Ten Commandments Vs The Sacrificial Law
Ten Commandments “Royal Law” –VS- “Law Of Ordinances“
Ten Commandments are one part of 3 separate parts given in scripture, that are all considered “Laws.” Yet, when we take a closer look, we can clearly see the difference. For our modern minds, we can best relate it to Federal Law, Civil Law, and Common Law. All are laws, yet with very different purposes and authority. Often in scripture you will find that when it says “law”, it is speaking in a general sense. Then other times, we will find that it is specifically speaking of a certain context of one of the 3 segments of the “Law.” With that in mind, let’s see what the three sections of the “Law” are as described in the Bible:
1) Commandments 2) Statutes 3) Judgments
I have found 15 times in Scripture describing the 3 segments of the Law, which God and Moses handed down, starting from Exodus 20 onward. Here are the three:
“Beware that you do not forget Yahweh your God, in not keeping His commandments, and His judgments, and His statutes, which I command you today,” (Deuteronomy 8:11)
Note: Sometimes “Statutes” is referred to as “Ordinances” as in Leviticus 18:4+26. The word is the same in original Hebrew, just translated differently.
The 15 times the 3 parts are mentioned as being separate and unique:
(Lev26:15, Due4:13-14, Deu5:31, Deu6:1, Deu7:11, Deu8:11, Deu11:1, Deu26:17, Deu30:16, 1Ki2:31, 1Ki6:12, 1Ki8:58, Neh1:7, Neh9:13, Neh10:29)
“And He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, Ten Commandments. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone. And Jehovah commanded me at that time to teach you Statutes and Judgments so that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it.” (Deuteronomy 4:13-14)
Ten Commandments Vs The Sacrificial Law
OVERVIEW OF THE DIFFERENCE
“The Commandments” are the Ten Commandments:
This is the Royal Law of God. As found in Exodus 20:1-21 + Deuteronomy 5:1-21.The First 4 are how we are to interact with God, and the last 6 are how we are to interact with humanity. This includes the 4th Commandment Sabbath.
We find that the Bible clearly separates the 10 Commandment Law from the rest with this statement right after God spoke the 10 commandments:
“Yahweh spoke these words to all your assembly on the mountain out of the middle of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice. He added no more. He wrote them on two stone tablets, and gave them to me.” (Deuteronomy 5:22)
This was the only portion of the Law of God spoken directly to the people of God, by God. After this, God spoke with Moses, then Moses spoke to the people.
“Now therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us. If we hear Yahweh our God’s voice any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the middle of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go near, and hear all that Yahweh our God shall say, and tell us all that Yahweh our God tells you; and we will hear it, and do it.” (Deuteronomy 5:25-27)
Recap: “Yahweh spoke to you out of the middle of the fire: you heard the voice of words, but you saw no form; you only heard a voice. He declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the Ten Commandments. He wrote them on two stone tablets. Yahweh commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances (Judgments), that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it.” (Deuteronomy 4:12-14)
“Statutes” are the appointed times and seasons for the Sacrificial Law and how to enact them:
This is not a complete list, but for example purposes only. Exodus 20:22-26, Exodus 23:10-19, and the majority of the book of Leviticus. This includes what are called Sabbaths (plural). These are Holy Days for Sacrifices and Feasts, etc. While the 4th commandment celebrates God’s creation, the Levitical Sabbaths are based around the sacrifices and feast days. These are nailed to the cross and are no longer binding.
“Judgments” are best described as civil law:
Example-Explaining what to do when someone kills your cow. Not a complete list, but for example purposes only. Exodus Chapter 21, 22, 23:1-8.
Ten Commandments Vs The Sacrificial Law
Let’s Dig Deeper Into The Difference
Let’s be clear that God is the Source and Power behind everything. We will find that God treated His 10 Commandment Law differently than the Sacrificial Law. Later, we will cover how God did not even want the blood sacrifices offered to Him.
~1~
Named
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
1) IS CALLED THE ROYAL LAW: “If you fulfill the royal Law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin and are convicted by the Law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole Law and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, yet if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the Law.” (James 2:8-1
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
1) IS CALLED THE LAW CONTAINED IN ORDINANCES: “Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.” (2 Chronicles 33:8)
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.” (Ephesians 2:13-16)
~2~
Spoken
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
2) WAS SPOKEN BY GOD: “And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he spoke unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even Ten Commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” (Deuteronomy 4:12-13)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
2) WAS SPOKEN BY MOSES: “And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.” (Leviticus 1:1-2)
“For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.” (Hebrews 9:19-20) See also Deuteronomy 4:14
~3~
Written
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
3) WAS WRITTEN BY GOD ON TWO TABLETS OF STONE: “Yahweh said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commands that I have written, that you may teach them.” (Exodus 24:12) See also EXODUS 31:18
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
3) WRITTEN BY MOSES IN A BOOK: “And Moses wrote this Law and delivered it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and to all the elders of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 31:9) See also 2 CHRONICLES 35:12
~4~
Location
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
4) WAS PLACED IN THE ARK: “And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:” (Exodus 40:20)
“There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets which Moses put there at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.” (1 Kings 8:9)
“And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;” (Hebrews 9:3-4)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
4) WAS PLACED ON THE SIDE OF THE ARK: “When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, saying, “Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of Yahweh your God’s covenant, that it may be there for a witness against you.” (Deuteronomy 31:24-26)
Here we see the Mosaic Sacrificial Law of Moses being separated and highlighted as different from the Ten Commandment covenant inside the Ark of God’s Covenant. Interestingly, this is done by Moses. This should tell us everything!
~5~
Perfection
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
5) IS PERFECT/Showing us what perfection is: “The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring life. The testimony of the LORD is steadfast, making foolish people wise. The precepts of the LORD are upright, making the heart rejoice. The commandment of the LORD is pure, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, standing forever. The judgments of the LORD are true; they are altogether righteous.” (Psalms 19:7-9)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
5) MADE NOTHING PERFECT: “For it is declared about him, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Indeed, because it was weak and ineffective, the former commandment has been annulled, since the Law made nothing perfect, and a better hope is presented, by which we approach God.” (Hebrews 7:17-19)
~6~
Duration
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
6) IS TO STAND FAST FOREVER AND FOREVER: “He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.” (Psalms 111:6-8)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
6) WAS NAILED TO THE CROSS: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” (Colossians 2:13-14)
~7~
Durability
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
7) WAS NOT DESTROYED BY CHRIST: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
7) WAS ABOLISHED BY CHRIST: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” (Ephesians 2:13-16)
~8~
Action
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
8) WAS TO BE MAGNIFIED BY CHRIST: “Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind, but my servant? Or who is as deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is as blind as he who is at peace, and as blind as Yahweh’s servant? You see many things, but don’t observe. His ears are open, but he doesn’t listen. It pleased Yahweh, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable.” (Isaiah 42:18-21)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
8) WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY BY CHRIST: “But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away. But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Corinthians 3:14-16)
~9~
Effect
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
9) GIVES KNOWLEDGE OF SIN: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn’t have known sin, except through the law. For I wouldn’t have known coveting, unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” (Romans 7:7)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
9) WAS INSTITUTED IN CONSEQUENCE OF SIN: See LEVITICUS Chapters 3-7 “Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them: if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin, which he has sinned, a young bull without defect to Yahweh for a sin offering.” (Leviticus 4:1-3)
~10~
Credit
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
10) Often Called “The Law of God” in the New Testament: “For I delight in God’s law after the inward man,” (Romans 7:22) [See Also- Romans 7:25 Romans 8:7]
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
10) Often Called “The Law of Moses” in New Testament: “Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins, and by him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39) [See Also- Acts 15:5-12 + Acts 28:23 + John 7:23 + 1 Corinthians 9:9]
And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and (*1) a Law, and (*2) Commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. (Exodus 24:12-13) *Emphasis Added
We can see here 2 distinct Laws being described. One is “Royal” telling us how to approach God in our conduct. The other Law was instituted in the consequences of failing to keep the first. Now, Jesus fulfills the 2nd Law of sacrifices for our sins. Yet, the Royal remains as a guide of conduct and obedience to a righteous and Holy God.
Ten Commandments Vs The Sacrificial Law
As we focus on this deep subject to teach that the 4th Commandment Sabbath is Special, Holy, Unique, True, Sanctified and is still God’s special day, we must cover Colossians 2:16-17.A lot of people try to use Colossians 2:16-17 to dismiss obedience to the Law of God and Keeping the 4th Commandment Sabbath. Not realizing it is talking about ceremonial Sabbaths of the sacrificial system, also known as the Mosaic Law. Most likely, they point to Colossians 2 as the excuse why they believe it’s okay to pick any day they want for Sabbath.
Let’s read the “Great Befuddlement:” “Then do not let anyone judge you in eating, or in drinking, or in part of a feast, or of a new moon, or of sabbaths, which are a shadow of coming things, but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17)
Yet, we see here that he was talking about the sacrificial sabbaths, not the Ten Commandment Law Sabbath of God.
“And responsibility for burnt offerings shall be on the prince, and a food offering, and drink offerings, in the feasts and on the new moons and on the sabbaths, in all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel. He shall make the sin offering, and the food offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to atone for the house of Israel.” (Ezekiel 45:17)
Let’s allow Jesus to show us the truth!
*For more information on this question and related other verses often used to try to destroy God’s Holy Sabbath, please check the following link.
Jesus describes the difference between the Mosaic Sacrificial Law and the Royal Law of God. Interestingly enough, He uses the 4th Commandment Sabbath to do it.
Prima Facie Evidence
“Didn’t Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill me?” The multitude answered, “You have a demon! Who seeks to kill you?” Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel because of it. Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a boy. If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me, because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath?” (John 7:19-23)
So, Jesus is saying you profane the Ten Commandment Sabbath to keep the Law of Moses by circumcising, and you want to kill me for healing a man on Sabbath. Jesus is pitting their hypocrisy and disobedience against true obedience to God’s royal Law. Exposing their preference for the Law of Moses, over that of the Royal Law of the Ten Commandments. Clearly there are two different Laws at play here.
Yet, Jesus doesn’t stop there in His dismantling of the Law of Moses, and the religious leaders failed understanding of the laws correlation and application.
Example 1
Royal Law Vs Sacrificial Law
“And he who kills any man shall surely be put to death. And he who kills an animal shall make it good, animal for animal. And if a man causes a blemish in his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him: break for break, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him.” (Leviticus 24:17-20)
Jesus’ correction of the Law of Moses.
“You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist evil. But whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. And to him desiring to sue you, and to take away your tunic, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and you shall not turn away from him who would borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42)
Example 2
Royal Law Vs Sacrificial Law
“When a man has taken a wife and married her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes, because he has found some uncleanness in her, then let him write her a bill of divorce and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” (Deuteronomy 24:1)
Jesus’ correction of the Law of Moses.
“and said, For this cause a man shall leave father and mother and shall cling to his wife, and the two of them shall be one flesh? Therefore they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. They said to Him, Why did Moses then command to give a bill of divorce and to put her away? He said to them, Because of your hard-heartedness Moses allowed you to put away your wives; but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is put away commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:5-9)
Did you notice again that Jesus uses the Law of Moses and compares it to the Royal Law explaining the 7th Commandment? (Thou shall not commit Adultery.)
Example 3
Royal Law Vs Sacrificial Law
“And a man who commits adultery with a man’s wife, who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” (Leviticus 20:10)
Jesus’ correction of the Law of Moses.
“They said to Him, Teacher, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such should be stoned. You, then, what do you say? They said this, tempting Him so that they might have reason to accuse Him. But bending down, Jesus wrote on the ground with His finger, not appearing to hear. But as they continued to ask Him, He lifted Himself up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her.” (John 8:4-7)
These are not the only examples. Jesus continued throughout His ministry correcting and revealing God’s true purpose, heart, and will. He repeatedly corrected the Law of Moses, and enlightened the watchful eye of it true application.
Yet, God did not want the Law of Sacrifices.
It Was Declared:
“Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob”.
(Deuteronomy 33:4)
Jesus Declares:
“But go and learn what this is, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Matthew 9:13)
God Declared:
“For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. But, like Adam, they have broken the covenant. They have acted like traitors against Me there.” (Hosea 6:6-7)
God clearly says He wanted to have mercy on the sin of His children like He gave to Adam and Eve in the garden, not more sacrifices of animals. That it is better for people to know and understand Him than to offer burnt offerings.
David Knew The Difference Between The Two Laws:
“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened; burnt offering and sin offering You have not asked. Then I said, Lo, I come, in the volume of the Book it is written of Me; I delight to do Your will, O My God; and Your Law is within My heart.” (Psalms 40:6-8)
Please notice that David is saying God opened his ears to hear, that God did not want Sacrifices and Offerings. So, if the Law is written upon his heart, and a part of that Law, the “Statutes” contained the rules for sacrifices. David is clearly speaking about the 10 Commandment Law as being written upon his heart. As we see in the next verse, this is why David did not offer sacrifices and burnt offering.
“Indeed, you do not delight in sacrifices, or I would give them, nor do you desire burnt offerings. True sacrifice to God is a broken spirit. A broken and chastened heart, God, you will not despise.” (Psalms 51:16-17)
The Prophet Samuel understood the same thing:
“Samuel said, “Does the LORD delight as much in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the LORD? Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
Even a Scribe in the New Testament understood this vital point:
“The scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he, and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.” No one dared ask him any question after that.” (Mark 12:32-34)
Isaiah declared that God did not want the Mosaic Law of Sacrifices even though it was expedient.
Note: This is not written to Sodom and Gomorrah, God is saying Judah (Israel) is like those places relating to their sins. See Also: Revelation 11:8
“Listen to what the LORD says, you rulers of Sodom, and pay attention to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! “How do your voluminous sacrifices benefit me?” the LORD is asking. “I’ve had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts. I don’t enjoy the blood of bulls, lambs, or goats. “When you come to present yourselves in my presence, who has required you to trample on my courts? Stop bringing useless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me, as are your New Moons, sabbaths, and calling of convocations. I cannot stand iniquity within a solemn assembly. As for your New Moons and your appointed festivals, I abhor them. They’ve become a burden to me; I’ve grown weary of carrying that burden. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I’ll hide my eyes from you. Even though you pray repeatedly, I won’t listen. Your hands are full of blood, your fingers drenched with iniquity.” “Wash yourselves, and make yourselves clean; remove your evil behavior from my presence; stop practicing what is evil. Learn to practice what is good; seek justice, alleviate oppression, defend orphans in court, and plead the widow’s case. “Please come, and let’s reason together,” implores the LORD. “Even though your sins are like scarlet, they’ll be white like snow. Though they’re like crimson, they’ll become like wool. If you’re willing and obedient, you’ll eat the best that the land produces; but if you refuse and rebel, you’ll be devoured by the sword, because the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:10-20)
He is calling them to obedience to the Ten Commandments. If you’re obedient to the Royal Law, you have no need for sacrifices. Yet, they sacrificed to cover up their rebellion against God and He grew tired of it all. Obedience is better than Sacrifice.
Again, we see in the New Testament that God did not want the Mosaic Law of Sacrifices, and it did nothing to save the Worshippers from their sin.
“For the Law, being only a reflection of the blessings to come and not their substance, can never make perfect those who come near by the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year. Otherwise, would they not have stopped offering them, because the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer be aware of any sins? Instead, through those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. For this reason, the Scriptures say, when the Messiah was about to come into the world: “You did not want sacrifices and offerings, but you prepared a body for me. In burnt offerings and sin offerings you never took delight. Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do your will, O God’ In the volume of the scroll this is written about me.” In this passage he says, “You never wanted or took delight in sacrifices, offerings, burnt offerings, and sin offerings,” which are offered according to the Law. Then he says, “See, I have come to do your will.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By God’s will we have been sanctified once and for all through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus, the Messiah. Day after day every priest stands and repeatedly offers the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:1-12)
*I think it would do us good to recap points 6 and 7 from part 1 of this study…
~6~
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
6) IS TO STAND FAST FOREVER AND FOREVER: “He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.” (Psalms 111:6-8)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
6) WAS NAILED TO THE CROSS: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” (Colossians 2:13-14)
~7~
The Royal Law = Ten Commandments = By God
7) WAS NOT DESTROYED BY CHRIST: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19)
The Ceremonial Law = Sacrifices = By Moses
7) WAS ABOLISHED BY CHRIST: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” (Ephesians 2:13-16)
“For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)
Yet, We Find Concerning The Royal Law: The Ten Commandments:
In the Final Message to the Body of Christ as whole Jesus declared.
“Blessed are those who do his Commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:14-15)
Let’s compare that to What Jesus said during His ministry.
“He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the Commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal.’ ‘You shall not offer false testimony.” (Matthew 19:17-18)
*I know you noticed the same statement being repeated once again by Jesus in Matthew and Revelations.
The Call For Obedience Has Not Changed!
In The Old Testament
“I prayed to Yahweh my God, and made confession, and said, “Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his Commandments,” (Daniel 9:4)
“Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my Commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!” (Deuteronomy 5:29)
As In The New Testament
“If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s Commandments, and remain in his love.” (John 15:10)
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. Whoever loves the Father also loves the child who is born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his Commandments. For this is loving God, that we keep his Commandments. His Commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:1-3)
*There once was 2 Laws- Now there is only 1!
Let’s continue where we left off at the end of Part 2. The call of obedience has never changed in the Kingdom of God. From the unspoiled gates of Heaven, there has been Law and Order from beyond the veil of time. In the Garden of Eden, before sin even lifted its split-tongued head, God had Law and Order. After sin crushed the creation of God under the weight of rebellion, God still had Law and Order. When Jesus died for our sins, He did so being obedient to God’s Law and Order. Then being raised into perfection, being victorious forevermore, there still remains God’s Law and Order. To believe that somehow after Jesus paid the price for sin, that now the kingdom of God has slipped into some disorganized state of personal determination of right and wrong- that is a lie of the Devil. Jesus came to restore what was lost through Adam and Eve’s rebellion of God’s Law and Order. Now that Jesus is both “Lord” and “Savior”, we are under the Law towards Christ Jesus- Forever obligated to walk with His Order.
The Royal Law Has Never Changed In The Old Or New Testament!
Taken right out of the Ten Commandments:
“But showing gracious love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:6)
Jesus Declared:
“If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
The disciples declared:
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:2-3)
*See Also: (Deu5:10, Deu7:9, Deu11:1, Deu11:13, Deu11:22, Deu19:9, Deu30:16, Jos22:5, Neh1:5, Psa119:127, Dan9:4, Joh14:15, Joh14:21, Joh15:10, 2Jn1:6.)
The Law Of Statutes & Ordinances Handed Down Through Moses Brings Nothing But Bondage.
Note: The law mentioned here is the mosaic sacrificial law, clearly identified by the reference to circumcision. See also: John 7:19-23
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I, Paul, say to you that if you are circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do all the law, you who are justified by law are deprived of all effect from Christ; you fell from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness out of faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any strength, but faith working through love. You were running well. Who hindered you that you do not obey the truth? This persuasion is not from Him who calls you.” (Galatians 5:1-8)
“For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father! The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:15-17)
“And we are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of the thing being done away. (But their thoughts were blinded; for until the present the same veil remains on the reading of the old covenant, not taken away.) But this veil has been done away in Christ. But until this day, when Moses is read, the veil is on their heart. But whenever it turns to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. And the Lord is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:13-18)
Now the Royal Law (Ten Commandments) is the Law of Liberty:
“If you fulfill the Royal Law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin and are convicted by the Law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole Law and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, yet if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the Law. So speak and do as those who shall be judged by the Law of liberty. (James 2:8-12) Please note the reference to the 10 Commandments!
“But whoever looks into the perfect Law of liberty and continues in it, he is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work. This one shall be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:25)
The Royal Law of Liberty Is The Law Of Christ:
“Brothers, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you the spiritual ones restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)
The Grand Comparison Of The Royal Law of Life, and the Mosaic Law Of Death
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” (Romans 8:2-3) (*MIND YOU, IT WAS THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW)
We are under the Law to Christ:
“To those who are outside Law, I became as outside Law (not being outside law to God, but under the Law to Christ), so that I might gain those who are outside Law.” (1 Corinthians 9:21)
Law established through faith:
“Do we then make the Law void through faith? Let it not be! But we establish the Law.” (Romans 3:31)
“For I delight in the Law of God after the inward man:” (Romans 7:22)
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:6-8)
The Temple
Again, we see Jesus dismantling the Mosaic Law. Even down to replacing the Temple they believed God still resided in. Yet, we clearly see this was not the truth. Since the whole point of the Sacrificial Law was to get right with God and come near to Him and this goal was accomplished at the temple, then what good was the temple if God no longer resided within it? They hated Jesus for this, because they received their position power and authority as being agents of the temple system. It was easy to dominate a building, yet they could not dominate the Son of God.
Jesus Declared The Earthly Temple Obsolete!
“Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus said to her, Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you shall neither worship the Father in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem.” (John 4:20-21)
“For it was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him who did the service perfect as regards the conscience, which stood only in meats and drinks, and different kinds of washings and fleshly ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But when Christ had become a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building, nor by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered once for all into the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:9-12)
We Will Now See That Jesus Was The Temple On Earth, & Entered Into The Temple In Heaven.
Jesus Was The Temple When He Walked The Earth:
“But I say to you that One greater than the temple is in this place.” (Matthew 12:6)
“Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty-six years was this temple in building, and will you rear it up in three days? But he spoke of the Temple of his body.” (John 2:19-21)
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)
*As we know that God used to dwell within the Temple, but no longer! Now, He dwelt inside of Jesus!
Now We Are The Temple Of God:
“Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God shall destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which you are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) See also 1Co 6:19 + 2Co 6:16
What Was Located In The Temple?
“And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the Ark of the Covenant overlaid roundabout with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;” (Hebrews 9:3-4) *“Tables of the Covenant” are the Ten Commandments.
This Verse Says You Are The “New Ark of the Covenant”:
“Look, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I’ll make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It won’t be like the covenant I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. They broke my covenant, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. Rather, this is the covenant that I’ll make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD. “I’ll put my Law within them and will write it on their hearts. I’ll be their God and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:31-33)
The New Covenant is based upon the Law in your hearts. The Ark of the Covenant held the 10 Commandment Law inside of it. The Ark was placed in the Holy of Holy’s inside the Temple. Now you are the Temple of God, with the Law written upon your hearts. This means you are the Ark of the New Covenant. Just as Jesus was the “Type,” we being Christians are the “Archetype!” Just as when Jesus was the Temple upon the earth and had the Law written upon His heart in the Ark of His Spirit, now we are the Archetype being the Temple of God with the Law written upon our hearts, and our Spirit being the Ark of the New Covenant.
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Yahweh. They will be my people, and I will be their God; for they will return to me with their whole heart.” (Jeremiah 24:7)
“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law: Don’t fear the reproach of men, and don’t be dismayed at their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.” (Isaiah 51:7-8)
“The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever. The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. His tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart. None of his steps shall slide.” (Psalms 37:29-31)
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel. After those days,” says the Lord; “I will put my laws into their mind, I will also write them on their heart. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Hebrews 8:10)
“This is the covenant that I will make with them: ‘After those days,’ says the Lord, ‘I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;…” (Hebrews 10:16)
It also says that the defining mark of being God’s people are those who have the Law written upon their hearts.
“But God found something wrong with his people when he said, “Look! The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors at the time when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. Because they did not remain loyal to my covenant, I ignored them, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Hebrews 8:8-10)
The implication is, that to fail to have the Law of God written upon your heart, then you are not part of the Covenant, you are not the temple, and not saved from your sins.
You are the Temple of God; Your Spirit is the Ark of the New Covenant.
You are called to obedience and holiness. You are obligated to remain faithful to the Law written upon your hearts.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have of God? And you are not your own, for you are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
“And what agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are the temple of the living God, as God has said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Therefore come out from among them and be separated, says the Lord, and do not touch the unclean thing. And I will receive you and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)
“He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.” “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who do his Commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:10-14)
