordained that when the body of a murdered person was found in the land, the most solemn and public ceremony should be held, under the direction of the magistrates and elders in connection with the priests of God's appointment. "If one be found slain in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him; then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain; and it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke; and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley. And the priests, the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the Lord thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the Lord: and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried. And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley; and they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord."  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 14}

     After the most diligent search had failed to discover the murderer, the rulers were by this solemn ceremony to show their abhorrence of the crime. They were not to regard with carelessness and negligence the deeds of the guilty. In all their acts they were to show that sin has a contaminating influence,--that it leaves a stain upon every land and every person who will not by all possible means seek to bring the wrong-doer to justice. God regards as his enemies those who will by any act of negligence shield the guilty. They are in his sight partakers in the evil deeds of the sinner.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 15}

     Here are lessons which God's people at the present day should take to heart. There are grievous sins indulged by individual members of the church,--covetousness, over-reaching, deception, fraud, falsehood, and many others. If these sins are neglected by those who have been placed in authority in the church, the blessing of the Lord is withheld from his people, and the innocent suffer with the guilty. The officers in the church should be earnest, energetic men, having a zeal for God, and they should take the most prompt and thorough measures to condemn and correct these wrongs. In this work they should act, not from selfishness, jealousy, or personal prejudice, but in all meekness and lowliness of mind, with a sincere desire that God may be glorified. Inhumanity, false dealing, prevarication, licentiousness, and other sins, are not to be palliated or excused; for they will speedily demoralize the church. Sin may be called by false names, and glossed over by plausible excuses and pretended good motives, but this does not lessen its guilt in the sight of God. Wherever it may be found, sin is offensive to God, and will surely meet its punishment.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 16}

     The cities of refuge appointed for God's ancient people are a symbol of the Refuge provided and revealed in Jesus Christ. The offering made by our Saviour was of sufficient value to make a full expiation for the sins of the whole world, and all who by repentance and faith flee to this Refuge, will find security; here they will find peace from the heaviest pressure of guilt, and relief from the deepest condemnation. By the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and his work of mediation in our behalf, we may become reconciled to God. The blood of Christ will prove efficacious to wash away the crimson stain of sin.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 17}

     A merciful Saviour appointed the temporal cities of refuge, that the innocent might not suffer with the guilty. The same pitying Saviour has by the shedding of his own blood wrought out for the transgressors of God's law a sure Refuge, into which they may flee for safety from the pangs of the second death. And no power can take out of his hands the souls who flee to him for pardon.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 18}

     As the man-slayer was in constant peril until within the city of refuge, so is the transgressor of God's law exposed to divine wrath until he finds a hiding-place in Christ. As loitering and carelessness might rob the fugitive of his only chance for life, so delays and indifference may prove the ruin of the soul. Our adversary, the devil, is on the watch constantly to destroy the souls of men, and unless the sinner is sensible of his danger and earnestly seeks shelter in the eternal Refuge, he will fall a prey to the destroyer.  {ST, January 20, 1881 par. 19}
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Greg Goodchild

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #289 on: December 05, 2007, 05:59:24 PM »
Then what else does God have to reveal to us through His Word that will bless us today? How about the command to not mingle seeds when planting? Is there a blessing in taking care to follow this command? Or was it only for the Jewish economy?

In God's object lessons the concept is no mingling of the seed of God with the seed of unconverted man. Gen 6:4. It expands to all mingling of truth and error - the message is don't do it. God is all truth and no error and so will His people be as well.

Richard Myers

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #290 on: December 05, 2007, 08:19:25 PM »
Amen, by the natural, so may we understand the spiritual.

So, let us return to the natural. Does God mean that we ought not mingle the seeds of our crops? Or was this injunction only for Israel. Has this law been abolished, or is it binding today?

Thank you, Sister Sybil for the "cities of refuge" posts. Because we are not living in a theocracy, the government of Israel is not binding upon us today. But, there are principles involved in this. Do those principles put forth in the Old Testament dealing with the punishment for death carry over into our age? Do our laws reflect this in any way?
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Greg Goodchild

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #291 on: December 05, 2007, 10:00:11 PM »
Amen, by the natural, so may we understand the spiritual.

So, let us return to the natural. Does God mean that we ought not mingle the seeds of our crops?
BG: Do we need to mingle seeds in our crops today to feed us?
Or was this injunction only for Israel. Has this law been abolished, or is it binding today?
BG: Since we are no longer under the literal theocracy, but have chosen to live under the spiritual theocracy, the principles remain binding.
Thank you, Sister Sybil for the "cities of refuge" posts. Because we are not living in a theocracy, the government of Israel is not binding upon us today. But, there are principles involved in this. Do those principles put forth in the Old Testament dealing with the punishment for death carry over into our age? Do our laws reflect this in any way?
BG: yes the laws are binding, but the application of the penalties will not be applied until the Jesus returns to earth.


Richard Myers

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #292 on: December 05, 2007, 10:17:45 PM »
yes the laws are binding, but the application of the penalties will not be applied until the Jesus returns to earth.

It appears to me that our laws do indeed reflect the Biblical principle including penalties. Those who premeditate murder are treated differently than those who do not. The Biblical punishment for premeditated murder is death and this is how we are to do it today also. And, in a few states it is still done. It used to be common, but liberal values have stopped the death penalty and the corruption in the courts has resulted in unfair sentences in some cases.

Quote
the application of the penalties will not be applied until the Jesus returns to earth.

What penalties? Not the ones spoken of in the Bible for this our day.  The dead will not be raised to suffer punishment when Jesus comes now. And when He returns after the thousand years, that punishment has nothing to do with the punishment spelled out in the Old Testament for various crimes. How can the application of those penalties be applied when Jesus comes?
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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #293 on: December 05, 2007, 10:31:47 PM »
Aren't works the issue for ascertaning punishment for the final judgment? If one picks up sticks on Sabbath today, even we would not punish him with stoning would we? But in the final punishment they will be stoned and burned with fire.

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #294 on: December 06, 2007, 03:19:48 PM »
"in the final punishment they will be stoned and burned with fire."

I am not aware of this. Who will stone anyone in the final judgment?
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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #295 on: December 06, 2007, 03:36:07 PM »
I saw that but made no comment on it, thinking our brother might be considering God's reserves underneath the earth breaking up to join in with the fire from heaven to cleanse the earth of sin, thus potentially causing stones to fly and return to earth killing its inhabitants. ???

I have never heard this either at the judgment but allowed my mind to wonder in consideration of what I described above.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Greg Goodchild

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #296 on: December 06, 2007, 04:59:26 PM »
Revelation 17:16 "and the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire."  Is Babylon burned with fire?

Revelation 16:21 "And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent..." Was the hail in the form of "stones"?

When God sends these judgments will God's people approve of His judgments, and will this approval mean that God's people are in harmony with Jesus?

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #297 on: December 06, 2007, 05:21:24 PM »
We were thinking literal and you were thinking in more symbolic terms, although the Bible does call the hail "stones" - it is a supplied word.

Typically when there is a discussion of stoning people, our first thought is not of hail but of stone - rock ...

We need to either greatly expand our ability to see symbolic imagery in even the simplest words, or we might begin to suggest you use language that is readily identifiable with the subject matter.

Either way, communication is difficult at best.
  :)
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Greg Goodchild

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #298 on: December 06, 2007, 08:24:21 PM »
We were thinking literal and you were thinking in more symbolic terms, although the Bible does call the hail "stones" - it is a supplied word.

Typically when there is a discussion of stoning people, our first thought is not of hail but of stone - rock ...

We need to either greatly expand our ability to see symbolic imagery in even the simplest words, or we might begin to suggest you use language that is readily identifiable with the subject matter.

Either way, communication is difficult at best.
  :)

I think your first statement is the key to the communication. A literal position does make it difficult to "see" the spiritual interpretation. To this very day many SDAs have a difficult time with John 6. Many feel that Jesus was unfair to people to ask them to eat his flesh and drink his blood. If you literally read John 6 it puts you into a bind. But so to be as clear as possible when reading a section of Scripture like John 6 what is the best terminology to put on the process of understanding this section of Scripture the way Jesus wants it to be understood - Spiritually or litrally?

The interpretation of John 6 you refer to can only be seen as symbolic.

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Re: Binding Aspects of the Mosaic Law
« Reply #299 on: December 25, 2007, 10:09:18 PM »
Do we need to mingle seeds in our crops today to feed us?

I don't know. I don't think so. But, I have never quite come to the point of asking if I need to do something in order to know if God wants me to do it. I usually try and understand what God wants me to do based on what is written.

The way I read the Bible, God is telling us not to mingle our seed, our food seed.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.