Section Four
To Arnold Murray and the Followers of Shepherd’s Chapel,
Concerning the Law, the Sabbath, and Humanity’s Role in Redemption
Grace and peace to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law, provided eternal rest for His people, and established a New Covenant in His blood. In this section, I address your statements about the law, the Sabbath, and humanity’s role in God’s redemptive work.
On the Law, Statutes, and Judgments Given to Israel (Exodus 20; Psalm 147:19-20; Deuteronomy 4:1-2)
You affirm that God’s law, statutes, and judgments were given to Israel, and this is true. The law served to reveal God’s holiness and humanity’s inability to meet His perfect standards, thus pointing us to the need for Christ. Paul explains, “The law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24).
However, your broader teachings place undue emphasis on the human role in fulfilling the law, implying that individuals must perform extraordinary tasks to prove their faithfulness or stand against Satan. Scripture is clear: “By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight” (Romans 3:20). The law points to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled it on our behalf (Matthew 5:17).
God’s work is not dependent on human effort. His purposes are accomplished by His sovereign will, not by human striving. To suggest otherwise undermines the gospel of grace.
On Civil Law and Obedience to Authority (Romans 13:1-7)
You affirm that God commands us to obey civil law, and this is correct within the bounds of righteousness. Paul instructs, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). Yet your teachings often emphasize human effort as though obedience to authority is part of a larger cosmic battle where believers serve as God’s enforcers against evil.
This thinking elevates human works to a level of spiritual necessity that Scripture does not support. The believer’s role is to live faithfully under God’s sovereign rule, trusting that He alone will bring justice and judgment in His time (Romans 12:19).
On the Sabbath and Christ as Our Rest (Exodus 20:10; Hebrews 4:8-9; Colossians 2:16-17)
You affirm that the Sabbath was a sign between Israel and the Lord and that Christ is our ultimate Sabbath rest. This is a truth to be celebrated, for Jesus invites us: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Yet your teachings sometimes present the Sabbath—and other works of obedience—as part of a framework where human faithfulness is essential to maintain God’s favor or engage in spiritual warfare. This misrepresents the gospel, which declares that salvation and rest are found in Christ alone, not in human performance. Paul writes, “For we who have believed enter that rest” (Hebrews 4:3). To reintroduce works-based elements into this rest is to misunderstand the freedom Christ has given (Galatians 5:1).
On the New Covenant and Humanity’s Role in Redemption (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-12; Galatians 3:16-17)
You affirm that the New Covenant was established by Christ and fulfilled the promises made to Israel. This is true, for Jeremiah foretold a covenant where God would write His law on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:33), and Jesus declared, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20).
However, your teachings distort the nature of this covenant by overemphasizing humanity’s role. You imply that certain individuals are chosen to carry out specific tasks against Satan, as though God’s purposes hinge on their performance. Scripture, however, teaches that God’s work is accomplished by His power alone: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
The New Covenant is not a call to human heroics but a promise of transformation through the Spirit. Believers are called to trust in Christ, not to bear the weight of battling Satan on God’s behalf. Christ has already triumphed: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15).
On Jesus Christ as the Redeemer (Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 9:12)
You rightly affirm that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer who accomplished redemption through His death and resurrection. Yet your teachings often detract from His completed work by suggesting that believers must engage in spiritual warfare to maintain or enforce His victory. This is both unnecessary and unbiblical.
Christ’s redemptive work is final and complete. “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet” (Hebrews 10:12-13). It is Christ—not humanity—who secures victory over Satan. To place this burden on believers is to misunderstand both the nature of Christ’s triumph and the role of the church.
Conclusion to Section Four
Your statement of faith contains truths about the law, the Sabbath, and redemption. Yet your teachings distort these doctrines by elevating human effort to a place that Scripture does not support. God’s purposes do not depend on humanity’s ability to stand against Satan or fulfill His work. Christ alone has fulfilled the law, secured eternal rest, and accomplished redemption. The believer’s role is to trust and obey, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47).
May the Lord grant you wisdom to see the sufficiency of Christ and the freedom of the gospel.
In Christ’s Service,
Solomon Trueman