Moses and the Ceremonial Law

I. What is the purpose for the ceremonial law?When we use the term “ceremonial law” we are referring to that aspect of the law that God gave in addition to the civil and moral laws as reflected in the Ten Commandments and supporting laws. The ceremonial laws had more to do with worship and how a sinful nation could stay in right relationship to a holy God.

A. The ceremonial law was given provide a temporary remedy for sin (Heb. 10:11-14).

The blood of animals did not cleanse sin, it only covered sin until The Lamb who would take away and bear the sins of the world (Ps. 32:1; 85:2; John 1:29; I John 1:7; Heb. 9:9-15; 10:1-4).

B. The ceremonial law was given to teach Israel that there were conditions for God’s dwelling among His people (Hebrews 9:11-15).

Through the teaching of the tabernacle, priesthood and sacrifices God demonstrated that His glory and presence could only dwell among His people on the basis of the blood atonement…

God dwelt with His people based on the work of the high priest who offered the proper sacrifice and his sprinkling of the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant with the shed blood of the slain animal or sacrifice

C. The ceremonial law was given show Israel that the only acceptable way to approach, worship or serve God is through the passion kindled by God on the altar of repentance and sacrifice (See: Lev. 9:23-24; 10:1-3; 16:1; Num. 3:4; 26:61).

D. The ceremonial law was given illustrate God’s two primary ways of dealing with mankind (John 1:17; Ps. 85:10).

God is a holy and righteous God, but He is also a God who is plenteous in redemption and mercy (Ex. 20:6; 34:6-7; Deut. 5:10).

1. God declared His righteousness and holiness through the law (Rom. 7:12).

Unfortunately the law shows us that we cannot please God by keeping the law, because we do not have it in us (Rom. 7:13-25). The law shows us our need for grace and redemption.

2. God declared His mercy and forgiveness through His provisions of grace.

a. In the Old Testament this grace was dispensed by the priests based on the proper sacrifices and offerings for sin (Num. 6:23-27).

b. In the New Testament this grace came through Christ and His once and for all sacrifice for sin.

E. The ceremonial law was given to teach man symbolically and prophetically about God’s plan of redemption through Christ.

F. The ceremonial law was given lead all to Christ (Gal. 3:22-25, Luke 24:25-27, 44-45).

The only way we can understand the Bible is by seeing how it reveals Christ to us. The entire Bible, both Old and New Testaments, could be labeled the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

1. Notice the testimony of Philip (John 1:45).

2. Notice the testimony of Peter (Acts 10:43).

3. Notice the testimony of Jesus (Mt. 5:17-18; John 5:39, 45-47; Heb. 10:5-7).

II. How is Christ seen in the various aspects of the ceremonial law?

A. Christ is seen in the Tabernacle with its furniture.

B. Christ is seen in the Priesthood.

C. Christ is seen in the Five Offerings.

D. Christ is seen in the Three Feasts.

III. How are we to relate to the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament?

A. Jesus came to fulfill the letter of the law and introduce the spiritual principle that operated behind the law.

B. Jesus introduced us to better things in the new covenant.

Once Jesus brought in the true or the realities, there was no more need for the shadow. In fact, to go back to the shadow after the true has been manifest is to regress and to devalue what God has provided in Christ.