In-Depth Studies Blog

Here is the next installment of the conference notes by Geoff Volker. How would you teach through Old Covenant case law? How do we handle those important and inspired parts of Scripture today? Check out Geoff’s answer.

Temporary Nature of the Mosaic Law
It is Time-Bound to the Old Covenant
Old Covenant is Time-Bound
Hebrews 8:1-13
· The Old Covenant was a temporary covenant until the New Covenant should come.
· The Old Covenant functioned as a picture and prepared the way for the New Covenant and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant.

Mosaic Law is Tied to the Old Covenant
· The Law of Moses was introduced to Israel at Mt. Sinai and functioned as the requirements of the Old Covenant, which is a covenant of works. Galatians 3:17-18
· The Law of Moses was given to show men their sin and their need for a Savior.
Galatians 3:19, Romans 5:20
· The Law of Moses prepared Israel for the coming of the Messiah and the New Covenant era, which would be the age of belief. Galatians 3:23-25

Fulfilling the Law
Matthew 5:17-18
Fulfillment in the Historical Sense
Possibilities of Interpretation
· Until the 2nd Coming
Verse 18 says that the smallest portion of the Mosaic Law will continue in full force until everything is accomplished. If this meant the 2nd Coming then we would expect to find biblical evidence for the Mosaic Law continuing until the 2nd Coming, and this we do not find. Ephesians 2:11-18, Hebrews 7:11-12
· Until the Cross
If the cross is what is being referred to then everything fits together, for the Mosaic Law did continue in full force until the cross and the end of the Old Covenant era.

Law and the Prophets
Jesus fulfilled both the law and the prophets. In saying this he is not referring to his obedience of the Mosaic Law.

Purpose of the Old Covenant
Jesus fulfilled the purpose of the Old Covenant and the law of that covenant.

Moral Law is really No Law
Killing a Theological Myth
The concept of Moral Law is a requirement for the system of Covenant Theology and is never found in Scripture. In Scripture there is only law that is applicable and law that is not applicable.

Law of Christ
Our Version of the Law of God
The Law of Christ is the version of law that is for the New Covenant era. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Old Covenant Case Law
Mosaic Law is just Mosaic Law
Any portion of the Mosaic Law is only applicable if it is brought over into the Law of Christ.

Category : Author: Geoff Volker, New Covenant Theology