Page 29 - Laying Down the Law

The Deficiency of the Law

t offends some who revere the Law to see it described as deficient. Yet this is the
Itestimony of the Scriptures. The Law was a shadow. Shadows lack substance. The
Law could make nothing perfect. The Law could not impart divine life. The Law could
not permanently take away sins through it sacrifices and offerings. The Law could
make no man righteous. The Law could point to the perfect work of Christ through
its types and shadows of the Tabernacle, the offerings, feast days, and washings, but
it was not the very substance and realization of these things. Christ in every way has
surpassed the Law and brought His people to something better.

Hebrews 10:1
For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very
image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer
continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.

Hebrews 7:18-19
For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because
of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the
other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw
near to God.

Acts 13:39-40
By Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could
not be justified by the law of Moses.

Romans 8:3
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by
sending His own Son...

Galatians 4:9-10
But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that
you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again
to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years.

Hebrews 8:7-8
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been
sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the
days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant...”

Hebrews 9:9-10
It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are
offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to