The Elements of the Law

One reason for the lack of clarity in our insistence that we are not under the Law but under grace is that the Law has many different components. Some of the components, such as the animal sacrifices and the priesthood, have been done away. Other statutes, particularly those concerning moral behaviour, are not to be transgressed at any time.

The Ten Commandments are the best known part of the Law of Moses. They are a summary of the Law and often seem to be what Paul means primarily when he refers to the Law.

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Romans 13:8,9)

While the following is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of the elements of the Torah, it may give us an idea of the diverse aspects of which the Law is composed.

The animal sacrifices.

The ordinances of the priesthood and of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

The feast days.

Dietary regulations, washing of dishes and pots.

Property and money ownership and management, tithing, usury and interest, the redemption of land.

Marriage and divorce.

Special dress, mixtures, appearance.

Laws regarding leprosy.

Laws governing slavery.

Cities of refuge, murder.

Various ordinances regarding sorcery, thievery, paying of wages, pledges, surety, personal injury.

Circumcision.

The Sabbath day.

Moral purity.

Righteous behaviour.

Worship and holiness.

All of these plus injunctions we may have not mentioned constitute the Law, the Torah.

To blithely state we are not under the Law but under grace, or that Christ is the end of the Law, may not be a satisfying response.

It is clear we no longer are required to offer a bull as a fellowship offering. Instead, we are to offer our body as a living sacrifice to the Father.

What about adultery and incest. Is a Christian free to commit adultery and incest? If not, why not? Under what law is the Christian required to refrain from adultery and incest?

One may say, a true Christian will not practice adultery or incest. The fact is, in our day numerous Christian people practice adultery and many molest their own children.

We know how God commanded us to treat adultery and incest under the Law. How does God command us to deal with adultery and incest under the new covenant?

Perhaps if we examine some of the facets of the Law we can speak with more understanding when we state we are not under the Law but under grace, or that Christ is the end of the Law.

Elements of the Law That Have Been Replaced by the New Covenant