Confession time: I've never felt that I've really 'nailed' a cohesive, credible biblical theology of how a Christian should interact with and relate to the Law of Moses in the Old Testament.
Sure, I've read a few books and articles over the years and landed on a position regarding the sabbath, but I've never really come across anything that felt like it captured a cohesive framework for thinking about how the law fits into the new covenant and in particular how the law is fulfilled by Christ. I've never really been convinced by the threefold view of the law as civil, ceremonial and moral. It's always felt a little forced and artificial to me. On the other hand, I'd never read anything else that made sense... until now!
One of the blessings of a sabbatical, is the space to read and think through some of the bigger theological issues that the busyness of urgent needs and weekly ministry and preaching prep doesn't allow for. For me, good stewardship of sabbatical time involves focusing in on at least one theological issue for further study and clarity. Paul told Timothy to be diligent in attending to his gifting 'so that everyone may see your progress' (1 Timothy 4:15). Ongoing reading and study is essential if a pastor is to stay fresh and growing and a sabbatical gives precious space to do that over an extended period of time.
I'm focusing on three areas of theological/skill-related growth during my sabbatical. The first of these is the issue of how the OT and NT fit together, particularly in relation to the covenants and the law. I've read a few books about this in the last few weeks but the standout one for me was Brian Rosner's book: 'Paul and the Law'. It was not an easy read - both exhaustive and exhausting at times - but it was worth the effort. It was a game-changer for me - bringing together a lot of what I have instinctively thought about how Christians should relate to the law in the Old Testament in a credible, comprehensive theological framework.
I am not good at retaining things I have read, so I tend to highlight passages and underline stuff and I use Evernote to retain helpful quotes or passages. Occasionally I write these up into something that summarises the 'meat' of the book. I did that with 'Paul and the Law'.
If you're interested, there is a link below to a (fairly comprehensive) summary of the book and it's 'big idea' that Paul repudiated the law, replaced the law and re-appropriated the law as prophecy and wisdom. I made these notes mainly for my own benefit, but I thought it might be worth adding it to the blog in case it was of interest to others as well.
Notes on Paul and the Law / Brian S Rosner
