Letter Vs. Spirit – Part 3: Torah and the New Covenant

Holy Spirit - Segullah

(RuachHaKodesh, Session 17c)

Is there an inherent antithesis between Torah and the Spirit? Some believers read 2 Corinthians 3 and conclude that the answer is “yes.” In this passage, Paul seems to contrast the Holy Spirit with Old Testament legislation. The implication for some interpreters is that any attempt to follow Torah (the “Letter”) is a failure to walk in God’s Spirit. But is that really what Paul is saying?

This episode is the third installment of a three-part session addressing passages in Scripture that contrast the “Letter” with the “Spirit.” In part 1, we looked at the danger of legalism while also seeking to properly define the term. Part 2 examined the role of our intellect in a Spirit-filled life, noting that God wants our whole being to be sanctified to his purposes. This current episode, part 3, revisits 2 Corinthians 3 and related passages as we seek to properly understand the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Scripture is clear that the difference between the two covenants is not in the Torah, but in our ability as humans to keep it. It is only through the power of God’s Spirit that we can truly walk in obedience to God’s commandments.

For an outline of all the sessions in this series, click on this link. To subscribe to this podcast, click here.

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