The Law of the New Covenant

We often associate the Law of God with the Old Covenant of Israel. With the Old Covenant we associate the sacrificial system of atonement for sin under the ceremonial practices of the Levitical priesthood. But is that what the Scriptures teach?

Let's examine the subject and get a true biblical perspective on the issue.

Israel's Purpose in God's Plan

The Israelite nation was chosen for a very special reason. Speaking of the nation of Israel Paul says,

"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. -- 1 Corinthians 10:11

One of the God's primary purposes for raising up the nation of Israel was so that they could become an example to the men and women of various nations who would be gathered into his family. At the time that the Apostle Paul wrote these words this purpose had reached fulfilment.

Now let me present an overview of the events that took place before and after the Israelites left Egypt.

Whilst still in Egypt God gave the people of Israel the Passover ordinance together with the feast of Unleavened Bread. (Exodus 12:14) As soon as the Children of Israel left Egypt, (yet prior to the institution of the Old Covenant) God gave them instructions concerning the keeping of His holy Sabbath day. (Exodus 16)

The Terms of the Covenant Agreement

Then around the time of Pentecost (seven weeks later) God spoke to his people and to Moses and gave them the Ten Commandments as well as certain specific moral and civil laws. These commandments and judgements made up the terms of the covenant that God made with Israel.

Now He said to Moses, "Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. "And Moses alone shall come near the LORD, but they shall not come near; nor shall the people go up with him." So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, "All the words which the LORD has said we will do." And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD. And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, "All that the LORD has said we will do, and be obedient." And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, "This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words." -- Exodus 24:1-8

"Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you."" Heb 9:18-20 (NKJV)

Thus the Old Covenant was affirmed. Yet as strange as it seem, there was no Aaronic (or Levitical) priesthood in the Old Covenant. In fact there was no tabernacle or temple for them to minister in either. The altar that Moses built in order to make the burnt offerings and peace offerings prior to the ratification of the covenant was an earthen altar built in the manner prescribed by God. (Exodus 20:24-25) Why were there no priests? The reason is quite simple. The terms of the Old Covenant were - blessings conditional on obedience. There was never any intention for the covenant makers to break any of the conditions of the contract. (the commandments). God did not intend to back away from his promises and the Israelites agreed to the terms of the covenant with enthusiasm. When one buys a piece of land under contract (or Covenant) the intention at the time of purchase is to go ahead with the sale to settlement. Breaches of a signed contract are sometimes inevitable though not intended at the time of the sale. Israel's breach of the covenant came very shortly after its instigation. When Israel failed to continue in the covenant, the sacrificial law (administered under the Levitical Priesthood) was added. It was added because of transgression.

Notice also that the commandments and judgements of the Covenant involved only the most basic religious ceremony.

The religious elements are:

1. The weekly Sabbath Day

2. Three annual feasts:

The Feast of Unleavened Bread (includes Passover)

The Feast of Harvest

The Feast of Ingathering

Notice the format of God's prescribed feasts prior to the establishment of the Levitical Priesthood particularly the absence of detailed instructions on how to keep these feasts!

"Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: "You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none shall appear before Me empty); "and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labours which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labours from the field. "Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord GOD. "You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread; nor shall the fat of My sacrifice remain until morning. -- Exodus 23:14-18

("My sacrifice" is a reference to the Passover lamb.)

Footnote: Regarding the keeping of the Holy days of Leviticus 23

It is very clear that the terms of the Covenant were based on obedience to God's laws.'

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 'And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel." So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the LORD commanded him. Then all the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." So Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. -- Exodus 19:5-8

Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, "All that the LORD has said we will do, and be obedient." -- Exodus 24:7

After the people of Israel had made their covenant with the Lord God, Moses went up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments. While Moses was away the people disobeyed God's laws and broke his covenant with them.

"And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him." Exo 32:1 (KJV)

It was not until after the Old Covenant was agreed to, documented and ratified that God spoke to Moses about the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Aaronic Priesthood. This is not surprising as each of these things are only important for the atonement of sin not for obedience to God's law. Why is atonement needed? It is necessary to heal the rift that develops in the relationship between God and man when man sins.

"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Prov 28:9 (KJV)

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" Psa 66:18 (KJV)

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isa 59:2 (KJV)

Unless one truly repents of sin there can be no covenant relationship with God.

The Purpose of the addition of the Sacrificial Law

There was no provision for disobedience in God's Covenant. The "sacrificial law" under the Levitical system was added later because of disobedience for the purpose of atonement for sin, but it was never part of the covenant itself.

The Apostle Paul taught the true purpose of the sacrificial law.

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. -- Galatians 3:19

Paul must be referring to the sacrificial law in this instance. No other law was added because of transgression. It is the same law that is referred to in Hebrews 7:11

"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, ( for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law." Heb 7:11-12 (KJV)

It is from the tabernacle not Mt Sinai that we hear the words,

"Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the LORD in anything which ought not to be done, and does any of them, -- Leviticus 4:2

So we see that the covenant was an agreement with God to obey his Law. The sacrificial law that followed was introduced later as a consequence of the breaking of the provisions of the covenant. If Israel had not sinned the sacrificial system would not have been necessary. The Levites were chosen by God as priests to administer the Sacrificial Law and to serve in the tabernacle. The tabernacle was set up as a place where, through the priest, offerings could be made to make atonement for the sins of the people.

What went wrong with the Old Covenant?

The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that the Old Covenant was faulty.

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. -- Hebrews 8:7

How was it faulty? Was it faulty in design? Did the Lord God who formed mankind out of the dust of the earth, and fashioned his intellect and will, make a misjudgment about the nature of man? Did he create a system that would not work? God forbid that we should make such a preposterous and arrogant claim. Hebrews 8:8 tells us where the agreement fell down.

Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; -- Hebrews 8:7-8

There was nothing wrong with the Covenant itself. The fault lay with the people with whom the covenant was made. God in his foreknowledge of man's sinfulness provided a "secondary plan" through the establishment of the Levitical priesthood and the Tabernacle ceremonies.

It was not until after the Tabernacle was constructed that God outlined the system of burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings etc. These offerings provided ceremonial atonement but they never promised to make the sinner perfect.

the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience; concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. -- Hebrews 9:8-10

The Levitical Priesthood

Prior to the addition of the sacrificial law God had sanctified every firstborn.

"Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine." Exo 13:2 (KJV)

At the establishment of the Levitical Priesthood God choose Aaron and his descendants.

"Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine, -- Numbers 3:12

The Levites were set apart to offer sacrifices and to minister in the temple. The Aaronic priesthood was only meant to last throughout the generations of the one nation that God used as his example. The survival of the Levitical priesthood was dependant on the existence of the Tabernacle (or Temple) and the Nation of Israel. When the Jews were dispersed throughout the world the temple service of the Levitical priesthood ceased. But long before that dispersion God ordained another Priest to make atonement in God's House forever.

Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God." Heb 7:11-19 (NKJV)

In the above passage we see that the priesthood according to the Order of Melchizedek predated the Levitical Priesthood. The Levitical Priesthood was created for a specific time period and a specific nation of people. The Priesthood of Melchizedek was forever and for all mankind.

The levitical law was weak and unprofitable and has been made redundant by a new hope. The levitical law despite its faults brought sinners back into fellowship with the Father. The new High Priest, Yeshua the Messiah brings us to the Father by his own Sacrifice which not only makes atonement for sin but enables the holy Spirit of God to dwell within us to give victory over sin.

Our new High Priest says,

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 (KJV)

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9 (KJV)

There is only one way to find atonement for sin and a restoration of fellowship with the Father.

"This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:11-12 (KJV)

A New Nation

God has called people of all nations and brought them together as one, grafting them into the family of God through a New Covenant in his Blood.

And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, -- Romans 11:17

This New Covenant has been made with "Israel".

Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbour, and none his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." -- Hebrews 8:8-12

Who are Israel and Judah?

But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "In Isaac your seed shall be called." That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. -- Romans 9:6-8

To God an Israelite is more than a nationality. All who are in Christ are heirs of the Abrahamic promises.

And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. -- Galatians 3:29

We become heirs because of the fact that when we come to Christ we are reborn into the family of God.

that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, -- Ephesians 2:12-14

Furthermore, we become the children of Abraham.

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, -- Romans 4:11-14

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed; God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." -- Romans 4:16-18

Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. -- Galatians 3:7

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. -- Galatians 3:28-29

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. -- Galatians 4:28-31

Believers are circumcised in Christ.

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, -- Colossians 2:11

So it is clear that we through Christ have become one nation with Israel and heirs according to the promises made to Abraham. The expansion of Israel (or the extension of the family of God) was prophesied in Isaiah,

"Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." Isa 56:1-7 (KJV)

The Almighty God has made a new covenant with this new Israel to call to himself a new and holy nation of kings and priests. Our High Priest is Jesus Christ and his sacrifice is sufficient for all our needs. The old Levitical system which pointed to Christ is no longer required.

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Pet 2:9-10 (KJV)

The Terms of the New Covenant

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. -- Hebrews 8:10

Notice that we cannot readily identify any reciprocal terms within this Scripture. God is active in three ways in this covenant:

• I will put My laws in their mind
• and write them on their hearts
• I will be their God

The only response by the second party of this covenant is a passive one - "they shall be My people".

Who will be God's people? Everyone? No! Only those with whom the New Covenant is made. That is the House of Israel and Judah. God has not promised salvation for all.

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. -- Matthew 7:21

But God has promised salvation for the House of Israel.

And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; -- Romans 11:26

The only way to be a party to the New Covenant is to be in Christ and a member of His Divine Family. We must be spiritually reborn into the new covenant relationship.

Now what part does God's law play in the new covenant. Remember that the Lord says "I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts". What is this law and why has it been placed in the mind and written on the heart of every child of God?

Let's deal with the first part of this question. Where do we find out what "MY LAW" is?

Now remember that when the promise of the New Covenant was given by God through the prophet Jeremiah, reference was made to the Old Covenant by way of contrast.

"Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD.

This New Covenant is not according to the same terms as the Old Covenant; ie blessing conditional on obedience. In the Old Covenant God asked the Israelites to keep God's law. In the New Covenant "My law" is imparted by the Holy Spirit of God as a free gift - placed in the mind and written on the heart. In this covenant, the Law is not just written by the finger of God on tablets of stone to be obeyed. Rather, by the Spirit of God it is the inherent will, and desire of every regenerated believer. It is written on the heart and mind.

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." Titus 3:3-8 (KJV)

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbour, and none his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

Jesus explained how the Old Covenant law relates to the New Covenant believer. You'll find it recorded in the opening chapters of Matthew's gospel.

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

"Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

"For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Race!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. "Assuredly , I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. -- Matthew 5:17-28

The opening words in this passage clearly explain the relationship Christ had with the law of God. He was the fulfiller not the destroyer of the law. When He gave his life as the Perfect Sacrifice for your sin and mine he implemented and acted upon the law of sacrifice; He did not destroy it. It is not because the law of sacrifice is invalid that we are saved, but rather, it is because the law of sacrifice is active and relevant. If this law was destroyed 2000 years ago then it cannot be applied to us today and Christ cannot be our Redeemer, or our High Priest.

Now when Christ proclaimed that "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven", he was referring to the commandments of the Law. (verse 17) There was no New Testament at that time! He confirms which law he is talking about by listing some examples and showing their application to the Spirit filled believer. Christ referred to "these commandments" of the Law collectively and warned against breaking even the least of them.

God's law is the law of the Ten Commandments and the law of the Old Covenant. The laws of God are unchanging and timeless.

Abraham knew them.

"because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." -- Genesis 26:5

Israel knew them.

And the LORD said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? "See! For the LORD has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day." So the people rested on the seventh day. -- Exodus 16:28-30

"You came down also on Mount Sinai, And spoke with them from heaven, And gave them just ordinances and true laws, Good statutes and commandments. You made known to them Your holy Sabbath, And commanded them precepts, statutes and laws, By the hand of Moses Your servant. -- Nehemiah 9:13-14

King David knew them.

"Therefore, LORD God of Israel, now keep what You promised Your servant David my father, saying, 'You shall not fail to have a man sit before Me on the throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed to their way, that they walk in My law as you have walked before Me.' -- 2 Chronicles 6:16

King Solomon knew them.

Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. -- Proverbs 7:2-3

Sadly, the nation of Judah rejected them.

Hear, O earth! Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people; The fruit of their thoughts, Because they have not heeded My words, Nor My law, but rejected it. -- Jeremiah 6:19

And the LORD said, "Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, "but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts and after the Baals, which their fathers taught them," therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Behold, I will feed them, this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink. "I will scatter them also among the Gentiles, whom neither they nor their fathers have known. And I will send a sword after them until I have consumed them." -- Jeremiah 9:13-16

What would be our fate if after having God's Laws written on our hearts and minds we reject that knowledge and choose to walk according to our own fleshly desires.

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." Heb 6:4-6 (KJV)

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hathtrodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Heb 10:26-31 (KJV)

Remember the law has now been placed in our minds and written on our hearts. Lord teach us to read our hearts!

What is God's Law?

God's law is simply a reflection of his nature. God does not lie. Therefore godly people don't lie. God is faithful therefore godly people do not commit adultery. When we are obedient to God's law we are simply following the example of our Creator.

Why should we have no other gods and make no graven images to worship? Because in obedience to this law we acknowledge that there is no other God but Him. Why should we never take his name in vain? Because we reverence and respect Him. Why should we keep the Sabbath day holy? Because "in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it". (Exodus 20:11) By keeping the Sabbath we follow his example as an acknowledgment of Him as our Creator.

Footnote: Regarding Sabbath Keeping

Because He loves us we love God and our fellowman. There is nothing mystical about how the written law came into being. It simply expresses the nature of God. God is just, God is faithful, God is love.

We don't need to search the New Testament to find confirmation of each commandment. To do that would be to deny the fact that the New Covenant law is in our minds and written on our hearts. If the New Covenant law needed to be written into the New Testament then it would simply be a substitute law "of the letter" not "of the Spirit".

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. -- 2 Corinthians 3:5-6

On the other hand, let's not be deceived into thinking that we have the right to interpret what the law is in terms of our own intellect. To believe and accept the miracle of the heart-written law is to seek the Holy Spirit's interpretation of righteousness not our own. Remember this is "My law" (God's law) not "our law".

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; -- Proverbs 3:5

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, describes two groups of people. Those who walk according to the flesh, and those who walk according to the Spirit. For those who walk according to the Spirit there is no condemnation. The righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in them and they set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. -- Romans 8:1-8

On the other hand the carnally minded person who walks according to the flesh is promised death. The carnal mind is at enmity with God and cannot please Him.

Now there is an interesting fact about these two groups. The carnal mind is said to be "not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be". Yet the carnal mind is under the condemnation of death.

The spiritually minded are free from the law of sin and death and are under no condemnation. The function of the law is clearly spelled out in this passage. The carnal person is under the condemnation and curse of the law. The spiritual person is set free from the condemnation of the law. The carnal mind is "not subject to the law of God" in that it rebels against God's law. The spiritual mind is "subject to the law of God" and the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in those who walk in the Spirit.

So the Law of God is unchanged. It deals out the curse of death to the lawless person but to the one who is forgiven by God and made righteous in Christ it is His way of life. What then should be the response of those who walk in the Spirit to the heart-written law of the New Covenant?

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. -- Galatians 5:16-26

Conclusion

Rigorous commandment keeping was never offered as a means of salvation. We seek to be saved from the curse of the law (ie the penalty of sin) so an acknowledgment of sin is a prerequisite for salvation. Let's look at the book of Hebrews and select a few pertinent verses.

For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. -- Hebrews 3:16-19, 4:1-2

The gospel of Jesus Christ was preached to Israel in the desert! It was not a gospel of works, it was a gospel that required faith. Commandment keeping alone never constituted the gospel. Certainly if you could keep all the commandments of God in every respect then you would escape the penalty for sin (the curse of the Law). But one fall from perfection is fatal.

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. -- James 2:10

So every individual who sins is dependant on a system of atonement and forgiveness in order to receive salvation. Abraham did not have access to the elaborate levitical system that was set up under Moses yet we know he is saved.

"And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. -- Matthew 8:11

"There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. -- Luke 13:28

Abraham's salvation, like ours, is granted on the grounds of faith.

For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin." -- Romans 4:3-8

The levitical system served a purpose, in that it was a ritualistic representation of the atonement process that would later be fulfilled in Christ the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". (John 1:29) But adherence to the levitical process did not offer salvation. Speaking of the levitical law (the law that was added because of transgressions) Paul says,

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. -- Galatians 3:19-25

Having established that the law was never offered as a way of salvation in the past or the present, we now ask the question, "Why did God deliver the commandments to his chosen people"?

If it wasn't for their justification or salvation then it must have served another purpose.

The law of God not only teaches us the nature of God but it also teaches us what sin is.

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. -- Romans 3:20

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. -- 1 John 3:4

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of faith and repentance. Jesus emphasised repentance in his preaching.

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." -- Matthew 4:17

Peter preached it.

"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, -- Acts 3:19

Paul preached it.

"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. -- Acts 26:19-20

To repent means to turn from sin. How can we be convicted of sin unless we have the Law of God in our minds to tell us what sin is?

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. -- Romans 7:7-12

If we truly turn from sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to us to overcome sin, then the evidence of the indwelling Holy Spirit will be obedience to the Law of God.

"...... He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. -- Romans 8:3-4

Obedience of the Law of God is the Fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. -- Galatians 5:23

The scriptures plainly tell us that love is the essence of the Law of God.

Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." -- Matthew 22:35-40

Love does no harm to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law. -- Romans 13:10

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." -- Galatians 5:14

If you really fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself," you do well; -- James 2:8

If our lives show the fruit of the Spirit, love firstly to God and love to our fellowman then we are in harmony with God's Law.

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. -- James 1:25

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, And teach out of Your law, -- Psalms 94:12

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments. -- Psalms 112:1

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD! -- Psalms 119:1

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. -- Revelation 22:14

Footnote : Sabbath Keepers

A criticism that is often levelled against Sabbathkeeping congregations is that of legalism. Sabbathkeepers are regularly charged with the error of reverting to works for salvation. While this may even be true in some individual cases, the accusation of legalism unjustly falls on all 4th commandment keepers. The true Sabbathkeeper reverences God's Holy Day as an expression of love for God.

A misconception that some may have about obedience to God's law is that it is a burden. However, in it's true form it is completely voluntary. Christians generally acknowledge that prayer and fasting are accepted practices (though they are rarely found these days). These practices should be completely voluntary and undertaken in obedience to the leading of the Spirit. Likewise, Sabbathkeeping and other practices are not a duty but a privilege. Many Sabbathkeepers have come to the realise that God's law is filled with blessings. Having studied the subject they have found that the Sabbath is the only day that God has ever declared holy. It's blessing and holiness has never been revoked. In response to this knowledge they keep this day holy, honouring Yeshua their Creator and Redeemer. Like any other follower of Yeshua they only have the ability to fulfil God's law through the Holy Spirit. In our own strength we fail to measure up to God's standards.

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Footnote: Keeping Levitical Holy days

If it is true that the Levitical law was temporary and that with the change in the priesthood there is a corresponding change in the law; then those feast days which were added with the levitical "sacrificial system" have also changed. However these days are still significant to us as types.

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