Old Testament Law and Sacrifices What is 'the law'? What are 'sacrifices'? Law = Sacrifices = What problems are there with understanding the OT law today? e.g. Deuteronomy 22:4-12 A. Why were the law and the sacrifices commanded? Exodus 19:4-6: Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: and. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. of Israel. (1) Israel's salvation: You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings Obeying the law was never a way to be saved. (2) Israel's status: a holy nation Law (Heb. torah 'instruction') was to guide Israel to live as God's chosen people under the covenant. (3) Israel's mission: for the whole earth is mine Israel is to reveal the true God by reflecting his character to the surrounding nations (4) Israel's situation: obey my voice and keep my covenant The law's intention was to mould Israel into a holy nation in their historical and cultural situation (5) Israel's companion: God's dwelling - brought you to myself Need for priesthood and sacrificial system: cleansing and fellowship on his terms alone. (6) Israel's problem: if you will indeed obey my voice Israel would always choose sin and rebellion against God (a mini-version of all humanity). B. How has the coming of Jesus changed our understanding of the law and sacrifices? (1) Fulfilment (Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 10:4): Jesus is the end (goal/climax) of the law. (2) Completion (Hebrews 9-10): Jesus is the complete sacrifice, the founder of a new covenant (3) Release (Romans 7:4-6): Jesus releases us from the law and releases to us his Spirit C. How should we apply the OT law and sacrifices to us today? (a) In general (1) New covenant: no longer our law, but still our Scriptures
(2) Thanksgiving: Christ has died to them so we don't live under them as law (3) 'Live by the Spirit': we rely on God to help us resist sin (Galatians 5:16-18) (4) Christlikeness: a righteousness that exceeds others (Matthew 5:20) (5) Sacrifice: offering ourselves (Romans 12:1) and others (Romans 15:15-16) to God (b) Questions to ask about each law (1) In the NT: what continues? what ends? Mark 7:18-23: separating 'clean' from 'unclean' dealing with 'unclean' food ends, dealing with 'unclean' thoughts, attitudes etc. continues (2) What was this law intended to show/achieve? e.g. 1 Corinthians 9:7-12 use of Deuteronomy 25:4 D. Study: applying OT laws to us today (1) Tithing: are Christians required to give away 10% of their income? OT passages: Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy. 12:10-18; 14:22 29; Malachi 3:8-10 NT passages: Matthew 23:23; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 9:6-11 (2) Sabbath: are Christians required to stop working one day a week (preferably Sunday)? OT passages: Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 25:1-4 NT passages: Mark 2:23-3:4; Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrew 4:1-11 (3) Blessing for keeping the laws: can Christians expect material blessings (money, health etc,) for obeying the law? OT passages: Leviticus 26:3-13; Deuteronomy 28:1-8 NT passages: Matthew 6:25-26, 31-33; Ephesians 1:3-6; 1 Peter 1:3-7 (4) Homosexual practice: is having sex with someone of the same gender (man with man, woman with woman) a sin? OT passages: Genesis 2:21-24; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13 NT passages: Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-11 For your chosen subject: (1) Ask: how would you answer the question? (Yes/No/Maybe/Don't know) (2) Look at the OT passages: what were the requirements for Israel in the OT? (3) Look at the NT passages: what do they say? Is there anything different from the OT in what they teach? (4) Considering some of the other points under C, how would you answer the question now? Why? For further reading: How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart (Ch. 9) How to Read the Bible in Changing Times - Mark L. Strauss (Ch. 6 pp.117-124) (Baker, 2011) The Symphony of Scripture Mark Strom (Chs. 4-5, pp. 49-73) (P & R, 1990) Applying The Old Testament Law Today J. Daniel Hays (available at http://tinyurl.com/ncajggp) For advanced study 40 Questions about Christians and Biblical Law - Thomas R. Schreiner (Kregel, 2010)
Paul and the Law: Keeping the commandments of God Brian Rosner (Apollos, 2013) Lesson notes - Understanding the Law and Sacrifices the purpose of the OT laws and their 'filling out' by Jesus (with reference to Mat 5.17-48); the purpose of animal sacrifices and their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus (e.g. the Passover lamb; the sin offering, Heb 9.22) What is the law? The commandments and instructions given by God to Moses from Exodus-Deuteronomy. What are sacrifices? The ritual killing of animals and offerings of food by God's people for e.g. memory of God's rescue (Passover); cleansing from sin and 'dirt', a sign of love and gratitude and renewal of fellowship instructed in Exodus-Deuteronomy (though found elsewhere in OT) What problems are there with understanding OT law & sacrifices today? Deut. 22:4-12 Relevance Israelite agricultural society so different to modern urban life (v4, 8); killing animals hidden and not experienced by most people (in West) linked to witchcraft or traditional religion in e.g. Africa Seem weird e.g. v9 Different period in God's work recognise that things have changed since the coming of Jesus; what was written for Israel then doesn't apply to us now in the same way. Debates over application of law to today should we 1. keep a Sabbath day (refuse to work or do certain activities on Saturday or Sunday)? 2. tithe (give 10% of our income to church etc.)? 3. Expect material blessing 4. allow homosexual sex (sexual relations between men or between women) or polygamy (a man having more than one wife) be allowed? Key questions Why was the OT law and sacrifices commanded? (purpose) How has the coming of Jesus changed our understanding? How should we apply the OT commands and sacrifices to us today? Why was the OT law and sacrifices commanded? (purpose) Exodus 19:4-6: (1) Israel's salvation: You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings follows exodus - Israel already a saved people, depending on God's grace that has (and will) act on their behalf. It never was a means of salvation (contra much popular belief). (2) Israel's status: a holy nation Law (Heb. torah 'instruction') was to guide Israel to live as God's chosen people under the covenant. The law (Heb. torah = instruction) is given to guide Israel to live according to their identity that their lives might be holy. This is a better model for understanding the 'law' than just seeing it as legislation that criminalises bad behaviour (although that is partly true). (3) Israel's mission: for the whole earth is mine Israel is to reveal the true God by reflecting his character to the surrounding nations As a 'kingdom of priests' Israel is to reveal the true God by reflecting his character to the surrounding nations: this is to be seen in all of life (from the food on the table, the clothes worn, the way God is worshipped right through to the way wars are fought) (4) Israel's situation: obey my voice and keep my covenant The law's intention was to mould Israel into a holy nation in their historical and cultural situation When we understand that the law's intention was to mould Israel into a holy nation in their historical and cultural situation, we can appreciate better some of the otherwise strange or harsh laws. E.g. slavery harsh to us but far more humane than much practised in the ANE (more 'bondservants' actually provided greater security than much employment for 'free' people). Most other ANE laws applied the law according to status (e.g. different laws for nobles, free men, slaves). Boiling kid in mother's milk probably a pagan practice.
(5) Israel's companion: God's dwelling - brought you to myself Need for priesthood and sacrificial system: cleansing and fellowship on his terms alone. Exodus spends a long time on the tabernacle and priesthood (and then Leviticus on the sacrificial system). This can seem very tedious to us. However, it stresses an important aspect of the theology of the OT: (a) As his chosen people, God dwells with Israel. In the wilderness wanderings, this means he leads then by the cloud and fire, but dwelling in the tent. Furniture/decoration Eden 'reminders'? Later the temple at Jerusalem. But it is crucial to see this fact as a mark of his blessing and a partial restoration of what was lost in Eden. It also anticipates the coming of Christ, the Spirit's indwelling the church and the new Jerusalem. (b) But God's dwelling with his people presents a problem. How can such a God live with such a people who the Exodus narrative shows to be rebellious and stubborn? How does he not destroy them? The fact that it nearly happens on a few occasions highlights the 'risk'. The priesthood and sacrificial system emphasise the need for cleansing, atonement and approach to God at his invitation and on his terms alone. However, it also stresses the fellowship of God with his people and his delight in them. (6) Israel's problem: if you will indeed obey my voice Israel would always choose sin and rebellion against God (a mini-version of all humanity). The last point about Israel's sin also highlights why the law could never ultimately turn Israel into a righteous nation. The 'hidden Adam' in Israel meant it would always ultimately choose sin and rebellion against God (like all humanity). This appears to make no sense to us: after all, if God gave it to Israel, didn't he know that they would ultimately fail to follow it? We don't have time to go into this now but a close reading of Paul suggests the purpose was to focus sin on Israel in order that the Messiah (king, thus representative) should bear it and die for it. NEEDED? COMPLEX? Gal. 3:19-22 given 'because of transgressions' until 'the offspring' came i.e. highlighted sin until Jesus the promised seed (descendant) came to take that sin on himself and die for it. Gal 3:23-26: law 'held us captive' & was our 'guardian' - couldn't stop Jews from sinning (and excluded Gentiles?); Gal. 4 law 'enslaves' us; B. How has the coming of Jesus changed our understanding of the law and sacrifices? (1) Fulfilment (Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 10:4): Jesus is the end (goal/climax) of the law. Through him the new covenant is established; the law (sacrifices, & whole OT) reaches its 'end' (goal) in Christ > map or directions or SatNav to take you to a place; once you're there, do you keep looking at it? 'You have reached your destination'. Law is like that not a bad thing, rather had a particular purpose (to lead to Jesus). Now Jesus has come, it's no longer needed (2) Completion (Hebrews 9-10): Jesus is the complete sacrifice, the founder of a new covenant (see God's Covenants handout part (5) new covenant in Jesus for great description of new covenant) All the sacrifices & ceremonies of OT were pointing to Jesus: his sacrifice completed them all (Heb. 9:25-28) and brought in a new covenant (Heb. 9:15) (3) Release (Romans 7:4-6): Jesus releases us from the law and releases to us his Spirit 'Died to the law' no longer a power over us that can only bring sin (see R 7:7-13). Spirit now given C. How should we apply the OT law and sacrifices to us today? (a) In general 1. New covenant: no longer our law, but still our Scriptures Not commands for us to obey, yet still vital for understanding Bible as a whole: highlight our sin, point forward to Jesus (e.g. Rom. 3:21), help us to understand God & his character 2. Thanksgiving: Christ has died to them so we don't live under them as law Gratitude is the basis of Christian living not fear of God's punishment. If teaching from the law, people just go away with a sense of guilt, the job is only half-done. People need to see Christ has fulfilled the law and we can't any longer. 3. 'Live by the Spirit': we rely on God to help us resist sin (Galatians 5:16-18)
God comes to help us become holy his great work in us is to make us like Jesus 4. Christlikeness: a righteousness that exceeds others (Matthew 5:20) Therefore the idea that 'no law' means 'relaxed living' is untrue: Jesus says 'doing' the law for his followers means our hearts and so attitudes must change to become like God's (see Mt. 5) looking out for others and doing good. 5. Sacrifice: offering ourselves (Romans 12:1) and others (Romans 15:15-16) to God Christ's sacrifice is perfect to make us right; but in view of such mercy, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Also Paul speaks of the people who became followers of Jesus through his proclaiming the gospel as an 'offering' to God. (b) Questions to ask about each law (1) In the NT: what continues? what ends? Mark 7:18-23: separating 'clean' from 'unclean' dealing with 'unclean' food ends, dealing with 'unclean' thoughts, attitudes etc. continues (2) What was this law intended to show/achieve? e.g. 1 Corinthians 9:7-12 use of Deuteronomy 25:4 Principle if a working animal can live from it's work (eat some of the grain it's separating), how much more should those who give their time to share the gospel live from it (be supported by other Christians) How has the coming of Jesus changed our understanding? Israel's Redeemer So finally with the coming of Christ, the OT (Law and sacrifices Prophets & Psalms) find their fulfilment in him. He has remained faithful to all God's purposes when Israel (like the rest of humanity) failed. Rom. 8:2-4: law cannot 'give life' since 'weakened by flesh' (as sinners we can't keep it) but God has in Christ condemned sin. Bridge built of wooden planks, designed to take weight of people, animals or perhaps cars; but if woodworm has eaten the planks or water has soaked in or something else rots the wood, it might look strong but it has been weakened inside. Walk over it and it will break. That's what the law is like with human 'flesh' human beings who are infected with sin, can't keep the law we will always end up choosing what is evil, selfish and rebels against God. Gal. 3:10-14 relying on 'works of the law' (treating law as means to continue in obedience to God) puts you under a 'curse' (under God's judgement) as a sinner; Christ has redeemed us from this so that all (Jews & Gentiles) might receive the blessing of Abraham and the Holy Spirit through believing in Jesus. How should we apply the OT commands and sacrifices to us today? 'Fulfil' the law of Christ vs. doing the law: Rom. 8:3-4; 13:8-9; Gal. 5:13-14 law fulfilled in Christians, a sense that is brought to completion rather than 'done'. Law fulfilled by love (through Spirit). Gal. 5:16-18 - If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Gal. 6:2 bearing one another's burdens (and serving one another in the fellowship, Gal. 6:1-10) fulfils the law of Christ. Thus we are now under the new covenant not the OT law, and enabled by the Spirit to fulfil the law's intention. Yet it is important for us to read the OT law as God's Word still, but in the light of Christ. Applying the law today Mat. 5:19-48: Since Jesus came to 'fulfil' the law, his followers are still to 'do and teach the law' but what follows shows how: (1) It is to be a 'righteousness' that is higher than the scribes and Pharisees - the people who believed and taught the great importance of keeping the law to the letter. Jesus goes on to show what this looks like and it isn't just repeating the commands or making them stricter. Rather it is going beyond the commands to the imitate the character of the God who gave them.
(2) So Jesus shows that to 'keep the law' for his follower means (a) Don't just 'not murder' don't let anger grow (b) Don't just 'not commit adultery' don't lust (c) Don't just use divorce if necessary only divorce when your spouse has turned their back on the marriage (d) Don't just 'not swear falsely' don't speak falsely at all (e) Don't accept revenge as a way of life be prepared to give it up.