Someone asked me recently, "If I try to keep the commandments of the New Testament will it take away from the majesty of Christ?"

This may sound like a foolish question but I have found that sometimes Christians actually believe that if they make an attempt to do what the New Testament commands they will be taking away somehow from the perfect work of Christ.

In previous essays I have listed some of the reasons people use to prove we are not supposed to keep the commandments of Christ and His Apostles. One of the reasons given is that if we try to keep the commandments we are taking away from the perfect work of Christ on the cross. We are attempting to add our efforts to live righteously to the perfect atonement.

You have to give Satan credit. He comes up with some corkers.

Let us once and for all drive a stake through the heart of this deception, this reasoning that frustrates the intention of Christ and His Apostles in giving the commandments.

Christ said, "If you love me keep my commandments." Now, at what point did this change? After He rose from the dead? If this is true, then did the fact that we must be born again in order to see the Kingdom also change after He rose from the dead? Does the principle of being born again apply only to the Jews, as some are suggesting is true of the commandments of Christ?

Is it still true that we must abide in the Vine in order bear fruit? This announcement was made to Jews before the resurrection.

Is it still the pure in heart who see God? Are the peacemakers still blessed?

Are we still to leap for joy when we are persecuted or has all this changed after the resurrection? Is it still true that we must forgive others if we desire that the Father forgive us?

Are we still to let our light shine so that people can see our good works and glorify God?

Is the Lord's prayer still the Lord's prayer? This prayer was presented to Jews before the resurrection. Is it still valid?

Or are we to go through the Gospels and pick out what we think is still true?

Have we not been deceived grievously?

"Oh Brother Thompson, there is no law but the law of love." I will grant you that perfect love is the evidence of spiritual maturity. But most of us are still far from perfect love. In order to get to the place of perfect love we have to keep the commandments. You can't start at the top of the ladder.

I have been around people who preach love, love, love. You know what? I'd feel much safer with Siberian tigers. At least you know what to expect from tigers.

I have heard that Siberian tigers may be in danger of extinction. I have not heard the same about the preachers of love. Actually I am more concerned about preserving the tigers.

To be continued.