WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE: THE OLD LAW AND THE NEW LAW

The text for this study comes from Galatians 3:16-29. Many people today have a knowledge of bits and pieces of the Bible but lack the ability to attain a clear picture or scheme from it. We must always seek to apply all scriptures, relevant to a subject as we seek to study and thus understand the particular subject.

In our study of the Old Law vs. the New Law, we must first determine what the law was that is spoken of in Galatians 3:16-29. We must also determine to whom the law was given and for what purpose.

WHAT WAS THE LAW

The "law" in Galatians 3:16-29 refers to the "Law of Moses." It contained the ten commandments (Exodus 20), and special ordinances.

TO WHOM WAS IT GIVEN

These ordinances were to be followed by Israel. The "Law of Moses" was exclusive to the house of Israel. No other nation was obligated to perform the duties of this law (Exodus 19:3).

WHAT WAS IT'S PURPOSE

The "Law of Moses" was exclusive in purpose. It was to teach Israel the awfulness of sin, the importance of obedience unto God, and the discipline of sacrifice. It was a "tutor" or "schoolmaster" which whould accompany them till the coming of the Messiah (Gal. 3:24-25). The "Law of Moses" was temporary. It was never intended to be an eternal law but was to last until Christ came and fulfilled the law (Gal. 3:19).

HOW WAS IT FULFILLED

Jesus Christ the lamb of God was the sacrifice to end the "Law of Moses" and begin a new law, "The law of Christ." See Romans 10:4, Colosians 2:14 and Hebrews 10:9-10. The coming of Jesus ended all obligations to the Old Law. No longer would there be divisions between Jew and Gentile, but all, would be obligated to the New Law equally. See Ephesians 2:13-16.

WHAT ABOUT FAITH

My convictions concerning my Creator and my confidence that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" are motivated by "the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints." My faith is built upon the word and my faith introduces great expectation and hope for an eternal home with God some day. And we must understand that an un-motivated faith is a dead faith! James 2:17, James 2:24.

BUT ISN'T GOD'S LOVE ALL THAT'S NEEDED

Obviously without God's love, all of mankind would be lost! But one of the most common verses known to the world today (John 3:16) tells us that God does love us. However, besides being the most widely known verse in the Bible, it is probably the most misunderstood. God did not just love mankind, He so loved us that He was willing to give up His most precious treasure, His only Son. He sent His Son to this earth to make apparent His love for us. Furthermore, He revealed a great plan of salvation which would afford mankind the opportunity to live in Heaven with Him forever. Jesus stated that whosoever believeth on him could have eternal life. But this faith cannot be a mere belief that Jesus is the Son of God, for in the same chapter Jesus claims that man must "come to the light." See John 3:21. This passage explains that in order to come to God (the light), one must do the truth. This emphatically describes more than just mere belief. If anything, it expresses total obedience of faith.

CONCLUSION

The cross of Christ divides the Old Law from the New Law. We find ourselves in the economy of the New Law, the Christian Age. Therefore, our obedience must be to this Law of Christ. Obedience of the Law of Moses today will profit you nothing. Notice the instruction of the apostle Paul, in Galatians 2:16. The answer to many religious controversies become apparent when the difference between the Old Law and New Law are explained. Please take time to examine your convictions. Could it be that your faith is in something other than the faith?

To return to the Old in this New Testament age is to say Christ died for nought (Gal. 2:21). Then of what use is the Old Testament today? From it comes the inspired record of the creation, the history of man and his need of a Saviour, and the wonderful prophecises of Christ. Christians are to recognize the Old as the inspired word of God, and use it for learning, admonition and comfort, BUT NOT AS THEIR LAW. (Rom. 15:41; 1Cor. 10:11).