We probably are repeating ourselves and may for the next fifteen years because it will take that long to explain the transition from the Law of Moses to Christ.

When we receive Christ (not "make a decision for Christ" this is not a scriptural expression and is part of the "ticket to Heaven" model) we are forgiven all our sins. We now are fully justified in the Presence of God.

What do we do next?

We obey from the heart the form of doctrine that was delivered to us (see verse above), the commandments given by Christ in Person and by Christ through His Apostles.

We were "the slaves of sin." But now we have obeyed Christ and His Apostles. Evidently Christ and His Apostles told us how to avoid sin.

Now, does this mean that the New Testament is a set of rules and regulations similar to the Law of Moses?

No, it does not mean this.

Does it mean if we read the commandments of Christ and His Apostles we are saved by believing them or identifying with them as being truth.

No, it does not mean this.

Well then, what does it mean?

It means the commandments are to serve as guidelines for our conduct.

The commandments given by Christ and His Apostles are not, as in the case of the Law of Moses, specific injunctions and prohibitions we are to follow to the letter.

The new covenant is not one of the letter. The letter kills but the Spirit gives life.

We are to read the New Testament (and the Old Testament from time to time) each day. The New Testament is a guide to our daily walk and especially a mirror that shows us where we are dirty.

We must meditate in the Scriptures and obey them from the heart.

Let us take four examples to show how the doctrine of Christ and His Apostles differs from the Law of Moses.

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (Matthew 5:29)

If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Under the Law of Moses we would have had to do that literally. Under the new covenant we do not ignore what God has said. Rather we gain an understanding that if our eye causes us to sin we stand in danger of Hell. Let us choose to come to Christ for deliverance from the lust of the eyes rather than being forced by the Word of God to dig out our eye and hurl it from us. (Still better than being cast into Hell!)

Do you see that we do not ignore the words of God and go blithely on our way prattling about being "saved by grace?" Rather we attend seriously to what Christ has spoken and go to Him for help not just for forgiveness but for help in avoiding being led into sin by what we look at.

So much for pornography. Pastors and members of their congregations are not to be looking at pornography. If you are a Christian you are to have nothing to do with pornography. To look at it is sin. Don't permit your eyes to lead you into sin!

To be continued.