Page 50 - Laying Down the Law

guardian and tutor for spiritual children. The children of God were under the guard
and stewardship of the Law “until the time appointed by the Father.” This steward
brought us to Christ, “but after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Christ
came to exagorazo (redeem us, lead us out) from the Law that we might go on to
maturity and receive the adoption as sons.
In the previous chapters we looked at numerous declarations in the Scriptures
stating that the Law made nothing perfect.

Hebrews 7:18-19
For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because
of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect...

The word “perfect” is a translation of the Greek word teleios. One understanding
of this word is “mature.” The Law made nothing mature. The Law could not bring
men and women past spiritual childhood. The Levitical Priesthood was focused upon
the Law of Moses. As such, the Levitical Priesthood was one of imperfection dealing
with those who were spiritually immature.

Hebrews 7:11-12
Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the
people received the Law), what further need was there that another priest
should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according
to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is
also a change of the law.

What is revealed in the words “if perfection were through the Levitical
priesthood”? Paul is declaring that perfection (maturity) was not to be found in the
Levitical priesthood “for under it the people received the Law. The Law made nothing
perfect (mature).
There is a very consistent testimony in all of these Scriptures we have been
looking at. The Law fulfilled a very important part of Yahweh’s plan for mankind. It
had a narrowly defined purpose, and was limited in scope, both in its capabilities and
duration. Over and over we read that it was given UNTIL some specific time
appointed by the Father; until the time of reformation; until faith should come; until
the seed should be born, etc..
In Christ the people of God are led out from the Law to enter into life in the
Spirit. They are led out of childhood into a time of formation as sons that they might
receive the adoption. The Law, and the Levitical Priesthood, had taken mankind as
far as possible. It had guarded them while they were children. A new covenant and a
new priesthood was required to take them on to spiritual maturity. The Levitical
Priesthood was replaced with a new priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
Yahshua is the High Priest of this new order. He is the initiator of a new covenant of
the Spirit.