Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (Matthew 5:17, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article examines the ceremonial laws of ancient Israel as divine symbols fulfilled in Christ, highlighting their role in pointing to redemption, resolving early church tensions, and promoting grace-based unity among us.

DIVINE DESIGN REVEALED!

The ceremonial laws of ancient Israel were given as a divine teaching tool. Genesis 1:26-28 shows God’s design for humanity to reflect His image and live in communion with Him. However, sin disrupted this harmony. God introduced sacrifices and rituals to direct His people toward the coming Messiah. Ellen G. White wrote, “Christ’s sacrifice is the glorious fulfillment of the whole Jewish economy” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 932). Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to Christ, to His sacrifice, and priesthood. The whole ritual of worship was to be performed with faith in Him, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 365, 1890). The ceremonial law was given by Christ. Even after it was no longer to be observed, Paul presented it before the Jews in its true position and value, showing its place in the plan of redemption and its relation to the work of Christ; and the great apostle pronounces this law glorious, worthy of its divine Originator (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 365, 1890). And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him (Leviticus 1:4, KJV). 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 (Hebrews 10:1, KJV). This divine plan reveals God’s intention to restore harmony through symbolic teachings. Have we truly considered how these rituals pointed to Christ and His redemptive work?

MESSIAH’S MIGHTY ROLE!

The ceremonial system was filled with symbols and shadows, all fulfilled in Christ. Sacrifices, feasts, and the sanctuary service prefigured His ultimate atonement. When Christ died, the temple veil was torn, signifying the end of the earthly system (Matthew 27:51). Sr. White explains, “Our Saviour, in His life and death, fulfilled all the prophecies pointing to Himself, and was the substance of all the types and shadows signified” (Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 231). His death abolished the need for animal sacrifices, shifting focus to the heavenly sanctuary where Christ now serves as our High Priest. Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. The death of Abel was in consequence of Cain’s refusing to accept God’s plan in the school of obedience to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ typified by the sacrificial offerings pointing to Christ. Cain refused the shedding of blood which symbolized the blood of Christ to be shed for the world (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 72, 1890). In every page, whether history, or precept, or prophecy, the Old Testament Scriptures are irradiating with the glory of the Son of God. So far as it was of divine institution, the entire system of Judaism was a compacted prophecy of the gospel. To Christ ‘give all the prophets witness.’ Acts 10:43. From the promise given to Adam, down through the patriarchal line and the legal economy, heaven’s glorious light made plain the footsteps of the Redeemer. Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come, as future things swept before them in mysterious procession. In every sacrifice Christ’s death was shown. In every cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. By every jubilee trumpet His name was sounded. In the awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt (The Desire of Ages, p. 211, 1898). The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21, KJV). For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24, KJV). This fulfillment underscores Christ’s central role in salvation’s plan.

CHURCH CHALLENGES CONQUERED!

The early church faced tensions over whether Gentile converts should observe the ceremonial law. Acts 15:1-3 records debates over circumcision and Mosaic practices, with some insisting they were necessary for salvation. Sr. White describes this conflict: “Certain converted Pharisees declared that the Gentile converts must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses in order to be saved” (Sketches from the Life of Paul, pp. 63-64). Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the apostles affirmed that salvation is by faith alone, not rituals. This decision preserved unity and redirected focus to Christ’s completed work. At Jerusalem the delegates from Antioch met the brothers of the various other churches. A few of the faithful adherents to the ceremonial law were not slow to seize this opportunity to urge that the circumcision of Gentiles was essential to salvation (Acts of the Apostles, p. 189, 1911). The Jewish converts generally were not inclined to move as rapidly as the providence of God opened the way. From the result of the apostles’ labors among the Gentiles it was evident that the converts from among those people would far exceed the Jewish converts in number. The Jews feared that if the restrictions and ceremonies of their law were not made obligatory upon the Gentiles as a condition of church fellowship, the national peculiarities of the Jews, which had hitherto kept them distinct from all other people, would without distinction between circumcised and uncircumcised, between Jew and Gentile, finally disappear (Acts of the Apostles, p. 188, 1911). But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses (Acts 15:5, KJV). But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage (Galatians 2:3-4, KJV). This resolution highlights the power of faith over ritual in maintaining harmony among us.

LOVE’S GRAND DISPLAY!

Christ’s fulfillment of the ceremonial law reveals God’s boundless love. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” This love is evident in the shift from rituals to a living relationship with God. Sr. White notes, “God designed to bring in the Gentiles to enjoy all the privileges of the Jews” (Sketches from the Life of Paul, p. 68). By fulfilling the law, Christ demonstrated that salvation is for all who accept Him in faith, uniting diverse communities under His grace. The law of God, spoken in awful grandeur from Sinai, is the great moral standard by which the world is to be judged in the great day of accounts. Christ came to magnify that law and to make it honorable by giving an example of perfect obedience to its precepts. He came also to more fully reveal the love of God in making so great a sacrifice that rebellious man might be saved. In Christ, mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other (Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 231, 1958). Christ’s death proved God’s administration and government to be without a flaw. Satan failed to show that God was unfair or unjust in any way. The law that God had given to govern the universe was shown before the whole heaven to be righteous and just. Christ died to save humanity, and His death showed how far God would go to protect His law and to vindicate its righteousness (The Desire of Ages, p. 762, 1898). Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10, KJV). For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Galatians 5:14, KJV). This revelation invites us into a deeper appreciation of divine affection.

GRACE’S PERSONAL POWER!

For me, understanding Christ’s fulfillment of the ceremonial law deepens my gratitude for His sacrifice. No longer burdened by rituals, I find peace in His grace. This realization challenges me to live a life of faith and obedience, reflecting His love to others. The law requires righteousness,—a righteous life, a perfect character; and this man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God’s holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ imbues men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can ‘be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.’ Rom. 3:26 (The Desire of Ages, p. 308, 1898). The law demands perfect obedience. ‘Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all’ (James 2:10). Not one of those ten precepts can be broken without incurring the penalty of the broken law. The law requires the whole heart’s allegiance. God will not accept a divided heart (Faith and Works, p. 18, 1979). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV). And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). This personal insight calls me to embrace liberation in grace. Do we embrace this freedom or cling to outdated traditions, forgetting the essence of God’s grace?

FAITH’S UNITED FRONT!

As a community, we must prioritize unity over divisions rooted in ritualistic practices. The early church’s resolution reminds us to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Sr. White states, “The Holy Ghost had, in reality, already settled this problem” (Sketches from the Life of Paul, p. 67). Let us, as a collective body, focus on Christ’s atoning work and share the message of salvation with a world in need of hope. The decision that had been reached, said Peter, relieved the church from the intervention of those who had hitherto insisted upon the observance of the ceremonial law, and thus brought in a new order of things. The Gentiles were now free to accept Christianity without adopting the Jewish rites. Yet the purity of the church was to be safeguarded. Licentiousness and idolatry were not to be tolerated (Acts of the Apostles, p. 196, 1911). While looking to God for direct guidance, he was ever obedient to the principles taught in the Scriptures. The apostle himself was not free from prejudice. In his life before his conversion, he had prided himself on his Pharisaic strictness; and it was not easy, even after he had become a follower of Christ, for him to renounce all respect for the ceremonies that had hitherto been regarded as sacred. Yet when Paul saw the necessity of overcoming these national prejudices, in order to advance the cause of God, he labored earnestly to win the Jews to a better understanding of the gospel (Acts of the Apostles, p. 191, 1911). Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind (Philippians 2:2, KJV). Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10, KJV). This communal call strengthens our shared commitment to harmony.

REDEMPTION’S RADIANT LIGHT!

The ceremonial law served its purpose, pointing to Christ as the Lamb of God. His life, death, and resurrection completed the work of redemption, inviting all into a relationship with God. As we move forward, may we cherish this freedom and live in unity, reflecting the love of Christ in all that we do. The gospel of Christ reflects glory upon the Jewish age. It sheds light upon the whole Jewish economy, and gives significance to the ceremonial law. The tabernacle, or temple, of God on earth was a pattern of the original in heaven. All the ceremonies of the Jewish law were prophetic, typical of mysteries in the plan of redemption (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 373, 1890). The ceremonial law was glorious; it was the provision made by Jesus Christ in counsel with His Father, to aid in the salvation of the race. The whole arrangement of the typical system was founded on Christ. Adam saw Christ prefigured in the innocent beast suffering the penalty of his transgression of Jehovah’s law (Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 233, 1958). Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ (Colossians 2:16-17, KJV). Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount (Hebrews 8:5, KJV). This truth inspires ongoing devotion to His fulfilled promise. How will you respond to this invitation to experience His grace and share it with others?

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the fulfillment of the ceremonial law, allowing it to shape my understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned community members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the ceremonial law’s role in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s fulfillment of the law and God’s ultimate victory over ritual bondage?