Subject: Re: How to read the Bible
From "Mrs. Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian". Remember, "it's not about following the words you find, but in finding the words you're willing to follow."

Back in the day, I asked the Christian Fool's board why the 10 Commandments was still applicable if, as Christians believe, Jesus fulfilled the law. The justification is typically given in Mathew 5:17 'Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." There are a few other scriptures that seem to point back to that same conclusion: Jesus has fulfilled the Law, so the Law of Moses no longer applies. So why the 10 Commandments?

There were several different answers, all of them conflicting. The best answer came from Randall, who was a Mormon and frequent AF poster (I just remember it was the best, I can't remember what it was). I didn't push it because I didn't want to troll, I was just asking a question and wanted to see the responses. But it was interesting that Christians can't agree on a central point of doctrine.

An old saying on this board is the easiest way to create an atheist is to put a Bible in his hands. And in this case...it kind of holds up. If you read the rest of Mathew, Jesus seems to say the opposite. You must follow the law:

"18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

So Jesus' coming apparently doesn't change the law. Read on:

"19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus continues that thought by saying the Law is not strict enough. The Law of Moses says don't swear falsely, but Jesus' rule was to not even swear at all (5:33-37). Similarly, Jesus elevates "lust in your heart" to the same level as committing adultery.

The Bible isn't internally consistent at all. But that's the interesting part. The authors were debating each other. That's why for every scripture there is an equal and opposite scripture.