What are our implications by "unresurrected flesh", as concerning the fallen / 'old man'?

[Josheb]

From another thread:

If we understand this as truth, and not just our words to help us understand truth, is there an implication that the things that impel us toward evil are also Unresurrected Flesh?

Yes.

I'm thinking specifically of our rebellious spirit/mind, constantly chafing against the compelling of the love of Christ, and trying to assert independence. Is that part of literal flesh?

Yes, and no. Our brains are made of flesh, but the mind is something more than the brain just as life is something more than mere animation.

Likewise, is it an implication that when the flesh is resurrected and glorified, that we no longer have a mind, or would 'rebellious spirit/mind' be better understood as, 'sinful nature'?

No. Jesus is resurrected, and he still has flesh, and he still has a mind. He is a life-giving spirit as well. The body raised is the body buried. It is changed but it is still a body. The problem is not one of cellular biology, but of sin and broken relationship.

John 3:18-21 NIV
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Most folks know verse 16 but many never bother paying attention to the rest of the text. Non-Christians are not the only people who want to hide their own wrongdoing. That is a human condition, a direct effect of sin, one that will not be eradicated on this side of the grave. It goes all the way back to Eden.

Genesis 3:9
Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?"

No one says, "Here I am," if they haven't heard the question. Only those who can and do hear the call can come out from their former hiding place, walk in the light of Christ, and see God at work in (every aspect of) his or her life.

 

[David1701]

How do you define law?

My definition is God's revealed will for man.

The knowledge of good and evil is the knowing of God's revealed will for man.

I used civil law as a point of reference to show there's nothing inherently wrong or punishing about law in and of itself.

What's punishing is when you rebel against it, that is sin and death.

The Spirit indwelling is still LAW in that it is revealing to us the whole of the law.

When the Spirit reveals to us our sin, we are required to repent of them. (See the instant deaths of those professed believers in Acts).

We should desire to know God's will for us and follow it. I would tend to think, we would be strengthened and encouraged by the Spirit to chase after both the knowing and the doing HIS revealed will for us, and not disappointed by knowing what that law is.

The mosaic law is not merely the revelation of God's will for man. It is a set of statutes and ordinances to be obeyed. Included in that law are blessings for obedience, and punishments/curses for disobedience.

The law is righteous, so you are right that there's nothing inherently wrong about the law. The problem with justification by law, or trying to live by law, is us.

The relationship we have with God is not that of citizens under law, with God as Judge; rather, it is that of children being trained by their loving Father. The Bible says that we are not under law, but under grace; in other words, the two are distinct and must not be mixed.

The other thing is that, if you put yourself under law, as a way of life, then you are obligated to keep all of it, perfectly, 24/7; and not only the ten commandments, but all 613 laws. Some people speak of the "moral law", as if you could split the Mosaic law into portions, then choose which you have to obey and which you don't; but, the Bible is very clear that, if you break one law, you have broken all of it.

I would urge you to do a Bible study on law, in the New Testament. You will find that not only are we not under it, but we must also not allow ourselves to be brought back under it. It is a yoke of bondage; and it is called the "ministration of death". The Holy Spirit does not teach us how to obey the law; rather, he reveals Jesus to us, in his resurrection life.

 

[Hazelelponi]

The mosaic law is not merely the revelation of God's will for man. It is a set of statutes and ordinances to be obeyed. Included in that law are blessings for obedience, and punishments/curses for disobedience.

The law is righteous, so you are right that there's nothing inherently wrong about the law. The problem with justification by law, or trying to live by law, is us.

The relationship we have with God is not that of citizens under law, with God as Judge; rather, it is that of children being trained by their loving Father. The Bible says that we are not under law, but under grace; in other words, the two are distinct and must not be mixed.

The other thing is that, if you put yourself under law, as a way of life, then you are obligated to keep all of it, perfectly, 24/7; and not only the ten commandments, but all 613 laws. Some people speak of the "moral law", as if you could split the Mosaic law into portions, then choose which you have to obey and which you don't; but, the Bible is very clear that, if you break one law, you have broken all of it.

I would urge you to do a Bible study on law, in the New Testament. You will find that not only are we not under it, but we must also not allow ourselves to be brought back under it. It is a yoke of bondage; and it is called the "ministration of death". The Holy Spirit does not teach us how to obey the law; rather, he reveals Jesus to us, in his resurrection life.

This is where maybe I either don't understand or don't follow your line of thinking.

I would answer this way:

In considering the transformation from following the law for salvation to understanding its proper place in the life of the believer, Scripture provides clear guidance. According to the Apostle Paul in Romans 3:20 and Galatians 2:16, no one is justified by the works of the law but only through faith in Jesus Christ. It is by God's grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, that one is saved, as Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 2:8-9. The believer is no longer bound by the law as a means of salvation, because Christ has fulfilled it on their behalf (see Matthew 5:17).

However, this does not mean the law is to be disregarded. Rather, as God's redeemed people, believers are called to live according to His moral will, which is revealed through the law, but not as a means of securing salvation. As Romans 6:18 states, believers have been set free from sin and become slaves to righteousness. The law reveals the perfect righteousness of God, which believers are now called to reflect in their lives. This is in line with what Christ taught in Matthew 5:16, that the righteous life of His followers is a witness to the world. In Christ, believers are empowered to live out God's law, not out of a desire to earn salvation, but out of gratitude and obedience to the One who has saved them, as James 2:26 reminds, “faith without works is dead.” Thus, the law is fulfilled in the life of the believer as an expression of covenant faithfulness, not as a means to salvation.

In what way is this thinking unbiblical or wrong? If we are not to persue the holiness of Christ what are we to do?

 

[David1701]

This is where maybe I either don't understand or don't follow your line of thinking.

I would answer this way:

In considering the transformation from following the law for salvation to understanding its proper place in the life of the believer, Scripture provides clear guidance. According to the Apostle Paul in Romans 3:20 and Galatians 2:16, no one is justified by the works of the law but only through faith in Jesus Christ. It is by God's grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, that one is saved, as Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 2:8-9. The believer is no longer bound by the law as a means of salvation, because Christ has fulfilled it on their behalf (see Matthew 5:17).

However, this does not mean the law is to be disregarded. Rather, as God's redeemed people, believers are called to live according to His moral will, which is revealed through the law, but not as a means of securing salvation. As Romans 6:18 states, believers have been set free from sin and become slaves to righteousness. The law reveals the perfect righteousness of God, which believers are now called to reflect in their lives. This is in line with what Christ taught in Matthew 5:16, that the righteous life of His followers is a witness to the world. In Christ, believers are empowered to live out God's law, not out of a desire to earn salvation, but out of gratitude and obedience to the One who has saved them, as James 2:26 reminds, “faith without works is dead.” Thus, the law is fulfilled in the life of the believer as an expression of covenant faithfulness, not as a means to salvation.

In what way is this thinking unbiblical or wrong? If we are not to persue the holiness of Christ what are we to do?

Believers are not to try to live by God's law, since the law is not of faith (the Bible states this) and we live by faith that works by love. It's a different way of life.

Law = carry out these commandments and avoid what is prohibited

Faith = trust in the Lord to lead you by his Holy Spirit

I would advise you to read the whole book of Galatians, prayerfully.

 

[Hazelelponi]

...

 

[Hazelelponi]

Believers are not to try to live by God's law, since the law is not of faith (the Bible states this) and we live by faith that works by love. It's a different way of life.

Law = carry out these commandments and avoid what is prohibited

Faith = trust in the Lord to lead you by his Holy Spirit

I would advise you to read the whole book of Galatians, prayerfully.

I'm of a mind to say that the only issue you have is with the use of a single word. (You seem to be arguing semantics)

If this is not a semantics issue, then is murder cool with God and something he doesn't care whether we engage in?

If not a semantics issue, and you are not subjected to any revealed Will of God, and you then commit murder - have you followed the law of the Spirit by acting in faith in Christ for your salvation? (Certainly that would be an expression of faithfulness to the lawless spirit)

How does God reveal His Will to His people of not through His revealed will? Are we a free party to do anything we like? Or does God own us?

These are no longer anything but dead serious questions at this point. How do you know and follow basic ideas of right and wrong and know what they are and teach them?

God says murder is wrong. Man says it's good. How do I know which one to follow and how do I follow it since Thou shalt not murder is in the Decalogue and we can't use the Decalogue as a moral impetus that God says is good?

If we have no shared moral impetus as Christians, how are we 1 in Christ in a recognizable way If murder is good to one and not to the other?

 

[David1701]

I'm of a mind to say that the only issue you have is with the use of a single word. (You seem to be arguing semantics)

If this is not a semantics issue, then is murder cool with God and something he doesn't care whether we engage in?

If not a semantics issue, and you are not subjected to any revealed Will of God, and you then commit murder - have you followed the law of the Spirit by acting in faith in Christ for your salvation? (Certainly that would be an expression of faithfulness to the lawless spirit)

How does God reveal His Will to His people of not through His revealed will? Are we a free party to do anything we like? Or does God own us?

These are no longer anything but dead serious questions at this point. How do you know and follow basic ideas of right and wrong and know what they are and teach them?

God says murder is wrong. Man says it's good. How do I know which one to follow and how do I follow it since Thou shalt not murder is in the Decalogue and we can't use the Decalogue as a moral impetus that God says is good?

If we have no shared moral impetus as Christians, how are we 1 in Christ in a recognizable way If murder is good to one and not to the other?

The issue is to do with the difference between two ways of living the Christian life; although, only one of them really is living the Christian life:

1) By trying to keep the Mosaic law (many professing Christians habitually try to keep the 10 commandments, including treating Sunday as the Sabbath (although this is a separate issue) and regarding church attendance on that day as mandatory (in spite of the fact that Sunday is not the Sabbath day))

2) By a loving relationship of faith in the Lord

You cannot mix 1) and 2), because the law is not of faith, as the Bible says.

The New Testament commands are not law (although they agree with the righteous requirement of the law), partly because our relationship with the Lord is not on the basis of legal obligations (they have been fulfilled by the Lord himself). If you try to obey the 10 commandments, then you put yourself on a "legal obligation" footing with the Lord, and set aside the work of the cross.

Gal. 2:19-21 (WEB)
19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
21 I don’t make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!

Gal. 3:1-5
1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified?
2 I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?
4 Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?
5 He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?

No born again Christian needs the law to tell him that murder is wrong. His spirit and the Holy Spirit (not to mention his conscience) witness within him that it's abhorrent.

 

[Hazelelponi]

No born again Christian needs the law to tell him that murder is wrong. His spirit and the Holy Spirit (not to mention his conscience) witness within him that it's abhorrent.

It is true that the regenerate heart, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, bears witness to the moral law written on it (Romans 2:15), and that a born-again believer instinctively abhors sin such as murder. Yet, because the flesh remains (Galatians 5:17), the church is not governed by internal impressions alone but by the objective authority of Scripture. The Word of God is our foundation, our standard of truth (John 17:17), and the Spirit of God never speaks in contradiction to it.

While personal experiences may awaken a sinner to the reality of God, they hold no binding authority over others. We do not proclaim Christ based on private revelations, but “we preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23), according to “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). It is the Scriptures—breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16)—that are sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The believer’s assurance and the evangelist’s credibility lie not in subjective experience, but in the historical, revealed Word that testifies to Christ from beginning to end (Luke 24:27).

Therefore, we live not by inward feelings alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). And by that Word, empowered by the Spirit, we are daily conformed to the image of Christ, the One who fulfilled the Law perfectly on our behalf (Romans 8:3–4), that we might walk in newness of life as sons and daughters of the living God (Romans 8:14–17).

 

[David1701]

It is true that the regenerate heart, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, bears witness to the moral law written on it (Romans 2:15), and that a born-again believer instinctively abhors sin such as murder. Yet, because the flesh remains (Galatians 5:17), the church is not governed by internal impressions alone but by the objective authority of Scripture. The Word of God is our foundation, our standard of truth (John 17:17), and the Spirit of God never speaks in contradiction to it.

While personal experiences may awaken a sinner to the reality of God, they hold no binding authority over others. We do not proclaim Christ based on private revelations, but “we preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23), according to “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). It is the Scriptures—breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16)—that are sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The believer’s assurance and the evangelist’s credibility lie not in subjective experience, but in the historical, revealed Word that testifies to Christ from beginning to end (Luke 24:27).

Therefore, we live not by inward feelings alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). And by that Word, empowered by the Spirit, we are daily conformed to the image of Christ, the One who fulfilled the Law perfectly on our behalf (Romans 8:3–4), that we might walk in newness of life as sons and daughters of the living God (Romans 8:14–17).

Now this, I agree with!

 

[Hazelelponi]

Now this, I agree with!

I'm saying the exact same thing in post #28 (hyperlink) as I said in post 23 (hyperlink) just speaking more about the role of the Holy Spirit and removing any mention of the word "law", preferencing other wording over saying law.

The same person, with the exact same and unchanged beliefs wrote both. The only thing that changed was the removal of a single word, and speaking more about the Holy Spirit.

Figured it would be helpful to know that. You have an issue with one word where others don't, since we aren't doing this for salvation.

 

[David1701]

I'm saying the exact same thing in post #28 (hyperlink) as I said in post 23 (hyperlink) just speaking more about the role of the Holy Spirit and removing any mention of the word "law", preferencing other wording over saying law.

The same person, with the exact same and unchanged beliefs wrote both. The only thing that changed was the removal of a single word, and speaking more about the Holy Spirit.

Figured it would be helpful to know that. You have an issue with one word where others don't, since we aren't doing this for salvation.

Now, this answer is very disappointing.

It appears that you don't realise the implications of trying to live by law. It's not just about "a word", in the same way that murder is not just about a word. When we speak of the Mosaic law, we are speaking of the Old Covenant commandments that, for a Christian, have been taken out of the way. We are speaking of a system of legal obligation to God, along with the blessings for obedience and the punishments/curses for disobedience. We are speaking of a way of life that is in stark contrast to living by faith in Jesus, not under law, but under grace.

I knew that you were not speaking of trying to be saved by law-keeping (that would have been much more serious); nevertheless, the Bible still warns against living by law-keeping, which is why I quoted those passages from Galatians.

If you live by faith in the Lord (and, yes, this will be in accordance with the New Testament commands - not legal obligation), then you are not living by law-keeping, by definition. If you live by law-keeping (under legal obligation), then you are not living by faith in the Lord.

 

[Hazelelponi]

Now, this answer is very disappointing.

It appears that you don't realise the implications of trying to live by law. It's not just about "a word", in the same way that murder is not just about a word. When we speak of the Mosaic law, we are speaking of the Old Covenant commandments that, for a Christian, have been taken out of the way. We are speaking of a system of legal obligation to God, along with the blessings for obedience and the punishments/curses for disobedience. We are speaking of a way of life that is in stark contrast to living by faith in Jesus, not under law, but under grace.

I knew that you were not speaking of trying to be saved by law-keeping (that would have been much more serious); nevertheless, the Bible still warns against living by law-keeping, which is why I quoted those passages from Galatians.

If you live by faith in the Lord (and, yes, this will be in accordance with the New Testament commands - not legal obligation), then you are not living by law-keeping, by definition. If you live by law-keeping (under legal obligation), then you are not living by faith in the Lord.

The Christian is not brought into a covenant of works by circumcision, but into the New Covenant in Christ’s blood—sealed not with the blood of bulls and goats, but by the once-for-all sacrifice of the Son of God (Hebrews 9:12–15). Baptism, as a sign of our union with Christ (Romans 6:3–4), marks our entrance into this covenant of grace, not by the works of the law, but by faith in the One who fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf (Matthew 5:17; Romans 8:3–4). Abraham, though justified by faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3), lived under the promises shadowed by types and ceremonies until the fullness of time came in Christ (Galatians 3:23–25).We, however, partake in the substance to which those shadows pointed.

To love Christ is to obey Him (John 14:15), and the moral law—summarized in the Ten Commandments—is not abolished but fulfilled in Him, and now written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 10:16). We do not obey as those under a covenant of condemnation but as sons and daughters who have been adopted by grace (Romans 8:15). The Spirit enables our obedience, not as a means of justification, but as evidence of sanctification. This is no mixing of law and faith—it is the fruit of faith expressing itself through love (Galatians 5:6), conforming us into the image of Christ, the Law-Keeper Himself.

Therefore, we reject both legalism and lawlessness. The Christian is not under the Mosaic covenant, nor do we seek righteousness through the law. But neither do we despise the law, for it is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). We uphold the law as that which points us to Christ and now reflects His character in us. It is not that we seek to establish our righteousness—but that, having received His, we now walk in the good works prepared beforehand for us (Ephesians 2:10).

The Apostle was debating in Scripture about whether the entrance into a Covenant of works righteousness after you were entered into the New Covenant by baptism was a positive direction: he wasn't telling anyone whether we could ever say the word law in relation to God's revealed will for His people ever again. You're taking an extreme position here that is not warrented by Scripture.

We aren't circumcising our kid's into the old covenant at 8 days old, or even pretending that is Scriptural for a believer. That is different than saying to someone, you know, we should probably try our best to follow the law as Christ did.

One thing is the sign of Covenantal entrance (and directly reflects what Covenant you are entering exactly), and the other is a word we determinists use to declare God's revealed Will.

Baptism is an actual legal thing. So is circumcision. Signing our name at the bottom line so to speak.

 

[David1701]

The Christian is not brought into a covenant of works by circumcision, but into the New Covenant in Christ’s blood—sealed not with the blood of bulls and goats, but by the once-for-all sacrifice of the Son of God (Hebrews 9:12–15). Baptism, as a sign of our union with Christ (Romans 6:3–4), marks our entrance into this covenant of grace, not by the works of the law, but by faith in the One who fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf (Matthew 5:17; Romans 8:3–4). Abraham, though justified by faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3), lived under the promises shadowed by types and ceremonies until the fullness of time came in Christ (Galatians 3:23–25).We, however, partake in the substance to which those shadows pointed.

To love Christ is to obey Him (John 14:15), and the moral law—summarized in the Ten Commandments—is not abolished but fulfilled in Him, and now written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 10:16). We do not obey as those under a covenant of condemnation but as sons and daughters who have been adopted by grace (Romans 8:15). The Spirit enables our obedience, not as a means of justification, but as evidence of sanctification. This is no mixing of law and faith—it is the fruit of faith expressing itself through love (Galatians 5:6), conforming us into the image of Christ, the Law-Keeper Himself.

Therefore, we reject both legalism and lawlessness. The Christian is not under the Mosaic covenant, nor do we seek righteousness through the law. But neither do we despise the law, for it is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). We uphold the law as that which points us to Christ and now reflects His character in us. It is not that we seek to establish our righteousness—but that, having received His, we now walk in the good works prepared beforehand for us (Ephesians 2:10).

The Apostle was debating in Scripture about whether the entrance into a Covenant of works righteousness after you were entered into the New Covenant by baptism was a positive direction: he wasn't telling anyone whether we could ever say the word law in relation to God's revealed will for His people ever again. You're taking an extreme position here that is not warrented by Scripture.

We aren't circumcising our kid's into the old covenant at 8 days old, or even pretending that is Scriptural for a believer. That is different than saying to someone, you know, we should probably try our best to follow the law as Christ did.

One thing is the sign of Covenantal entrance (and directly reflects what Covenant you are entering exactly), and the other is a word we determinists use to declare God's revealed Will.

Baptism is an actual legal thing. So is circumcision. Signing our name at the bottom line so to speak.

Alright, try to live by the ten commandments if you like, thereby bringing yourself under legal obligation. Don't blame me if it doesn't go as you would wish.

My so-called "extreme position" is simply believing what the Bible says about law, as contrasted with grace and faith.

 

[Hazelelponi]

Alright, try to live by the ten commandments if you like, thereby bringing yourself under legal obligation. Don't blame me if it doesn't go as you would wish.

My so-called "extreme position" is simply believing what the Bible says about law, as contrasted with grace and faith.

Ask yourself why circumcision is not in the Decalogue but was referred to as putting people under law, and to be avoided.

But it was the only law other than dietary and ceremonial that was ever talked about as being negated in Christ.

But [you seem] bothered we love the Decalogue and other good and moral precepts found in Scripture that show us God's morality and so call them law, while ignoring that's not even where circumcision is, or dietary, or ceremonial except for the sabbath.

We have plenty of liberty as Christians, I do believe that, but we have law, it's just a law born in love and sacrifice and so is reciprocated, and it's a law all Christians follow, no matter what word they use.

 

[Josheb]

Believers are not to try to live by God's law...

Why then did all of the New Testament writers repeatedly cite the Law (quote it, reference it without specific mention, and allude to it indirectly)?

, since the law is not of faith (the Bible states this)

Where does the Bible state this? If the intended reference is Galatians 3:12 then there is a specified context to Paul's statement.

and we live by faith that works by love.

The two are not mutually exclusive conditions.

It's a different way of life.

Law = carry out these commandments and avoid what is prohibited

Faith = trust in the Lord to lead you by his Holy Spirit

...... and, believing in the Lord, obey Him as the Holy Spirit leads.

I would advise you to read the whole book of Galatians, prayerfully.

Yes, and when doing so notice Paul's comments about the Law are specifically and explicitly limited to the Law as a means of obtaining righteousness and justification..... nothing more. In regard to many other aspects of life in Christ Paul, and James, and John, and Peter repeatedly applied the Law to the Christian believer, both Jew and Gentile.

 

[makesends]

Alright, try to live by the ten commandments if you like, thereby bringing yourself under legal obligation. Don't blame me if it doesn't go as you would wish.

My so-called "extreme position" is simply believing what the Bible says about law, as contrasted with grace and faith.

Where did @Hazelelponi say anything about trying to live by the ten commandments, in such a way as to bring oneself under legal obligation?

Believers are not to try to live by God's law, since the law is not of faith (the Bible states this) and we live by faith that works by love. It's a different way of life.

"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Is the law sin?

Who here is arguing that we should live by the law instead of by grace through faith? It is a strawman you are trying to defeat.

 

[David1701]

Ask yourself why circumcision is not in the Decalogue but was referred to as putting people under law, and to be avoided.

It was added to the law later.

Next...

But it was the only law other than dietary and ceremonial that was ever talked about as being negated in Christ.

The whole of the law has been fulfilled and taken out of the way, for a Christian.

Col. 2:14 (WEB) wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;

But you're bothered we love the Decalogue...

That is not something I have thought, said, or ever would say. Don't make false accusations. [MOD EDIT: Removed rules-violating text.]

...and other good and moral precepts found in Scripture that show us God's morality and so call them law, while ignoring that's not even where circumcision is, or dietary, or ceremonial except for the sabbath.

The Mosaic law consists of 613 commandments.

We have plenty of liberty as Christians, I do believe that, but we have law, it's just a law born in love and sacrifice and so is reciprocated, and it's a law all Christians follow, no matter what word they use.

Law is to do with legal obligation. We are no longer under that. The New Covenant commands are on a different basis, like a father tellling his children to tidy their rooms, not like a judge issuing statutes that will meet legal penalties, if disobeyed.

 

[David1701]

Why then did all of the New Testament writers repeatedly cite the Law (quote it, reference it without specific mention, and allude to it indirectly)?

There are many reasons (but you already know this...); and you should know that I know.

Where does the Bible state this? If the intended reference is Galatians 3:12 then there is a specified context to Paul's statement.

Gal. 3:9-13 (WEB)
9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.”
11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, “The righteous will live by faith.”
12 The law is not of faith, but, “The man who does them will live by them.”
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”

We've been redeemed from the curse of the law, so why would you want to be under it? The righteous live by faith, not by law.

The two are not mutually exclusive conditions.

Trying to please God by law-keeping and seeking to please him by being led by the Holy Spirit certainly are mutually exclusive!

...... and, believing in the Lord, obey Him as the Holy Spirit leads.

The Holy Spirit does not lead you back under the yoke of legal bondage!

Yes, and when doing so notice Paul's comments about the Law are specifically and explicitly limited to the Law as a means of obtaining righteousness and justification..... nothing more. In regard to many other aspects of life in Christ Paul, and James, and John, and Peter repeatedly applied the Law to the Christian believer, both Jew and Gentile.

Paul's comments about the Law are NOT limited to being a means of justification; and you should know this by now.

2 Cor. 3:6-9 (WEB)
6 who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
7 But if the service of death, written engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly on the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which was passing away:
8 won’t service of the Spirit be with much more glory?
9 For if the service of condemnation has glory, the service of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

The ten commandments are "the service of death, written engraved on stones". They are the letter that kills. If you want to live your life by the service of death, well, what can I say?

Gal. 3:2,3 (WEB)
2 I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?

 

[David1701]

Where did @Hazelelponi say anything about trying to live by the ten commandments, in such a way as to bring oneself under legal obligation?

You have misunderstood. She did not say that; but, it is a necessary consequence of trying to live by law (by definition, living by law puts one under legal obligation).

"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Is the law sin?

In context, "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." refers to the contrast between doubt and faith, not the contrast between law and faith.

Who here is arguing that we should live by the law instead of by grace through faith? It is a strawman you are trying to defeat.

No, it's not a straw man. The point is not just about the arguments that are being presented, but the objective consequences of trying to live by law.

 

[David Lamb]

It was added to the law later.

Surely not. God command circumcision to Abraham, long before the Ten Commandments.