HiStory 5: Law & Land

A. What is the Law?

     Rules for living

     1. Ten Commandments (Ex 20)

     2. More rules and laws (rest of Exodus to Deuteronomy) - aka Pentateuch or Torah

     Priests and Tabernacle (Ex 25-31, 35-40) set up for symbolism and law enforcement:

B. When did the Law come?

     Law comes after salvation or exodus (i.e., salvation and grace precedes obedience and holiness).

     Thus, you don't obey to get saved but you obey because you are saved.

C. Why did the Law come?

     1. Show us the holiness of God (Lev 11:44-45) which is humanly unattainable like low limbo.

     2. To give a more clearer definition of sin and thus increase it (Rom 5:20a).

     Grace (not Law) is the fuel for holiness (Rom 5:20b, Rom 6). We, like the Israelites tend to forget
     that. That is why reminders are plenty (Ex 20:2, Lev 26:13, Num 15:41, Deut 5:6, Ps 81:10).

D. Implications

     The standard that God sets (Law) and the circumstances God presents (entering the promise land)
     are intentionally impossible. This teaches us to rely on God through Christ for not only salvation
     but also sanctification (growing in holiness). A pursuit of holiness is ultimately a pursuit of God.

     Just like how God wanted the Israelites to reflect His holiness (Lev 20:22-26) in the promise land
     to reveal Himself to the neighboring nations, God wants his Bride/Church to be holy (1 Pet 1:13-
    16) to reveal Himself to our community.