What does it mean to be "under the law"?

[8thdaypriest]

20 hours ago, JoeMo said:

Interesting post, Ron.  I have been playing with the idea lately that the OT Hebrews (and others) did not fully understand the symbolism of the sacrificial system (i.e., they didn't "get" the concept of a suffering Messiah), in spite of prophecies in Isaiah 52 - 53 and Zechariah 11.  We have the advantage of 20/20 hindsight; so we can see the symbolism between Christ and the sacrificial system. Satan himself may not have even understood the suffering Messiah prophecies, or he wouldn't have caused jesus to be crucified. "None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (1 Cor. 2:8)

Satan "knows" that this age will be over, and his dominion taken away WHEN the 2 witnesses (the last witnesses) are killed.  Yet he cannot stop himself.  His HATE is so strong, it propels him.  I believe Satan would have killed Jesus - by torture - given the opportunity to do so, regardless of understood "consequences".  His hate is that strong. 

[8thdaypriest]

21 hours ago, Ron Amnsn said:

you seem to be claiming that those sacrifices were Messiah-less.  That is a contradiction.

Sacrifices by non-Hebrew peoples (animal or human sacrifices) were done to please the angry sky-gods.  Those sacrifices WERE "worthless". 

Sacrifices within the context of Abraham/Israel were NOT "Messiah-less" IF the one presenting the sacrifice believed in Yahweh and His promise of atonement (reconciliation).  Sometimes only the people watching the sacrifice "believed".  In that case the watchers would be blessed, but not the priest presenting the sacrifice. 

IF the one presenting the sacrifices, did so only to fulfill his expected role within the community - or worse, to fleece the flock - then the sacrifice (concerning him) WAS "worthless". 

Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, we today are held to a much higher standard of "faith" - because we have a fuller and clearer revelation of God and His plan.