The Law

The Law is foundational to the Old Testament and the vital key to understanding God's dealings with His chosen people within the framework of their national identity, way of life and form of worship.

Modern Christians interpret the Law to mean a set of rules or regulations, when in fact the ancient Israelites understood it to be God's revelation of Himself and how they could know and approach Him rightly. No wonder the prophet Jeremiah could see beyond his own people's failure and proclaim:

Jeremiah 31:33

After those days, says the LORD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Bible scholars generally agree that Moses wrote the first five books that is called the Law or Torah. The account of Genesis predates his birth beyond the time of the Patriarchs and into the beginning of creation itself, leading many to believe that its Source must of necessity be divine revelation, possibly given to Moses during his forty days of solitude with God on the summit of mount Sinai.

We should never dismiss the Law as irrelevant just because we are justified by faith and living under grace. Paul says that the Law is holy, just and good (Romans 7:12) if we understand its purpose and apply it correctly (1 Timothy 1:8). Indeed, the Law is the manifestation of God's nature and character, and while it cannot save but reveal our true sinful condition, it is the inseparable companion of grace and finds fulfillment in the person of Christ, of which John wrote:

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.