Christian Ethics and the Old Testament, Part 3 - Lesson 18

Dave Rich concludes his examination of how Christians should approach the Old Testament for ethical guidance. Building on previous lessons about the Mosaic law, Rich shifts focus to the creation ordinances—commands given to Adam before the law of Moses even existed. He walks through Genesis to identify seven binding ordinances that remain in force today: procreation, subduing the earth, dominion over creatures, labor, the weekly Sabbath, and marriage. Rich demonstrates how these foundational commands inform modern ethical debates on work, environmentalism, marriage and sexuality, abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment. He shows how each of the Ten Commandments finds expression in New Testament teaching, proving that Christians haven't abandoned Old Testament morality but understand it through the lens of the new covenant established in Christ. The message includes practical teaching on the threefold use of God's law: its pedagogical function in revealing our sin and driving us to the gospel, its civil function in restraining evil and maintaining order, and its normative function in guiding believers toward obedience. Rich emphasizes that while Christians are not legally bound to the Mosaic law, they remain obligated to learn from it and apply its principles as God's revealed wisdom for righteous living. ★ Support this podcast ★