meaning & significance of the mosaic law and its relationship to the believer

Meaning & Significance of the Mosaic Law and Its Relationship to the Believer

Intro: Why Study the Law

A. It’s a portion of God’s WordB. Many are not sure how the Law is to be related to themC. It’s unique connection to the Jewish peopleD. It’s understanding in the broader Messianic movementE. Is one obligated to keep the Law?


F. Two factors contribute to our struggle over the Law:

1. The error of dividing the Law into parts: a. Ceremonial b. Judicial c. Moral


Because some have divided the Law in this manner they have concluded: a. Believers are free of the ceremonial & judicial, but obligated to obey the moral commandments b. Though the ceremonial & judicial can’t be obeyed fully, they still ought to be obeyed in some fashion


2. The error of: a. The Ten Commandments are valid as commandments to be obeyed, while the 603 are not b. Elevating the Ten Commandments over the other 603

I. The Importance of the Law

A. Corrective for apostasyB. For Israel to be amalgamated into a nation C. Made Israel famous (Deut. 4:6-8; 33:1-4)

II. Relation of the Law to Grace

A. Israel did not deserve receiving the LawB. The Law was a gift from God (Deut. 8:18)C. The Law did not annul any features of the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 3:17-19)D. The Law is contrasted with God’s grace 1. John 1:17 2. Romans 6:14 3. Galatians 3:23


John 1:17In John 1:14-18 5 ascending points are made:1. God is invisible (vs. 18)2. God revealed Himself in the Law (vs.16-17)3. God became a human being (vs.14)4. In Yeshua we see God (vs.14)5. God came to give us grace; we must receive

it (vs.16)


F. Understanding John 1:171. While there is a contrast here, it is not a “harsh” contrast It does not mean that the Law of Moses is contrary to grace and truth This does not mean the Law is not gracious or not truthful


John 1:172. John 3:14 Here Moses does something gracious and truthful that points to the grace and truth of Messiah3. John 5:46 Moses is in harmony with Yeshua and is writing truth about Yeshua and His grace


John 1:174. John 6:32 The manna in the wilderness was a gracious gift of God, but it was not the true bread. It was not the reality of grace itself. It was a witness to the grace to come, a foretaste of Messiah


John 1:175. The Meaning of John 1:17 a. The Law was not the reality, or embodiment of grace and truth b. Yeshua alone is c. The Law was a witness to grace and truth d. Yeshua was the fulfillment not the contradiction of the Law of Moses


G. Romans 6:141. The phrase “under grace” only appears here and in verse 15 in the entire Brith Hadashah2. The phrase “under Law” is used five or six

other times: a. Romans 2:12 1) Gentiles are not under this Law, but the Jewish people are


Romans 2:12 2) The Law here means judgment. They will be judged not “by,” but “through” (dia) the Law. The Law is not the judge, God is 3) The Law means condemnation for those who have it and do not obey it 4) People will be condemned not because they have the Law or not, but because they have sinned


b) Romans 3:19 1) Paul is anticipating an objection from a Jewish opponent. 2) What he states in vs.10-18 does not apply to the Jew 3) Paul responds that what the Law says it says to those who are subject to it, or “under” it


Romans 3:19 4) Vs. 20, no one will be accepted before God on account of his observance of the Law. 5) Vs. 20, one of the purposes of the Law is to make one conscious of sin, not to remedy it


c) I Corinthians 9:20-21 Paul makes three statements about his relation to the Law: 1) “I am not under Law” 2) “I am not without the Law of God” 3) “I am under the Law of Messiah”


d. I Corinthians 9:20-21 What we can conclude is this: 1) Believers are not “under Law” – we do not earn our salvation nor are bound to live by the Law (I Cor. 10:27) 2) Believers are not without “ God’s Law” ( I Cor. 7:19), but what is meant by “God’s Law?”


3) “God’s Law” = “the Law of Messiah” (verse 21) a) “Law of love” (Gal. 6:2) b) “Love your neighbor” (Gal. 5:14) c) “Law of liberty” (James 1:25; 2:12) d) “Royal Law” (James 2:8) e) Law of Messiah is what is meant as “being led by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:18)


e) Galatians 3:23 1) “So the Law was our custodian until Messiah came.” a) “Custodian” = a servant of the family responsible to watch over the son, from nursery to his entrance to manhood b) The Law gave direction, restraint


Galatians 3:23 c) It could not give Israel a new heart nor an inheritance (Heb. 4:2) d) The Law kept Israel under restraint until faith came. e) The Law was temporary, “until” f) “Faith has come” = not saving faith, for saving faith has existed throughout It means a great movement has come that is marked by saving faith in Messiah above all else


Galatians 3:23 g) “Faith has come” means God is fulfilling his promises in Messiah h) We are no longer under the Law (vs.25) (Gal. 5:18)


f) Galatians 4: 4-5 1) Some are in deep trouble under the Law because Messiah needs to redeem them 2) Messiah was born under the Law, and so for him “under Law” was not a problem


Galatians 4: 4-5 3) Being “under Law” is the understanding that lawkeeping will provide a righteousness that lets us stand before God (Gal. 4:21) 4) This is so whether you are trusting God to enable you to keep the Law, or trusting yourself.


g. Galatians 5:2-4 1) If you want to claim any importance to keeping the Law, you are indebted to keep the whole Law (vs. 3). You must provide all of it. That is what it means to be “under Law”


Galatians 5:2-4 2) “Seeking to be justified by Law” (vs.4) is the same as being “under Law” (4:21) 3) If you attempt to provide any or all of your own righteousness before God, Messiah will be of no benefit to you. 4) Messiah either provides all our righteousness or none of it


Galatians 5:2-4 5) If you try to provide some of your righteousness alongside Messiah’s you nullify grace (Gal. 2:21) 6) This is equivalent to not being “under grace”


h. To be “under grace” means that Messiah is all our righteousness. 1) We receive it in him as a gift by grace through faith alone 2) The opposite is being “under Law,” which means lawkeeping is the means of attaining righteousness


Romans 6:14Understanding “under Law”a. “Under Law” must mean “lawkeeping” because the persons “under Law” thinks that being “under grace” is a license to sin without penaltyb. This is supported by Romans 5:20-21 (cf. vs. 17-18)


c. Being “under grace” means we receive as a free gift the righteousness of Messiah.d. This is a gift and is the basis of our right standing with Gode. That is his righteousness. We escape from being “under Law” by trusting Messiah as our righteousness.

III. How Grace was Displayed During the Period of the Law

A. In the electing of Israel 1. Leviticus 26:1-13 2. Deuteronomy 7:6-9B. God’s ongoing restoration of His people 1. Jeremiah 31:20 2. Hosea 2:19C. New Covenant was promised during the period of the Law 1. Jeremiah 31:32


D. Holy Spirit’s power was experienced 1. Exodus 31:3; Exodus 35:31 2. Judges 3:10 3. I Samuel 10:9-10 4. Daniel 4:8 5. I Peter 1:11


E. The Lord revealed himself as יהוה

1. Numbers 6:22-27 2. Psalm 143:11 3. Jeremiah 14:21


F. Making of the Davidic Covenant 1. II Samuel 7:8-17 2. I Chronicles 17:7-15 3. Psalm 89:33-34

G. חסד meaning “steadfast loving-kindness of God” is linked with:


1. Abrahamic Covenant: Micah 7:20 2. Davidic Covenant: Isaiah 55:3 3. New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:3 4. Mosaic Covenant: Exodus 34:6-7

IV. Purpose of the Law of Moses

A. It revealed the holiness of GodB. Provided the rule of conduct during the era of the LawC. It revealed sin 1. Romans 3:19-20, 28 2. Romans 5:20 3. Romans 7:7 4. Galatians 3:19

IV. Purpose of the Law of Moses

D. To make one sin more 1. Romans 4:15 2. Romans 5:20 3. Romans 7:7-13 4. I Corinthians 15:56E. To lead one to faith 1. Galatians 3:24-25

V. What the Law Cannot Do

A. Hebrews 7:18-19: Made nothing perfectB. Hebrews 10:1: Not the reality of thingsC. Romans 8:3: Cannot saveD. Galatians 2:21: Cannot provide righteousnessE. Galatians 2:16; 3:11: Cannot justifyF. Galatians 3:21; Romans 7:10: Cannot impart life

VI. The Unity of the Law

A. Scripture treats the Law as one entity. The

word תורה meaning “law,” when applied to the Law of Moses, is always singularB. The Greek word used to refer to the Mosaic Law, “nomos” is also singularC. The dividing of the Law into parts is never so divided in the Scriptures

VI. The Unity of the Law

D. James 2:10: The Law is a singular unitE. Because the Law is a unity, one cannot conclude some of the commandments have been done away with, while others are still operating

VII. The Law No Longer The Code To Live By

A. Romans 10:4There are three different ways the phrase, “telos nomou” “the end of the Law” can be taken:

1. “Aim,” or “Goal” Messiah is the “aim,” or “goal” of the Law Everything in the Law tended toward the coming of Messiah The Law shows everyone they are sinners and prepares them for Messiah’s coming (Gal.3:24)


2. “End,” in the sense of “fulfillment” a. In the sense that Messiah is the “antitype” of the Law. Everything in the Law pointed forward to him. b. In the sense that he fully submitted himself, and was completely obedient to the Law thus revealing his sinlessness


3. “End” in the sense of “termination” a. For believers the Law no longer has any legislative authority b. While all three views are possible, this third view is preferred: It is the primary meaning of the word “telos” c. Paul is discussing two opposing theological systems: a) One based on “doing” b) The other based on “believing”


B. Galatians 2:16

1. Romans 6:2 – “We have died to sin”2. Romans 7:4 – “We have died to the Law”3. This raises the question, “If we have died to sin and have died to the Law, are we then to conclude that the Law is sin?


4. The answer to the question, “Is the Law sin?” is given in Romans 7:7-12 a. “Certainly not!” (vs.7) b. “…the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good”


5. Notice what Paul says the Law does do: a. It reveals sin (vs.7) b. It reveals the power of sin (vs.8-9) c. Notice that it is sin that put Paul to death, not the Law (vs.11) d. But the Law made sin to become “utterly sinful” (vs.13) e. And the Law was powerless to correct the destructive nature of sin (8:1)


6. We now turn our attention to Gal. 2:16 a. Many believe that verses 15-21 is the continuation of Paul’s message to Peter in front of the entire congregation in Antioch (vs.14; 3:1) b. Notice: 3x’s we read, “by faith in Yeshua the Messiah” (vs.16)


c. Here we find the word “justify” used for the first time in Galatians. Because the book of Galatians is the earliest of Paul’s letters this would be the first use of the word in Paul’s writings d. Used often in this section: 3x’s in vs.16; found in vs.17, 21


e. Outline of this section of Galatians 1) There is a declaration: justification is by faith (vs.15-16) 2) Paul answers a question: “Does faith justification make Messiah the promoter of sin?” (vs.17) 3) Justification in relation to the Law, the cross, and grace (vs.18-21)


C. Hebrews 7:11-19 1. Perfection could not be attained through the Law (vs.11) 2. Thus, a better priest than Aaron was needed (vs.11) 3. This better priest is not in accordance with the Law (vs.11) 4. For the better priest to serve the Law must be changed (vs.12)


5. This better priest was of the Melchizedekian order, not Aaron (vs.11) 6. The better priest’s authority derives from within (vs. 16), not the “external commandments” (vs.16) 7. The Mosaic Law of necessity has been “set aside” (vs.18) for this purpose 8. We have entered a better hope because we can “draw near to God (vs.19)


D. Galatians 3:191. The question is raised, “Why therefore the Law?” or “What is the purpose of the Law?”2. In this context Paul is referring to the Mosaic Law. The Greek states, “o nomos”3. “The transgressions” is in the emphatic position. The focus of the passage is to explain that in this context the Law has its primary relevance to transgressions


4. Paul mentions a number of purposes of the Law in other passages: a. Romans 3:20 – Provides knowledge of sin b. Romans 5:5 – Provokes sin c. Romans 7:7 – Provides knowledge of sin d. Galatians 3:24 – A “pedagogue” to lead us to Messiah


5. Here in 3:19, “added because of transgressions” indicates the Law made sin clear so that we would know we have all fallen short of God’s standard for righteousness. Knowing this would serve to help us recognize Messiah when he came as the One who would provide the righteousness we would need


6. In light of Romans 4:15 & 5:20 Galatians 3:19 means the Law called forth the transgressions and made them manifest. By means of the Law sin would come out in the open and multiply itself. In this way the necessity of Messiah’s coming and ministry would be properly understood.


7. The first reason Paul gives for the “addition” of the Law, was to multiply and stimulate transgressions so we would turn to Messiah

The second reason he gives is, to confine all under the prison of sin from which there is no escape except through faith in Messiah


8. Notice how Paul illustrates this truth: a. “…Scripture declares (“shut up” Gk. “sunekleisen”) all mankind under (“upo”) sin…” (Gal. 3:22) b. “But before faith came we were ‘guarded’ and ‘shut up’ under (“upo”) the Law…” (Gal. 3:23)


c. Verse 22 & verse 23 are very similar To be “upo nomon” (“under Law”) in the sense meant here (vs.23) is another way of expressing the experience of being “upo hamartian” (“under sin”) in the sense of verse 22.


d. To be “under Law” is in practice to be “under sin,” not because the Law and sin are identical, but because Law, while it forbids sin, it stimulates the very thing it condemns (cf. Romans 6:16) Romans 6:16 indicates that sin has dominion over humanity so long as it is “under Law.”


One way to illustrate what Paul is saying here is:The written Law is the official or warden who locks the law-breaker (sinner) up in the prison-house of which sin is the jailor.Those who come to their senses realizing their hopelessness will be all the more ready to embrace the promise of liberty and life.In this way the Law serves the interests of the promise


Galatians 4:4 reveals that one purpose of the coming of Messiah is to redeem people from their bondage “under Law.”

e. “It (the Law) was added…” (Gal.3:19) 1) Paul does not mean it was “added” to the promise as a kind of supplement to it


2. Paul means the Law was added to the human situation for a special purpose; a purpose totally different from that of the promise 3. Paul’s use of the word “added” in both Romans 5:20 and Galatians 2:4 gives us a sense of his use of it here


F. “Until…” (Galatians 3:19) 1) The Law was to remain in force “until” the coming of Messiah 2) It was a temporary addition “until” Messiah arrived. Once he came it was “fulfilled,” “completed,” “brought to an end” as a code to live by


3) References for comparison: a) Acts 3:21 b) Acts 22:22 c) Romans 1:13 d) Philippians 1:6


To Summarize: So far we have seen evidence to support the notion that the Mosaic Law has been annulled and is consequently no longer the code to live by1. Romans 10:4 – Messiah is the end of the

Law2. Galatians 2:16 – Justification is not by

observing the Law


3. Hebrews 7:11-19 – The Law had to change for Messiah to be a priest4. Galatians 3:19-25 – The Law was temporary


E. II Corinthians 3:2-111. Notice what Paul says about the Law: a. It is “the ministration of death” (vs.7) b. It is “ministration of condemnation” (vs.9) c. Verses 3,7 the focus is on the Ten Commandments


2. The Law is no longer in force (vs.7,11)3. The phrase translated, “passed away” is the Gk. term “katargeo,” which means to “render inoperative”4. Luke 13:7 – “use up the soil”5. Romans 3:3 – “nullify”


F. Ephesians 2:11-16; 3:61. God has ratified certain covenants with the Jewish people2. There are 4 unconditional covenants: a. Abrahamic Covenant b. Land Covenant c. Davidic Covenant d. New Covenant


3. Fifth Covenant Added to These Four Is: The Mosaic Covenant which contains the Mosaic Law4. Eph. 2:15 – The Mosaic Law served as a “wall of partition” If a Gentile wanted to receive the Jewish spiritual blessings he would have to take upon himself the obligation of the Law


5. If the Mosaic Law was still in effect it would still serve as a “wall of partition.”6. With the death of Messiah the “wall of partition” has been broken down7. As a result Gentiles do not have to take upon themselves the Law in order to become recipients of the Jewish spiritual blessings


8. This is why Paul states that Gentile believers are “fellow-partakers “of the promise in Messiah Yeshua9. While Gentile believers are not promised the physical blessings granted to Israel, they do receive fully the spiritual blessings extended to them

VIII. The Law of Messiah

A. While the believer is no longer under the Mosaic Law, this does not mean he is not under any LawB. Romans 8:1-2 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Yeshua, because through Messiah Yeshua the Law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”


1. Chapter 7 records the struggle we face Chapter 8 reveals the liberation we have 2. Note the contrasts: a. Romans 7: “I” used 16 times in Gk text Romans 8: stress on the Spirit of God b. Romans 7: “Law” used 20 times Romans 8: “Law used 5 times, but one does not refer to Mosaic Law


c. Romans 7: “Spirit” used 1 time, only 5 times from chapters 1-7 Romans 8: “Spirit” used 20 times3. Paul is referring back to Romans 7:6, “…we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” 4. Romans 8, we have freedom from sin, and freedom from death by a new law


5. The new Law is, the Law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua6. The Mosaic Law pointed out our sin, and that we were libel to death. The Law was given so that we would see we are sinners7. The emphasis is on the “no,” not the “now”8. While there is no condemnation, Paul is not suggesting there is no judgment for believers


9. Paul gives us the reason why there is no condemnation for the believer. It is because of the gift of the Holy Spirit who operates in the believer’s life with a “fixedness of a law.” 10.The reason there is freedom for the believer is because of the gift of the Holy Spirit who indwells permanently all believers, and works within us with a fixedness of a law


11. Romans 8:14 “…those led by the Spirit of God are sons of God”12. Notice: Romans 8:2 is in the past tense. It is something that has already taken place. We are not to struggle to obtain this freedom, we are to rest in this freedom that has been given


13. The reason it is possible for the Holy Spirit to take up residency in our lives is because of what Messiah provided in our behalf. The Mosaic Law could not provide the Holy Spirit (vs.3). The Law was weak because of the flesh. But what the Law could not do, the coming of Messiah could do.


14. Since the Law of the Spirit is activated in us, and this because the Holy Spirit dwells in us, because of what Messiah provided, the “righteous requirement of the Mosaic Law is already “fully met in us.”15. Notice: it is passive, “might be fulfilled in us.” We are not against “law.” The standard of living according to the Spirit is as least as high as living according to the Law of Moses


C. Galatians 6:2 1. Notice Paul had said earlier, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Our way of living is to be one that is dependent upon the Holy Spirit, not the Mosaic Law 2. A spiritual individual is one who walks by the Spirit


3. We are not free from relationships to one another. To bear the burdens of another is an evidence of the one who walks by the Holy Spirit. 4. Living under the “Law of Messiah” is not license, it is a life of love and service (Gal.5:6)


D. The reason there is much confusion over the relationship between the Mosaic Law and the Law of Messiah is because one fails to distinguish the particular laws that make up the two codes of life

E. Three things need to always be remembered:


1. Some laws are retained from one code to another. Though the laws may be identical they still must be understood in light of the particular code they are a part of.

Example: The Mosaic Law says “Honor your father and mother” (Ex.20:12; Deut.5:16). Law of Messiah (Eph.6:2)


2. Some laws from the preceding Law end. Example: Mosaic Law states, “Remember the Sabbath day” (Ex.20:8; Deut.5:12). In the New Covenant Scriptures it is not restated. 3. Some laws in the new Law are new Example: the cup of wine and broken matzah on Passover is to be observed in remembrance of Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection

Conclusion

1. The Mosaic Law is revelation from God2. The Mosaic Law is “holy, just, and good”3. The Mosaic Law has a number of purposes but none of them include empowerment to obey4. The Mosaic Law has come to an end with its fulfillment in Messiah

Conclusion

5. Today the believer is no longer “under Law,” but is “under grace.” He is under the Law of Messiah which is empowerment by means of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit6. The Law of Messiah brings freedom, a freedom to bear one another’s burdens, not a freedom from “law.”

Conclusion

7. This freedom works in two directions: a. One is freedom from the Law b. One is freedom to keep parts of the Law if one so desires8. Two dangers to consider: a. To think that keeping parts of the Mosaic Law contributes to one’s justification or sanctification b. To expect others to share one’s conviction that he keeps parts of the Mosaic Law as well

meaning & significance of the mosaic law and its relationship to the believer

Documents