It is Settled!

A series of lessons from the Bible

by Howell Lasseter

Change of Law (Part 2)

The law under which the Jewish nation lived is referred to as "the law" (Matthew 5:17); "the law of the Lord" (Psalm 19:7), and "the law of Moses," as stated by the Lord in Malachi 4:4. These are just 3 examples; more could be cited regarding the law given to the Jewish nation at Mt. Sinai and continuing in force until the crucifixion of our Savior on Calvary's cruel cross. This law was in force for a period of about 1493 years. Did the Jews keep this law? We learn, from the Bible, that they did not. Ten of the twelve tribes left worshipping in Jerusalem altogether, and worshipped idols. Rehoboam, son of Solomon, succeeded his father to the throne as King of Israel. Because of his decision to make even harder, rather than lighter, the yoke his father had put on Israel, the majority of the nation rebelled against him and made Jeroboam their king (1 Kings 12:1-20). Jeroboam was afraid that if his subjects were to go to Jerusalem to worship, they would turn back to Rehoboam. So what did Jeroboam do? He made two calves of gold, set them up, and made them the gods of Israel (1 Kings 12:21-33). Down through Israel's history, there were times when the entire nation rejected God's law, given by Moses, and worshipped idols.

Is the law of God, given by Moses, the one we are to keep today? The New Testament tells us that not only did the Jews not keep the law of Moses, but when they did not keep it they sinned; yet, the law of Moses could not take away sin. Notice Acts 13:39: "And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." Why did man need to be justified? Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." When man sins, what happens? He is separated from God. What does he need? To be redeemed - bought back to God. In order to do that, man's sins must be taken out of the way, for sin stands between man and God. Many of you readers have sung the song "Redeemed"; many "gospel" quartets sing the song "I Have Been Redeemed." The law of Moses could not redeem or reconcile man back to God. But there is a place where redemption is. Romans 3:24: "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..." (Emphasis mine - HL). Verse 25 says also that it is through the blood of Christ that past sins are remitted, or taken away; Christ is the "propitiation" between man and God. Also, 1 John 2:2: "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." What did Christ do with the law of Moses when He died on the cross? Colossians 2:14 says He "took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." In Hebrews 7:18,19, we find: "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh to God" (Emphasis mine - HL).

Yes, the law has been changed. A new law that provides for the removal of our sins is now in force. With a law, there are things that must be done to obey that law so our sins can be removed, so we can be redeemed back to God. In the weeks to come, we will be noticing the requirements of this law. God makes clear in His word that He loves each person and wants every one to be saved. The Lord's church also loves each person and wants all to be saved. These weekly articles manifest this love and interest. Your questions and comments are welcome. Continue to write!