Old Law

I do not set aside the grace of God; if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.
– Galatians 2:21

The Pharisees and Sadducees were stanch believers in the Law. The Law doesn’t only refer to the 10 Commandments, but to the other laws written in the Torah. Sacrificial laws, tithing laws, worship laws are only a few of the topics that are covered in the first five books.

When Moses came down from Mt. Sanai, he brought with him the 10 Commandments from God. No sooner did Moses reach ground level, did he throw and break the stone tablets due to the sinful actions that the people were participating in. After making the necessary corrections, Moses returned to the mountain to receive a second set of stone tablet. These stone tablets were placed in the Ark along with Aaron’s Rod and a jar of Manna (Hebrews 9:4).

When Jesus died on the cross, He died for all of humanity. Due to our sinful nature, sacrifices must to be made for atonement. The usual sacrifice was an unblemished lamb. When Abraham was to sacrifice his son, Isaac, he told him that God would provide a lamb/sheep. Once Isaac was tied and Abraham was ready to offer up his son, an Angle of God stopped Abraham. Abraham released Isaac and saw and sacrificed a RAM instead. The True Lamb of God had not yet arrived.

Jesus was referred to the “Lamb of God” numerous times (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7,1 Peter 1:19) and throughout Revelations. He was to be the final sacrifice for our sins. It is nothing we have done to deserve such a reward; it is by God’s love and grace. It is impossible for humans to uphold the laws of the Old Testament. We were all dead in our sins destined for hell. Jesus saw Abraham in hell, before He was raised; breaking the hold that sin had on us (Luke 16:19-31).

Paul wrote to the people of Galatia about how through the law no one will be justified before God. It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus, that we are able to approach the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16). The Law was only a temporary solution until it was time for Jesus. He didn’t come to change the law, but to fulfill it. Through Jesus the law is complete. The perfect, unblemished lamb is the sacrifice for all the sins of mankind.

This sacrifice was not given to just the Jews or just the Gentiles. We are all recipients of this gift. God doesn’t wish for anyone to perish; He wants us all to be with Him in heaven (2 Peter 3:7). However, we are all given freewill and there will be those not admitted into the banquet (Matthew 25:1-13). The invitation has been signed, sealed and delivered, it’s up to each individual whether to accept it or not.