I. The Ceremonial Laws abolished.
A. Ceremonial Laws:
1. Various forms of law were given to Israel.
a. The Moral law.
b. Civil law.
c. And ceremonial law.
2. Ceremonial laws governed various things:
a. Laws governing the priesthood, etc.
b. Laws governing the temple worship.
c. Laws governing sacrifice, tithes, things in the temple, etc.
d. Laws governing the feasts: Passover, Pentecost, Feast of Tabernacles, etc.
B. Their abolishment.
1. These were abolished at the time of the coming of Christ.
a. These pointed to the coming of Christ.
b. Served as types and shadows–are not needed now with our Fulfillment here.
2. Therefore also the church need no more observe these.
a. The Roman Catholic Church yet does to a certain extent.
b. Protestantism has insisted that observance is no more required.
II. What does remain of ceremonial laws.
A. Behind these laws are various spiritual principles.
1. They pointed to remission of sin; proper worship of God; etc.
2. Israel was called to observe these with a spiritual motive.
B. The principles of these laws are now seen in Christ.
1. He is the fulfillment of them.
2. What the Old Testament ceremonial laws pointed to, Christ now represents.
III. The benefit of ceremonial laws for us:
A. Confirms us in the gospel.
1. We do no longer observe these laws.
2. But we can be instructed and strengthened through them.
a. In studying them, we learn more of the significance of the work of the cross.
b. For these always point us to the Christ.
B. It regulates our lives.
1. Directs us in the Word of the Lord.
2. That thus we too, in Christ, serve Him properly.
Questions:
1. Was the Moral Law of the Old Testament abolished?
2. Who are antinomians and what do they maintain?
3. Which ceremonial laws does Rome yet observe?
4. Ought we not abolish also the reading and study of the Old Testament?
5. Do we not err in observing yet certain church holidays?
6. Who are the Nazarenes?
7. What was the Feast of Tabernacles?
8. Show that there is “gospel” also in the Old Testament.
9. What would be the idea of Christian Liberty?