Diving In Covenant 5 The New Covenant and The Mosaic Covenant

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Reminder – Is the Mosaic Covenant still in force?

  • The Covenant or the Torah?

Two parts – the Covenant and the Torah

  • The Torah is part of the Mosaic Covenant
  • Its purpose is to enable Israel to enjoy the Covenant blessings
  • As such, it was completely fulfilled by Christ who is the termination of the Law (Rom. 10:4), and the New Covenant fulfils the Mosaic Covenant (Jer. 31:31)

If the Mosaic Covenant is now redundant, then the Torah is redundant as a method of righteousness and staying in Covenant relationship (Rom. 9:31-32)

Redefine Torah as “the way of the Lord” and it becomes a lot clearer! The Torah was ‘the way of the Lord’ under the Mosaic Covenant Deut. 10:12

Torah observant or not?

Those who take the line that we are obligated to keep all the Torah are not consistent in their application – they cannot be with no temple, etc. but must then follow Rabbinic teachings and applications, which is not the Torah of Moses! Or re-interpret it with Christian applications, which puts them out of step with the rest of the Jewish people, and rebuilds the wall of partition which Messiah’s death tore down! Eph. 2:14-15

But we must address Jesus’ words in Matt. 5:

17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practises and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’

Firstly let’s note that it is the Tenach, or at least the Law and the Prophets (which is usually seen as referring to the whole OT), which Jesus is saying ‘will not pass away’. As God’s Word ‘endures for ever’ (1 Pet. 1:25), that is not up for debate!

But is every ‘jot and tittle’ binding on everybody in every generation? Or are we looking for eternal principles? e.g. how can we fulfil the detailed laws re purification, or how to treat your slaves, stoning a false prophet, marrying your dead brother’s wife, not trimming the hair round your ears

Distinguish Jewishness vs Judaism

  • Ethnic Jews
  • Cultural and social Judaism
  • Religious Judaism (which is now mainly Rabbinic Judaism)

Rabbinic Traditions form a large part of Jewish culture and national identity, but what about Messianic Jews? Modern term describing a movement with many different interpretations of how they relate to the Torah, regarding a Jew who is a Christian and who goes to a mainstream denominational church as not being part of their movement. (Harvey Mapping Messianic Jewish Theology” 2009). NB The “Right of return laws” excludes Jews who believe in Jesus, whatever their designation!

Jesus and the apostles (and the early church) – biblical Judaism? Were they Christian Jews or Jewish Christians? Difficult to know as there are no written records of the customs of first century Jews – first written records date from end of first century (e.g. Passover Seder, synagogue prayers)

But we can’t project the modern term ‘Messianic Jew’ backwards and say that what the Jews – be they Messianic or any one of the other 6 types of Judaism, were what they were like then or are normative for our day and age! Richard Harvey has identified 8 different Messianic ‘theologies’ falling into 4 groups, all with different approaches to the topoic!

Keeping the Torah to the level of detail implied in a simplistic reading of Jesus’ words in Matt. 5:17-19 has been an impossibility since the destruction of the second Temple and the non-availability of a functioning, cleansed, Levitical priesthood

And if we say that the Temple service has been replaced by the ‘once-for-all’ sacrifice of Yeshua (as it has), we are deleting whole sections of the Torah connected with observance of the Feasts, and find ourselves in the situation of v.19, as some Hebrew Roots teachers insist. How can we then insist that the Torah has “ongoing, unchanging authority and validity” as FFOZ say? They must allow that it cannot be obeyed in its fullness and know that non-observance of ‘all things that are written in the book of the Law’ brings a curse (Deut.27:26; Gal. 3:10) and James, Yeshua’s brother, makes the point that should you offend in one point, you are guilty of all (Jas.2:10).

Similarly James, and the other disciples would be considered ‘least in the Kingdom of Heaven” given their advice to Gentile believers in Acts 15 (even if you regard that as only a temporary injunction – which I don’t). Rabbi Sha’ul of Tarsus would also be among the ‘least’ (an opinion he would have shared about himself, but not for that reason, e.g. Eph.3:8; 1 Tim.1:12-16) as he counsels freedom regarding the observance or non-observance of Shabbat, Mo’edim, Kashrut, etc., in Romans 14 and Col. 2.

So an overly narrow interpretation of Yeshua’s words here in Matthew 5 does give us some difficulties! When Yeshua said this, He would have known that the Temple would be destroyed within 40 years, making keeping the “smallest letter or stroke” a physical impossibility, so I think we need to look for an alternative interpretation of His words.

The same Holy Spirit that filled Yeshua’s words (He only spoke what He heard the Father saying), also inspired the Apostles as they considered the relationship of Yeshua’s Followers to Torah recorded in Acts and the Epistles, so we need to take into account the “whole counsel of God”.

Perhaps there’s a clue in Yeshua’s statement “until all is accomplished”? In His finished work on the Cross, He is discovered to be the glorious reality of which the Torah was mere shadow. Col.2:17.

The Torah holds continuing value for the instruction of the saints and contains an amazing revelation of God’s overall plan for the restoration of all things for one thing. I would suggest marking the occurrence of the festivals in the calendar is to be preferred over observing the pagan-originated festivals of the church’s calendar!

The point is, Yeshua is the focus, and our being conformed to His image is God’s goal for our lives. If observing the Feasts in as much Biblical detail as you can, helps you in your walk with the Lord in increasing holiness, you are most certainly free to do so. Those who do not find it helpful are also free, and Paul’s teaching in Romans 14 is that both groups should respect the other’s position.

However, we need to be discerning regarding Rabbinic or cultural customs and remember that Rabbinic Judaism has blinded the eyes of their own people from seeing Messiah for 2000 years!

What saith the Scripture!?!

New Testament commentary on the Law of the Mosaic Covenant

Under the New Covenant, we now follow the Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2 – note the context of Galatians, Law vs Spirit) by the Law of the Spirit (Rom. 8:2) as “The Way of the Lord”

  • We have been released from the Law of the Mosaic Covenant (the Way of the Lord under the Mosaic Covenant Deut. 10:12) and the Law has no authority over us Rom. 7:5-6; Gal. 2:19-21
  • The Law was unable to save anyway Gal. 2:16; 2 Cor. 3:6-11 (the ‘letter’ kills rather than saves) and now is fulfilled IN us not BY us Rom. 8:2-4
  • Law is powerless for sanctification Col. 2:20-23
  • The ‘setting apart’ of the Jews from the Gentiles is done away with in Christ Eph. 2:14-15 NB this verse teaches that Jesus abolished the laws and decrees in His flesh i.e. by His life in which He was completely obedient to the Law and thus fulfilled it and thus He is the end (limit, termination) of the Law Rom. 10:4
  • Legal standing worth less than dung Phil. 3:4-9

The relationship of New Covenant believers to the Law

  • Acts 15 Apostles teach that Gentiles believers are not required to keep the Law but observe the Noachide laws as a basis of fellowship with Jewish believers (the law of love towards those who differ Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 10)
  • The Law was intended to bring the Jews to Christ Gal. 3:23-25 Those who rely on circumcision for right-standing before God are committed to keep the Law in its entirety Gal. 5:3
  • The Law was temporary as a means of righteousness until the promised Seed came Gal. 3:19
  • Our High Priest is a priest after the order of Melchizedek and a new order of priesthood requires a change of law Heb. 7:13-17 and by one sacrifice, He has finished the work of salvation! Heb. 10:11-14

The Law as “The Way of the Lord” is done away with in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf as the ‘end of the Law’ for those who believe (Rom. 10:4), taking the curse which we had incurred through breaking the Law (Gal. 3:13 – Jews; Rom. 2:12; 5:14 – the rest of mankind).

The New Covenant must be, and is, consistent with the older covenants as they all embody God’s eternal requirements for holiness and righteousness – “the Way of the Lord”. However, the different Covenants express different characteristics and requirements appropriate to the age which they define, and we now “serve in the newness of the Sprit not in the oldness of the letter” (Rom. 7:6).

We need to understand what is ‘the torah written on our hearts’ (Jer. 31:33) and I think that Jesus and Paul both teach that it is not the 613 mitzvot or any rabbinic interpretation of it (see Matt. 23 for Jesus’ estimation of Rabbinic tradition!). Paul considered his ‘Torah observance’ as dung in comparison to knowing Christ (Phil. 3:8-9). The Torah written on our hearts is the Law of Christ and the Law of the Spirit! As Christ lives in us, so our lives become more conformed to His life and thus the righteous requirements of the Law are fulfilled in us – this being “the Way of the Lord” under the New Covenant – Jesus is “The Way”! However., in Him, we are declared righteous without any works of the Law (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:21)

Also we are dead to ‘the law of sin and death’ (Rom. 7:4). The context in that chapter is the Sinaitic Law and the 10 Commandments especially (no. 10 ‘thou shalt not covet’ being Paul’s example). If that isn’t clear enough, Paul elaborates on this in 2 Cor. 3 where he specifically calls the law written on “tables of stone” (v.3) a “ministry of death” (v.7) and was passing away. Sure, Paul will go on to express how we should live and that will be consistent with previous revelation (“the law is holy and the commandment holy and just and good” v.12) but God’s righteous requirements are now fulfilled IN us, not BY us, according to Rom.8:3-4, as we are ‘in Christ Jesus’ (v.1) and He is our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30). Our position under the New Covenant is “not having my own righteousness which is of the torah but that which is through faith in Christ” (Phil. 3:9). As Paul tells Timothy, the law is not made for the righteous but for the lawless and disobedient (1 Tim. 1:8-9) and our status is righteous!

Summary of discussion

Mosaic Covenant and Torah’s Role: Understanding the Old Testament

We discussed the Mosaic Covenant, also known as the Sinaiatic Covenant, with a focus on the role of Torah. We clarified that while the term ‘Torah’ is used in various ways, it essentially refers to the detailed part of the covenant and reiterated the Torah as the way of the Lord under the Mosaic covenant. We mentioned that many believe the 10 Commandments are still binding, and outlined four different approaches to the law across the Christian Church. We stressed the importance of understanding and respecting every part of the Old Testament, including the smallest details.

Judaism, Jewishness, and Messianic Jews

We discussed the distinction between Judaism and Jewishness, explaining that Jewishness encompasses ethnic, cultural, and religious aspects. We highlighted the influence of Rabbinic Judaism on Jewish culture and national identity and the complex relationship between Messianic Jews and mainstream Christianity. We also discussed the complexities within the Church and the challenges of understanding the religious practices of Jews in the first century due to the lack of written records. We emphasized the difficulties in reconciling the varying views of Messianic Jews regarding the relevance of Jewish law and tradition without compromising the significance of Jesus, particularly in the eyes of non-Messianic Jews.

New Testament Interpretation and Kingdom Living

We discussed the interpretation of the New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus and Paul. The conversation explored the idea of “kingdom living” and how it differs from the Old Testament. The group also discussed the tension between Paul’s actions and his teachings, as well as the ongoing validity and authority of the Torah. We emphasized that it’s not about what they do, but about Christ working through them. The discussion concluded with a focus on the importance of love and treating others as they would want to be treated.

Bible Interpretation of ‘Fulfilled

We looked at the interpretation of the word “fulfilled” in the Bible. We highlighted that while the Rabbinic interpretation emphasizes obedience to the Torah, the New Testament uses the term “fulfilled” to imply bringing to completion or accomplishing what was promised. We also discussed the purpose of the law, suggesting it was to help people live righteously. We emphasized the importance of understanding the context of the scripture and the word “fulfilled” to avoid misinterpretation. The conversation concluded with a debate about the meaning of “keeping the law,” suggesting that it involves more than avoiding sin.

Jesus’ Teachings vs. Pharisees: A New Perspective

We looked at the teachings of Jesus compared to the Pharisees, and highlighted that Jesus was advocating for a higher standard of love and ethics, which was different from the Rabbinical Judaism taught by the Pharisees. We also emphasized the importance of God’s promises and the fulfillment of His teachings in our hearts. We pointed out that Jesus was not concealing or making His teachings safe, unlike the rabbis, but was presenting them in a new light. We also noted the significance of studying the Old Testament to understand the Hebrew context of the teachings.

Testament Interpretation and Legalism Warning

We discussed the interpretation of the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the notion of progressive revelation. We noted that the standard of love in the Old Testament was to love one’s neighbour as oneself, but Jesus elevated this to loving one’s neighbour as He loves us. We cautioned against the danger of legalism and the need to be careful about things presented as extra or special, as they often lead to self-righteousness. We stressed that the focus should always be on Christ and his grace, rather than human efforts to be righteous.

Grace, Guilt, and the 10 Commandments

We considered that this issue stems from a lack of understanding or acceptance of what grace means, and might be linked to feelings of guilt and shame. We emphasized the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for justification, rather than adherence to the law. We also touched upon the significance of the 10 Commandments, describing them as a blueprint for a well-functioning society, although also noting that they serve as a demonstration of human sinfulness.

Religious Observances and Unity

We discussed the concept of religious observances and their potential for fostering pride or control. We emphasized that while adhering to religious practices can provide a sense of satisfaction, it shouldn’t be a means of judging others or feeling superior. We also touched upon the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, outlining how the early Christian community navigated the question of whether non-Jews needed to convert to Judaism in order to be saved. We concluded that the Apostolic injunctions in Acts 15 were intended to promote unity and love, rather than division or superiority.

Circumcision, Law, and Faith in Christ

We looked at the role of circumcision in relation to the Mosaic covenant and the law, emphasizing that physical circumcision was a sign of the covenant under the Old Testament but is now superseded by the spiritual circumcision of the heart. We noted that following the letter of the law can lead to forgetting the spirit of the law. We also discussed the role of Christ in fulfilling the law and the importance of having faith in Christ for righteousness. The team agreed that their identity lies in being in Christ rather than Christ being in them.

Covenant, Diving In!, The Mosaic Covenant, The New Covenant