The Spiritual Understanding Of

What Apostle Paul Said About The Law

In The Light Of Holy Spirit

Part I

By
The Man Who Saw God Face To Face
Raphael Okechukwu Nweze

What St Paul Said In A Direct Spiritual Encounter

Many quote the statements of Apostle Paul in their teachings and as evidence that their religious practices are true. The fact is that many quote Apostle Paul out of context, without understanding the spiritual meanings of what Paul was saying.

During my spiritual encounter with St Paul, both physically and spiritually, he made it clear that many of what people say about his teachings are false. People misquote him and also misinterpret what he had said.

Yourself can as well verify the same, in spirit.

Paul’s Defence Came The Law And Prophets

When the Israelites rose up against Paul and his teachings, it was a personality, who was well trained in the laws and the prophets that stood up and defended him.

When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it — lest you even be found to fight against God."

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 5:42

The Law And The Prophets Were Being Read In The New Testament Times

The Bible shows that the laws and the prophets, generally called the Old Testament, were not abolished because both laws and prophets were being read during the New Testament.

15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on."

Paul Teaches The Laws And The Prophets

In his teachings and narratives, Paul made use of the Old Testament laws and prophets, as shown below:

16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

20 "After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.' 23 From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior — Jesus — 24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.'

26 "Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. Acts 13:15-28

The Israelites could not prove their allegations against Paul. They confirmed Paul’s statement, that Paul had not done anything wrong against the laws and the prophets.

6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. 7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, 8 while he answered for himself, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all." Acts 25:6-8

Paul Believed The Laws And The Prophets And Practiced Them

Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: "Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, 11 because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. Acts 24:10-16

Paul's Ministry At Rome

In all his teachings, Paul did nothing against the laws and traditions of Israelites. The Romans examined all the reports and allegations against Paul and found them all to be false.

17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."

21 Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere."

Paul Was Using Bith Old And New Testaments In Teaching About Jesus Christ

23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying,

'Go to this people and say:

'Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;

And seeing you will see, and not perceive;

27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing,

And their eyes they have closed,

Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,

Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,

So that I should heal them."'

28 "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Acts 28:17

Not Hearers, But Doers Of The Law Shall Be Saved

The New Testament confirms that it is not the hearers of the law, but the dores, that shall be saved.

12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law , and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law , by nature do the things in the law , these, although not having the law , are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. Romans 2:12-16

Circumcision is of No Avail, Without The Law

Those who have repented from their sins, should not return to sinful ways of life. And those who are sinners should repent from their evil ways.

Both circumcision and law are compulsory. Just as continuity of righteousness is both necessary and compulsory. This is the summary of what God said in the book of Ezekiel. The same thing that Paul is saying in the New Testament.

"Therefore you, O son of man, say to the children of your people: 'The righteousness of the righteous man shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression; as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall because of it in the day that he turns from his wickedness; nor shall the righteous be able to live because of his righteousness in the day that he sins.' 13 When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die. 14 Again, when I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right, 15 if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 16 None of his sins which he has committed shall be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live.

Ezekiel 33:12-16

25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. Romans 2:25-29

Those Who Are Making Efforts Are Worthy Of Salvation

Those who keep the law are justified before God. This is the assurance from God. The fact is that man’s righteousness is not enough; yet, it is both necessary and compulsory.

When a man falls into a pit, he does not stay there because he is safe. He does everything possible to come out of it. Blessed is he who strives to come, because he will eventually succeed in coming out. But woe to him, who lies down therein to sleep in hopelessness, for he makes himself a foolish man and may perish therefrom.

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:19-20

All Have Sinned And Come Short Of The Glory Of The Lord

This is true because the world today follows the anti-Christ, even without knowing it. They have rejected the laws, times and festivals of God and religious leaders have replaced the ways of God with false beliefs and practices, which are man-made doctrines and routines, made at meetings, councils, synods and conferences. These man-made doctrines and routines are personal opinions and collective decisions. As such, they are the figments of imagination, the fabrications of falsehood and the deceptions of the enemy.

9 All Have Sinned

(Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-4)

What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

10 As it is written:

"There is none righteous, no, not one;

11 There is none who understands;

There is none who seeks after God.

12 They have all turned aside;

They have together become unprofitable;

There is none who does good, no, not one."

13 "Their throat is an open tomb;

With their tongues they have practiced deceit";

"The poison of asps is under their lips";

14 "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."

15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood;

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;

17 And the way of peace they have not known."

18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Romans 3:9-18

Faith In Both The Law And The Messiah Complementary

In the text below, ‘apart from the law’ means that faith in Jesus is a necessity. For you must sum the parts (the law and faith) to get the whole righteousness. Otherwise, faith becomes a dead faith – faith without works.

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26

The Law Is A Necessity

The law is established and is still relevant.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. Romans 3:27-31

Faith Is The Knowledge Of The Truth And Abiding By The Truth

The same faith and knowledge includes the law, for the laws of nature are eternal, perfect, universal and impartial. This is what science has proved to humanity. And science has continued to use the same laws in all development.

For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. Romans 4:13-15

Abraham Received The Blessings By Law And By Faith

He received the blessings by performing the law of sacrifice, for as God commanded Abraham to offer sacrifice, likewise, He commanded the Israelites to keep on offering sacrifice.

16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law , but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17(as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed — God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." Romans 4:16-18

Sin Did Not Come From Adam

Sin came from Satan, the great enemy and deceiver.

Again, God does not have first Adam and second Adam. God does not work with duplicate, but with original only.

Calling Jesus the second Adam does not suffice, because He was in existence even before Adam was created.

In other words, it is not every statement in the Bible that is correct. However, such wrong statements are few and limited. They do not, and cannot, prevent you from entering heaven.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned — 13(For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law . 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:12-17

Law Entered That Righteousness Should Abound

The purpose of given the law was not sin to abound, but for righteousness to abound and exalt the nations of the world. This is one of the reasons why I say that few statements in the Bible are not true.

Today, God is warning the world that those who refuse to keep His laws shall not, and cannot, enter the kingdom of heaven. This is the sole purpose of end time messages and warnings from the Holy Spirit.

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21

You Have Power To Stay Away From Sin

Many people claim that they are not under the law, but under grace. Therefore, they insist that the Old Testament is no longer relevant.

The fact is that they are misinterpreting what Paul said in the scriptures.

Read again what St Paul said, and then read also the correct interpretation below.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:12-15

The last statement is saying two things: one, sin shall not have dominion over you; and two, you are not under law but under grace.

One, you are not under sin, because you did not come from evil or Devil. You came from God, and that is why you are the sons of the living God.

Two, you have received the powers of the Holy Spirit, by which you can defeat both sin and Satan. These powers are already in you, and all that you need is the knowledge of how to use the powers. That is why Jesus said You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Besides, you are under grace, because the powers of the Holy Spirit were given to you free, as a heritage, even before you came to the world, for grace means something given free without asking for payment or return.

St Paul Spoke Against Sin, Lawlessness

31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. Romans 3:27-31

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?

Romans 6:15

Paul Spoke About The Law Of Marriage Only

You must be ready to take corrections where necessary. For example, in the text below, the law is called the cause of sin, which law bears fruits unto death. The fact is that the law is not the cause of sin, and the law does not lead to death. Instead, a law is anything made compulsory for the good of humanity. It is the disobedience to the law that is sin, and the same sin by disobedience leads to death.

Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law ), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another — to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 7:1-6

Law Is Holy, And The Commandment Holy And Just And Good

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Romans 7:7-12

Even In Sin, Paul Says That The Law Is Good And Necessary

Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.

A Person Who Is Possessed By Demons Does What The Demons Want

17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin (evil spirits) that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin (demons and evil spirits) that dwells in me. Romans 7:13-20

21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:21-25

Every believer must serve the law of God with both mind and the flesh. That is why both Old Testament and New Testament state that people should serve God with all their heart, all their mind, all their soul, all their time and with all their possessions.

The Law Is Spiritual

The laws of God are the spiritual laws. They are eternal, perfect, universal and impartial. That is why they are the natural laws of life. And science has proved these facts to be true.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:1-8

We Are Not Adopted Children Of God. We The Original And Direct Sons Of The Living God

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. Romans 9:1-5

The Teacher Twists The Questions To Test The Students, Properly

Just as the judges make the contests challenging to prove those who are worthy.

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law . For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written:

"Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,

And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." Romans 9:30-33

Christ Is The Beginning And The End Of The Law

What is the beginning? And what is the end?

The beginning is the end, for what has no beginning, has no end. Therefore, the law is necessary at the beginning and also necessary at the end. Hence, God is the beginning and the end.

What is Christ? It is love. And love fulfils all righteousness.

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 10:4

To be the end means to be the model, a role setter, a guide to others and a reference point. And Christ kept all the laws of God.

Whoever Calls On The Name Of The Lord Shall Be Saved

To call on the name of the Lord means to believe in God. Also, it means to do what the Lord has commanded, for any faith without works is considered dead. By His teachings, Jesus says we must be both hearers and doers of the law of God, which is the righteousness and everlasting life.

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "The man who does those things shall live by them." 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, "'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:5-13

To Love Is To Fulfill The Law

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10

Only The Keepers Of The Law Shall Gain Eternal Life

7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 8 No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:7-11