The Mosaic Covenant

The sermon by Jeffrey Johnson delves into the complexities of the Mosaic covenant, its relationship to the moral law, and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles. Johnson argues that the Mosaic covenant is an administration of the eternal covenant of works, which is founded on God's moral law. This moral law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, is universal and eternal, unlike the civil and ceremonial laws that were specific to the Israelites.Johnson emphasizes that the Mosaic covenant has become obsolete, as stated in Hebrews 8, due to Israel's failure to uphold it and because of the fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ. However, the moral law, which is the foundation of the Mosaic covenant, still applies universally. Johnson warns that all people, regardless of their religious background, are under this moral law and will be held accountable for it.The sermon then shifts focus to the pressing issue of how one can escape the binding contract of the moral law, which condemns all to judgment. Johnson outlines three steps for this:Die to Self: One must realize their hopeless state under the moral law and die to their self-righteousness and self-reliance.Accept Christ's Substitution: Jesus Christ took upon Himself the obligations and curses of the moral law. By faith, one must accept that Christ's death is their death, freeing them from the law's curses.Believe in Jesus: Finally, one must forsake all self-righteousness and believe solely in Jesus Christ for salvation. This faith frees one from the binding contract of the moral law and grants them eternal life.Johnson concludes by urging his listeners to turn to Jesus Christ, who alone can free them from the eternal contract of the moral law, offering them true rest and salvation.