Introduction

God’s Laws Through the Ages

Genesis 1 – Laws for Patriarchs

  • Genesis 3; 6:14; 12
  • Genesis 4 – Cain and Abel presenting offerings, showing they had been instructed to do so.
  • Genesis 18:19

Exodus 20 – Law of Moses for Israel (Old Covenant)

  • Exodus 19:3-6
  • Deuteronomy 5:1-3
  • This was Gid’s law for Israel. It was specific to that group.

Prophets – Laws for Gentiles

  • Isaiah 13:1; 14:29; 15:1; 18:1; 19:1; 21:11, 13 – Examples of God giving instructions to Gentiles.
  • Jeremiah 46; Amos 1
  • Romans 4:15 – Without law, there is no sin.
  • Jonah 1:2 – The Ninevites evidently knew God’s laws.

Transition: Jesus Lived Under the Old Covenant, Taught the New Covenant

  • Matthew 5:17-18 – Jesus came to fulfill the law.
  • Matthew 4:23

Acts 2 – Law of Christ for ALL (New Covenant)

  • Hebrews 1:1-2

  • Acts 2:36-39

  • Acts 10 – Law is for Gentiles also!

    • Acts 10:34-35

    • Galatians 3:28

  • John 12:48 – Jesus’ law will carry on until the last day.

  • Romans 1:16

Study each passage in its context to determine its relevance to us.

  • Generally, the New Testament is for us, the Old Testament is not. But even that is an oversimplification.
  • Not everything in the Old Testament is irrelevant.
  • Not everything in the New Testament is an instruction for us.