- "What about the Bible verses that command you to stone people?"
Answer:
Many critics point at the Old Testament COMMANDS; more specifically, the verses prescribing what not to eat (shellfish, birds of prey, pork, etc.), dealing with adulterers, homosexuals, disobedient children, etc. and scream at the Christian "HYPOCRITE"!
What the critic doesn't realize is that followers of Christ ignore the Levitical Law of the Old Testament because it deals with local, time sensitive issues that were specific to the nation of Israel where and when they were living. This is why Christians do not make sacrifices (and don't mind eating shellfish)—Christians should know those laws were given to the Israelites and the sacrificial law of the Old Testament was replaced by what Jesus did on the cross.
Romans 6:14 –“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Romans 10:4 “For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.[b] As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.”
The situation is totally different now that Christ has come—this is why Christians do not stone murderers, adulterers, etc. People can now be delivered from evil in the name of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have much better protection through the cross of Jesus. He was able to eat and drink with prostitutes and sinners without fear. We can do the same because we have the protection of the blood of Jesus. We no longer need to separate ourselves physically from evil like the Israelites. The power of the cross did not exist in Old Testament times, so separation and destruction of evil was their only protection.
Galations 3:23-25--“Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed.
24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith.25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.”
In conclusion, Jesus Christ is that distinct line that divides the instructions and protection for Israel (THE LAW), to the instruction and protection of all people (Jews and Gentiles) today.
Romans 10:12--“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”