Do the Holy Spirit and the Law Mix?
Galatians 3:2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
It is interesting to observe the legalism that seems to creep into the lives and practice of believers. There is sometimes an over-fascination with Old Testament (OT) practices and archetypes including,Tabernacle of Moses, Feast Days, generational curses, priestly garments, various offerings, sabbath keeping, and much more.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Rom. 15:4)
I don't think the "learning" to which Paul is referring deals with Christians learning how to practice OT religion. Certainly, the OT scriptures are the inspired Word of God, but we must keep in mind that the Lord Jesus fulfilled all the laws and archetypes of the OT economy. He has become the embodiment of God's order and purpose for all people, Jews and Gentiles.
The Holy Spirit, who did not indwell OT people, brought us the grace of salvation and new life in Christ. The Spirit of God gave us our start with a new birth resulting from the finished redemptive work of Christ. So let's not act like we have "lost our senses" by putting human efforts, including Old Testament practice, ahead of Jesus and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
