Be careful with Old Testament doctrines, for you are or can become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Old Covenant no longer exists for those who are in Christ Jesus, for they have been recreated in Him and have therefore attained better promises: But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, in as much as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises (Hebrews 8.6).

Those who return to the past, to the yoke of the Law, nullify what Jesus did, deny their faith in Him, and walk in evil ways. If they do not repent, when the Master comes to gather His Church and take it to the glory of God, that person will despair and try to justify themselves. Jesus spoke about this: Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ (Matthew 7.22)

The return of Christ will be a sad day for people who, even though they are in church and appear to be saved, will be left behind. They will try to claim that there was a mistake in the separation of those who ascended and those who remained. However, Jesus will say to them openly: And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7.23). Those who engage in sin must repent; otherwise, they will not ascend with the Lord!

Any practice of Judaism needs to be understood in light of the New Covenant; otherwise, it can complicate things for us. The apostle Paul spoke of circumcision, which some Christians of his time underwent. Today, this practice is not seen, but there are those who celebrate Jewish holidays. The Bible says: So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths (Colossians 2.16).

You already know that new wine should be put into new wineskins (Luke 5:37, 38). But even so, the devil will return to the scene with the old things, insinuating that there is nothing wrong with practicing them. The evil one wants to invalidate the work of Christ in your life to disconnect you from God. To do this, he will use his tricks, as he did to deceive the first couple, saying that if they ate the forbidden fruit, they would be like God (Genesis 3:5). Don't fall for the deception!

Heed Paul's warning and never do anything that contradicts the Word of God or tries to imprison you in old ways. The devil strives to take some weak ones out of the good race of faith, even using the Scriptures (Matthew 4:1-11). We, however, move forward toward the Lord and will not bow down to the temptations of the enemy. Now, God warns us about the adversary's traps and guides us along the way.

Now, those who follow Jesus have already found the true future. Such a person will never say or do what they should not. The Lord has given them the tongue of the learned (Isaiah 50:4), full of power and wisdom to enable them to do the same works as Christ. Why turn back, if only those who have not compromised with sin will ascend with the Master? Live in Jesus and be happy!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares