The Mosaic Law in Relationship To The Law of Christ and Millenium

The Law of Moses 

The Law of Moses, often referred to as the Mosaic Law, comprises 613 commandments. These commandments, or mitzvot, are found throughout the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah. These laws cover various aspects of religious, moral, and civil life, guiding the conduct of the people of Israel.

The relationship between the Law of Moses and the New Covenant in Christ is a significant topic in Christian theology. Here’s a summary of how these 613 commandments are understood within the context of the New Covenant:

1. Fulfillment of the Law:

• Jesus’ Fulfillment: According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law. In Matthew 5:17 (KJV), Jesus says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." This implies that Jesus completed the purpose of the Law, and through Him, the requirements of the Law were met.

2. Moral Laws:

• Continuation: The moral laws, which include commandments like those in the Ten Commandments, are seen as still applicable. They reflect God's character and moral will, which do not change. For example, the commandment against murder or adultery is reiterated in the New Testament (e.g., Romans 13:9, KJV).

3. Ceremonial and Sacrificial Laws:

• Obsolete through Christ: The ceremonial laws, which include sacrifices, festivals, and rituals, were specific to the Old Covenant. These were fulfilled in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. For instance, Hebrews 10:1 (KJV) says, "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect." Therefore, Christians believe that these laws are no longer required under the New Covenant.

4. Civil and Judicial Laws:

• Cultural and Temporal: The civil laws were specific to the nation of Israel and their governance. With the coming of Christ and the spreading of the Gospel to all nations, these laws are not seen as binding on Christians today. However, the principles behind them are often studied for their ethical insights.

5. The Law of Christ:

• New Commandment: Under the New Covenant, Christians are called to follow the "Law of Christ," which is summarized by the commandment to love God and love others. Galatians 6:2 (KJV) says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." This law encompasses the moral teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

In summary, while the New Covenant in Christ does not require adherence to all 613 commandments of the Mosaic Law, the moral laws continue to have significance, and the ceremonial, sacrificial, and civil laws are viewed as fulfilled and transformed by Christ’s life and teachings.

Apprenticeship

The concept of the present Christian life as an "apprenticeship" or preparation for the Millennium is not explicitly stated in Scripture, but there are biblical principles that support the idea that the way Christians live now prepares them for roles and responsibilities in the future Kingdom, including the Millennium. Here’s how this concept can be understood:

1. Training for Reigning:

• Revelation 20:4-6 (KJV): "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them... and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." This passage describes believers reigning with Christ during the Millennium. The idea is that the faithful life Christians live now is preparing them for their roles in this future reign.
• Luke 19:17 (KJV): "And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." In the Parable of the Ten Minas, Jesus teaches that faithfulness in small responsibilities now leads to greater responsibilities in His Kingdom. This suggests that our current life is a preparation or apprenticeship for future leadership.

2. Sanctification and Growth:

• Romans 8:29 (KJV): "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." The process of sanctification—becoming more like Christ—is part of preparing Christians for their future role in His Kingdom.
• Philippians 1:6 (KJV): "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." This verse speaks to the ongoing work of God in the believer’s life, shaping them for future purposes, possibly including their roles in the Millennium.

3. Learning Obedience and Faithfulness:

• Hebrews 12:10-11 (KJV): "For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." The discipline and trials Christians experience now are seen as training in righteousness, which can be viewed as preparation for future service.
• 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (KJV): "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?" This passage implies that Christians are in training now for their future role in judgment during the Kingdom age.

4. Stewardship and Responsibility:

• 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV): "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." The idea of stewardship—faithfully managing what God has given—prepares Christians for greater responsibilities in the Millennium.
• 2 Timothy 2:12 (KJV): "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us." This verse connects current suffering and perseverance with the promise of reigning with Christ, indicating that present faithfulness is a preparation for future rule.

Are We Preparing For The Millenium?

Preparing to reign with Christ during the Millennium involves investing in things that have eternal significance and align with God’s Kingdom values. Here are some priorities and important actions Christians can take now to prepare for their future role:

1. Spiritual Growth and Sanctification:

• Pursue Holiness: Growth in personal holiness is vital. As Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Spiritual maturity and sanctification prepare believers to fulfill their roles in God’s Kingdom.
• Transforming Character: Romans 12:2 (KJV) exhorts, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Investing in spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and fasting helps believers become more like Christ, ready to serve in the Millennium.

2. Faithful Stewardship:

• Using Gifts and Talents: In Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents teaches the importance of using the gifts and resources God has given. Faithfulness in small responsibilities now is preparation for greater responsibilities later. 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV) also encourages, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
• Managing Resources Wisely: Jesus also spoke about storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21, KJV). Investing time, money, and energy in things that have eternal value, like supporting ministries, helping the needy, and spreading the Gospel, aligns with Kingdom priorities.

3. Building and Investing in Relationships:

• Discipleship and Evangelism: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV) commands believers to make disciples. Investing in the spiritual growth of others through discipleship, teaching, and evangelism is directly tied to the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
• Loving Others: Jesus emphasized the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40, KJV). Cultivating love, forgiveness, and compassion in relationships reflects Kingdom values and prepares believers for their future roles.

4. Perseverance in Trials:

• Enduring Hardships: 2 Timothy 2:12 (KJV) states, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." Trials and suffering can be seen as training grounds for reigning with Christ. James 1:12 (KJV) reinforces this by saying, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life."
• Building Faith and Trust: Persevering through trials builds character, hope, and faith (Romans 5:3-5, KJV), which are essential qualities for those who will rule with Christ.

5. Engaging in Kingdom Work:

• Service and Ministry: Engaging in acts of service, whether within the church or in the broader community, is a way of participating in God’s Kingdom now. Matthew 25:40 (KJV) emphasizes the importance of serving others: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
• Spreading the Gospel: Mark 16:15 (KJV) commands, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Evangelism and missions are critical investments in the future Kingdom.

6. Cultivating Humility and Servant Leadership:

• Learning Servant Leadership: Jesus taught that those who desire to be great must be servants (Mark 10:43-45, KJV). Developing a heart of humility and service is crucial preparation for leadership in God’s Kingdom.
• Faithfulness in Small Things: Luke 16:10 (KJV) says, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." Faithfulness in small, seemingly insignificant tasks demonstrates readiness for greater responsibilities in the Millennium.

7. Living with an Eternal Perspective:

• Setting Your Mind on Eternal Things: Colossians 3:2 (KJV) advises, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Living with an eternal perspective shapes priorities and decisions, ensuring that investments are made in what truly matters in the long run.
• Anticipating Christ’s Return: 2 Peter 3:11-12 (KJV) challenges believers to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s return. This urgency impacts how believers invest their time and resources now.

Conclusion:

The most important investments for the Millennium involve growing in Christlikeness, faithfully stewarding God’s gifts, building relationships that reflect Kingdom values, enduring trials with perseverance, engaging in service and ministry, cultivating humility, and maintaining an eternal perspective. These priorities align with God's purpose and prepare believers to reign with Christ in His future Kingdom.