The Two Laws, God's and Moses
Jesus did not abolish the Ten Commandments at Calvary. They are independent of the Mosaic code. They preceded the Law of Moses, coming to us from Creation, therefore, the ending of the Moses’ ministration, or Civil Code, did not mean the End of the Ten Commandments. Moses enforced obedience to the original basic code, the Ten Commandments, as Mediator of the Old Covenant. Under the New Covenant, our Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, enforces obedience to the same basic Universal Laws, the Ten Commandments, from the heart, with no change of the original law. Jesus recognized two full authorities of that original Law, the Ten Commandments, while setting aside some of Moses’ administrative codes. To Jesus the Ten Commandments hold an independent place from the Mosaic Law. The same is true of Paul’s Epistles.
What we want to consider is: when these Laws appeared, what they consisted of and why they stand or fall. Paul speaks of an Added Law, an Abolished Law, and he also speaks of blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us! He also tells us the first covenant had Ceremonies of Divine services, and a worldly sanctuary. What was that middle wall of partition between us that was broken down by Christ? Are we to keep God’s Holy Laws, The Ten Commandments, in this dispensation?
We found without Law there is no sin! The first Law on record was “Thou shall not,” found in Gen.2:17. The “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil,” contained the knowledge of what constitutes sin. “By the Law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom.3:20). The “Covenant Law” (the Ten Commandments) began at Eden! Though not spelled out until Sinai as a code, was known and was the yardstick by which the world was judged! Others were added to it to further define sin as the world continued on. Cain, motivated by jealousy and hate, slew his brother Abel and was condemned by the Law (Gen.4:8-12). Placed under a curse by God, he became a fugitive and a vagabond.
As man multiplied in number so did his sins! There came the “Point of No Return,” recorded in Gen.6:6-7! God destroyed the world, and then estimated to be up to Two Billion souls! Out of which only eight souls were saved! Sodom and the plains of Gomorrah were destroyed for their sins. The record of the destruction of Sodom is found in Genesis chapter 19. The reasons for this destruction, Sin (Lev.18:22)! Sin was known in Abraham’s time! Ham, one of Noah’s sons was cursed for making sport of his father’s nakedness while drunk. Jacob’s son Joseph was approached by his master’s wife for extra marital sex while in slavery in Egypt. Joseph’s answer was, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God (Gen.39:9)?
These examples are just a small portion of those that could be given. These are to show that a list of 31 laws taken from the “Book of Moses” had to pre-exist at the time of Moses, with the exception of the Passover.
Let us establish the facts from the Bible that there were Two Separate Laws given at Mt. Sinai in the day of Moses. God declared these Precepts with a great voice and all the assembly of Israel heard them. God wrote this law on two tables of stone with His Own Finger (Deuteronomy 10:1-4). These Ten Precepts were a complete law; God “added no more” (Deuteronomy 5:2) and God called them, a “law which I have written” (Exodus 24:1-2). Moses was commanded to place this law, written on two tables of stone by the finger of God, in the Ark. Moses broke the first tables, but God wrote the same words on the second tables of stone, and Moses placed the second tables of stone in the Ark as God commanded. There we have one law, the Ten Commandments, placed in the Ark by the hands of Moses after being written by God Himself on two tables of stone.
Having established the fact that the Ten Commandments were given by God without a mediator, that is, He declared them with His own voice, and wrote them with His own finger on tables of stone, we are now ready to give Bible proof that “The Law of Moses” is a separate and distinct law. “Added because of Transgression” (Galatians 3:19) of the Ten Commandments. “For the Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). This is positive proof that it was the “Book of the Law,” not the Ten Commandments that was given by Moses. The “added” law is called, the book of the law.” This, “Book of the Law” which was given by Moses (2 Chronicles 34:14) is referred to throughout Paul’s letters to the church of Galatia. Remember it was this “Book of the law” and not the Ten Commandments that Paul was speaking of having rebuked them for going back to the “Works of the Law.” This added law, “The Book of the Law” was called “a schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:24-25).
After telling us that God declared and wrote the Ten Commandments, Moses said “And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whether ye go over to possess it” (Deuteronomy 4:14). Moses “wrote all the words of the Lord” in “The Book of The Covenant” (Exodus 24:3-4)). It was called “The Book of The Law.” “And Moses wrote this Law” (Deuteronomy 31:9-11). And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing this Law in a book, until they were finished, that Moses commanded the Levites, which bear 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). This “Book of the Law” containing “Precepts” was by the hand of Moses” (Nehemiah 9:14).
By Blotting out the handwriting of Ordinances the Apostle most evidently means the Ceremonial Laws (Colossian 2:14). The Law of Moses that was against them, they were bound to fulfill. It was contrary to them, as it condemned them for their neglect and transgression of this Law of Moses. These were curses that were written in the book Containing Ordinance (Ephesians 2:15). When Christ was nailed to the cross, our obligation to fulfill those ordinances was done away with. Those Religious Rites and Ceremonies contained in Ordinances, was made for the purpose of keeping the Israelites a distant people and pointing out the Son of God till He should come. We must hold fast to our Christian profession; it brings spiritual liberty. On the contrary, Judaism brings Spiritual bondage (Galatians 5:1-5).
Can the same Law be abolished by Christ and at the same time be established by faith in Christ? There were definitely Two Laws recognized for one having fulfilled in purpose ending at the death of Christ, while the other one is still Holy, Just, and Good--to give a knowledge of sin. The Perfect Law by which we are to be judged (James 2:10-12). The other was called a yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1-5).
Israel was required to obey Two Laws, the Ten Commandments, and the Book of the Laws. In short, they were to obey the Ten Commandments, the Laws of God and the Laws given by their Mediator, Moses--Two Laws. Moses placed two Tables of Stone: the Ten Commandments in the Ark (Deuteronomy 10:2-5) and the Levites place the Books of the (Moses) Laws in the side of the Ark (Deuteronomy 31:26).
The Two Laws Side by Side
2 Kings 21:8
Ten Commandments Book of the Law
1. Declared by God Deut. 4:13 1. Declared by Moses Ex. 24:3
2. Written by God's own finger Deut. 9:10 2. Written by Moses Deut. 31:9
3. Written on two tables of stone Deut. 10:4 3. Written in a book Deut. 31: 24
4. A complete law-nothing added Deut. 5:22 4. A separated law 2 Chron. 34:14
5. Placed in the Ark-by Moses Deut. 10:2 5. In the side of the Ark Deut.
31:14
6. God says, A law which I have written Ex. 24:12 6. The law that my servant Moses
commanded them 2 Kings 21:8
7. Defines sin Rom. 3:20 7. Added because of sin Gal.
3:19
8. Holy, Just and Good Rom. 7:12 8. Contrary to us Col. 2:14
9. Must obey to have Eternal Life Rev. 22:14 9. Can't take away sin Heb.
10:1-4
10. Perfect James 1:23-25 10. Make nothing perfect Heb.
7:19
11. Established by faith through obedience Rom. 3:31 11. Abolished Eph. 2:15
12. Spiritual Rom 7:7,14 12. Carnal Heb. 9:10
13. A law of Liberty James 2:10-12 13. A yoke of Bondage Gal. 5:1-5
To define the Ten Commandments, and set forth a “Law for Righteousness,” Obedience, nationally to the “Letter” of which would bring all of the blessings from God. Obedience to the Spirit would bring the greatest of all gifts, Eternal Life! The letter killeth, the Spirit giveth life! They (Israel) were under a schoolmaster! This Ceremonial law with its statutes and Judgments, was given to Israel by Moses and was performed by the Aaronic. Levitical priesthood, including the animal sacrifices for the atonement of sin. “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Heb.9:22). Animal sacrifices could never take away sin!
The key to the whole matter then was, the priesthood now administered the sacrificial system, offered the blood of atonement, stood in the gap between the People and God! The people could eat the Manna, follow the cloud by day, the pillar of fire by night, observe the Tabernacle service from a distance, bring their sin, trespass, or thank and peace offerings to the tabernacle, but the Priest must make the final approach to God on his or her behalf for atonement of trespasses whatever the kind!
This was an imperfect priesthood offering sacrifices which could never take away sins. “to Obey is Better than Sacrifice”--God did not desire sacrifice but obedience (Isa.1:1-18). “Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not” (Heb. 10:5b). “Sacrifices and offerings thou didst not desire, mine ears has thou opened; burnt offerings and sin offerings hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: (Psa.40:6-7a).
A perfect Priest, Jesus, the perfect Sacrifice Himself, brought down the “middle wall of partition,” the Temple Veil; the handwriting of ordinances (rites and ceremonies) that were against us (including the Levitical priesthood). This then was the added law of Gal. 3:17-19! Laws of National Inheritance naturally fell by the wayside with the loss of their inheritance 600 years before Christ! What stood between them and God? The Levitical Priesthood! “The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness sake.” He will magnify the law, and make it honorable (Isa.42:21; Matt.5:27-48).
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest. That is passed into the heavens; Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:4-16)
Jesus said: “if you love me, keep my Commandments” (John 15:14). “He that said I know Him (Jesus), and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1John 2:4).). See also the study of God’s Law from Adam to Moses.If you have not accepted Christ as your personal Saviour, why not do it now and find a church that teaches the truth and join it.
Jesus did not abolish the Ten Commandments at Calvary. They are independent of the Mosaic code. They preceded the Law of Moses, coming to us from Creation, therefore, the ending of the Moses’ ministration, or Civil Code, did not mean the End of the Ten Commandments. Moses enforced obedience to the original basic code, the Ten Commandments, as Mediator of the Old Covenant. Under the New Covenant, our Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, enforces obedience to the same basic Universal Laws, the Ten Commandments, from the heart, with no change of the original law. Jesus recognized two full authorities of that original Law, the Ten Commandments, while setting aside some of Moses’ administrative codes. To Jesus the Ten Commandments hold an independent place from the Mosaic Law. The same is true of Paul’s Epistles.
What we want to consider is: when these Laws appeared, what they consisted of and why they stand or fall. Paul speaks of an Added Law, an Abolished Law, and he also speaks of blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us! He also tells us the first covenant had Ceremonies of Divine services, and a worldly sanctuary. What was that middle wall of partition between us that was broken down by Christ? Are we to keep God’s Holy Laws, The Ten Commandments, in this dispensation?
We found without Law there is no sin! The first Law on record was “Thou shall not,” found in Gen.2:17. The “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil,” contained the knowledge of what constitutes sin. “By the Law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom.3:20). The “Covenant Law” (the Ten Commandments) began at Eden! Though not spelled out until Sinai as a code, was known and was the yardstick by which the world was judged! Others were added to it to further define sin as the world continued on. Cain, motivated by jealousy and hate, slew his brother Abel and was condemned by the Law (Gen.4:8-12). Placed under a curse by God, he became a fugitive and a vagabond.
As man multiplied in number so did his sins! There came the “Point of No Return,” recorded in Gen.6:6-7! God destroyed the world, and then estimated to be up to Two Billion souls! Out of which only eight souls were saved! Sodom and the plains of Gomorrah were destroyed for their sins. The record of the destruction of Sodom is found in Genesis chapter 19. The reasons for this destruction, Sin (Lev.18:22)! Sin was known in Abraham’s time! Ham, one of Noah’s sons was cursed for making sport of his father’s nakedness while drunk. Jacob’s son Joseph was approached by his master’s wife for extra marital sex while in slavery in Egypt. Joseph’s answer was, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God (Gen.39:9)?
These examples are just a small portion of those that could be given. These are to show that a list of 31 laws taken from the “Book of Moses” had to pre-exist at the time of Moses, with the exception of the Passover.
Let us establish the facts from the Bible that there were Two Separate Laws given at Mt. Sinai in the day of Moses. God declared these Precepts with a great voice and all the assembly of Israel heard them. God wrote this law on two tables of stone with His Own Finger (Deuteronomy 10:1-4). These Ten Precepts were a complete law; God “added no more” (Deuteronomy 5:2) and God called them, a “law which I have written” (Exodus 24:1-2). Moses was commanded to place this law, written on two tables of stone by the finger of God, in the Ark. Moses broke the first tables, but God wrote the same words on the second tables of stone, and Moses placed the second tables of stone in the Ark as God commanded. There we have one law, the Ten Commandments, placed in the Ark by the hands of Moses after being written by God Himself on two tables of stone.
Having established the fact that the Ten Commandments were given by God without a mediator, that is, He declared them with His own voice, and wrote them with His own finger on tables of stone, we are now ready to give Bible proof that “The Law of Moses” is a separate and distinct law. “Added because of Transgression” (Galatians 3:19) of the Ten Commandments. “For the Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). This is positive proof that it was the “Book of the Law,” not the Ten Commandments that was given by Moses. The “added” law is called, the book of the law.” This, “Book of the Law” which was given by Moses (2 Chronicles 34:14) is referred to throughout Paul’s letters to the church of Galatia. Remember it was this “Book of the law” and not the Ten Commandments that Paul was speaking of having rebuked them for going back to the “Works of the Law.” This added law, “The Book of the Law” was called “a schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:24-25).
After telling us that God declared and wrote the Ten Commandments, Moses said “And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whether ye go over to possess it” (Deuteronomy 4:14). Moses “wrote all the words of the Lord” in “The Book of The Covenant” (Exodus 24:3-4)). It was called “The Book of The Law.” “And Moses wrote this Law” (Deuteronomy 31:9-11). And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing this Law in a book, until they were finished, that Moses commanded the Levites, which bear 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). This “Book of the Law” containing “Precepts” was by the hand of Moses” (Nehemiah 9:14).
By Blotting out the handwriting of Ordinances the Apostle most evidently means the Ceremonial Laws (Colossian 2:14). The Law of Moses that was against them, they were bound to fulfill. It was contrary to them, as it condemned them for their neglect and transgression of this Law of Moses. These were curses that were written in the book Containing Ordinance (Ephesians 2:15). When Christ was nailed to the cross, our obligation to fulfill those ordinances was done away with. Those Religious Rites and Ceremonies contained in Ordinances, was made for the purpose of keeping the Israelites a distant people and pointing out the Son of God till He should come. We must hold fast to our Christian profession; it brings spiritual liberty. On the contrary, Judaism brings Spiritual bondage (Galatians 5:1-5).
Can the same Law be abolished by Christ and at the same time be established by faith in Christ? There were definitely Two Laws recognized for one having fulfilled in purpose ending at the death of Christ, while the other one is still Holy, Just, and Good--to give a knowledge of sin. The Perfect Law by which we are to be judged (James 2:10-12). The other was called a yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1-5).
Israel was required to obey Two Laws, the Ten Commandments, and the Book of the Laws. In short, they were to obey the Ten Commandments, the Laws of God and the Laws given by their Mediator, Moses--Two Laws. Moses placed two Tables of Stone: the Ten Commandments in the Ark (Deuteronomy 10:2-5) and the Levites place the Books of the (Moses) Laws in the side of the Ark (Deuteronomy 31:26).
The Two Laws Side by Side
2 Kings 21:8
Ten Commandments Book of the Law
1. Declared by God Deut. 4:13 1. Declared by Moses Ex. 24:3
2. Written by God's own finger Deut. 9:10 2. Written by Moses Deut. 31:9
3. Written on two tables of stone Deut. 10:4 3. Written in a book Deut. 31: 24
4. A complete law-nothing added Deut. 5:22 4. A separated law 2 Chron. 34:14
5. Placed in the Ark-by Moses Deut. 10:2 5. In the side of the Ark Deut.
31:14
6. God says, A law which I have written Ex. 24:12 6. The law that my servant Moses
commanded them 2 Kings 21:8
7. Defines sin Rom. 3:20 7. Added because of sin Gal.
3:19
8. Holy, Just and Good Rom. 7:12 8. Contrary to us Col. 2:14
9. Must obey to have Eternal Life Rev. 22:14 9. Can't take away sin Heb.
10:1-4
10. Perfect James 1:23-25 10. Make nothing perfect Heb.
7:19
11. Established by faith through obedience Rom. 3:31 11. Abolished Eph. 2:15
12. Spiritual Rom 7:7,14 12. Carnal Heb. 9:10
13. A law of Liberty James 2:10-12 13. A yoke of Bondage Gal. 5:1-5
To define the Ten Commandments, and set forth a “Law for Righteousness,” Obedience, nationally to the “Letter” of which would bring all of the blessings from God. Obedience to the Spirit would bring the greatest of all gifts, Eternal Life! The letter killeth, the Spirit giveth life! They (Israel) were under a schoolmaster! This Ceremonial law with its statutes and Judgments, was given to Israel by Moses and was performed by the Aaronic. Levitical priesthood, including the animal sacrifices for the atonement of sin. “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Heb.9:22). Animal sacrifices could never take away sin!
The key to the whole matter then was, the priesthood now administered the sacrificial system, offered the blood of atonement, stood in the gap between the People and God! The people could eat the Manna, follow the cloud by day, the pillar of fire by night, observe the Tabernacle service from a distance, bring their sin, trespass, or thank and peace offerings to the tabernacle, but the Priest must make the final approach to God on his or her behalf for atonement of trespasses whatever the kind!
This was an imperfect priesthood offering sacrifices which could never take away sins. “to Obey is Better than Sacrifice”--God did not desire sacrifice but obedience (Isa.1:1-18). “Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not” (Heb. 10:5b). “Sacrifices and offerings thou didst not desire, mine ears has thou opened; burnt offerings and sin offerings hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: (Psa.40:6-7a).
A perfect Priest, Jesus, the perfect Sacrifice Himself, brought down the “middle wall of partition,” the Temple Veil; the handwriting of ordinances (rites and ceremonies) that were against us (including the Levitical priesthood). This then was the added law of Gal. 3:17-19! Laws of National Inheritance naturally fell by the wayside with the loss of their inheritance 600 years before Christ! What stood between them and God? The Levitical Priesthood! “The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness sake.” He will magnify the law, and make it honorable (Isa.42:21; Matt.5:27-48).
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest. That is passed into the heavens; Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:4-16)
Jesus said: “if you love me, keep my Commandments” (John 15:14). “He that said I know Him (Jesus), and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1John 2:4).). See also the study of God’s Law from Adam to Moses.If you have not accepted Christ as your personal Saviour, why not do it now and find a church that teaches the truth and join it.