(Explained simply for the understanding of children)
In the previous post, What is a testament? I mentioned that I would explore further the purpose of the two testaments. As we try and understand the two testaments in the holy scriptures, we come to understand that there is a specific purpose of these testaments.
What may spark even more interest is that when we revisit the picture below (figure 1) you will notice that the old law served its purpose and was for a period of time.
1 And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them. 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 The LORD did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those who are here today, all of us who are alive. Deuteronomy 5:1-3 (NKJV)
Deuteronomy chapter 5 reveals the ten commandments that was give by God to the Moses on mount Sinai, however, we need to be aware that there were more than just these ten that they had to follow.
This law was given from God, by God, to his people, the people of Israel, i.e., the Jewish nation. Hence, the law of Moses was only for the Jews and no one else.
People who were not Jews were called Gentiles. Gentile from the Hebrew word gôy meaning foreigner (non-Jew). So, the law was not for these people. How will they receive salvation, or atonement of sin?
Furthermore, under the old law there were 613 commandments in total. The Book of Leviticus details these laws that the Jewish nation had to follow.
lt is important to note that when Jesus was born, until He died, He was under the old law, and that He kept to these commandments. Simply put, Jesus was without sin – He never sinned! Which means He obeyed every law.
(What we won’t discuss here is the fact that Jesus is God and that He abided by these laws. This was since He had to show submission to God the Father and to the commandments in His human form while on earth. If you would like more on this topic then I will happily oblige to write a piece on this. Please post in the comments section below if you would like me to do so.)
The law of Christ came into effect when Jesus died on the cross.
Purpose of the Old Law
So, what was the purpose of the Old Law.
24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:24-25.
This is evident from Paul’s letter to the Galatians that we are no longer in need of the law of Moses, but we are under the law of Jesus Christ.
4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5
This shows clearly that Jesus was born under the law of Moses and kept it.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4
The word law in these texts refers to the old law.
And more importantly, Jesus says in Matthew 5:
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17 (NKJV).
When did the law of Christ come into effect?
So, when did the new law come into effect?
14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 (NKJV)
The requirements that were against us, are the from the old law. Now that it has served its purpose to bring us to Jesus, we do not need it any longer. Jesus has taking it away when He was nailed to the cross, and the old law being nailed (meaning made null and void) to the cross.
We are now under grace, we live by faith, faith in Jesus that through him only we can be saved…..and here is the kicker, the law of Christ is for everyone, all of mankind, not just for the Jews.
So, we all can be saved and spend eternity with God in heaven, provided we abide by God’s Will, and His law and live in accordance with His commandments.
There are no more animal sacrifices as per the old law. Jesus one the final sacrifice for all mankind, hence on that Passover, His precious blood was shed for us, and we are instructed in scripture to partake of the Lord’s supper, i.e., the breaking unleavened bread and fruit of the vine every first day of the week when we come together (Matthew 26:26-30; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, Acts 20:7)
Here are some main differences between the old law and the new law.
It is only through the law of Christ after He was crucified, buried, resurrected, and ascended, that we have the church being established in Acts 2, the Lord’s church. This was not possible under the old law.
1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Hebrews 10:1-4 (NKJV)
Hebrews chapter 10 shows that the law of Moses was insufficient to take away sin. The sacrificing of animals every year at Passover could not take away, but the blood of our Lord does.
I hope this has helped in some way, and if you would like me to delve deeper into this subject please post in the comment section below.
God bless
Amen.
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