We once thought that the only laws in the Old Testament we needed to keep were the Ten Commandments. But in studying the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy we found out we were wrong. God has many other laws that we are still required to keep as well.
Almost the entire book of Deuteronomy is filled with laws that we are still supposed to obey. These laws were given for our good. Ellen White says they were “not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. They were to be binding upon man in every age as long as time should last. These commands were enforced by the power of the moral law [Ten Commandments], and they clearly and definitely explained that law.” (RH, May 6, 18750, brackets added)
These additional laws (many times called Statutes or Judgments) were given to protect us, and be a blessing to us, if we keep them. Indeed, God has an entire list of blessings written for those who obey them (Deut. 28).
We believe that obedience to God’s laws is very important. With David we want to say, “Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psa. 119:97) 1 John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” And Revelation 22:14 says, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” God’s laws are given for our good and if we truly love God we will love His law as well (read Ps. 119).
Following is a brief list of some of the reasons we believe God still wants us to obey these laws:
- Because Christ Himself gave them to Moses from the pillar of cloud. (RH, 12-25-00) – See “God’s Law”
- Because they were not shadowy types to pass away with the death of Christ. (RH 5-6-75) – See “God’s Law”
- Because they were given to guard and explain the far reaching principles of the Ten Commandments. (PP, 310) – See “God’s Law”
- Because, along with the Ten Commandments, they are the conditions of our Covenant with God. If we break them, we are breaking His Covenant! (see “Buried Treasure, Part 2”)
- Because the Spirit of Prophecy says they are to be binding on man in every age as long as time should last. (RH 5-6-75) – See “God’s Law”
- Because it also says, “In the day of judgment we shall be asked whether we have lived in harmony with these specifications.” {AUCR, March 25, 1907 par. 4} – See “God’s Law”
- Because they are part of the Elijah Message (Mal. 4).
- Because if we are breaking any of God’s laws we cannot receive the Seal of God (Rev. 7 & 14).
- Because we love Jesus and earnestly desire with all our hearts to keep His Commandments, Statutes, and Judgments! (John 14:15, Deut. 11:1)
- Because we have been justified by Jesus blood. We have been saved by grace. And God has taken away the heart of stone and given us a heart of flesh so we can walk in His statutes and keep His Judgments (Eze. 36:26-27). Without Christ we can do nothing. All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Is. 64:6). But through Christ, all things are possible (Phil. 4:13), even faithfulness, loyalty, and obedience to God’s law. God is putting His laws into our minds and writing them in our hearts – this is the New Covenant! (Heb. 8:10; Jer. 31:33)
Do you want to learn more about these laws God has given? Do you want to be under the New Covenant and allow the Holy Spirit to write God’s laws in your heart and mind. Let’s study God’s word together. If you love God and want to learn more about these important laws He has given us, please go to this article, “Buried Treasure, Part 1” on our website (www.seekbibletruth.org). You will be surprised at the new things you will learn! After that you may want to read our other articles under the “God’s Laws” menu. You may also want to watch the series of videos in our “Videos” menu which also explains more about these important laws.
“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.” ~Malachi 4:4