By keeping the Law, in the right way and for the right reasons, Paul left an example for all disciples to follow, whether Jew or non-Jew. Some people seem to think that only Jewish believers were expected to continue practicing Torah. The so-called “Great Commission” rules out this possibility. When Jesus instructed His Jewish disciples to go to “all nations (Gentiles),” He told them to teach the Gentile nations “to obey everything I have commanded you (My Jewish Disciples)” (Matt.28:18ff). He commanded His Jewish disciples to obey the Torah (Matt 5:17-19 & 23:1-2), and they were to teach the Gentiles to do it.

The key to godly living is not to ignore the Law and elevate Paul, as Marcion did. Nor is the solution to overemphasize the Law and reject Paul, as the Ebionites and others did. The solution is to do what Paul said to do: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of the Messiah” (Icor.11:1). If we truly follow Paul’s example, as he followed the example of Messiah, we will begin to practice Old Testament commands that the Church has ignored or changed.

A.W. Tozer wrote, “Probably no other portion of the Scriptures can compare with the Pauline epistles when it comes to making artificial saints.”³¹ Let us avoid artificial sainthood by keeping in mind the above-mentioned seven guidelines for understanding Paul’s epistles; To include:

1. Over-all Biblical context
2. Historical context
3. Peter’s warning
4. Jesus’ warning
5. Paul’s positive statements about the Law
6. Paul’s negative statements about the Law
7. Paul’s example

As we let the naked truth of Holy Scripture renew our minds and change our thinking, the sunlight of God’s Word will dispel the mist of the ghost of Marcion. We will find ourselves transformed as the fog lifts, and as we see the Law as God always meant it to be seen: as something positive, holy, and good, “if one uses it properly” (1Tim.1:8).

Let those who wish to whole-heartedly follow the Messiah begin to learn the commandments, practice them, and teach them to others, for ”whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:19). As we banish the ghost of Marcion, the “spirit of lawlessness,” from our theology, we will see the commandments not as a yoke of bondage, but as a moral guide by which we can joyfully live a life that is pleasing to the Heavenly Father. Then we will be able to rejoice in God’s commandments as the psalmist did:

“I will praise You with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws…I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches…I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on Your laws. I hold fast to Your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path Of Your commands, for You have set my heart free…I will always Obey Your law, forever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I Sought out Your precepts…Great peace have they who love Your Law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Ps.119:7,14,30-32, 44f,165).