Thematic Bible: Formalism


Thematic Bible



Guard your step when you go to the house of God. It is better to go there and listen than to bring the sacrifices fools bring. Fools are not aware that they do evil.



since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time comes to change them for something better.


You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.


But food will not recommend us to God. If we do not eat we are not worse. If we eat we are not better.




If you died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances:


They seek me day by day. They delight to know my ways like a nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask me for justice and delight. They are pleased that God is near.


Do not bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me! So are your New Moon Festivals, your days of worship, and the assemblies you call. I cannot endure your evil assemblies!

You observe days and months, seasons and years. I fear for you, that I have labored for you to no purpose (and failed).


Guard your step when you go to the house of God. It is better to go there and listen than to bring the sacrifices fools bring. Fools are not aware that they do evil.



since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time comes to change them for something better.


You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.


But food will not recommend us to God. If we do not eat we are not worse. If we eat we are not better.




If you died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances:


They seek me day by day. They delight to know my ways like a nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask me for justice and delight. They are pleased that God is near.


Do not bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me! So are your New Moon Festivals, your days of worship, and the assemblies you call. I cannot endure your evil assemblies!

You observe days and months, seasons and years. I fear for you, that I have labored for you to no purpose (and failed).