Emptying Law

(Pro 7:14 KJV)  I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

This verse is part of a passage which gives us an example of why the law itself is not adequate for salvation.  You notice the phrase, “peace offerings”, and then she talks about paying her “vows” (5088).  This is referring to passages in the book of Leviticus that talk about the different sacrifices involved in the law.  There are many different types of sacrifices and many different offerings you can make.  They are even related to atonement.

Yes, the Old Testament seems to say that the sacrificial system can provide atonement.  Where Christians missed the point is in thinking that going through the ritual is what it’s supposed to be making the difference.  Not so.  The attitude of the heart is key.  Faith and belief are important.  In this verse we have a woman who has paid her vows and is then on our way out, seeking to commit adultery.  I can guarantee you the final verses in the chapter are not happy.

So? Keep in mind that the Bible is consistent.  We are saved in reality, because God says so, thus by grace.  God does not say so, as an empty response to us punching a button, but to seeing our hearts, and knowing how what we believe relates to what we do.  Our faith is in the living God, not in ritual.