Beech Tree News Network

A common misconception is that the Old Law (Law of Moses) was not done away. How often do we see the Ten Commandments posted? I realize that with “political correctness,” the Ten Commandments are not as likely to be seen in public, but they are still on people’s minds.

First, please understand that the number of commandments given at Sinai was more than ten. There were 613 commandments written down by Moses (Ex. 24:4, 7). The first ten, however, were spoken by God to the people before they begged Moses to have God stop talking because they feared for their lives (Ex. 20:19, 22).

This law led the people to Christ (Gal. 3:24). It served in keeping the people from sinning so much by pointing out their sins (Rom. 7:7). This law, however, could never remit sins (Heb. 10:1, 4). It could only point out the violations!

When Christ came, He brought a new covenant, or law (Heb. 10:20). This is the law under which we live today, the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2). Christ preached about this while He was on earth. When we read the sermon on the mount, we are treated to the very “Constitution” of Christ’s new kingdom! Herein, we see new laws for a new kingdom.

Christ’s law included the way by which we are added to His kingdom. One enters by believing in Jesus as the Son of God, repenting of sin, confessing Christ, and being baptized for the remission of sins (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Matt. 10:32; Mk. 16:16). One who does this is a saved person and is added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:47). This person is then subject to the laws of Christ’s kingdom, since his “citizenship is in Heaven” (Phil. 3:20).

“But,” cry some, “aren’t we supposed to keep the Old Law today? Doesn’t God want us to do this?” No, He does not! The Old Law was done away in Christ. When we read Colossians 2:14, we learn that the “handwriting of ordinances” was nailed “to the cross.” What is this “handwriting of ordinances”? It was what Moses wrote down at Sinai (Ex. 24:4, 7).

The apostle Paul made this abundantly clear in II Corinthians 3:6-17. Read this passage carefully and notice the terms “done away” (v. 7, 11, 14), “abolished” (v. 13), and “taken away” (v. 16). These terms refer to the Old Law or Law of Moses. This action was necessary that a New Law might be ushered in through Christ!

When reading an article like this, some will accuse me of not believing the Old Testament or trying to change the plain statements of Scripture. Nothing could be farther from the truth! This is because, first of all, I preach from the Old Testament and know that “the things which were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Rom. 15:4). There is value in studying from the Old Testament. I believe it and readily accept the words of Jeremiah 31:31-34 (quoted in Heb. 8:8-12) that say that God would take away the old covenant and install a new one!

All of this came about through Christ! Yes, the Old Law was done away, and we are subject to the New! Are you following the New Law? Are you listening to the words that were preached by Jesus and the apostles? What is stopping you from doing what the Lord says? Obey Christ today (II Cor. 6:2)!

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You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167