The Law of Moses is as much at the heart of Scripture as the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. The two do not stand in contrast
even though the Bible itself contrasts them often. Does
this sound contradictory?
God has a will, a desire, a standard for all human beings.
This will or desire for human life has been faithfully expressed
in the laws and commandments given to us through Moses, by way
of the nation of Israel. The Law or teaching (Torah) of
Moses was not directed by God to nations outside of Israel.
It was part of the larger covenant between God and the people of
Israel. By keeping the law, Israel stood to receive not
only the promised land, but also the manifold blessings of God
on themselves, on their children and grandchildren, on their
livestock, crops and houses.
God did not make such a covenant with other nations. But
through the covenant and law God gave by Moses, He reveals His
standards of righteousness for all people to see and understand.
We are therefore without excuse if we disregard God's law.
Christians live in the age of promise and grace. In the
first chapter of his gospel narrative, John writes: "the law was
given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus
Christ." (John 1:17, NKJV)
Paul the Apostle writes more about the grace and law than anyone
else in Scripture. As Pharisee, he was perhaps uniquely
qualified (being specially prepared by God) to describe the
place of the Law in first century Jewish life, as well as from
the view of the Scriptures themselves. Paul knew all about
the Laws of Moses. He also knew how powerfully God had
worked in Jesus Christ to finally fulfill all the Law and the
prophets.
Jesus did not simply fulfill the predictions made in the Books
of the Law about a Savior and messiah. He also fulfilled
all the righteous requirements of the Law. He lived as we
should also live, in honest sincerity and obedient faith before
God and men. Paul says that Jesus did this in order to
bring us back to God. On the cross, Paul says, Jesus
Christ became sin for us so that we could become the
righteousness of God in Him.
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