Does Faith Depart from the Law? Examining Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 15:5 contradicts Proverbs 3:5, Galatians 2:16, Romans 6:14, Acts 15:10-11 and Hebrews 8:13. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
When delving into the Bible, one might come across apparent contradictions that provoke thought and debate. A prime example is the juxtaposition between Deuteronomy 15:5 and several New Testament writings. In Deuteronomy 15:5, Moses emphasizes the importance of listening to God and adhering to His commands, suggesting that blessings follow strict obedience. This verse sets the stage for a covenantal relationship based on law observance.
However, other scriptures convey seemingly conflicting messages. Proverbs 3:5 advises believers to trust in the Lord, specifically urging them not to lean on their own understanding. This presents a nuanced perspective where faith, rather than just commands and understanding, becomes central.
The New Testament intensifies this apparent contradiction. Galatians 2:16 asserts that justification comes through faith in Christ, not merely by adhering to the law. This posits an important question: is strict law observance the path to righteousness, or is faith the true key? Similarly, Romans 6:14 declares believers are under grace, not law, suggesting a shift from legalistic adherence to grace-based living.
The discussion continues in Acts 15:10-11, where the apostles question the necessity of imposing the law as a burden on believers. This contrasts with Deuteronomy’s model of strict adherence. Lastly, Hebrews 8:13 goes as far as to label the old covenant obsolete, challenging the enduring relevance of command observance.
To illustrate these tensions, one might consider an analogy: following a GPS versus trusting a friend’s directions. While the GPS insists on a specific route, your friend emphasizes trust in their knowledge of shortcuts. Both lead to the destination but follow different paths, much like faith compared to law adherence. These scriptural contrasts invite believers to explore their faith journey, balancing law with grace, and understanding with trust.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 15:5 | Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day. |
| 2. | Proverbs 3:5 | Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. |
| 3. | Galatians 2:16 | Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. |
| 4. | Romans 6:14 | For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. |
| 5. | Acts 15:10-11 | Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? |
| 6. | Hebrews 8:13 | In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away. |