The Law of Moses came as a precursor to the divine grace brought by Jesus (John 1:17). It was the best system available at the time, but it did not provide the solution to temptations. Anyone who did not keep the commandments would suffer the penalty prescribed in Scripture. Examples of disobedience include the two sons of Judah, who were called wicked for refusing to fulfill the marriage duty (Genesis 38:7-10). As the Creator said: 'Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it' (Genesis 1:28b).

       As a shadow of the good things to come, the Law pointed to what would happen after the coming of Christ. It acted as a constraint for the Israelites, but with the work accomplished by Christ on the cross, it was no longer necessary. It was so rigid that even if someone kept 99% of the commandments, if they missed one percent, they were still a transgressor (James 2:10). Today, it is important that we follow God's precepts out of love for Jesus, not out of obligation (John 14:21). The burden of temptation is bearable (1 Corinthians 10:13).

       Christians are free to make their own choices, but if they decide to walk in sin, they disqualify themselves and fall into error. If, having transgressed, they soon become aware of their actions and wish to continue their walk with the Lord, they can make amends by repenting, asking for forgiveness, and returning to fellowship (1 John 1:7-9). The sign that they have been forgiven is joy returning to their heart. We are led by the Holy Spirit through the Word. The Most High speaks through it

       The Law was a shadow of what would belong to Christians in the New Testament—what they would willingly experience, without the threats that if they did not, they would bear the consequences. It stands to reason that willful sinning prevents us from enjoying the Lord's presence. In fact, the slightest sinful desire removes us from communion with God, but when we repent, contentment rises again within us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).

       The Law was not the exact picture of things. Today, we have the Gospel, the Law of Liberty, which is the best thing for us because it is based on better promises (Hebrews 8:6; James 2:12). If, when we make a mistake—even a minor one—we realize that we have not done the right thing and we confess it to God, believing that we are forgiven, we will be back in the Father's presence. However, if we persist in sinning, we will find it more difficult to return to communion, and this distance will increase with each sin committed. Pray and live in His grace!

The sacrifices for iniquities were repeated annually, but they could not perfect the person who offered them. In the New Testament, the law of conscience will accuse us if we do wrong, and so we will go to the Lord and confess our weaknesses. Anyone who wants to live before the Most High needs to improve their actions in order to become stronger in faith and be used by Him. Jesus paid for our recovery in faith!

Those who are weak in the face of temptation must resist the devil. By doing this in the Name of Jesus, the evil one will flee: Therefore submit to God; resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Two twin guidelines: do them and you'll see the results. God loves us!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares