Law of Moses
The Law of Moses (Hebrew: תֹּורַת מֹשֶׁה Torat Moshe), also called the Mosaic Law, is the law said to have been revealed to Moses by God. The term primarily refers to the Torah or the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
The Mosaic Law refers to the divinely-given code of rules revealed to Moses by God for the Israelites, forming the basis of the Mosaic Covenant. Contained in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible), it includes the Ten Commandments, as well as moral, civil, and ceremonial laws governing worship, social life, and justice. The law served to set Israel apart, reveal God’s holy character, and highlight human sinfulness, ultimately pointing towards a future fulfillment in Christ for Christians.
Components of the Mosaic Law
The Mosaic Law is a unified system, but can be understood in three interconnected parts:
Moral Law: This is the foundation, represented by the Ten Commandments and other principles governing relationships with God and people.
Civil (Social) Law: These laws regulated Israel’s secular life, including social, political, and economic aspects.
Ceremonial Law: This part of the law guided Israel’s worship and spiritual life through practices like the priesthood, sacrifices, and festivals.
Purpose of the Mosaic Law
Holiness and Distinction: The law was given to reveal God’s holiness and to make Israel a people distinct from other nations.
Consciousness of Sin: By highlighting the standards of God’s righteousness, the law made the Israelites aware of their inability to keep it perfectly, thus revealing their sinfulness.
Preparation for Christ: The law was a “preparatory gospel” with symbolism and sacrifices that pointed toward Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, fulfilling the law’s requirements.
Authority and Fulfillment
For Israel: The Mosaic Law was a conditional covenant between God and Israel, with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
For Christians: According to Christian theology, Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law through His death and resurrection, bringing an end to the covenant’s jurisdiction. While the ceremonial and civil aspects were fulfilled, the moral aspect remains authoritative as a guide for holy living.