Law of Moses

Moses bringing the Ten Commandments, one of the most well-known parts of the Law

The Law of Moses refers to the laws and commandments given by God through the prophet Moses, as recorded in the first five books of the Bible, collectively known as the Pentateuch or Torah. These laws include moral, ceremonial, and civil directives and are considered foundational to the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites.

One of the central books for understanding the Law of Moses is Leviticus, which details many of the ceremonial and sacrificial laws, including guidelines for worship, purity, and atonement. The Mosaic Law is often divided into three categories:

1. Moral Laws: Universal ethical principles, such as the Ten Commandments.
2. Ceremonial Laws: Ritual practices specific to worship and sacrifice in the tabernacle.
3. Civil Laws: Governance guidelines for ancient Israelite society.

Today, the Law of Moses is meant to be understood in relation to the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Some heretics, such as the early Jewish Christian communities addressed in Paul's Epistle to the Galatians, emphasise the continued need to follow the law. However, orthodox Christian theology, especially in Reformed traditions, teaches that the Law of Moses has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This fulfilment does not abolish the law but reveals its ultimate purpose: to point to Christ and his redemptive work.

Under the New Covenant, Christians are no longer bound by the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Mosaic Law. Instead, the moral law, encapsulated by the Ten Commandments, remains relevant as a guide for Christian living, while salvation is understood to come by grace through faith, not adherence to the law. This distinction is foundational in understanding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.