The Threefold Division of the Law
I promised to do something on this a while ago, so I hasten to fulfill my promise.
This doctrine teaches that the moral element of the law, summarized in the Ten Commandments and epitomized in the 'golden rule' of Mark 12:29-31, is of permanent application, while the ceremonial and civil parts of the law were of the Mosaic covenant only and have now passed away. Certainly, as I have said, all the Ten Commandments can be found in the Bible before Exodus 19.
1. The Ceremonial Law. This is the various sacrifices and ceremonies commanded by God through Moses. These were types and foreshadowings of Christ and are all fulfilled in Him (Hebrews 10:1, 10-12). There were also the dietary restrictions imposed upon Israel. These were removed by Christ (Mark 7:18-19; Acts 10:13-15 etc.).
2. The Judicial Law. This comprises the various laws given to the nation of Israel (eg. 1 Cor 9:8-10), and penalties such as death for adultery and blasphemy. They do show the seriousness with which God views such things and His righteous anger against those who commit them and do not repent, but Nations today are under no obligation to impose such sanctions and our Lord Himself showed mercy to one offender (John 8:11).
3. The Moral Law. By far the most important part of the law (eg. Psalm 40:6-8; Amos 5:21-24; Matt 23:23). Summarized in the Ten Commandments and epitomized by the Lord Jesus in Mark 12:29-31. Written on the hearts of Adam and Eve; all but lost in the Fall (Rom 2:14-15); written on tablets of stone for the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:22) and re-written upon the hearts of believers (2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 10:16).
It is often claimed that this doctrine originated with Calvin; not so. He refers to it as a 'well-known division.' It is found in embryo as far back as Justin Martyr and Tertullian, and also in Augustine and, in more detail, in Aquinas. It is also known in Judaism. Details on request.
However, on to Scripture:
1 Samuel 15:22. 'Has the LORD as great delight in bunt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?'
Hosea 6:6. 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.'
Proverbs 21:3. 'To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.'
See also Psalms 40:6-8; Amos 5:21-24.
So God Himself makes a distinction between His moral law and the rest. This is particularly seen in His writing of the Decalogue on tablets of stone, while the rest of the law was given by angels to Moses to relay to the Israelites.
The Moral Law was never able to save anyone, even under the Mosaic Covenant, simply because man in his fallen state is unable to keep it properly (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Acts of the Apostles 15:10).
Rather, its purpose is three-fold.
1. To restrain egregious sin, even in unconverted people (Romans 2:15).
2. To convict men and women of sin and to drive them to Christ for salvation (Galatians 3:24).
3. As a rule of life for believers who delight in God’s righteous laws (Psalms 1:2; Psalms 40:8; Psalms 119:97 etc.; Romans 7:22; 13:9-10). As we walk in the Spirit we will increasingly obey God’s Moral Law, though never perfectly in this life. Our hope is always in Christ.
Much more to write, but its past my bed-time, so I pause here.