2.2 Only One Law in Force

Quote:

"The Old Testament Law of Moses was the only covenant law in force during the time of MMLJ -- before the cross. The New Testament of Christ was not revealed or did it come into force before the death of Christ (Heb. 9:16-17)."

We agree that the New Testament of Christ did not come into force before the death of Christ. This is not the issue. The entire issue is whether Jesus could and did reveal His will prior to the cross.

Answer:

1. The law of the patriarchal age was the only covenant law in force during the time of Genesis - Exodus 19 -- before Sinai. Yet, the Passover law was revealed uniquely for Israel before the Sinai law. Also, the Passover is still part of the first testament that was dedicated with blood at Mt.Sinai. The Passover command (Exodus 12) was not itself the testament, yet the testament contains the Passover command that was stated in command form before the testament was ratified at Sinai. The situation forces two choices:
   1. The Passover of Exodus 12 was part of the Patriarchal Law and was to be discarded after the Sinai testament was dedicated with blood, or
   2. The Passover of Exodus 12 was not part of the Patriarchal Law but was a preliminary part of the law to be fully declared at Sinai.

   The Passover command was not itself the testament but would combine with the Sinai testament and be considered part of the testament. Jews would always understand the preliminaries to the Sinai covenant were just as significant expressions of the divine will for them as the things given at Sinai.

2. Likewise, the whole ministry of Christ was looking forward to the kingdom, not backward to the Sinai law. The “prophet like unto Moses” (Deuteronomy 18:15f) would have at least the same rights as Moses. If Moses could speak pre-Sinai commands that would belong exclusively to Israelites while they were under Patriarchal Law, then the prophet like Moses (Jesus) could speak pre-Pentecost commands that would belong exclusively for those preparing to enter His kingdom. Like, Moses’ pre-Sinai commands, Jesus’ pre-cross and pre-Pentecost commands would naturally be remembered and followed by His kingdom of disciples.
3. It is admitted that Jesus taught things that would apply to the kingdom (i.e., “eat My flesh and drink My blood” - John 6). This command was spoken while the Law of Moses was the “only covenant law in force.” We have two choices:
   1. This command was part of the Law of Moses and was nailed to the cross, never to be carried out, or
   2. This command was a preliminary command, much like the Passover command of Exodus 12, that would be incorporated into the directives guiding the NT kingdom of Christ.

   It is easy to see which is the case.