Discovering the New Covenant by Greg Taylor - exAdventist Outreach

DISCOVERING THE NEW COVENANT
became clear. Throughout the New Testament application
section of the Bible (post-Cross) there are restatements of
all of the moral “oughts” of the Ten Commandment Law,
including some of the other Old Testament laws. However,
these restatements never appeal to Law as the reason to
observe them, but in every situation the appeal is to Christ.
In Corinthians 6:18-20 for example, there is a clear
admonition to sexual purity. It does not, however, use the
Law as the reason for it, but rather that we are God's temple
and the Spirit of Christ is in us. How could we join Jesus to
a prostitute? The same pattern is found throughout the
Epistles. Philippians 2 encourages kindness and love for
one another, but does not appeal to Law. Instead it points
us to the example of Jesus, who left heaven to die for us.
With the example of Jesus’ sacrifice, how can we but serve
one another?
It is important to remember that the Epistles were
especially written to apply the significance of the Christ
event to Christians. I was completely amazed to discover
that all of the commandments are restated as important for
Christians in their relationship with Christ, except one--the
Sabbath. Sabbath is never taught as a moral ought for
Christians. Not once! Instead it is recognized as a daily rest
in Jesus, as we have found in our study thus far. Notice the
following summary of commandments restated in the New
Testament:
1 st Worship God only — at least 50 times
2 nd No Idolatry — 12 times
3 rd No profanity — 4 times
4 th Remember Sabbath — no instructions given
5 th Honor parents — 6 times
6 th Don’t murder — 6 times
126
7 th No Adultery — 12 times