The Everlasting Covenant
The Covenant of God to redeem mankind, as presented throughout history.
| Home Abraham to Sinai | Email | Print |
|
9.1 References: TTC
by Hubert F. Sturges, www.everlastingcovenant.com, July 2, 2010
by Hubert F. Sturges, www.everlastingcovenant.com, July 2, 2010
References:
1. When Jacob went into Egypt
2. Was there a Law Before Sinai?
3. Characteristics of the Law of God:
4. Characteristics of God.
5. The Sabbath
6. The Ten Commandments are the Covenant
7. The Two Tablets put Inside the Ark
8. The Book of the Law put in the Side of the Ark
9. The Functions of God's Law
10. Can the Law be Kept?
11. Jesus Supported the Law
12. Murray CA: I Will Fear No Evil. Stopping the Fall
2. Was there a Law Before Sinai?
3. Characteristics of the Law of God:
4. Characteristics of God.
5. The Sabbath
6. The Ten Commandments are the Covenant
7. The Two Tablets put Inside the Ark
8. The Book of the Law put in the Side of the Ark
9. The Functions of God's Law
10. Can the Law be Kept?
11. Jesus Supported the Law
12. Murray CA: I Will Fear No Evil. Stopping the Fall
1. When Jacob went into Egypt, his families plus the family of Joseph made up 70 souls (Genesis 46:26-27; Exodus 1:5). They were in Egypt until the fourth generation, or 215 years. During this time they increased in numbers (Exodus 1:7) so that Egypt became alarmed, and enslaved the Hebrews.
The 70 souls in the family of Jacob is in contrast with that of Abraham; though nothing is said about the servant staff of Jacob, if he had any. An interesting account is made regarding Abraham. One is left with the impression that the spirituality of Abraham’s descendants declined in the generations that followed him.
“Abraham’s household comprised more than a thousand souls. Those who were led by his teachings to worship the one God, found a home in his encampment; and here, as in a school, they received such instruction as would prepare them to be representatives of the true faith. Thus a great responsibility rested upon him. He was training heads of families, and his methods of government would be carried out in the households over which they should preside.” White EG: Abraham in Canaan, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 141.
2. Was There a Law Before Sinai?
Is the ten commandment law just for the Jews?
Mankind was created in the image of God and naturally looked to God for an example of how to live. Was there a “law?” Of course! Adam and Eve were given dominion over the earthly creation, commanded to multiply and replenish the earth, and were told what to eat. They did not focus on a moral law, but it would never even occur to them to have any other Gods, to kill, to steal or to break any of the other commands.
After the fall of man, a Redeemer was first promised to save mankind from sin. In the “enmity between thee and the woman” (Genesis 3:15) given by God after the fall of man are the seeds of His moral law. Adam and Eve would not be helpless in rebellion. They were given a conscience and a desire to do right, to obey God; though now subject to temptation.
In Noah’s day the “wickedness of man was great” and “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Wickedness and evil are known only because of the law of God “for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20).
Abraham was chosen for the Everlasting Covenant because he kept the law of God.
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Genesis 18:19). See also Genesis 26:5
Why was so little said about the law until Sinai? In the Patriarchal age people lived long, memories were strong, and information was passed on by word of mouth. What we read in Genesis are just glimpses of the law of God. This oral tradition was picked up by Moses as he wrote the book of Genesis. Of all the myths and legends present during that time, how could Moses know which stories were true. Second Peter 1:19-21 tells us that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
In Genesis we learn the basis for worshiping God as our Creator, the origin of sin and the promise of a Redeemer to come, but not all the details.
The written law was added, or appended because of transgressions. The people had been in Egypt for 215 years. They had been exposed to paganism, immorality, and bondage. In that setting they became insensitive to sin. Only by having God’s moral law brought into sharp objective focus could the Israelites be made conscious that they were sinners, and thus needed salvation.
“Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator” (Galatians 3:19).
Davidson, Jo Ann: The Decalogue Before Mount Sinai. Perspective Digest. 15(2010)1, 7-24
Jo Ann Davidson, Ph.D., teaches Systematic Theology at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Berrien Springs, Michigan, and is a Past President of the Adventist Theological Society.
3. Characteristics of the Law of God: These characteristics are the characteristics of God Himself. It is a description of the character of God.
The 70 souls in the family of Jacob is in contrast with that of Abraham; though nothing is said about the servant staff of Jacob, if he had any. An interesting account is made regarding Abraham. One is left with the impression that the spirituality of Abraham’s descendants declined in the generations that followed him.
“Abraham’s household comprised more than a thousand souls. Those who were led by his teachings to worship the one God, found a home in his encampment; and here, as in a school, they received such instruction as would prepare them to be representatives of the true faith. Thus a great responsibility rested upon him. He was training heads of families, and his methods of government would be carried out in the households over which they should preside.” White EG: Abraham in Canaan, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 141.
2. Was There a Law Before Sinai?
Is the ten commandment law just for the Jews?
Mankind was created in the image of God and naturally looked to God for an example of how to live. Was there a “law?” Of course! Adam and Eve were given dominion over the earthly creation, commanded to multiply and replenish the earth, and were told what to eat. They did not focus on a moral law, but it would never even occur to them to have any other Gods, to kill, to steal or to break any of the other commands.
After the fall of man, a Redeemer was first promised to save mankind from sin. In the “enmity between thee and the woman” (Genesis 3:15) given by God after the fall of man are the seeds of His moral law. Adam and Eve would not be helpless in rebellion. They were given a conscience and a desire to do right, to obey God; though now subject to temptation.
In Noah’s day the “wickedness of man was great” and “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Wickedness and evil are known only because of the law of God “for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20).
Abraham was chosen for the Everlasting Covenant because he kept the law of God.
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Genesis 18:19). See also Genesis 26:5
Why was so little said about the law until Sinai? In the Patriarchal age people lived long, memories were strong, and information was passed on by word of mouth. What we read in Genesis are just glimpses of the law of God. This oral tradition was picked up by Moses as he wrote the book of Genesis. Of all the myths and legends present during that time, how could Moses know which stories were true. Second Peter 1:19-21 tells us that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
In Genesis we learn the basis for worshiping God as our Creator, the origin of sin and the promise of a Redeemer to come, but not all the details.
The written law was added, or appended because of transgressions. The people had been in Egypt for 215 years. They had been exposed to paganism, immorality, and bondage. In that setting they became insensitive to sin. Only by having God’s moral law brought into sharp objective focus could the Israelites be made conscious that they were sinners, and thus needed salvation.
“Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator” (Galatians 3:19).
Davidson, Jo Ann: The Decalogue Before Mount Sinai. Perspective Digest. 15(2010)1, 7-24
Jo Ann Davidson, Ph.D., teaches Systematic Theology at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Berrien Springs, Michigan, and is a Past President of the Adventist Theological Society.
3. Characteristics of the Law of God: These characteristics are the characteristics of God Himself. It is a description of the character of God.
Deuteronomy 4:8 righteous
Nehemiah 9:13 true, good
Psalms 19:7-12 perfect, sure, effective, right, pure, true, righteous, sweet
Psalm 119:86 faithful
Psalm 119:95-100 broad, quickening, attain wisdom, understanding, protect from evil
Psalm 119:105 a lamp and a light
Psalm 119:137 upright
Psalm 119:140 pure
Psalm 119:172 righteousness
Proverbs 6:23 a lamp, a light, and a guide.
Romans 3:31 works through faith
Romans 7:12 holy, just, and good
James 1:25 the law of liberty
1 Timothy 1:8 good
2 Peter 2:21 holy
Nehemiah 9:13 true, good
Psalms 19:7-12 perfect, sure, effective, right, pure, true, righteous, sweet
Psalm 119:86 faithful
Psalm 119:95-100 broad, quickening, attain wisdom, understanding, protect from evil
Psalm 119:105 a lamp and a light
Psalm 119:137 upright
Psalm 119:140 pure
Psalm 119:172 righteousness
Proverbs 6:23 a lamp, a light, and a guide.
Romans 3:31 works through faith
Romans 7:12 holy, just, and good
James 1:25 the law of liberty
1 Timothy 1:8 good
2 Peter 2:21 holy
4. Characteristics of God. These characteristics are also found in the Law of God, a description of His character.
Exodus 34:6,7 merciful, gracious, longsuffering, good, true, forgiving, just
Leviticus 11:44,45 ye shall be holy, for I am holy
Leviticus 19:2 holy
Leviticus 20:26 holy
Deuteronomy 32:4 perfect, just, true, pure, right
Psalm 119:137 righteous
Psalm 18:30 perfect
Matthew 5:48 perfect
Luke 6:36 merciful
John 14:6 the way, truth, life
2 Corinthians 13:11 perfect, peace, love
James 3:17,18 pure, peaceable, gentle, approachable, merciful, impartial, righteous
1 Peter 1:16 holy
1 John 3:3 pure
1 John 3:7 righteous
1 John 4:7,8 love
Leviticus 11:44,45 ye shall be holy, for I am holy
Leviticus 19:2 holy
Leviticus 20:26 holy
Deuteronomy 32:4 perfect, just, true, pure, right
Psalm 119:137 righteous
Psalm 18:30 perfect
Matthew 5:48 perfect
Luke 6:36 merciful
John 14:6 the way, truth, life
2 Corinthians 13:11 perfect, peace, love
James 3:17,18 pure, peaceable, gentle, approachable, merciful, impartial, righteous
1 Peter 1:16 holy
1 John 3:3 pure
1 John 3:7 righteous
1 John 4:7,8 love
5. The Sabbath
In the middle of the ten commandment law is the command to keep holy the seventh day as the Sabbath. In this command the seventh day is to be kept holy, because it is holy. The command is given by “the Lord thy God,” as a memorial to Creation. God is portrayed as the Creator with His domain encompassing all of “heaven and earth.” The Sabbath command is God’s “signature” in the middle of the ten commandments. It is also the “sign” of sanctification (Exodus 31:13), and thus an important sign of the covenant that will make of His people “an holy nation.”
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
“Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
“But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11).
Why the seventh-day? Would not another day be just as acceptable for worship to God? The Seventh day is no different from any other day of the week. This day is holy only because God made it so. To break the Sabbath was wrong simply because it was forbidden, not because it was evil by nature. The Sabbath was given simply to show that man acknowledges God as Creator and Lord. Would man accept the will of God, or would man choose to go his own way? It was a simple test, easy to understand. Man lays aside his own reasoning and accepts the will of God. From reverent obedience to this command, obedience to the other nine naturally flow.
“Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
“It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed” (Exodus 31:13, 17).
“Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
“And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God” (Ezekiel 20:12, 20).
Another question follows: Why should the Sabbath commandment be kept differently from the other nine? Christians are meticulous about the nine. Did God really mean what He said about keeping the seventh day as the Sabbath? If a sabbath-keeper is legalistic or idolatrous in keeping the seventh day Sabbath, how about those who keep the other nine? Aren’t they just as “legalistic and idolatrous?” These concepts need to be thought out. A person needs to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead. When Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), He shows that keeping the commandments brings us closer to Him.
Is it important then that we be accurate in our service to Christ? If a person is sincere and loves Christ, is not this more important than “details?” We need to be clear on this. God is never honored by falsehood or error, however innocent it seems. Truth has consequences. Truth affects our relationship with God. A correct understanding of truth has often been an issue that divides those who seek to serve God, and those who follow “another master.”
There is only one God, one Holy Spirit, and one truth. Our understandings may differ, but by reading the Bible under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will learn the truth.
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23).
“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).
Jesus kept the Sabbath. “As his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day” (Luke 4:16). He was more liberal than the Jews in Sabbath keeping. His teaching and practice did not follow the multitude of ordinances that the Jews had added to the law. In Mark 2:28 Jesus stated that He was “Lord of the Sabbath.” After the crucifixion, Jesus rested in the grave over the hours of the Sabbath (Luke 23:56). In Matthew 24 Jesus told the disciples that they were to pray that their flight be not in the winter or on the Sabbath day, looking forward forty years to the destruction of Jerusalem.
The last book of the Bible is “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1). In Revelation seven is pictured the four angels holding the four winds of trouble until God’s people are sealed. What is the seal? The Sabbath is given as the “sign” of sanctification (Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12, 20). We are sealed (verb) by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). This seal (noun) is the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, His signature in the midst of His law. In this way a people are prepared to see Jesus come again!
6. The Ten Commandments written by God on two tablets ARE the covenant or testimony:
Exodus 32:15 (testimony)
Deuteronomy 9:9,11,15 (covenant)
Exodus 34:28
“... The Lord gave me two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.” (Deuteronomy 9:11)
7. The two tablets were put inside the ark
Deuteronomy 4:30; 10:2,5
Exodus 25:16,21; 40:20;
1 Kings 8:9
Hebrews 9:4
"And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark" (Deuteronomy 10:2).
"Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant" (Hebrews 9:4),
"And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.
"As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept" (Exodus 16:33-34).
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not" (Numbers 17:10).
8. The Book of the Law, written by Moses was put in the side of the ark.
Exodus 24:4,7
Deuteronomy 31:24-26
2 Kings 22:8-11
2 Chronicles 34:14,15
"And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
"That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
"Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee" (Deuteronomy 31:24-26).
9. The Functions of God's Law
by Greg L. Bahnsen, Th.M., Ph.D. (Part V)
http://www.reformed-theology.org/ice/newslet/be/be.10.80.htm
To this point we have seen that the law can and should declare the character of God, display His demands, pronounce blessing upon obedience, provide a definition of sin, expose infractions, incite further rebellion, and condemn all transgressions. These are lawful and appropriate functions of the law of God. To them others can be added.
(8) The law drives us to Christ for salvation.
(9) The law guides the sanctification of the believer.
(10) The law also serves to restrain the evil of the unregenerate.
This is an excellent article on the internet. The author recognizes the three uses of the law (see article) as stated by Martin Luther. The list given by the reformed church is similar, but a little different, leaving off Luther’s first use of the law.
The Book of Concord --
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_and_Gospel
Lutheran biblical exegesis and exposition in Article 6 of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession (1531): The Formula of Concord distinguished three uses, or purposes, in the Law in Article VI. It states: "[T]he Law was given to men for three reasons. . ."
1. that "thereby outward discipline might be maintained against wild, disobedient men [and that wild and intractable men might be restrained, as though by certain bars]"
2. that "men thereby may be led to the knowledge of their sins"
3. that "after they are regenerate. . .they might. . .have a fixed rule according to which they are to regulate and direct their whole life"
The primary concern was to maintain that the Law should continue to be used by Christians after they had been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel to counter the doctrine of Johannes Agricola, who taught that the Law was no longer needed by regenerate Christians."
What is the reason for having a law? Martin Luther gives us the following:
1. To restrain external evil (civil use) or (curb).
2. To show us our sin (pedagogical, theological, or the convicting use) or (mirror).
3. To show us God's character as a guide to holy living, through grace (didactic use).
Briefly summarized they are: 1. Curb sinners. 2. A mirror to show men their sins. 3. A rule or guide to life.
The Reformed view
In his Institutes of the Christian Religion, the Reformer John Calvin likewise distinguished three uses in the Law. Calvin wrote: "That the whole matter may be made clearer, let us take a succinct view of the office and use of the Moral Law. Now this office and use seems to me to consist of three parts."
1. By "exhibiting the righteousness of God, — in other words, the righteousness which alone is acceptable to God, — it admonishes every one of his own unrighteousness, certiorates, convicts, and finally condemns him."
2. It acts "by means of its fearful denunciations and the consequent dread of punishment, to curb those who, unless forced, have no regard for rectitude and justice."
3. "The third use of the Law. . .has respect to believers in whose hearts the Spirit of God already flourishes and reigns. ... For it is the best instrument for enabling them daily to learn with greater truth and certainty what that will of the Lord is which they aspire to follow, and to confirm them in this knowledge..."
This scheme is the same as the Formula of Concord, with the exception that the first and second uses are transposed.
10. Can the Law of God be Kept?
It is natural for men to be legalistic. Sinful man is selfish and will even do good things to achieve his own goals. Shall we then discard the law in order to avoid the trap of legalism? Immediately you see the problem. To keep the law is the evidence of faith and the result of a faith relationship with God. But keeping the law is not how we are saved.
A civil law requires only legal obedience. But this alone is not pleasing to God.
Is it even possible to meet the demands of God’s law? Many Christians will immediately say, “No!” But when did you last murder, pick a pocket, or take off for Reno with your secretary? Christians do not do things like that. It seems that we DO keep the law on a superficial level. So, where is the problem?
After they sinned, Adam and Eve in their lives moved from being God centered to being self-centered. From this all sin and sorrow came. A person can do even good things for selfish reasons. Keeping the law for selfish reasons leaves the life unchanged, even in sin and rebellion.
A lawyer once questioned Jesus as to “the great commandment in the law.” Jesus summarized the law as being love to God and love to man (Matthew 22:36-40). The law of love has not replaced the ten commandments, it is the ten commandments.
36 “‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’
37 “Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
38 “This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 “And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:36-40, NIV).
Jesus summarized the ten commandments as love for God and love for your fellow man (Matthew 22:36-40). This principle was given also in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 11:1; Leviticus 19:18). If a person lacks love for his fellow man, he is selfish. If a person lacks love for God he is proud and usurps God’s prerogative to guide his life. Pride and selfishness are the basic characteristics of the sinful nature. Only by the grace of God is the heart changed, and a person can truly keep the commandments of God.
11. Jesus Supported the Law
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus strongly supported a law that was changeless and eternal (Matthew 5:17,18). In His life on earth Jesus “fulfilled the law” by keeping the law. He lived a life free from sin.
When the rich young ruler came to Jesus with the question: “Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Jesus answered him: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:16,17).
In His answer, “There is none good but one, that is, God” Jesus tested this young man to see if he recognized that He was the Messiah, the son of the living God. Failing that test, Jesus used the more common approach,“but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” He went on to specify several of the ten commandments.
The young man responded, “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (Matthew 19:20). The man was a commandment keeper, which Jesus accepted. He was now ready for the next step:
“If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21).
In holding to his possessions rather than to follow Jesus, the young man showed that he did not love his neighbor as himself and was by definition a law breaker. By not making Jesus first, he also spurned the offer to be a disciple.
12. Murray CA: I Will Fear No Evil. Stopping the Fall, Pacific Press Publishing, Nampa, ID. p. 100-111.
A person may have accurate knowledge of the law but he will still have temptations. At the moment of temptation you must consent to let Christ live in you. Is it easy? No! The battle with self is the hardest battle a man has to fight. It is always easy for us to “do” something but often difficult to submit to Christ as lord of your life.
By habitually turning to Christ with the temptations of daily life, the Christian will “wear ruts” in the road, so that when the “big temptation” comes, he will find his way in the dark. In the faith experience, Christ becomes real. When we think about Him, talk about Him, focus our lives in Him. There is no room for sin.
In the middle of the ten commandment law is the command to keep holy the seventh day as the Sabbath. In this command the seventh day is to be kept holy, because it is holy. The command is given by “the Lord thy God,” as a memorial to Creation. God is portrayed as the Creator with His domain encompassing all of “heaven and earth.” The Sabbath command is God’s “signature” in the middle of the ten commandments. It is also the “sign” of sanctification (Exodus 31:13), and thus an important sign of the covenant that will make of His people “an holy nation.”
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
“Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
“But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11).
Why the seventh-day? Would not another day be just as acceptable for worship to God? The Seventh day is no different from any other day of the week. This day is holy only because God made it so. To break the Sabbath was wrong simply because it was forbidden, not because it was evil by nature. The Sabbath was given simply to show that man acknowledges God as Creator and Lord. Would man accept the will of God, or would man choose to go his own way? It was a simple test, easy to understand. Man lays aside his own reasoning and accepts the will of God. From reverent obedience to this command, obedience to the other nine naturally flow.
“Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
“It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed” (Exodus 31:13, 17).
“Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
“And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God” (Ezekiel 20:12, 20).
Another question follows: Why should the Sabbath commandment be kept differently from the other nine? Christians are meticulous about the nine. Did God really mean what He said about keeping the seventh day as the Sabbath? If a sabbath-keeper is legalistic or idolatrous in keeping the seventh day Sabbath, how about those who keep the other nine? Aren’t they just as “legalistic and idolatrous?” These concepts need to be thought out. A person needs to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead. When Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), He shows that keeping the commandments brings us closer to Him.
Is it important then that we be accurate in our service to Christ? If a person is sincere and loves Christ, is not this more important than “details?” We need to be clear on this. God is never honored by falsehood or error, however innocent it seems. Truth has consequences. Truth affects our relationship with God. A correct understanding of truth has often been an issue that divides those who seek to serve God, and those who follow “another master.”
There is only one God, one Holy Spirit, and one truth. Our understandings may differ, but by reading the Bible under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will learn the truth.
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23).
“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).
Jesus kept the Sabbath. “As his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day” (Luke 4:16). He was more liberal than the Jews in Sabbath keeping. His teaching and practice did not follow the multitude of ordinances that the Jews had added to the law. In Mark 2:28 Jesus stated that He was “Lord of the Sabbath.” After the crucifixion, Jesus rested in the grave over the hours of the Sabbath (Luke 23:56). In Matthew 24 Jesus told the disciples that they were to pray that their flight be not in the winter or on the Sabbath day, looking forward forty years to the destruction of Jerusalem.
The last book of the Bible is “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1). In Revelation seven is pictured the four angels holding the four winds of trouble until God’s people are sealed. What is the seal? The Sabbath is given as the “sign” of sanctification (Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12, 20). We are sealed (verb) by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). This seal (noun) is the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, His signature in the midst of His law. In this way a people are prepared to see Jesus come again!
6. The Ten Commandments written by God on two tablets ARE the covenant or testimony:
Exodus 32:15 (testimony)
Deuteronomy 9:9,11,15 (covenant)
Exodus 34:28
“... The Lord gave me two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.” (Deuteronomy 9:11)
7. The two tablets were put inside the ark
Deuteronomy 4:30; 10:2,5
Exodus 25:16,21; 40:20;
1 Kings 8:9
Hebrews 9:4
"And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark" (Deuteronomy 10:2).
"Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant" (Hebrews 9:4),
"And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.
"As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept" (Exodus 16:33-34).
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not" (Numbers 17:10).
8. The Book of the Law, written by Moses was put in the side of the ark.
Exodus 24:4,7
Deuteronomy 31:24-26
2 Kings 22:8-11
2 Chronicles 34:14,15
"And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
"That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
"Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee" (Deuteronomy 31:24-26).
9. The Functions of God's Law
by Greg L. Bahnsen, Th.M., Ph.D. (Part V)
http://www.reformed-theology.org/ice/newslet/be/be.10.80.htm
To this point we have seen that the law can and should declare the character of God, display His demands, pronounce blessing upon obedience, provide a definition of sin, expose infractions, incite further rebellion, and condemn all transgressions. These are lawful and appropriate functions of the law of God. To them others can be added.
(8) The law drives us to Christ for salvation.
(9) The law guides the sanctification of the believer.
(10) The law also serves to restrain the evil of the unregenerate.
This is an excellent article on the internet. The author recognizes the three uses of the law (see article) as stated by Martin Luther. The list given by the reformed church is similar, but a little different, leaving off Luther’s first use of the law.
The Book of Concord --
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_and_Gospel
Lutheran biblical exegesis and exposition in Article 6 of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession (1531): The Formula of Concord distinguished three uses, or purposes, in the Law in Article VI. It states: "[T]he Law was given to men for three reasons. . ."
1. that "thereby outward discipline might be maintained against wild, disobedient men [and that wild and intractable men might be restrained, as though by certain bars]"
2. that "men thereby may be led to the knowledge of their sins"
3. that "after they are regenerate. . .they might. . .have a fixed rule according to which they are to regulate and direct their whole life"
The primary concern was to maintain that the Law should continue to be used by Christians after they had been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel to counter the doctrine of Johannes Agricola, who taught that the Law was no longer needed by regenerate Christians."
What is the reason for having a law? Martin Luther gives us the following:
1. To restrain external evil (civil use) or (curb).
2. To show us our sin (pedagogical, theological, or the convicting use) or (mirror).
3. To show us God's character as a guide to holy living, through grace (didactic use).
Briefly summarized they are: 1. Curb sinners. 2. A mirror to show men their sins. 3. A rule or guide to life.
The Reformed view
In his Institutes of the Christian Religion, the Reformer John Calvin likewise distinguished three uses in the Law. Calvin wrote: "That the whole matter may be made clearer, let us take a succinct view of the office and use of the Moral Law. Now this office and use seems to me to consist of three parts."
1. By "exhibiting the righteousness of God, — in other words, the righteousness which alone is acceptable to God, — it admonishes every one of his own unrighteousness, certiorates, convicts, and finally condemns him."
2. It acts "by means of its fearful denunciations and the consequent dread of punishment, to curb those who, unless forced, have no regard for rectitude and justice."
3. "The third use of the Law. . .has respect to believers in whose hearts the Spirit of God already flourishes and reigns. ... For it is the best instrument for enabling them daily to learn with greater truth and certainty what that will of the Lord is which they aspire to follow, and to confirm them in this knowledge..."
This scheme is the same as the Formula of Concord, with the exception that the first and second uses are transposed.
10. Can the Law of God be Kept?
It is natural for men to be legalistic. Sinful man is selfish and will even do good things to achieve his own goals. Shall we then discard the law in order to avoid the trap of legalism? Immediately you see the problem. To keep the law is the evidence of faith and the result of a faith relationship with God. But keeping the law is not how we are saved.
A civil law requires only legal obedience. But this alone is not pleasing to God.
Is it even possible to meet the demands of God’s law? Many Christians will immediately say, “No!” But when did you last murder, pick a pocket, or take off for Reno with your secretary? Christians do not do things like that. It seems that we DO keep the law on a superficial level. So, where is the problem?
After they sinned, Adam and Eve in their lives moved from being God centered to being self-centered. From this all sin and sorrow came. A person can do even good things for selfish reasons. Keeping the law for selfish reasons leaves the life unchanged, even in sin and rebellion.
A lawyer once questioned Jesus as to “the great commandment in the law.” Jesus summarized the law as being love to God and love to man (Matthew 22:36-40). The law of love has not replaced the ten commandments, it is the ten commandments.
36 “‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’
37 “Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
38 “This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 “And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:36-40, NIV).
Jesus summarized the ten commandments as love for God and love for your fellow man (Matthew 22:36-40). This principle was given also in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 11:1; Leviticus 19:18). If a person lacks love for his fellow man, he is selfish. If a person lacks love for God he is proud and usurps God’s prerogative to guide his life. Pride and selfishness are the basic characteristics of the sinful nature. Only by the grace of God is the heart changed, and a person can truly keep the commandments of God.
11. Jesus Supported the Law
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus strongly supported a law that was changeless and eternal (Matthew 5:17,18). In His life on earth Jesus “fulfilled the law” by keeping the law. He lived a life free from sin.
When the rich young ruler came to Jesus with the question: “Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Jesus answered him: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:16,17).
In His answer, “There is none good but one, that is, God” Jesus tested this young man to see if he recognized that He was the Messiah, the son of the living God. Failing that test, Jesus used the more common approach,“but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” He went on to specify several of the ten commandments.
The young man responded, “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (Matthew 19:20). The man was a commandment keeper, which Jesus accepted. He was now ready for the next step:
“If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21).
In holding to his possessions rather than to follow Jesus, the young man showed that he did not love his neighbor as himself and was by definition a law breaker. By not making Jesus first, he also spurned the offer to be a disciple.
12. Murray CA: I Will Fear No Evil. Stopping the Fall, Pacific Press Publishing, Nampa, ID. p. 100-111.
A person may have accurate knowledge of the law but he will still have temptations. At the moment of temptation you must consent to let Christ live in you. Is it easy? No! The battle with self is the hardest battle a man has to fight. It is always easy for us to “do” something but often difficult to submit to Christ as lord of your life.
By habitually turning to Christ with the temptations of daily life, the Christian will “wear ruts” in the road, so that when the “big temptation” comes, he will find his way in the dark. In the faith experience, Christ becomes real. When we think about Him, talk about Him, focus our lives in Him. There is no room for sin.
Press <ctrl><home> to Return to the Top or <ctrl><end> to Jump to the End
If you have comments or questions click here to Email the Author
Articles In this section
6.0 Abraham & Covenant
6.1 References: AC
6.2 Abraham and Isaac
6.3 References: AIJ
6.5 Hagar the Surrogate
6.7 Everlasting Covenant
6.8 References: EC
7.0 Circumcision: A Token
7.1 References: CAT
8.0 Moses: Called to Lead
8.1 The Exodus
8.2 The Sinai Covenant
8.3 Referencs TSC
8.4 Who Is Jehovah?
8.5 References: Jehovah
8.6 The Oral Tradition
9.0 The Ten Commandments
9.1 References: TTC
9.2 Law Before Sinai: WB
9.3 Law Before Sinai2
9.4 References: DBS
9.5 Justice & Civil Law
9.6 Civil Code (Two)
9.7 Ceremonial Law
9.8 References: CL