Yet another great teaching by John Piper. I would add though that if in Christ means a new heavenly realm Christians belong to, Col 1:13 would be a good verse to use why we are in Christ. Obviously, it was because of God the Father: "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Abba Father, I agree with and bind romans 8:1-3, 2 corinthians 6:14, matthew 6:24 I am set free of condemnation and sin in the name and by the blood Christ while not being unequally yoked with an unbeliever serving satan and renouncing every devil worshipper to be set free of guilt or shame, loosening all condemnation and sin upon no return in my life, amen and hallelujah! Annelies Bakker, the Netherlands.
Thank you brother for touching on the "Baptism" portion of this selected scripture. I have run across many Church of Christ members and Ministers who preach that we are saved by water baptism. Salvation has always been obtained through faith & not of works (eph 2:8-9) and for that let us Praise God.
Keith Thompson After Jesus was resurrected he gave a great commission to his apostles. This commission was a commandment to the apostles. (Mathew 28:16-20)(Mark 16:15-16) We are to follow the pattern of teaching that the apostles set for us as they spoke God's words. (2 Timothy 1:13)(2 Timothy 3:16). This includes everything they taught. Church organization, Worship, Handling money, attendance, and everything else that they commanded through the Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16) (1 Timothy 3) (Romans 12:1-2)( Ephesians 5:19) (Hebrews 10:25) (1 Timothy 2: 8-15). If we add to their words or add on to their examples(which always wete always one in the same) then we will not inherit the Kindom of God. (Revelation 22:19)(Deuteronomy 4:2) While Jesus was on the Earth he had authority on Earth to forgive sins.(Mark 2:10)(Luke 23: 39-43) (Luke 7:50)(Mathew 9:6) While Jesus was on Earth the new covenant wasn't established yet. Jesus hadn't died on the cross yet and when he did the new covenant started. (Mathew 27: 51)(Hebrews 8:13)(Hebrews 10:16) Note that after the covenant started and after Jesus's resurrection he commands his apostles to baptize people. (Mathew 28:16-18)(Mark 16:15-16) Note that all the apostles taught baptism. (Acts 10:48)(Acts 22: 16)( Galatians 3:27)( Acts 16: 31-33)(Acts 2:38-41) (READ ACTS 8:26- 40) The Spirit(angel) leads Phillip to a man who is a Eunuch. He does so so that he can hear the gospel and be saved. This was the intention of the angel. Take note of when then angel took Phillip back away.(Acts 8:39) Also note what kind of baptism is mentioned here.( Acts 8:38-39) Jesus says in (John 3:5) that one must be born of water AND the spirit to be saved. Just like one must repent AND be baptized.(Mark 16:16) The apostles second this teaching all throughout God's word.(1 Corinthians 12:13)(1 Peter 3:21) (Colossians 2:12) This is a clear pattern of teaching in scripture so we must follow it and it also is commanded by the Lord. (Mathew 28:16-18)(2 Timothy 1:13) Baptism isn't a work of the flesh (Ephesians 2:9) Why isn't it a work of a flesh? Because when we are baptized we are doing so through faith. (Ephesians 2:8) Just believing there is a God or believing that Jesus is the Son of God isn't going to get someone to heaven. (James 2:19) The kind of faith that saves is the ones that Abraham had when he was going to kill his son for the Lord.(James 2:21-22) His faith was an active faith and this faith is what saves. (James 2:21-22) Scripture directly says that we are not saved by faith alone. (James 2:24) Believing God in God is good, but if you don't obey the Lord through faith then everything you do is meaningless to the Lord.(Hebrews 11:6)(John 14:15)(John 15:14) Note that Abraham and the Apostles were only called God's "friends"if they obeyed him. (James 2:23)(John 15:14) This is what Paul means when he says we are saved by grace not by works. "Works" meaning good deeds that we do in this world that's not through faith. So an atheist for example feeding all of Africa. If he doesn't do this through faith and obediance to the Lord then it is meaningless. His works are meaningless and he will not be saved by them. He can't boast by his works because they have no value in the sight of the Lord. Scripture is clear that we must obey the scripture. If someone doesn't know the Lord at all or doesn't obey his gospel (baptism) then they will not go to heaven. Scripture is clear on this (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) If someone preaches anything differently then they will not enter heaven. Even if an angel from heaven itself came down to Earth and said something contrary to scripture.(Galatians 1:8) Baptism is commanded in scripture and if we don't obey the Lord through faith then we will not have our sins washed away like Paul describes in (Roman 6:3-14) This grace can only be attained through faith and the Apostles taught that water baptism is the point at which all of our sins are washed away. Because it is the completion of faith. Baptism for us is our version of Abraham going to kill his son. Is it more significant than repentance or belief? No! If one doesn't Believe in God,repent of their sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized in the Lord then they aren't saved. Without one of these then you haven't obeyed the Lord and you haven't done so through the faith that Abraham had.(Romans 10:9-10)(Acts 2:38)(Acts 10:48)(James 2: 22) After obeying the Gospel and becoming a "new creation"( 2 Corinthians 5:17) Baptism is necessary for salvation just like believing in God is. You can't take one out or you are condemning yourself.(Deuteronomy 4:2) If an angel from heaven says so differently then even he would be out under God's curse.(Galatians 1:8)(eternal destruction) I lived most of my life as a Baptist and I believed that were saved through belief only. I met a girl who is from a Chruch of Christ and she showed me everything that the Bible said about these things. Church of Christ will only teach what's in the Bible and that's it. They only teach scripture.(If you find a good one) Take it from someone who's been in your position then people are the real deal and they know God's word unlike anyone I've ever seen. If you haven't obeyed the gospel then find the nearest on to you and go ask them questions. Church of Christ isn't a denomination. Some Church of Christ's don't obey the Lord's instruction for organization of the church. If you have questions then google La vista church of christ questions and answers. Click on the topical listings and I promise you'll find the answer to anything you can think of. If you read this then thank you and I encourage you to keep searching out God's word for yourself.
Yeah - it is amazing how he completely butchers these texts about immersion - he never points to anything actually in the text that supports his statements - sad, really.
Gantt Carter Watch the video and read Colossians 2:12 and note it says "through faith" Faith without action(works) is useless. Read (James 2:14-26) Faith is an active faith, and this faith CAN ONLY BE OBTAINED THROUGH GOD'S WORD (ROMANS 10:17) Without faith is is literally impossible to please God.(Hebrews 11:6) READ ALL OF HEBREWS 11. NOTE HOW EVERY EXAMPLE OF FAITH HAS AN ACTION. Even Demons believe in God(James 2:19). FAITH IS BY DOING WHAT GOD TELLS US TO DO. WITH HIS WORD. (Romans 10:17) WITHOUT OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD WE CANT PLEASE GOD(Hebrews 11:6) BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT FAITH IS.(James 2:22) OBEDIENCE COMPLETES FATH. (Read 1 Samuel 15: 1-15 ) Look at how God views partial faith, or partial obedience. Doing MOST of what he says to do. Scripture is clear that we are to be baptized in water because Jesus and the Apostles tell us that's what we need to do to be saved. (Mark 16:16)( 1 Peter 3:21) If someone is baptized without faith(Without hearing God's word, or without doing it out of obedience then your just being dipped in water.) Young children can't fully understand this so that's why we don't baptize them at a really young age. Because they don't know why they're doing it. Like Abraham you have to know that through faith you are OBEYING THE LORD. BAPTISM IS THE COMPLETION OF FAITH.(James 2:22) Why? BECAUSE GOD SAYS SO. (Mark 16:16) "HE WHO BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED" Believing isn't enough to get someone to heaven.(James 2:26) Obedient faith in God and God alone is. It's through the WORKS OF FAITH that one receives GRACE from God (Ephesians 2:8) Read this verse. Note that it says THROUGH FAITH. If we believe in God enough to do what he says he promises us forgiveness of sins.(Colossians 2:12-13) If one truly believes Jesus is the Son of God they will obey him.(John 8:31) Those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ's will face eternal destruction.(2 thessalonians 1:6-9) Water Baptism is necessary for salvation because that is how we obeh. Obeying is an action, and we must obey the way God tells us to. If we don't then it means nothing to God.(Hebrews 11:6) Just like Samuel partially obeying God and God took no pleasure in it whatsoever.
Also note what kind of baptism is clearly and in every way shown in (ACTS 8:36) Jesus was baptized in water, and so did John.(Mathew 3:16) "Baptizo" means immerse, and it's clear that it means to be immersed in water.(Acts 8:36) Baptism is an appeal to God (1 Peter 3:21), and if done through Faith then God will freely give his gift of salvation. (Ephesians 2:8) This isn't our doing, but his. We can't earn Salvation just by being a good person, or by many great works on this Earth.(Ephesians 2:9) God gives it to us when we submit to his word and obey him through Faith. It's then we receive his great gift of grace. (Ephesians 2:8)
I have a question for you. What does this mean to you? Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. If John Baptised in Water, how did Paul baptise these people? Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
My king James version doesn’t read like that. In verse 1, it says “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the spirit.” I’m not exactly sure what translation he’s reading from this is from the new king James version.
I'm sorry but dear bother Piper you left out a portion of the first verse! "There is therefor now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT." (KJV) This is a very important portion of the verse, I assume you just skipped that one, or are you suggesting this should not be in the Bible? Greetings in Christ
+J. Christian He hasn't missed it. That part of verse 1 was added for explanation sake by the original translators. The original text did not have that part in it.
"Oh one finger is missing but there are four left so it's okay right?!" Sorry I had to do this. Please never say this when talking about God's word. Thank you brother.
Paul explains that we confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in heart that God raised him from the dead then saved not from the physical baptism it even states by faith so I realized that the physical one must be just for body or only for old testament but I was baptized under water also. thanks this is my opinion! but thanks for the teaching I liked it other than that.
You know why satan is attacking cristians its because he knows you can lose your salvation if you live after the flesh you will die spiritualy if you live after the flesh that why hes trying to take you out of crhist by you walking in the flesh so he can steal your soul hes trying to take has much people to hell as possible Romans 8 13 you can lose your salvation
when are you people gonna wake up and realise that the very book your guiding your life by and obtaining your principals and morals from, is full of so many contradictions and mistakes that if a publisher today read it he would chuck it in the nearest waste paper basket. read Deuteronomy 20: 28-29 and then tell me who's more moral...man or God
+Benny Stafford the scripture you have quoted does not exist. The bible has no contradictions, but the problem stems from translations. it is difficult to translate an ancient language into a modern language, without the original meanings and intentions being lost.
You are applying your culture's view on marriage and sex to that of an ancient culture. I'm no expert, but if I am not mistaken, to them, marriage was in large part an economic arrangement. The woman gave herself to the man sexually, and in exchange, the man gave her protection and resources. The point of the law is to make sure the woman didn't have her sexuality taken advantage of without receiving the care and status as a wife she was entitled to. If you read the story of Ammon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13) you'll see this situation played out. After the fact, the woman berates Ammon for taking her virginity without marrying her.
This is roman catholic teachings, the sign that you are one with God is by keeping HIS commandments , John14. Romans 8:4 Thats why we have faith in Son of man.
i am very great ful for those analysis of verses in the bible
thank you so much
Jesus Christ is set me free.Free in Christ Jesus.Through the precious Blood.And in the Spirit.
so, it is from God that we get wisdom, rightousness, redemption and this only happens when we are IN christ.
Thank you for this ❤️🙏
Thank you, Pastor John
Yeah! This is right on for my learning ability or learning disabilities. Thanks. This works for me.
Thank you.
Praise God!!
Please keep these coming. I appreciate your teaching and breaking the word down as you are.
Yet another great teaching by John Piper. I would add though that if in Christ means a new heavenly realm Christians belong to, Col 1:13 would be a good verse to use why we are in Christ. Obviously, it was because of God the Father: "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much. These are a real help.
Abba Father, I agree with and bind romans 8:1-3, 2 corinthians 6:14, matthew 6:24 I am set free of condemnation and sin in the name and by the blood Christ while not being unequally yoked with an unbeliever serving satan and renouncing every devil worshipper to be set free of guilt or shame, loosening all condemnation and sin upon no return in my life, amen and hallelujah! Annelies Bakker, the Netherlands.
so great!
wow, sir..u have been truly blessed with greatly illustrating the Biblical text from God. I love you. Thank you.
That was good!!! That was really, really good! Aaaaamen
Thank you pastor John for this breakdown. May God bless your ministry.
Thank you brother for touching on the "Baptism" portion of this selected scripture. I have run across many Church of Christ members and Ministers who preach that we are saved by water baptism. Salvation has always been obtained through faith & not of works (eph 2:8-9) and for that let us Praise God.
Keith Thompson After Jesus was resurrected he gave a great commission to his apostles. This commission was a commandment to the apostles. (Mathew 28:16-20)(Mark 16:15-16)
We are to follow the pattern of teaching that the apostles set for us as they spoke God's words. (2 Timothy 1:13)(2 Timothy 3:16). This includes everything they taught. Church organization, Worship, Handling money, attendance, and everything else that they commanded through the Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16) (1 Timothy 3) (Romans 12:1-2)( Ephesians 5:19) (Hebrews 10:25) (1 Timothy 2: 8-15).
If we add to their words or add on to their examples(which always wete always one in the same) then we will not inherit the Kindom of God. (Revelation 22:19)(Deuteronomy 4:2)
While Jesus was on the Earth he had authority on Earth to forgive sins.(Mark 2:10)(Luke 23: 39-43) (Luke 7:50)(Mathew 9:6)
While Jesus was on Earth the new covenant wasn't established yet. Jesus hadn't died on the cross yet and when he did the new covenant started. (Mathew 27: 51)(Hebrews 8:13)(Hebrews 10:16)
Note that after the covenant started and after Jesus's resurrection he commands his apostles to baptize people. (Mathew 28:16-18)(Mark 16:15-16) Note that all the apostles taught baptism. (Acts 10:48)(Acts 22: 16)( Galatians 3:27)( Acts 16: 31-33)(Acts 2:38-41) (READ ACTS 8:26- 40) The Spirit(angel) leads Phillip to a man who is a Eunuch. He does so so that he can hear the gospel and be saved. This was the intention of the angel. Take note of when then angel took Phillip back away.(Acts 8:39) Also note what kind of baptism is mentioned here.( Acts 8:38-39) Jesus says in (John 3:5) that one must be born of water AND the spirit to be saved. Just like one must repent AND be baptized.(Mark 16:16) The apostles second this teaching all throughout God's word.(1 Corinthians 12:13)(1 Peter 3:21) (Colossians 2:12) This is a clear pattern of teaching in scripture so we must follow it and it also is commanded by the Lord. (Mathew 28:16-18)(2 Timothy 1:13)
Baptism isn't a work of the flesh (Ephesians 2:9) Why isn't it a work of a flesh? Because when we are baptized we are doing so through faith. (Ephesians 2:8) Just believing there is a God or believing that Jesus is the Son of God isn't going to get someone to heaven. (James 2:19) The kind of faith that saves is the ones that Abraham had when he was going to kill his son for the Lord.(James 2:21-22) His faith was an active faith and this faith is what saves. (James 2:21-22) Scripture directly says that we are not saved by faith alone. (James 2:24) Believing God in God is good, but if you don't obey the Lord through faith then everything you do is meaningless to the Lord.(Hebrews 11:6)(John 14:15)(John 15:14) Note that Abraham and the Apostles were only called God's "friends"if they obeyed him. (James 2:23)(John 15:14) This is what Paul means when he says we are saved by grace not by works. "Works" meaning good deeds that we do in this world that's not through faith. So an atheist for example feeding all of Africa. If he doesn't do this through faith and obediance to the Lord then it is meaningless. His works are meaningless and he will not be saved by them. He can't boast by his works because they have no value in the sight of the Lord. Scripture is clear that we must obey the scripture.
If someone doesn't know the Lord at all or doesn't obey his gospel (baptism) then they will not go to heaven. Scripture is clear on this (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) If someone preaches anything differently then they will not enter heaven. Even if an angel from heaven itself came down to Earth and said something contrary to scripture.(Galatians 1:8) Baptism is commanded in scripture and if we don't obey the Lord through faith then we will not have our sins washed away like Paul describes in (Roman 6:3-14) This grace can only be attained through faith and the Apostles taught that water baptism is the point at which all of our sins are washed away. Because it is the completion of faith. Baptism for us is our version of Abraham going to kill his son.
Is it more significant than repentance or belief? No! If one doesn't Believe in God,repent of their sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized in the Lord then they aren't saved. Without one of these then you haven't obeyed the Lord and you haven't done so through the faith that Abraham had.(Romans 10:9-10)(Acts 2:38)(Acts 10:48)(James 2: 22)
After obeying the Gospel and becoming a "new creation"( 2 Corinthians 5:17) Baptism is necessary for salvation just like believing in God is. You can't take one out or you are condemning yourself.(Deuteronomy 4:2) If an angel from heaven says so differently then even he would be out under God's curse.(Galatians 1:8)(eternal destruction)
I lived most of my life as a Baptist and I believed that were saved through belief only. I met a girl who is from a Chruch of Christ and she showed me everything that the Bible said about these things. Church of Christ will only teach what's in the Bible and that's it. They only teach scripture.(If you find a good one) Take it from someone who's been in your position then people are the real deal and they know God's word unlike anyone I've ever seen. If you haven't obeyed the gospel then find the nearest on to you and go ask them questions. Church of Christ isn't a denomination. Some Church of Christ's don't obey the Lord's instruction for organization of the church. If you have questions then google La vista church of christ questions and answers. Click on the topical listings and I promise you'll find the answer to anything you can think of. If you read this then thank you and I encourage you to keep searching out God's word for yourself.
Yeah - it is amazing how he completely butchers these texts about immersion - he never points to anything actually in the text that supports his statements - sad, really.
Gantt Carter Watch the video and read Colossians 2:12 and note it says "through faith" Faith without action(works) is useless. Read (James 2:14-26) Faith is an active faith, and this faith CAN ONLY BE OBTAINED THROUGH GOD'S WORD (ROMANS 10:17) Without faith is is literally impossible to please God.(Hebrews 11:6) READ ALL OF HEBREWS 11. NOTE HOW EVERY EXAMPLE OF FAITH HAS AN ACTION. Even Demons believe in God(James 2:19). FAITH IS BY DOING WHAT GOD TELLS US TO DO. WITH HIS WORD. (Romans 10:17) WITHOUT OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD WE CANT PLEASE GOD(Hebrews 11:6) BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT FAITH IS.(James 2:22) OBEDIENCE COMPLETES FATH. (Read 1 Samuel 15: 1-15 ) Look at how God views partial faith, or partial obedience. Doing MOST of what he says to do. Scripture is clear that we are to be baptized in water because Jesus and the Apostles tell us that's what we need to do to be saved. (Mark 16:16)( 1 Peter 3:21) If someone is baptized without faith(Without hearing God's word, or without doing it out of obedience then your just being dipped in water.) Young children can't fully understand this so that's why we don't baptize them at a really young age. Because they don't know why they're doing it. Like Abraham you have to know that through faith you are OBEYING THE LORD. BAPTISM IS THE COMPLETION OF FAITH.(James 2:22) Why? BECAUSE GOD SAYS SO. (Mark 16:16) "HE WHO BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED" Believing isn't enough to get someone to heaven.(James 2:26) Obedient faith in God and God alone is. It's through the WORKS OF FAITH that one receives GRACE from God (Ephesians 2:8) Read this verse. Note that it says THROUGH FAITH. If we believe in God enough to do what he says he promises us forgiveness of sins.(Colossians 2:12-13) If one truly believes Jesus is the Son of God they will obey him.(John 8:31) Those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ's will face eternal destruction.(2 thessalonians 1:6-9) Water Baptism is necessary for salvation because that is how we obeh. Obeying is an action, and we must obey the way God tells us to. If we don't then it means nothing to God.(Hebrews 11:6) Just like Samuel partially obeying God and God took no pleasure in it whatsoever.
Also note what kind of baptism is clearly and in every way shown in (ACTS 8:36) Jesus was baptized in water, and so did John.(Mathew 3:16) "Baptizo" means immerse, and it's clear that it means to be immersed in water.(Acts 8:36) Baptism is an appeal to God (1 Peter 3:21), and if done through Faith then God will freely give his gift of salvation. (Ephesians 2:8) This isn't our doing, but his. We can't earn Salvation just by being a good person, or by many great works on this Earth.(Ephesians 2:9) God gives it to us when we submit to his word and obey him through Faith. It's then we receive his great gift of grace. (Ephesians 2:8)
I have a question for you. What does this mean to you?
Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
If John Baptised in Water, how did Paul baptise these people?
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Thank you Dr. John, may God bless
Excellent expo, God bless you.
What kind of software is used to do this kind of presentation? Does anyone know?
MrAntiOrdinary looks like an iPad Pro since he is using a pen or it could be another tablet that has a stylus.
Salvation is unto repentance.
Thank you for your sharing
what app is he using?
Pearls
Salvation is being saved already.
This is sorta like Khan academy
Part of the first verse is missing.
Baptism in water or the spirit?
My king James version doesn’t read like that. In verse 1, it says “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the spirit.”
I’m not exactly sure what translation he’s reading from this is from the new king James version.
I'm sorry but dear bother Piper you left out a portion of the first verse!
"There is therefor now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT." (KJV)
This is a very important portion of the verse, I assume you just skipped that one, or are you suggesting this should not be in the Bible?
Greetings in Christ
+J. Christian He hasn't missed it. That part of verse 1 was added for explanation sake by the original translators. The original text did not have that part in it.
Bogus Satan I rebuke you in the name of Christ!
Wow! The rest of the verses/text say that very thing several times. So it's not essentially left out.
"Oh one finger is missing but there are four left so it's okay right?!" Sorry I had to do this. Please never say this when talking about God's word. Thank you brother.
No es que Piper lo haya omitido, me parece que la versión que está usando no incluye la frase que mencionas. ¡Saludos desde México!
Paul explains that we confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in heart that God raised him from the dead then saved not from the physical baptism it even states by faith so I realized that the physical one must be just for body or only for old testament but I was baptized under water also. thanks this is my opinion! but thanks for the teaching I liked it other than that.
You know why satan is attacking cristians its because he knows you can lose your salvation if you live after the flesh you will die spiritualy if you live after the flesh that why hes trying to take you out of crhist by you walking in the flesh so he can steal your soul hes trying to take has much people to hell as possible Romans 8 13 you can lose your salvation
people as soon as they here word Baptism they connect it with water thats not the truth
Yeah - the Holy Spirit did the same thing - see Acts 8, for starters.
when are you people gonna wake up and realise that the very book your guiding your life by and obtaining your principals and morals from, is full of so many contradictions and mistakes that if a publisher today read it he would chuck it in the nearest waste paper basket. read Deuteronomy 20: 28-29 and then tell me who's more moral...man or God
+Benny Stafford the scripture you have quoted does not exist. The bible has no contradictions, but the problem stems from translations. it is difficult to translate an ancient language into a modern language, without the original meanings and intentions being lost.
You are applying your culture's view on marriage and sex to that of an ancient culture. I'm no expert, but if I am not mistaken, to them, marriage was in large part an economic arrangement. The woman gave herself to the man sexually, and in exchange, the man gave her protection and resources. The point of the law is to make sure the woman didn't have her sexuality taken advantage of without receiving the care and status as a wife she was entitled to. If you read the story of Ammon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13) you'll see this situation played out. After the fact, the woman berates Ammon for taking her virginity without marrying her.
What moral standard are you using?
This is roman catholic teachings, the sign that you are one with God is by keeping HIS commandments , John14.
Romans 8:4
Thats why we have faith in Son of man.