The letter of the law (the exact words written in the original language of the Bible) and the Spirit of the law (the intent or principles of the Bible) are never contradictory. If there seems to be a discrepancy, it is because we are interpreting something incorrectly. We should admit we do not understand and search for (or continue to search for) the truth.
Most people I have heard say, “That’s the letter of the Law, but what (I think or I am doing) is the Spirit of the Law”, are using that concept to justify some sinful behavior. Or they say, “I am not legalistic; I believe in the Spirit of the Law” to show their open-mindedness, often in rebellion against the organized church. That is very dangerous.
We need to find a Bible-believing church, especially in these last days:
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:25 We need a covering so we will not get deceived.
That doesn’t mean we have to believe everything that is taught. Paul commended the Bereans because they searched the Scriptures to see if everything he said was true:
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11 Notice that they used the Scriptures as a guide to base what Paul was saying as true.
God gave us teachers (1 Corinthians 12:28 Ephesians 4:11 Romans 12:7), and told us to fight our enemy (Ephesians 6:12) by seeking advice and guidance: “ Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.” Proverbs 20:18
The Holy Spirit is our teacher:
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth…” John 16:13
The Word of God is our teacher:
“Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.” Psalm 119:24
However, the “long wolf” can be easily deceived.
“for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” Proverbs 11:24
Our part (and we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit) is to choose the right church and right teachers. Paul said:
“Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2 If what they are teaching and living lines up with the Bible and with our conscience guided by the Holy Spirit, we can be confident we are making the right choice.
This church and teachers must believe in the infallibility (inability to be mistaken, absolute reliability) and inerrancy (freedom from error) of the Bible. Every word in the original language of the Bible is flawless:
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5
We must live by EVERY WORD that is in the Bible: ‘Jesus answered, “It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4
The Bible is the Word of God. Jesus is the Word of God: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…” John 1: 14 The Bible/Jesus will endure forever: “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:18
ALL Scripture is God-breathed:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We are to meditate on it days and night: “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 and memorize it and live by it: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
Then we will be able to discern truth from error. The Spirit of the Law never goes against the letter of the Law. If there is any discrepancy it is because we do not understand something. All the more reason to find a Bible believing church and teachers.
Great article! I look forward to reading your blogs every time…
I’m curious about what you think of Paul’s statement from 2 Corinthians: "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." Doesn’t this indicate a letter-spirit dichotomy?
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for commenting. I got the following from the Internet:
"2 Corinthians 3:6 (The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life) is allegorized in its interpretation to mean that Scripture is a dead letter and only the Spirit is what is important. So we need to heed new and fresh words from the Spirit. But this is not what the Apostle Paul is saying. Again if we read it in context (before and after the portion that is lifted out to mean something other than the author wrote) we find the true meaning.
2 Corinthians 3:6-8 “who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
Paul is making a distinction between the Old Covenant written on stone and the New Covenant that is presented inside us by the Spirit. The old (the law) brought death, because no one could keep its directives, whereas the new brings life through the life-giving Spirit. The letter (the law) killed because no one was able to keep it. It made us guilty, while the New Covenant sets us free from the condemnation of the law. The law was fulfilled in the only person who could have fulfilled it, the God/man Jesus Christ. Now we have the spirit of God inside us all because of this new covenant that is superior to the old covenant." LET US REASON MINISTRIES
God bless!
Jerri