What Would Moses Say?: The Loss of Moral Compass in an Age of Grace and The Relevance of Biblical Commandments

By Pamela Susanne Snyder

What Would Moses Say? is a carefully researched and crafted book. The author began with the premise that Moses's Law, in fact, much of Old Testament history, is nonbinding for today's believer. Her journey and findings brought a surprising revelation that all of God's word is useful for our spiritual growth. As she explored each of the Ten Commandments, the truth became even more clear. The moral principles that God had established as a standard for the Israelites still hold true for today. In fact, as society continues to break down with prevailing lawlessness, there has never been a better time than now to address our application of God's commandments.

Could it be that a careless disregard for the obsolete law is the reason for the lukewarm state of many believers in the twenty-first century? Decreased church attendance, high divorce rates, disobedient children, loss of young adults to secular pursuits, and an absence of God's name in day-to-day conversation all characterize the problem. Could it be that good people who call themselves Christian could benefit from a deeper look at the Ten Commandments? According to the findings, the answer is yes!

The evidence points to the need for a new or renewed relationship with God's appointed head of the church, Jesus Christ. There cannot be any substantial law keeping in the absence of the lawgiver. We must first love God (the first commandment) before we can love others. The worldliness of today's church has impacted Christianity as we know it. There is no other answer than to be unique and separate.

This book was written for readers in all stages of their spiritual journey. It promises to be interesting, challenging, enlightening, and instructional. Use it for personal reading or a group study.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886162202

Book preview

cover.jpg

What Would Moses Say?

The Loss of Moral Compass in an Age of Grace and The Relevance of Biblical Commandments

Pamela Susanne Snyder

ISBN 979-8-88616-219-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88616-220-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Pamela Susanne Snyder

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

All scripture references are taken from the New King James Version unless otherwise indicated. Scripture quotes are italicized.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Preface

Prologue

Chapter 1

Introduction

Chapter 2

Moses: God's Servant

Chapter 3

The Historical Account

Chapter 4

Love the One Unique God Passionately

Chapter 5

Worship the One True God Exclusively

Chapter 6

Speak as If God Were Listening

Chapter 7

Practice Personal and Public Worship

Chapter 8

Respect and Honor Parents

Chapter 9

Value God-Given Life

Chapter 10

Be Faithful to God and Spouse

Chapter 11

Live with Contentment

Chapter 12

Speak Well of Others

Chapter 13

Desire God above All Else

Chapter 14

Blessings of New Testament Laws

Chapter 15

Law Compliments Grace

Chapter 16

The Issue of Sin: Breaking God's Laws

Chapter 17

Virtuosity

Chapter 18

Obstacles to Biblical Living

Chapter 19

A Nation Under One God

Chapter 20

Conclusion and Final Exam

Appendix A

Timeline: Faith in America

Appendix B

Guide to Becoming the Parent God Wants You to Be

Appendix C

Children Who Leave the Church and Their Faith Research

Appendix D

Special Study on Proverbs 4

Appendix E

How to Be Faithful to Spouse and to God

Appendix F

Contributions and Failures of the Law

Appendix G

Interpretation of Scripture: Law and Grace

Appendix H

Contrast between Law and Grace

Glossary

Bibliography

About the Author

Endnotes

To the many readers who:

Seek the truth rather than popular thought,

Desiring to learn and grow spiritually

In memory of:

Jeffrey Thomas Rossman

Passionate disciple of Christ

Who gave the book his recommendation

Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and Your law is truth.

—Psalm 119:142

Preface

Moses received the ten commandments from God, then enforced them.

What would Moses say if he could realize the lack of love for God in the world today?

What would Moses say if he were witness to our worship of things, people, and philosophy?

What would Moses say if he were to listen in on our speech and abuse of God's name?

What would Moses say if he were to observe our worship habits?

What would Moses say if he could see today's treatment of parents?

What would Moses say if he knew how common and accepted murder is at this time?

What would Moses say of our tolerance of adultery?

What would Moses say about the prevalence of stealing?

What would Moses say if he observed our public/private slander and lying?

What would Moses say about covetousness in our culture?

Why should we care about what Moses would say? Just asking the question should produce a somber reminder as to exactly who the Old Testament character Moses was. God entrusted this national hero to negotiate with Pharaoh, lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt, and execute one of the most historical journeys to the promised land. The namesake of the Mosaic covenant implemented the first set of formal civil, legal, ceremonial, and spiritual commandments in history.

Moses had opportunity to see God on numerous occasions. The encounter he had with God on Mount Sinai was so glorious that his face shone with holy light. This was a God-fearing man who was privileged to not only know God but also to be used of God. Moses's final moments on this earth were spent in communion with his God (Deuteronomy 4:4–5). The benediction of his life is recorded in verses 10–12, and what a benediction it is!

Proclaimed as the preeminent prophet proceeding Jesus Christ.

Unique familiarity with God, he knew him face-to-face.

Performed signs and wonders in the Lord's name.

Publicly proclaimed God's power in the sight of all Israel.

A New Testament account (Matthew 17:1–3) records that Moses was also present during the transfiguration of Christ. As Jesus accompanied Peter, James, and John high up on a mountain, Moses and Elijah appeared to discuss his impending crucifixion. For Moses, this postdeath visit back to earth was a rare privilege indeed. But even more special was his witness to an occasion of God expressing love and acclamation for his Son, Jesus Christ.

Knowing all of this, yes, we should care about what Moses would say!

Prologue

Key Verse

Moses instructed Israel, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 32:46)

Key Point

The Ten Commandments were never intended to merit righteousness. They prove importance for exposing sin and shaping moral character.

Old laws were meant for biblical peoples but not for us, you might say. Fables and lore handed down from ancient ancestry, you might theorize. A punitive system intended to enforce submissiveness to God, you may have determined. There are myriads of opinions regarding the factual existence and/or relevance of the Mosaic Law. However, these should not influence nor discourage one's interest to find the real historical truth behind the Ten Commandments and their applicability for today.

Over many years, there has been misunderstanding concerning Moses's Law. What Would Moses Say? was written to explore the complexity of each commandment and apply their postmodern relevancy based on biblical truths. The author of this book, who committed her life to Christ at the age of twelve and grew up in the church, experienced uncertainty regarding the pertinency of the Ten Commandments. Some of the confusion arose from having been taught the irrelevancy of the Law under the new covenant.

For New Testament believers commonly claim that Old Testament Law should play no important role in their lives because Jesus Christ's death and resurrection ushered in the age of grace. Other concerns came from observance that today's Christians seem to live without moral regard to the commandments. One might note that many believers are not distinctly separate from unbelievers. They do not imitate Christ in daily living. They commonly break the Ten Commandments with the same frequency as unbelievers. However, it seems almost certain that basic goodness and kindness originated with the Law. It should continue to hold importance if for no other reason that it is God's word.

This book will not seek to prove or disprove dispensationalism. Further, it is not the intent of the author to add confusion or new theology to this topic. Clearly, self-directed examination of the various commandments and morality, as a whole, is exceedingly important. The believer's godly example could be a lifeline to our world who is increasingly becoming amoral. For us to ignore this fact is to deny God's interest to work in our lives.

Occasionally a theologian will bravely credit the Ten Commandments for their virtuosity, such as David Barton, author of the Founder's Bible. The Moral Law is the listing of God's timeless, unchanging, and universal rules of right and wrong that do not change and which apply equally to the individual, the family, the government, and the church. The Moral Law is just as applicable to the lives of today's New Testament Christians as when it was first delivered more than 3,500 years ago.¹

A popular but erroneous perspective is that lawkeeping will result in acceptance by God. However, a study of the Israelite nation disproves this assumption. It was in gratitude for their deliverance from Egypt, that these people were ready to obey God. When the Law of God revealed their sin, they repented, offered a sacrifice, and looked to the future hope of a Messiah, as Abraham had practiced. The commandments came from God and were intended for the distinct purpose of drawing people into obedience to him. In addition, God's moral laws give provision to make his people safe and secure.

One must ask, Should we live according to the Law (moral virtue), or should we live by faith? Or can faith and law blend to create a framework for godly living? This book will provide answers to these questions. An in-depth study of each commandment will lead the reader to a better understanding of God's hatred of the sins that so easily beset us. It will become clear that the usefulness of the Law is to expose our sinfulness and emphasize the holiness of God. The biblical research in the book brings understanding of these truths and corrects delusion and error. The reader will find that the answers are always discovered in the principles of the Bible. Jesus said, in John 8:32, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

God intends for us to live in the freedom found in faith rather than bondage based in lawkeeping. This reality will convince the reader as he or she explores and learns. It was never God's plan to restrict us so severely that our freedoms become limited. He refreshingly offers a freedom that stands apart from the rigid system of Old Testament laws. That freedom is available to all and everyone who look to Jesus Christ as their lawgiver.

Chapter 1

Introduction

Key Verses

What great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? Therefore, know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. You shall therefore keep his statutes and his commandments which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:8, 39–40)

Key Point

The duties of men are summarily comprised of the Ten Commandments, consisting of two tables: one comprehending the duties which we owe immediately to God; the other, the duties we owe to our fellow men. (Noah Webster, Founding Father)

Lead-In

View a video on the Ten Commandments. Bible info may be one source.

Review the early covenants, meaning proof of agreement. Clarifying the difference between covenants will dispel any confusion regarding their purpose within the biblical timeline. God's covenants are founded on his terms alone. However, they have always benefited man, either through blessing or chastisement. They fulfilled his purpose and plan for humanity. They are an excellent example of his love for us.

Adamic Covenant—Initially God covenanted with Adam and Eve following their creation (Genesis 1:26–30) and (2:16–17). The covenant included commandments which they violated, thus resulting in further covenants (Genesis 3:15–19). God's judgment, although severe, was just. His covenant of blessing in verse 15 promised that one who would be born of a woman would crush Satan and bring salvation (Galatians 4:4–5).

Noahic Covenant—God promised Noah and his sons that never again would the earth be destroyed by a flood. This was confirmed by a rainbow (Genesis 9:8, 11, 13).

Abrahamic Covenant—Abram received countless unconditional promises from God. In Genesis 12:2, he learned that God would use him to start a great nation and make his name great. God would bless him and bless those who blessed Abram and his nation, as well as curse those who cursed this race. Genesis 17:1–8 provides further promises. Abraham (notice his name change) would be the abundant father of many nations and kings. God promised to be his God, helping him conquer much land. Through Abraham's line, all families of the earth would be blessed. It would be Jesus Christ who would bring this blessing since he came from Abraham's linage.

Mosaic Covenant—This was a conditional covenant, meaning that if God's commandments were obeyed, there would be blessings. If not obeyed, they would bring God's discipline (Deuteronomy 11:26–27).

Moses would say that no other scripture has so extensively reached humanity as the Ten Commandments. Certainly, a majority of individuals have knowledge of these rules given by God to Moses. The precepts stand superior as predominant ethical attributes of God, people, and governments. Their usefulness as a moral compass is the characteristic that is most often realized. Less recognized is the concept of sin and accountability to God. The first commandment places an emphatic requirement on man that he love the one God who made heaven and earth. It is significant that the Ten Commandments form the ethical basis of the world's three great monotheistic religions. Jews, Christians, and Muslims draw inspiration from them. Biblical teachings have been so interwoven in civilizations, that it is impossible to speculate what life would have been without their positive influence. As the reminder of God and the Bible are gradually being removed from the public eye, we are seeing a greater contrast between evil and good. A reminder of the value the Ten Commandments bring to life in general is long overdue.

Relationship of Nations and the Ten Commandments

The numerous benefits of the Ten Commandments and the Bible as a whole have been universally recognized. St. Thomas Aquinas reconciled Greek thought with Christianity. The Romans respected the Greeks for their intellect and literacy. Thus, the two joined to recognize the Christian moral principles of the Bible. This explains their influence on the common law.

English common law was founded on the Ten Commandments, as England's Lord Keeper, Sir Francis Bacon stated, The law of England is not taken out of Amadis de Gaul, nor the Book of Palmerin, but from Scripture, out of the laws of the Romans and Grecians.¹ Early in England's history, Christianity provided its government with the ethical structure with which to frame laws. America's birth then emerged with elements of scriptural truth intertwined in the pages of its constitution and history. The first textbook, The New England Primer, was published in 1690 and used until 1930 in US public schools. It contained the New Testament passage of Matthew 22:36–40 that states the following:

What is the sum of the Ten Commandments?

To love the Lord our God with all our heart,

With all our soul, with all our strength, and

With all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.

For hundreds of years, the God of the Bible was revered in the United States. Noah Webster, founding father, made the following statement:

A supreme love of God is the first, the great, the indispensable duty of every rational being. God's character is the only perfect model of holiness. It follows that all God's creatures who are intended to be happy, must have the like character. But men will not aim to possess the character of holiness unless they love it as the chief good. Hence, the necessity of loving God with supreme affection.²

More recently, it was President Ronald Reagan who commented,

Of the many influences that have shaped the United States of America into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible. Its teachings helped form the basis for the founding fathers' abiding belief in the inalienable rights of the individual. Rights which they found implicit in the Bible's teachings of the inherent worth and dignity of each individual.³

Something Changed

What happened to change the American landscape from a once God-fearing people to a nation void of biblical truth? (See Appendix A.) America's decline in faith and values may seem gradual, but this transformation has occurred in less than a hundred years. A significant factor is related to secular opinion overruling religious expression. Examples of this may be noted in supreme and lower court rulings. Another important factor is the national adoption of other gods and paganistic practices. But the most alarming factor is that Christians have abandoned their faith and their God.

In 2015, the Pew Research Center found that the percentage of adults (ages eighteen and older) who describe themselves as Christians drops by nearly eight percentage points every seven years. One reason for this is a difference in the generational interest in religion. The Millennial generation displays much lower levels of religious affiliation, including less connection with Christian churches.⁴ The removal of prayer, religious expression, and the Ten Commandments from the public square is troubling to say the least. There is no doubt that believers are less easily identified. An additional concern is the lack of godly parenting in homes. Yes, an easy and somewhat satisfying solution might be to blame the secular world for its lack of tolerance.

However, we are called to be faithful to God and to uphold his standards. The responsibility lies with the remnant—those believers who can and will make a difference in their own surroundings, their families, and in the community. The values the Ten Commandments espouse need to be lived out. Their usefulness will result in a more consistent awareness of temptations and disobedience. Their impression in minds and hearts will lead to holiness in personal life and testimony.

Ten Commandment Facts

To better understand the laws of Exodus 20, it is important to consider its demographics. The Ten Commandments, otherwise known as the Decalogue or the Law, were the initial precepts that God (YHWH) gave to Moses. This engagement between God and Moses occurred on Mount Sinai sometime during the thirteenth or fourteenth century BC. The title Ten Commandments means ten words of the covenant (testament). The commandments are listed in four biblical references, Exodus 20:2–17, Exodus 34, Deuteronomy 5:6–21, and Deuteronomy 10:1–11. They are also referred to in other Old Testament and New Testament texts.

The Law of Moses (the Ten Commandments or Mosaic Law) is to be distinguished apart from the additional 613 civil, ceremonial, and moral laws contained in the Pentateuch. The references in the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch, are Exodus 21–30, Leviticus 10–27, Numbers 5–19, 27–36, and Deuteronomy 10–26. Since much of Exodus and Leviticus are considered to be legal documentation, their literary style is quite different than other sections of the Bible. For the purposes of this book, referrals to the Law are in reference to the Ten Commandments.

The Need for Laws

We may not often think about the importance of laws. We may even resent or disagree with laws that impact our lives. Surprisingly, laws are the backbone of every country! They are the glue that binds principles to applications. Laws are rules that are meant to unite people for the purpose of harmonious living. Civility and protection that the law provides is beneficial to all if it is followed and obeyed. In government systems, the desired outcome is that citizens, while keeping the laws, also develop a respect for that which protects them. Have you ever considered that law keeping is vital to your testimony? Others who watch you may observe whether you role model obedience to civil, moral, and spiritual laws. God saw the need for man to respectfully observe his civil, moral, and spiritual laws. The results would naturally bring about a respect and love for him.

Earth's first family demonstrated that man's lawlessness would result in the precipitous crime of murder. Subsequent wickedness during Noah's generation brought about the wrath of God. Yet from the very beginning, it was the act of disobedience that separated man from God. An example of this rebellion is observed with the Israelites. The Hebrew people, as a whole, would require some governing laws to ensure civil peace and obedience. More importantly, God's precepts would encourage them to stay connected with and accountable to him, their higher power. We observe that the Hebrews, like all other people, did not appreciate the special relationship that God offered. They were apt to turn from God's goodness and forget his promises. Their complaining would be shortsighted as they disregarded the basic instructions he previously had given to them. Furthermore, they required constant reminders to seek after God, to trust him, to love him, and to obey him, just like we do!

Purpose for the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments and other ordinances and statutes provided life principles upon which the Hebrew people could trust. They would be guided into peaceful, rewarding, and holy living. In essence, these laws taught them how to love God as they should and how to treat their fellow men as they would want to be treated. The first four commandments provide instruction concerning relationship with God. The remaining six commandments address actions toward others. In his book, The Legends of the Jews, Rabbi Louis Ginzberg states that the Ten Commandments are virtually entwined. Breaking of one leads to breaking another.⁵

The commandments were intended to be completely obeyed. God expressed his desire that these laws would be regarded with high importance. They were to become a part of one's person, i.e., in your heart (Deuteronomy 6:4–6). They were to be an outward expression of respect and concern for others, i.e., wear them as a sign in your hand and forehead and as a sign on your house and gates (Deuteronomy 6:8–9). The people of Israel were to teach the laws to their children and subsequent generations, upholding them with reverence (Deuteronomy 6:7). God wanted them to be reminded of his person and his love for them. In fact, his commandments are a reflection of his very own nature and character and his desire for a covenant with Israel.

The Law distinguished the nation of Israel from other nations, showing that God had covenanted with them. It established a new relationship with God where his will would clearly be revealed. It provided a rule of conduct and brought special blessings to those who obeyed. The Law's importance is revealed in its purpose. There are at least eight general purposes for the Law.

To show God's mercy through his involvement with Israel

To secure the blessings of the Lord for the people

To promote love and respect for God and others

To ensure legal, civil, and religious lawkeeping

To serve as a standard of God's holiness

To reveal man's sinfulness

To prove man's inability to be holy as God is

To point us to a new, more personal covenant with him in the future

Deuteronomy 11:8–28 identifies some benefits the Law provided to the people. It was meant to

make them strong (verse 8),

supply their needs (verses 14–15),

be passed on to other generations (verse 19),

help them gain in military might (verse 23), and

serve as a conscious reminder of their actions (verses 26–28).

Exodus 20:2 emphasizes the reasons for adhering to God's commands. Two reasons are stated.

God is the one and only deity. In a covenant, God told Abraham that he would be God to him and his descendants (Genesis 17:7). Many more reminders followed through the course of time that gave credence to the act of claiming God as one's only deity.

God fulfilled his promise to deliver Israel from bondage. It was his desire that never again would man become enslaved as they had been. But more importantly, God wanted to provide a spiritual freedom from bitterness that could easily engulf them.

The Law is a display of God's perfect requirements, reflecting who he is. As such, the Law naturally alerts one to their hopeless state and inability to be like God. It might have led to great discouragement since keeping all the laws was impossible. However, it may have resulted in encouragement to seek after God with greater interest and effort. As a result, the Law was designed to restrain the presence of evil in the world and to secure civil order. Its greatest significance, however, was to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

The Mosaic covenant was added to the preexisting Abrahamic covenant for the purpose of divine revelation, as Galatians 3:19, 14 explains. It gave a more complete definition of sin; acting as a type of judgment for disobedience. Verse 19 continues to explain that the seed, Jesus Christ, would be the new standard of holiness. When Christ came, he instituted a new covenant, where he modeled the perfection that the Law had required.

The Beginning of Covenants

The commandments are laws intended to regulate and promote peace. They are also promises that a covenant or agreement would bring. Thus, we should view them as blessings of guidance that will ensure harmony. In Jeremiah 33:20, God refers to his covenant regarding the created order, specifically night and day, as permanency or lasting forever. Although the word covenant is not used in the creation account, there is good evidence that because of his promised creation and the blessings it would bring, that it be considered a covenant.

The Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai are a follow-up to God's initial commandments concerning the creation. It is apparent that the creation brings a conscious and reverent reminder of God's moral character. The elements of God's character in creation are masterful! For example, the Creator is owner of all that exists, including man. A second element is his supernatural power which developed the universes. Man cannot understand nor explain what God "calls those things which do not exist as though they did" (Romans 4:17). In Genesis 1:3–27, God spoke the words:

Let there be light (verse 3).

Let there be a firmament/atmosphere (verse 6).

Let the waters be gathered (seas) and let land appear (verse 9).

Let the earth bring forth plant life (verse 11).

Let there be lights in the firmament (verse 14).

Let the waters and atmosphere abound with creatures, fish and birds (verse 20).

Let the earth bring forth animals (verse 24).

Let us make man in our image (verse 26).

The creation of matter was much more than the initial appearance of substance. It was an orderly and purposeful placement that occurred as a result of nothing more than God's own words. God's words coincide with science. We know that matter is essentially energy. When God spoke, there was a flow of energy. Similarly, it was God who verbalized the commands of the Law to Moses. This, in a comparable dramatic delivery of his creation. The pattern of God speaking during momentous events reveals his true person. His voice was more impactful than any other method or exchange. If we can recognize and appreciate the significance of God's words, our admiration for and obedience to them will gain proportional respect and response.

Following the creation came the Noahic covenant, the Abrahamic covenant, and the Mosaic covenant. Today we live under the New Testament covenant of salvation through God's grace and Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul's grief over Jewish rejection of the Messiah resulted in his words in Romans 9:1–5.

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

Paul refers to the covenants that God had generously provided for Israel. While many promises were given to Israel, the affirmation of a final covenant in which Jesus Christ is proclaimed the Son of God is the triumphant blessing. Our focus on the Mosaic covenant begins with a look at the holy God, Father of Jesus Christ, who gave the Law. To best explain God's relationship with man, an awareness of his plan for Israel and all mankind is essential.

God's Plan

During the Sinai mountain experience, God's righteous plan became evident to the people (Exodus 19:3–6).

God used the Hebrew leader Moses to emphasize the importance of an orderly chain of command (verse 3).

God helped the people to remember their history (verse 4). For 215 years, the Hebrew people had not known freedom during their confinement in Egypt. They suffered great injustices and persecution while in captivity. But now God had given them freedom. He reminded them in this verse that following him would result in a much better life, one that would bring security and satisfaction.

God's commitment to Israel was to provide continuous deliverance. He promised to literally lift them out of dangerous situations. Their rescue would result in his adoption as his special, treasured people (verses 4–5). Isaiah delivered God's message to the Jewish exiles. He said, "Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you" (Isaiah 46:4).

God's holiness would transfer to this nation of Israel, as they became holy in obedience to him.

Israel's new role would require a close relationship with God in order for them to be a witness to the world (verse 6).

God's plan intended to bring Israel into a personal understanding and appreciation for him. A conscious awareness of wrongdoing would stem from observance of the Law. In addition, God offered his loving forgiveness when they violated his laws. This expression of love was intended to replace Israel's fear with the acceptance that the people so longed for and needed.

In the first century, the apostle John would relay God's plan by confirming that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the source of all spiritual life (John 4:14). Jesus's death and resurrection replaced all work-based practices in order to satisfy God. The new requirement would be simple faith in him as the Savior of all mankind (Romans 4:13). A result of his indwelling presence is spiritual fruit, otherwise known as holiness (John 7:38, Galatians 5:22–25). Obedience to God's will is still recognized through observance of lawkeeping, an element of spiritual fruit. The apostle Paul compared the Law's usefulness in justification and sanctification. His message further clarifies that the Law is significant for revealing God's requirements and our sin (justification). The process of sanctification, or spiritual growth, materializes as we live in accordance with God's word (Romans 8:4).

In summary, it is necessary to understand the appropriation of the Ten Commandments throughout history and today. The Bible makes it clear that we are not to trust in them for eternal security. We must recognize that God's standard is achievable only through his Son, Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16). But the application of the Laws of Moses is vital to the believer's testimony in a godless world.

Follow-Up

For whom is the new covenant intended? Jeremiah 31:31–34 provides the answer.

Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. …. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people… They all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them… I will forgive their iniquity and their sin I will remember no more.

The new covenant was not meant for all of mankind or even for the church. It promises a personal relationship through faith in Jesus Christ for the Jews all made possible with a new covenant. God will write his law on the hearts of his people rather than on tablets of stone as in the past, believing gentiles are grafted into this Jewish promise as the passage of Romans 11:17–24 confirms. Therefore, we can appreciate that God has written his law on our hearts. Although Israel does not yet enjoy the relationship with Jesus Christ, it can know that God has plans and blessings for its future.

God's holiness is reflected in the Ten Commandments