In reply…

Bobby Grow is a brilliant theologian and one of the few free thinkers in bloggerville. You may have to chase after him to keep up with his writing but it’s worth the effort. In his recent article titled "Salvation in the Old Testament: and "Active Obedience"" he questions the intent of the Mosaic Covenant with respect to soteriology. Bobby’s question is this,

"what is the relationship between the Mosaic Covenant, i.e. the "Old Covenant", and salvation for the Jews"?

He closes his article,

“I'll leave you with this question, was the Mosaic Law originally intended to provide salvation for the Jews; or was its intention to provide "sanctification" unto Yahweh, in a prepatory sense, until Christ came, and established a better way and covenant in HIS blood?”

I don’t believe a thesis is necessary to adequately respond to this question. The third chapter of Romans alone dispels the notion of salvation through the Mosaic Law and Hebrews 11, in concert with the entire NT, clearly establishes that salvation is and has always been only through faith in God. Even a cursory read of the OT would illustrate that these OT saints were not found worthy by keeping the law but by their trust in the Law Giver and His righteousness. The message is and has always been, “trust God” and the well being of the individual has always been determined by his own willingness to do so. I wholeheartedly agree that subjection to the law was only an outward evidence that they had been set apart to God.

Bobby states that his reason for questioning this is,

"because recently I have been interacting and corresponding with some "Reformed" folks who argue that the Mosaic Covenant is the basis for Christ's imputed righteousness and ultimately salvation for us"

Men have sought to justify themselves through their own efforts since the beginning of time. There are many today who continue to try and convince us that in order to gain salvation or to insure it we must depend on ourselves and our own efforts. Others contend that some sort of works are the evidence of our justification and without these works we simply cannot be regenerate. The scripture teaches that our salvation is illustrated, both to others and ourselves, by our love for one another. Until we are willing to accept that our righteousness is in Him alone we will remain bound to sinful pride and unable to properly pursue the good works of faith that please Him but by no means justify us before Him.