Law and Grace (2) Old Covenant

Fear of legalism has caused many Christian to be afraid of law. Many have been taught that the old covenant established a legalistic system, so they are hostile to God’s law. At the same time, they believe in human law. Whenever a new problem arises in society, Christians are among those calling for the government to pass laws to deal with it. We need to get rid of this strange contradiction, where Christians hate God’s law, but love laws passed by humanistic, secular governments.

We need to get this straight. The old covenant was a covenant of grace, not a covenant of works. Ex 23:20-24:4 describes the confirmation of the Mosaic covenant. God had already brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. They had been fed in the desert. God promised grace for the people that he had chosen.

I will send an angel before you (v.20).
I have prepared a place for you (v.20).
I will oppose you enemies on the way (v.20).
I will send confusion on your enemies (v.27).
I will take sickness away from you (v.25).
I will establish your borders (v.31).

God chose Israel and promised to bless them. Blessing came first, then obedience followed in response to this grace. The only requirement was to follow the angel into the promised land. The Israelites agreed to do what God has asked them to do.

When Moses went and told the people all the LORD’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the LORD has said we will do” (Ex 24:3).

God had brought the people out of Egypt. That was a huge blessing (unearned grace), but it was only half a blessing. Full blessing would only come in the new land. To get there, they had to keep on following God, so he could give it to them. Following God was not good works to earn the land. It was going all the way with him to get his complete blessing.

This is exactly the same situation, as those who follow Jesus. We cannot earn the abundant life that he promised, but unless we surrender to his lordship, we cannot receive it. If we do not follow the leading of the Spirit, we will miss the good things that God has for us.