In this conversation, Jamie and Raz dive into one of the most challenging parts of the Bible to understand: the Old Testament Law. As the YOUR STORY reading plan leads the church family into Exodus, they explore how New Testament believers—rooted in the gospel of Jesus—should make sense of laws that address topics like slavery, women’s rights, and sexuality.
They emphasize that God the Father was not endorsing the broken structures of the ancient Near East. Rather, He was working within a fallen cultural world to plant the earliest seeds of freedom, equality, and human dignity—seeds that would grow into full bloom in the New Testament.
Key Ideas
1. OT Slavery ≠ Modern Slavery
Ancient Israel’s system was more like indentured servitude, usually temporary and often voluntary for economic survival.
God built protections, limits, and humanizing commands into Israel’s laws that were radical for their time.
These were not endorsements—they were first steps toward liberation.
2. God Plants Seeds, Not Finished Structures
The Father works inside a broken culture but sows truths that outgrow that culture.
By the time the NT arrives, God’s heart becomes unmistakably clear:
“There is neither slave nor free, male nor female… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:28)
The eventual abolition of slavery and the expansion of women’s rights have deep biblical roots.
3. Eden Is the Goal, Not the Ancient Near Eastern Culture
The culture God wants is Eden—no slavery, no domination, no oppression, no devaluing of women.
The ANE was simply the culture He stepped into to begin restoring Eden through His people.
4. Sexuality and Holiness
OT laws around sexuality aimed to protect covenant faithfulness, stabilize families, and create a distinct community of holiness.
Jesus fulfills and intensifies this—bringing us from outward rules to inner transformation in the Spirit.
5. The Gospel Is the True Foundation of Freedom
The good news that He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us (2 Cor 5:21) is the ultimate liberation.
Freedom doesn’t come from law-keeping; it comes from union with Christ.
The gospel restores our dignity and re-establishes our identity as God’s image-bearers.
Want help understanding OT Law?
If you want deeper clarity as you read these Law passages, here are two excellent resources to guide you:
Highly Recommended Book: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Gordon Fee and Doug Stuart)
This classic (over 1 million copies sold) helps you understand the different kinds of literature in Scripture—including the Law.
It explains what these texts meant to their original audience and how to apply them today with confidence.
Link to the book on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-All-Worth/dp/0310517826
Here's a sample from chapter 9 of the book – “The Law(s): Covenant Stipulations for Israel”
Read it here (Google Doc):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cFXumVOBu4J0-Mcl0SndROvk-OebKFdx/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102229517336768502134&rtpof=true&sd=true
Even skimming the last page—“12 Dos and Don’ts for Reading the Law”—will change the way you read Exodus.
To join the "YOUR STORY" reading plan, sign up here:
https://mariemontchurch.churchcenter.com/groups/unique/your-story-encountering-the-father-in-his-word
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