Importance Of Mosaic Law

MOSAIC LAW.

In the Old Testament, the word “law” is used to translate the Hebrew word torah, “instruction.” The Hebrew word for “law” probably comes from the causative form of the verbyarah, “to shoot/throw.” Laws are therefore rules governing one’s actions.

The Mosaic Law is the document that God gave to Israel through Moses while Moses was on Mt Sinai. It was to govern the life of the Israeli theocracy—the priest nation. The law contained requirements, blessings, and curses. The law is that which points out God’s will for Israel. The Mosaic Law was in force only during the age or dispensation of Israel. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law during his earthly life and his death for sin. Law ended with Christ, though Israel’s dispensation will conclude

Immediately after the Ten Commandments, the Lord revealed a whole series of laws and commandments which we now call the Mosaic Law. It is unfortunate that many people, some even in the Church, think of the Mosaic Law as a substitute for the higher law of the gospel. We call it a lesser law, and so it was, if the word lesser is used in the sense of progressive steps. But some people assume that lesser means of lower importance and significance, or of a lesser level of truth and righteousness. Such is not the case. Note what other scriptures teach about the law: The Law of Moses was a “preparatory gospel” that included the principles of repentance, baptism, remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments. It was a “very strict law” of “performances and ordinances” designed to keep the Israelites “in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.” The Law of Moses was highly symbolic, being filled with types and shadows, all of which pointed toward Christ and His future Atonement. The Law of Moses was added to the gospel, not given as a substitute for it. The Law of Moses was given as a schoolmaster or tutor to bring Israel to Christ. The Law of Moses is understood through the “spirit of prophecy” or “a testimony of Jesus.” In summary, when you study the law of Moses you can expect to find a witness of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice and gospel principles illustrated in the laws given. Many of the laws may no longer be required of the Saints, but the principles taught are eternal and will never be set aside. For example, the practice of blood sacrifice was fulfilled when Jesus came and the tokens of the sacrament were given in place of the old law. But the principle was as true when the tokens were animals offered on the altar as it is now when the tokens are bread and water