Can the law grant eternal life?

[Betho]

The question of whether the law can give life is a complex theological issue, and different parts of the Bible seem to present various perspectives on this matter.

1. Ezekiel's Justice: In the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Ezekiel, there are references to justice associated with obedience to God's statutes and the observance of His rules. However, it is essential to recognize that this justice is within the context of the Mosaic Law. Within this framework, justice could be achieved through the fulfillment of the commandments and regulations of the Law. While it can bring a form of justice, it does not necessarily grant eternal life.

2. Transformation of Job: Although Job was initially considered a righteous man in the Old Testament, his story also illustrates a deeper spiritual journey. He was proud of his self-righteousness, thinking that his obedience to the law made him blameless. But as the story unfolds, he comes to understand that justice is not limited to legalistic obedience but involves a deeper relationship with God. His understanding evolves, and he recognizes his limitations. The law, as seen in Job's case, does not grant life in the ultimate sense.

3. Paul's Perspective: The writings of the Apostle Paul are fundamental to understanding the relationship between justice and the law. He argues that, while there is a form of justice found in the law, it is not sufficient for the salvation and eternal life of all. In passages like Philippians 2:15, 3:6, 3:9, and 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Paul discusses the concept of "blamelessness" in the context of the law. He himself was a zealous Pharisee who believed in the righteousness of the law, as he states in Philippians 3:6. However, he recognizes the limitations of the law and that true justice is found in faith in Christ. In Galatians 2:21, he emphasizes that God's grace would be nullified if justice were entirely achievable through the law, implying that the law, while sufficient to lead some to a form of justice, is imperfect when it comes to bringing all of humanity to perfect righteousness and eternal life.

4. Jesus' Encounter with the Rich Young Ruler: The story of the rich young ruler in the Gospels illustrates the idea that mere observance of the law may not be enough for something beyond eternal life. Jesus challenges the rich young ruler to go beyond legalistic observance of the law and to give up his worldly possessions to follow Him and attain, beyond eternal life through obedience to the law's justice, treasure in heaven. This demonstrates that a higher level of commitment is required than merely following the law to achieve a reward. It suggests that the law, while valuable, cannot, by itself, grant life in its fullest sense.

5. New Covenant: The concept of a New Covenant is also crucial for understanding the shift in perspective. Hebrews 8:7 highlights that the first covenant was not without flaws, leading to the need for a new covenant. The New Covenant, according to Christian theology, is based on faith in the atonement of Christ rather than strict adherence to the Mosaic Law. It signifies a shift away from the idea that the law alone can grant life.

Can the law grant eternal life?

[RabbiKnife]

It isn’t complicated at all.

No

The Law cannot give eternal life and was not designed to do so

Faith has always been the means of salvation, predating the Law

[DavidGYoung]

Apart from the incident with the rich young ruler, can you point to any part of the four gospels where Jesus is asked how to obtain eternal life?

[Slug1]

Apart from the incident with the rich young ruler, can you point to any part of the four gospels where Jesus is asked how to obtain eternal life?

John 3 is a great place to learn about eternal life.

[DavidGYoung]

Which part of John 3 shows a person asking Jesus how to obtain eternal life?

[Slug1]

Which part of John 3 shows a person asking Jesus how to obtain eternal life?

The whole chapter concerns teaching and based on what Jesus is teaching, we know Nic has inquired about eternal life. Nic didn't talk about religion or politics of the times, he focused on what Jesus and His ministry is all about = faith/belief and eternal life. The miracles were the evidence Nic held to as proof that Jesus wasn't any con artist/charlatan. Nic believed that Jesus came from God. It's here that we (Nic) first learns of being "born-again."

[Betho]

The bronze serpent, mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Numbers, chapter 21, verses 4-9, represented a symbol of healing and liberation. The story describes how the Israelites, while in the wilderness, began to complain and murmur against God and Moses due to the difficulties they were facing, including being bitten by venomous snakes.

According to the narrative, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and raise it on a pole. He told the people that if anyone was bitten by a venomous snake, they could look at the bronze serpent and would be healed. The act of looking at the bronze serpent was an act of faith and obedience to God's instructions, and healing was granted as a result.

The bronze serpent, therefore, was an object of veneration, a symbol of faith and trust in divine intervention for healing and liberation. In the context of John 3:14-15, Jesus was using this story as an analogy to illustrate that, in the same way, He would be "lifted up" (a reference to His crucifixion), and those who looked to Him in faith would be spiritually healed and receive full and eternal life, just as it was done in the time of Moses. Therefore, the bronze serpent in Moses' story was a symbol of healing and salvation.

[Betho]

John 3 is a great place to learn about eternal life.

Jesus explained about being born again and entering the Kingdom of Heaven to attain Eternal Life. This is not the same path to attaining eternal life through the Law.

[DavidGYoung]

The only part of the John 3 narrative where Nicodemus asks a question is when he enquires as to what 'born again' means.

He does not ask how to obtain eternal life, regardless of what Jesus says in this section.

The only place in the four gospels where I can find a person actually asking Jesus how to obtain eternal life is the section with the rich young ruler.

[Rebecca]

Joh 3:15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 
For God So Loved the World
Joh 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
Joh 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 

[DavidGYoung]

And if he had said that to the rich young ruler, it would have been significant.

However, he didn't and he said something quite different.

[RabbiKnife]

The only part of the John 3 narrative where Nicodemus asks a question is when he enquires as to what 'born again' means.

He does not ask how to obtain eternal life, regardless of what Jesus says in this section.

The only place in the four gospels where I can find a person actually asking Jesus how to obtain eternal life is the section with the rich young ruler.

Is there a point?

[RabbiKnife]

And if he had said that to the rich young ruler, it would have been significant.

However, he didn't and he said something quite different.

What about the rest of scripture?

Everyone does know that the gospel writers did not write down every word Jesus said or on which occasions he farted.

[DavidGYoung]

Jesus did not refer the rich young ruler to the rest of scripture.

He gave a fully understandable answer to a fully understandable question.

What the Christians are saying, with the exception of groups like the Franciscans, is that his answer was false.

[Slug1]

John 3 is a great place to learn about eternal life.

Jesus explained about being born again and entering the Kingdom of Heaven to attain Eternal Life. This is not the same path to attaining eternal life through the Law.

The Law is not a path to eternal life. The Law helps to inform man (first the Israelis), about sin (how it kills eternally/separates man from God) so that "by faith" those who believed in God, can have eternal life.