What is Moses’ law?

Two Laws

What is Moses’ law? The Bible clearly teaches that there are two distinct laws: the moral law given by God and the ceremonial law given through Moses. Understanding the difference between these two laws is crucial for grasping how the cross affected each and why the Ten Commandments remain binding today. Scripture draws a clear line between the permanent principles of God’s character and the temporary ceremonies that pointed to Christ.

This article examines what Moses’ law entails, its significance in Scripture, and its practical application for believers today.

God’s Law and Moses’ Law in Scripture

The first distinction between these two laws appears in the Old Testament itself. Moses explained that the Ten Commandments came directly from God, while the statutes and judgments were given through him. He stated, “And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments, and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments” (Deuteronomy 4:13-14). This passage clearly separates God’s law, which was spoken and written by Him, from Moses’ law, which was delivered through Moses.

Another example of this distinction can be found in the books of Kings. God referred to His commandments separately from the law of Moses: “Only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them” (2 Kings 21:8). Once again, God identifies His own law and then mentions the law given through Moses.

Daniel also recognized this distinction when he prayed, “Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law… therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God” (Daniel 9:11). Here, Daniel spoke of “thy law,” referring to God’s law, and also “the law of Moses,” which pertains to the ceremonies and statutes.

Throughout the Bible, this clear difference appears repeatedly. One law describes moral principles that are eternal in nature, while the other consists of temporary regulations tied to the sanctuary system.

Comparing Moses’ Law and God’s Law

Many people struggle with the differences between these two laws because the word ‘law’ appears frequently in Scripture. However, the Bible itself provides unmistakable contrasts. Below is a comparison based directly on biblical references:

Moses’ Law

• Called “the law of Moses” (Luke 2:22)
• Called “the law contained in ordinances” (Ephesians 2:15)
• Written by Moses in a book (2 Chronicles 35:12)
• Placed in the side of the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26)
• Ended at the cross (Ephesians 2:15)
• Added because of sin (Galatians 3:19)
• Described as “against us” (Colossians 2:14-16)
• Judges no one (Colossians 2:14-16)
• Carnal (Hebrews 7:16)
• Made nothing perfect (Hebrews 7:19)

God’s Law

• Called “the law of the Lord” (Isaiah 5:24)
• Called “the royal law” (James 2:8)
• Written by God on stone (Exodus 31:18; 32:16)
• Placed inside the ark (Exodus 40:20)
• Stands forever (Luke 16:17)
• Points out sin (Romans 7:7; 3:20)
• Not grievous (1 John 5:3)
• Judges all people (James 2:10-12)
• Spiritual (Romans 7:14)
• Perfect (Psalm 19:7)

These differences show that the ceremonial law and the moral law cannot be the same. One was temporary and symbolic, while the other is eternal and foundational.

Understanding Moses’ Law

Moses’ law consisted of ceremonies that pointed forward to Jesus. These included sacrifices, earthly priesthood rituals, feast days, and annual sabbaths. Scripture states that these observances were “a shadow of things to come” (Colossians 2:16-17). The shadows pointed to Christ, who fulfilled them through His life, death, and priestly ministry.

Leviticus 23 lists seven yearly feast days, and several of them were called sabbaths. However, these were not the weekly Sabbath of the fourth commandment. God distinguishes the annual sabbaths clearly by stating they were “besides the Sabbaths of the Lord” (Leviticus 23:38). The weekly Sabbath existed before sin (Genesis 2:2-3), while the ceremonial sabbaths were introduced after sin to point to Christ’s redemptive work.

Because these ceremonies were symbolic, they naturally ended when the true Lamb of God offered His life. When Christ died, “the veil of the temple was torn in two” (Matthew 27:51), signaling the end of the earthly sanctuary services. The ceremonial law reached its completion because the One to whom it pointed had come.

Understanding God’s Law

In contrast, God’s law is eternal. Paul wrote, “Where no law is, there is no transgression” (Romans 4:15). The existence of sin proves that God’s moral law has always been in place. The Ten Commandments reveal God’s character, and His character does not change.

The psalmist said, “The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever” (Psalm 111:7-8). Jesus confirmed this when He taught, “Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law” (Matthew 5:18). Since heaven and earth still exist, the law remains.

The fourth commandment, which sets apart the seventh day as the Sabbath, is part of this eternal law. Hebrews 4:9 declares, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” The word “rest” here refers to Sabbath rest, indicating its continuing relevance for believers.

Paul emphasized that the moral law remains active: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid, we establish the law” (Romans 3:31). Later, he wrote, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good” (Romans 7:12). Paul did not abolish the law; he upheld it.

Why the Distinction Matters

Some Christians confuse these two laws because they see the word ‘law’ in the New Testament and assume it refers to the Ten Commandments. However, when Paul speaks of the law being abolished, he refers to ceremonies, not God’s unchanging moral principles. Understanding this distinction prevents misinterpretation and helps believers appreciate what Christ accomplished at the cross.

The ceremonial law demonstrated humanity’s need for a Savior, while the moral law shows the standard of righteousness. The cross removed the system of sacrifices but did not remove the definition of sin. If the Ten Commandments had been abolished, sin would no longer exist, for “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).

Jesus came not to weaken God’s commandments but to magnify them. Isaiah prophesied, “He will magnify the law and make it honorable” (Isaiah 42:21). Christ’s life demonstrated perfect obedience, and through His grace, believers can follow His example.

The Bible presents two distinct laws: the ceremonial law given through Moses, which ended at the cross, and the moral law given by God, which stands forever. The Ten Commandments reveal God’s character and guide believers in holy living. Understanding the difference between these laws helps us appreciate Christ’s sacrifice and reveals the continued importance of God’s unchanging commandments.