Understanding Old Testament Law and Holiness

Nov 27, 2024

Lecture on Old Testament Law in the Pentateuch

Overview of the Law in the Pentateuch

  • Exodus: The giving of the law at Sinai.
  • Leviticus: Contains laws with few narrative moments, emphasizes the priesthood.
  • Numbers: Law is reiterated and new laws are introduced.
  • Deuteronomy: Known as the second giving of the law.

Purpose and Function of Biblical Law

  1. Relation to New Testament:
    • Old Testament law is often perceived as just rules.
    • Both Old and New Testaments contain rules and commands.
    • Importance of understanding how Old Testament law applies to New Testament Christians.
  2. Invitation to Obedience:
    • Ministers need to guide believers in faithful obedience.
    • Engage with commands throughout biblical texts, not just Levitical laws.

Narrative Example: Nadav and Avihu (Leviticus)

  • Offered unauthorized fire and were consumed by fire from the Lord.
  • Emphasizes the sanctity and seriousness of obedience in the priesthood.

Common Misunderstandings

  • Tendency to ignore Old Testament laws as outdated.
  • Need to articulate the importance of these laws in a ministry context.
  • Importance of engaging with Old Testament laws thoughtfully and seriously.

Key New Testament Passages on the Law

  • Purpose of the Law:
    • To make God's people holy as He is holy.
    • Acts as a means to holiness and shaping believers into God's image.
  • Paul's Teachings:
    • The law leads to Christ and reveals sin (Galatians 3, Romans 7).
    • The law is holy, righteous, and good.
    • Sin manipulates the law, revealing the need for internal transformation.
  • Jesus' Teachings:
    • Fulfillment of the law, not abolition (Matthew 5).
    • Righteousness must surpass that of Pharisees (Matthew 23).
    • Importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness without neglecting smaller laws.

Relationship and Holiness

  • The law is not just about maintaining a relationship with God through checklist adherence.
  • It shapes individuals into holiness, enabling proximity to God.
  • Relationship with God begins with faith and God's initiative (e.g., Abraham, Rahab).

Internal Transformation and Spirit's Role

  • Law external, requires internal transformation through the Spirit (Ezekiel's promise).
  • Romans 8 emphasizes no condemnation in Christ, freedom from sin's manipulation of the law.

Conclusion

  • The purpose of the law is not to initiate but to shape the relationship and holiness.
  • It fulfills its role through internal transformation facilitated by the Spirit.
  • Jesus and Paul both affirm the law's purpose in guiding believers toward holiness.

Next Steps

  • Future discussion on processing the law and understanding its role in contemporary faith practices.