The Relevance of Exodus Laws in Modern Abrahamic Faiths

The Question often arises: Are the laws in the book of Exodus important guidance to all Abrahamic faiths, or are these laws primarily for the original Jewish faith?

The Laws in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

In the Bible, the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy are filled with the explicit commands given by God to the Israelites, known as the Children of Israel. These laws are described as being between God and the descendants of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel. They are not written for any other people or groups.

According to the teachings of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 23:9, those who are descendants of these original families may consider God as their father, and thus, are bound by these laws. For others, who were never born into these families, these laws are not applicable unless there is confusion.

The Law Given to Moses

God gave Moses 613 laws to keep evil at bay. These laws, found in the Old Testament, were meant to maintain social order and moral conduct. The Old Testament is a shadow of things to come, representing the New Covenant, which would replace the old rituals and rules of the Old Covenant.

Jesus, through his life and teachings, made the Old Covenant obsolete. The word "obsolete" here means that it is defunct, outdated, and discarded. The best way to understand this is through a metaphor: When children are young, they need rules to understand concepts like peace and community. These rules are boundaries to maintain order in the home and teach self-discipline.

Transition from Rules to Love

As children grow, the rules and boundaries change to suit their age. At the age of maturity, these rules are no longer necessary. A grown-up who lives by love does not need rules; they naturally protect others and seek to help. They may even break the rules to do what is right.

Jesus raised the bar to a new level of morality and love. He taught that true righteousness comes from a heart that loves God and loves others. This is the essence of the teachings found in the New Testament.

Conclusion

The laws in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy are foundational to the Old Covenant and remain important to those who identify as part of the Children of Israel. However, for believers in the New Testament, the focus is on the New Covenant, which is based on the teachings of Jesus and the love that characterizes his followers. The principles of self-discipline and communal wellbeing are still applicable, but the application of these principles has shifted to a deeper, more personal relationship with God.

Ultimately, the relevance of these laws lies in the hearts and minds of those who study and follow the teachings of the Bible. Whether one chooses to abide by the specific laws in the Old Testament or follow the new commandments found in the New Testament, the core message of both covenants is the pursuit of righteousness and love.