In the New Testament, when Paul described God’s required standard of righteousness, he began by listing the final five of the original Ten Commandments. But then he stated, ‘and if there is any other commandment,’ which means there could follow other specific issues that would be embedded in the original Ten.
Specific examples included envy, jealousy, selfish ambitions, and the like as revealed in his letter to the church in Galatia referenced above and confirmed in his letter to the church at Ephesus.
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” Ephesus 5:6-7
The major point to be made is that God’s standard of righteousness required for man, who was created in God’s own image, was revealed 1450 years before the birth of Christ. Such standards are still valid today and serve as the benchmark by which man will be held accountable, or judged.
For man to espouse progressivism is more than naïve.
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4
And another very significant scripture that we quote often:
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”
1 Corinthians 10:11
This passage specifically applies to the 40 years following the Exodus, and just prior to Israel entering the Promise Land, when God revealed His standard of righteousness for man.
The apostle John summarized the law; its immutability and fulfillment, in the first chapter of his gospel.
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ…The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:17
In Paul’s last days, he explained to obstinate Jews that the church (which they referred to as a ‘sect’) was foretold by Moses and the Prophets.
“… many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and Prophets…” Acts 28:23
Paul had previously explained to King Agrippa that the Jews had tried to kill him for his teaching of repentance to both Jews and Gentiles. He had at that time also explained that his teaching and preaching was confirmation of that which Moses and the Prophets had revealed.
“…to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come… 26:22-23
But the Jews and Gentiles have not seen the last of Moses representing the law, and Elijah representing the Prophets.
Recall Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on the mountain to pray. And while Jesus prayed, two other men appeared with Him.
“And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decrease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” Luke 9:30-31
The Old Testament tells that Elijah was taken to heaven without experiencing death, and also the location of the grave of Moses was not known.
And then, in the final Book of the Bible John tells of two witnesses during the latter 3 ½ years of the great tribulation.
“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days…These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.” Revelation 11:3-4
Many believe these two witnesses are Moses and Elijah proclaiming the new temple that will be built fulfilling Zechariah’s example of Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Joshua) finishing the temple in Jerusalem upon their return from Babylon.
When asked the identity of the two ‘lampstands’ in Zechhariah’s prophecy, the answer was:
“…These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:14
It appears that we haven’t seen the last of Moses, or Elijah.
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