Bible Question:

I'm a beginners Sunday School teacher and have little knowledge in the Bible. But my leadership skills are above normal. Just last year I was appointed to lead Sunday School because I'm so involved with the youth. As a teacher and a learner, I don't want to mislead any youth and give them false information. Just last week we were reading in the book of Galatians. A student of mine questioned about the Law of Moses. I knew very little about it, and didn't want to exaggerate on the topic. Could you point the Law of Moses out so I can share with the students the Law of Moses versus the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Could you help me answer that?

Bible Answer:

The Law of Moses usually refers to the first five books in the Old Testament and the Gospel of Jesus Christ refers to the first four books of the New Testament.

Law of Moses

The Law of Moses has a range of meanings. It can refer to the Ten Commandments, the first five books of the Old Testament, or the entire Old Testament. But usually it refers to the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In those books we are told about the creation of the world, Noah and the worldwide flood, Abraham, Joseph, the exodus of Israel from Egypt, the Ten Commandments, the ceremonial law related to worship and sacrifices, and the wanderings of the Israelites. Those are just a few of things included in the Law of Moses. I would encourage you to read the books.

Gospel of Jesus Christ

The gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The first verse in Mark gives us the answer to your question.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (NASB) Mark 1:1

Mark and the other gospels tell us about the life of Jesus Christ. They tell us that Jesus Christ was born into this world so that He could die for our sins. He was born in Bethlehem. At the age of thirty He started His ministry. He healed many people, taught truth, and showed us how to love others. Eventually, He died on a cross so that He could forgive the sins of those who believe in Him. But the climax of the gospels is His return to life – not His death. The gospel of Jesus is summarized in 1 Cor. 15:3-4.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures . . . (NASB) 1 Cor. 15:3-4

Conclusion:

The Law of Moses shows that we need a savior because it helps us understand what God considers to be sin. The gospels tell us that Jesus is the solution to our sins. He died and returned to life so that we can be forgiven. Jesus wants us to believe in Him so that we can be forgiven and live with Him forever.