Joshua Greever, Associate Professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary, joins Caleb to discuss a progressive covenantalist perspective on Paul and Moses's law. Topics include the unity of the law, its applicability to Christians today, and the role of Moses's law in civil governments. They explore Paul's view on the law, its temporary nature, and his interpretation of civil government. They also touch on the church's mission, engagement with society, and resources for understanding progressive covenantalism and ethics.
Paul emphasized submission to civil government as established by God, without specific ties to Mosaic Law.
Paul values the enduring moral principles of the Ten Commandments for Christian living.
Progressive Covenantalism offers a framework for applying Old Testament law in contemporary Christian living.
Deep dives
Paul's View on Civil Government and the Law of Moses
Paul does not extensively address the application of the law of Moses to civil government in his letters. In Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2, Paul instructs believers to be subject to governing authorities and to pray for them. He emphasizes the importance of peaceful and quiet lives under civil government, recognizing their role as instituted by God. While natural law may play a part in Paul's view, he does not explicitly reference the Ten Commandments or the civil law of Moses in relation to civil government.
The Use and Significance of the Ten Commandments in Paul's Writings
Paul values the Ten Commandments and references them positively in his letters. He affirms the enduring moral principles contained in the Ten Commandments, grounded in the character of God. While Paul applies the principles to the Christian life, he does not necessarily view them as binding in a legalistic sense but as instructive and reflective of God's unchanging moral standards.
Guidance from Progressive Covenantalism on Applying the Law of Moses Today
Resources like the book 'Progressive Covenantalism' edited by Steve Wellam and Brent Parker offer insights into applying the Old Testament law today. The chapter by Steve Wellam on ethics delves into using all of the Bible for living wisely. Progressive Covenantalism provides a framework for understanding how the Old Testament law can inform Christian living in contemporary contexts.
Balancing the Mission of the Church and Engagement with Civil Government
Paul's focus in his letters prioritizes the mission of the church in preaching the word, administering sacraments, and being a light in the world. While touching on civil government, Paul emphasizes peace, prayer for leaders, and living a godly life. The church's primary role lies in gospel proclamation and nurturing believers to live out their faith in diverse spheres of life.
Recommended Resource for Further Exploration on Progressive Covenantalism
For a deeper dive into Progressive Covenantalism, 'Progressive Covenantalism' edited by Steve Wellam and Brent Parker offers valuable insights. Specifically, Steve Wellam's chapter on ethics provides a solid foundation for understanding how the entirety of the Bible informs ethical living. This resource is recommended for those seeking a nuanced perspective on applying the Old Testament law in a modern context.
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Joshua Greever (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Associate Professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary to discuss a progressive covenantalist perspective on Paul and Moses's law in the Christian life and civil government. Together, they discuss questions like: What is meant by the term "law"? Does Paul use the tripartite division of the law or does he take the law covenant as a unity or entire entity? How does the law apply to Christians today? Does Moses's law apply to civil governments? And more.
Resources:
"Paul and the Tripartite View of the Law of Moses" by Joshua Greever https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/journals/journal-of-theology/sbjt-261-spring-2022/paul-and-the-tripartite-view-of-the-law-of-moses/
"A Progressive Covenantal Perspective: Paul and the Tripartite Division of Moses’s Law" by Joshua Greever https://www.9marks.org/article/a-progressive-covenantal-perspective-paul-and-the-tripartite-division-of-mosess-law/
"Applying the Law of Moses to the Christian Life" by Joshua Greever https://christoverall.com/article/concise/applying-the-law-of-moses-to-the-christian-life/
Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies edited by Steve Wellum and Brent Parker https://a.co/d/0oH822s
Delighting in the Old Testament: Through Christ and for Christ by Jason DeRouchie https://a.co/d/bjYkRCz
Paul and the Law: Keeping the Commandments of God by Brian Rosner https://a.co/d/eOX1hmO
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