The Law of Moses, also known as the Mosaic Law, is a central element of the Old Testament and serves as the foundation of Jewish religious and civil life. It encompasses the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God to the Israelites through Moses, primarily recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Law includes moral, ceremonial, and civil precepts that were intended to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God.

Judgment According to the Law

The concept of judgment according to the Law of Moses is a recurring theme in the Scriptures. The Law was given to the Israelites as a standard of righteousness and obedience, and it is by this standard that they would be judged. In Deuteronomy 28, blessings and curses are outlined as consequences for obedience or disobedience to the Law. The blessings include prosperity and protection, while the curses involve suffering and exile.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of judgment according to the Law. In Romans 2:12-13 , he writes, "All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous." This passage underscores the principle that mere possession or knowledge of the Law is insufficient; rather, it is adherence to the Law that is required.

The Role of the Law in Revealing Sin

The Law of Moses serves to reveal sin and the need for a Savior. In Romans 3:20 , Paul states, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin." The Law acts as a mirror, reflecting the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. It highlights the inability of individuals to achieve righteousness through their own efforts, pointing instead to the necessity of divine grace.

The Jews and the Law in the Context of Salvation

While the Law of Moses was given specifically to the Jewish people, its principles have broader implications for understanding God's standards of holiness and justice. In the New Testament, the coming of Jesus Christ fulfills the Law and the Prophets, as He embodies the perfect obedience to the Law that humanity could not achieve. In Matthew 5:17 , Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them."

The relationship between the Jews and the Law is further explored in the context of salvation history. In Romans 9:4-5 , Paul acknowledges the unique position of the Israelites: "Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen."

The Future Judgment

The Scriptures affirm that there will be a future judgment where all individuals, including the Jews, will be held accountable. In Romans 2:16 , Paul writes, "This will come to pass on that day when God will judge men's secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel." The Law of Moses, while specific to the Jewish people, serves as a testament to God's righteous standards, which will be upheld in the final judgment.

The Law of Moses remains a significant aspect of biblical theology, illustrating God's covenantal relationship with Israel and His unchanging standards of righteousness. It points to the need for redemption through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law and offers salvation to all who believe.John 5:45
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuses you, even Moses, in whom you trust.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 2:12
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That Judgment Will be According to the Times, Either of Equity ...
Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews. ... either of equity before the law, or
of law after Moses. ... law; and as many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/99 that judgment will be.htm

Of the Law.
... of Their Impiety Towards Christ, Made the Jews Captives, and ... heathen, for them to
perform all things in their law. For the divine Moses forbids both to rear an ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv of the law.htm

Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews
... 20. That the Jews would fasten Christ to the cross. ... That judgment will be according
to the times, either of equity before the law, or of law after Moses. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
... on the sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be ... of a specific command making exception
to the general law. ... them from entering it.] 35 The Jews therefore said ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxviii in the temple at.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... These explanations, all collected together, are called 'The Talmud.' Now the learned
Jews grew so fond of their Talmud, that they ... 'The law of Moses is like ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ix the destruction of.htm

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... say that the effect was prior to its cause, either Moses falsely declares ... have sinned
in the law shall be judged by the law," referring to the Jews. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 the promises of.htm

Perpetuity
... in the temple, in Jerusalem, and, finally, in the law, and in the covenant with
Moses. ... That the Jews were to be punished like strangers, if they transgressed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ix perpetuity.htm

Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ...
... The prophet also, to shame the ungrateful Jews, thus speaks ... How will God judge mankind
who lived before Moses? ... many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xii thanksgiving to god.htm

Jesus in the Temple.
... than the Sabbath, which was of Moses; therefore, the ... either circumcision or the Sabbath;
the Jews were, therefore ... the Sabbath day." Mercy was God's eternal law. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus in the temple.htm

That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews. ... And her parents were righteous, and
taught their daughter according to the law of Moses." [4333] Moreover, in ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm

What should Christians learn from the Mosaic Law? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between the ceremonial law, the moral law, and the judicial law in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

What was the purpose of the Levitical Law? | GotQuestions.org

Law: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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