2 Corninthians 3:6 - For The Letter Killeth, But The Spirit Giveth Life
This is a profound scripture from the New Testament. What is the author saying in this Bible verse? It is difficult to come to any other conclusion than the obvious. The letter of the law, the Bible or any other written document kills. The entire verse is shown below.
King James Version Bible - 2 COR 3,6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
If we are truly ministers of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the Spirit why is there so much emphasis placed on the letter and the laws written in the Bible. There are a considerable number of Bible teachers that teaching that a book is the authority of God. So whatever some author wrote and someone else translated God is bound by? What if God didn't say it and doesn't agree?
Many are teaching Old Testament laws which require oaths and the penalty (according to the Book) of failing in any way is a myriad of curses. The Bible is a very complex set of documents that were written by people and translated by other people. If you are offended by this you shouldn't be. It is the truth, and the truth will set you free!
Do you want to follow the laws that the religious leaders used to condemn Christ to be crucified? Why is the foundation of the New Testament called the Gospels? Gospel means 'God's spell' or 'good spell'. Why a spell? Because of all the curses that were sown into the Bible. Our job as ministers of a New Testament is to set people free to love God and to love each other.
The Bible had a real purpose that God has used to His, and our benefit. Much like the story of Joseph where his brothers wanted to kill him (or worse) and yet he ended up saving all of them and all of Israel. Who gave Joseph this incredible opportunity to be of such a great service? Pharaoh!
The Bible is a deeply mysterious book. There are over 1000 Bible translations. If you are following the letter, which one will you follow? God's grace and God's Spirit are what people are in need of. In spite of all the errant teachings and the resulting problems that have come upon many people God is still over ALL. .
What some people intended for bad, God used for good! God is good and that's exactly what He wants us to be. You don't have to convince anyone of a specific doctrine (letter) because the Spirit of God is more powerful than any book, word or letter. In spite of all our mistakes, God still saves. God has the authority to save whoever He chooses. Make the world a better place, do what is right and you will find the Spirit of God is with you to bring light into a dark world...
About the Letter
The One in the Old Testament that purportedly gave Moses the laws said this in the Book of Jeremiah 8:8.
How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.