The "Law of Commandments and Decrees" refers to the body of laws given by God to the people of Israel, primarily through Moses, as recorded in the Old Testament. These laws encompass moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations intended to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God and their interactions with one another. The term is often associated with the Mosaic Law, which includes the Ten Commandments and various other statutes and ordinances.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation of the Law is found in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Ten Commandments, given in Exodus 20:1-17 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:6-21, serve as the core moral code. These commandments address fundamental aspects of human conduct, including the worship of God, the sanctity of life, and the principles of justice and truth.

In addition to the moral laws, the Law of Commandments and Decrees includes ceremonial laws that dictate the religious practices of Israel, such as sacrifices, festivals, and rituals of purification. These are detailed extensively in the book of Leviticus. Civil laws, which govern societal conduct and justice, are also included, providing guidelines for property rights, restitution, and community relations.

Purpose and Function

The Law served multiple purposes for the Israelites. It was a covenantal framework that defined their relationship with God, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6: "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine." The Law was also a means of setting Israel apart as a holy nation, distinct from surrounding peoples, as emphasized in Leviticus 20:26: "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own."

Furthermore, the Law functioned as a tutor or guardian, leading the people to recognize their need for a Savior. The Apostle Paul reflects on this in Galatians 3:24-25 : "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

Fulfillment in Christ

In the New Testament, the Law of Commandments and Decrees is understood in light of the life and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the Law, as He perfectly obeyed its demands and embodied its principles. In Matthew 5:17 , Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them."

The Apostle Paul further explains the relationship between the Law and believers in Ephesians 2:14-15 : "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace." Here, Paul emphasizes that through Christ's sacrificial death, the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Law that separated Jews and Gentiles have been abolished, creating unity in the body of Christ.

Continued Relevance

While the ceremonial and civil laws specific to Israel are no longer binding on Christians, the moral principles of the Law continue to hold relevance. The New Testament reiterates many of these moral commands, emphasizing love for God and neighbor as the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 13:8-10). Believers are called to live by the Spirit, who empowers them to uphold the righteous requirements of the Law in their lives (Romans 8:4).

The Law of Commandments and Decrees, therefore, remains a significant aspect of biblical theology, illustrating God's holiness, justice, and redemptive plan through Christ.