Seeds of Restoration

An often repeated, yet completely unscriptural “filter of interpretation” that many have added to their “vehicle of understanding” goes something like this: The Commandments of God can be divided into three different categories: 1) Moral laws, 2) Ceremonial laws, and 3) Civil laws. We as modern day believers should abide only, by those instructions considered to be “moral commandments” The “ceremonial and civil commandments” were for a different people in a different time and thus no longer apply.

 While this “teaching” might have a good ring to it and stand in unison with most Bible commentaries, it has no Scriptural support. None. Time and again throughout the Scriptures, the Lord tells us to keep all of His commandments so that it might go well for us.  We need to understand that every command from the God of Israel is a “moral” commandment, given from a loving Father to His children. He defines right and wrong, we trust and obey.  At a time before there was a “New” Testament, Paul told Timothy that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”. (2Tim 3:16-17)  Paul evidently did not read many Bible commentaries.  Also, look up Leviticus 19:3…in it God says “Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God”.  How would we divide that one?