Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 9
He says there are “two laws”—the law of Moses and “the law of Christ / law of the Spirit of life”—and quotes Dirk Phillips calling it “false exegesis” to compare Christ’s ordinances with circumcision; what present-day church practices or teachings effectively treat Christ’s commands as if they were optional “Mosaic” burdens, and why might that be a category mistake?
Another way to ask: What church habits today treat Jesus’ commands like optional burdens, as if they were just “Moses’ law”? Why does he say that mixes up two different categories?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on his teaching, practices that label obedience to Jesus as “legalism” or treat His direct commands as optional often function like the error Dirk Phillips warns about—confusing Christ’s ordinances with Mosaic requirements. It’s a category mistake because Paul’s critique targets trusting “works of the law” (Moses) for justification, not faithful obedience to Christ after salvation.
- He distinguishes “law of Moses” vs “law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus,” showing Paul uses “law” in more than one sense.
- He says Luther’s “gospel versus law” framework is wrong because the real contrast is “gospel versus the law of Moses.”
- Dirk Phillips: “false exegesis… to compare the ordinances and institutions of the Lord with circumcision or uncircumcision.”
- He warns that after salvation you can’t “ignore direct commandments of Christ and it not affect your salvation.”
- He quotes Christ: “If you love me, you will obey my commandments,” making Jesus’ commands integral, not optional burdens.