THE COVENANT AT SINAI (PART 2)

Speaking of the covenant at Sinai, one old writer said this: “I do not find in any point of divinity, learned men so confused and perplexed (being like Abraham's ram, hung in a bush of briars and brambles by the head) as here.”  (Anthony Burgess, A Vindication of the Law).  The imagery might be a bit humorous, but what Burgess said is absolutely true.  And notice:  he wasn't just talking about ordinary Christian folk—he was talking about “learned men”— theologians — those who have devoted their entire lives to the study of the Scriptures!  We might think:  Well, why even try then?  Don't give up!  We've shown (in Sinai: Part 1) that Sinai belongs to the Covenant of Grace.  But there are three important questions we need to deal with at this point:  1) If this is so, how do you explain the negative ways that the New Testament seems to speak of this covenant?  2) If this is so, how do you explain the fact that Sinai demanded perfect obedience (whereas the Covenant of Grace requires faith)?  And,     3) If this is so, how do you interpret other New Testament Scriptures that tell us we're no longer under the Law?  Answering these three questions will give a remarkable clarity in understanding the Mosaic Covenant.  Enjoy!