The Law of Moses: Overview

Mike Harbrecht

What is one word you would use to describe the Law of Moses?

Mosiah 13:29 “And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God.”

However, those who lived with the Law of Moses would gain eternal life if they lived by its terms and conditions.

“The law functioned under the Aaronic Priesthood and was a preparatory gospel…” (Bible Dictionary: “Law of Moses”)

Preparatory to what?

The Law of Moses prepared people for the fullness of the gospel.1

The fullness of the gospel is not just better, it is far better.3

The Law of Moses is superior to all other laws, other than the fullness of the gospel.2

“It is unfortunate that many people, some even in the Church, think of the Mosaic law as a substitute for the higher law of the gospel. We call it a lesser law, and so it was, if the word lesser is used in the sense of progressive steps. But some people assume that lesser means of lower importance and significance, or of a lesser level of truth and righteousness.”4

repentance,

baptism of water,

remission of sins,

were part of the law, as were also

the Ten Commandments.”

“Faith,

Bible Dictionary: “Law of Moses”

“It included a law of carnal commandments and performances, added to the basic laws of the gospel.”

Bible Dictionary: “Law of Moses”

Law of Moses

To Remember…

Mosiah 13:30 “Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.”

“The law of Moses consisted of many ceremonies, rituals, and symbols, to remind the people frequently of their duties and responsibilities.” (Bible Dictionary: "Law of Moses")

Prepatory

• "The law functioned under the Aaronic Priesthood and was a preparatory gospel to bring its adherents to Christ." (Bible Dictionary: "Law of Moses")

“Remember also that the law of Moses was designed to provide outward physical reminders found in daily life to remind the Israelites of deeper spiritual truths.”5

To Remember…

“…the law of Moses included daily performances and ordinances to help bring the children of Israel to Christ.”6

“The law functioned under the Aaronic Priesthood and was a preparatory gospel to bring its adherents to Christ.” (Bible Dictionary: “Law of Moses”)

Galatians 3:19,24

“Wherefore then serveth the law [of Moses]?

It [Law of Moses] was added

because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator…

Wherefore the law [of Moses] was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

2 Nephi 25:24, 26, 30 “And, notwithstanding we believe in

Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled…

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins…

And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the performances and ordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled which was given unto Moses.”

Footnote Source Information

1 McConkie, Bruce R. The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary. Collector's ed., American Fork, Utah: Covenant Communications, Inc., 2008, 52-53.

2 McConkie, Bruce R. The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary. Collector's ed., American Fork, Utah: Covenant Communications, Inc., 2008, 52-53.

3 McConkie, Bruce R. The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary. Collector's ed., American Fork, Utah: Covenant Communications, Inc., 2008, 52-53.

4 Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1980, 1981, 2003, chapter 12.

5 Old Testament Seminary Student Guide. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1998, 2002, 59.

6 Old Testament Video Guide. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1991, 2001, 18.