January 11, 2025 / 3 Minute Read

life over legality

Warning: Spoilers alert for Ghost of Tsushima.

Ghost of Tsushima tells the story of Jin Sakai, a samurai forced into battle during the Mongol invasion of Japan.

Pushed to his limits by the toll of imperialism, Jin decides to abandon the rigid code of his samurai upbringing, and with it, the respect and protection of his uncle/master, a samurai traditionalist.

The root of Jin’s turn lies in the arbitrary standards of honor that define the samurai code.

During a key battle against the invaders, Jin and his uncle force an enemy retreat, only to be led into a trap that causes the death of dozens of samurai.

In response, Jin offers to sneak behind enemy lines alone and poison their supplies, thereby preserving the lives of the remaining soldiers.

His uncle vehemently disagrees. Condemning Jin’s proposal, he instead plans to attack the enemy head-on, labeling his troops as “necessary sacrifices.”

Jin’s “dishonorable” tactics eventually prove successful, leading to the salvation of his homeland.

Alas, despite achieving hero status with the masses, Jin is labeled as a traitor by his uncle and the Shogun, spending the rest of his life in exile. 

What is more honorable? 

Preserving honor and tradition at the cost of lives, or saving lives by sacrificing legality?

Jesus answers this question repeatedly throughout His ministry, illustrating the key difference between the Old and New Covenants.

In the New Testament, we see Jesus abandoning the traditions of His elders in favor of a new way of living.

The way of life instead of legality. 

Instead of stoning the woman with the crowd, as the law demanded, Jesus forgave. (John 8:3-11)

Instead of resting and meditating on the sabbath, as the law required, Jesus healed. (Mark 3:1-6)

Like Jesus, Jin understood that life is not the law, nor can life be found in legality.

For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.

Galatians 3:21

Does this mean that the Old Testament is meaningless?

That the samurai code is of no merit?

God forbid!

We need rules and regulations, codes of honor and vows of integrity, lest the world fall into chaos.

Yet, we must always strive to keep the ultimate laws of life and love in preeminence.

This is the conclusion of the matter.

The key difference between the Old and New Covenant is a matter of discipline vs. deliverance. 

The Old Testament shows that it is impossible to know God through legalism or asceticism, hence the need for a savior.

The New Testament reveals that it is instead through faith in His Son that we gain salvation. 

The Son that chose love over the law. 

The Son that chose life over legality. 

Bye Chance.