Throughout the Bible, there are several instances when God altered the law, changing the way His people were expected to live and worship. These changes often occurred during pivotal moments in history and were integral to the spiritual and moral development of God’s chosen people. From the giving of the Ten Commandments to the adjustments made through Jesus Christ, God’s interventions have played a central role in shaping religious law and practice. In this article, we explore the times God altered the law, why He did so, and what it means for believers today.
What Is the Concept of Divine Law?:
Before diving into the specific times God altered the law, it’s essential to understand what divine law is. Divine law refers to the moral laws and commandments that God has set for humanity, as found in religious texts such as the Bible. These laws guide believers on how to live righteous lives, honor God, and treat others justly. The concept of divine law begins with the creation of the world and continues to evolve throughout the Bible.
Key Times God Altered the Law
1. The Giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
The most famous instance of God altering the law was when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. These laws, often seen as the moral foundation of the Bible, were divinely revealed to establish a covenant between God and the Israelites. While these commandments provided a clear set of guidelines for moral and religious behavior, they marked a significant shift in how humanity was expected to live in relationship to God.
Why Did God Alter the Law? The giving of the Ten Commandments marked a clear shift from the more general laws previously known to humanity. It formalized a relationship between God and His people, setting them apart from other nations. The Ten Commandments highlighted the importance of monotheism, respect for parents, the sanctity of life, and the need for justice and mercy.
2. The Law of Sacrifice and Atonement (Leviticus 16: The Day of Atonement)
In the book of Leviticus, God altered the law by instituting the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, as a way for the Israelites to seek forgiveness for their sins. This was a time when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The practice of animal sacrifice became an essential part of the law, as it symbolized the need for repentance and atonement.
Why Did God Alter the Law? God gave this law to show the people that sin had serious consequences and that repentance was necessary for forgiveness. The act of sacrifice pointed to the future sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately fulfill this law by offering Himself as the perfect atonement for humanity’s sins.
3. The Changing of Dietary Laws (Acts 10: Peter’s Vision)
In the New Testament, God again altered the law in a dramatic way through the apostle Peter. In Acts 10, Peter had a vision in which God declared that all foods were clean, thus changing the dietary laws that were originally given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. The old law forbade the consumption of certain foods, such as pork and shellfish. However, God made it clear that His followers no longer needed to adhere to these restrictions.
Why Did God Alter the Law? This change was revolutionary for the early church and signified that the gospel was for all people, not just the Jews. It also signified that the old ceremonial laws, which were intended to set the Israelites apart, were no longer necessary with the coming of Christ. The vision pointed to a new covenant of grace, where salvation was offered freely to everyone, regardless of background or dietary practices.
4. The Sermon on the Mount: The Fulfillment and Deepening of the Law (Matthew 5-7)
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) was another instance in which God altered the law. Jesus did not abolish the law, but He deepened it, offering a more spiritual and internalized interpretation of God’s commandments. For example, while the Old Testament law commanded not to murder, Jesus expanded it by saying that even harboring anger in your heart is as serious as murder (Matthew 5:21-22).
Why Did God Alter the Law? Jesus altered the law to emphasize the heart of the commandments rather than mere outward actions. He made it clear that God’s law was not just about external obedience but about internal transformation. This was a shift from a legalistic approach to one centered on love, mercy, and grace. Jesus showed that fulfilling the law required a change of heart, not just outward compliance.
5. The New Covenant and the End of the Old Law (Hebrews 8:7-13)
The ultimate alteration of the law came with the establishment of the New Covenant through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 8, the author speaks of a new covenant that replaces the old one, stating that God would write His laws on people’s hearts rather than on stone tablets. This was a major shift, as the Old Covenant was based on the law of Moses, which included ceremonial and civil laws specific to Israel.
Why Did God Alter the Law? The New Covenant replaced the Old Covenant because the old laws could not fully cleanse humanity from sin. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb, fulfilled the requirements of the law, rendering animal sacrifices and ritual observances obsolete. Through the New Covenant, God’s grace was made available to all people, and the Holy Spirit would help believers live according to God’s will, not by adherence to a written code but through a personal relationship with God.
Benefits of Understanding Times God Altered the Law
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Spiritual Growth: Recognizing these changes helps us understand how God’s plan for humanity evolved, deepening our spiritual relationship with Him.
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Grace Over Legalism: Understanding these alterations helps believers move beyond a legalistic understanding of faith, embracing God’s grace and the internal transformation He desires.
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Inclusivity of the Gospel: The shift from Jewish-specific laws to a universal message highlights that the gospel is for all nations, breaking down barriers and fostering unity.
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A Deeper Understanding of Redemption: The alterations in the law point to the ultimate redemption found in Christ, demonstrating God’s faithfulness throughout history.
FAQs About Times God Altered the Law
1. Why did God change the law in the Old Testament?
God altered the law to establish a covenant with His people and to prepare them for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The law was a guide, pointing to the need for repentance and atonement.
2. What was the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount?
The Sermon on the Mount was Jesus’ way of deepening the Old Testament law, focusing on the spirit behind the commandments rather than just outward behavior.
3. How did the New Covenant change the law?
The New Covenant fulfilled and replaced the Old Covenant, emphasizing grace over legalism. It allowed for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, moving beyond ritual observances.
4. Are the dietary laws still relevant today?
No, the dietary laws were changed by God in Acts 10 to show that salvation is available to everyone and that the old ceremonial laws were no longer necessary.
Conclusion
Throughout history, God has altered the law to fulfill His divine purposes and bring about the salvation of humanity. From the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Jesus Christ, each change in the law points to a deeper understanding of God’s grace and the work of redemption. As we reflect on these moments, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and His desire for a transformed heart rather than mere rule-following. The alterations in the law reveal the heart of God and His plan for humanity, inviting all people into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.