Christianity Explained, 2 - What Went Wrong
Here is the second part of the Christianity Explained study in a question-verse-answer format as described in the introduction.
Someone asks the question, and someone then reads the bible verse, ideally aloud, to then discuss the answer between them - the written answer is only read afterwards to tie together.
Question - What Did God Introduce to His People Called Israel in the Old Testament Part of the Bible?
“For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:" - Psalm 78:5
Sin is basically not obeying God’s law, which sounds harsh and legalistic, but is actually all about a love relationship. We see the law first formally introduced by Moses in the Old Testament to God’s people at the time of Israel, which will help show them what's right, and what's wrong (sin).
Question - Who Wrote the 10 Commandments?
“And the Lord delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the Lord spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly." - Deuteronomy 9:10
There were lots of detailed ceremonial law just applicable to the Jews at that time, whereas the Ten Commandments and moral law were literally written by the hand of God Himself.
Question - What Shows God's Love?
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." - 1 John 5:3
The Ten Commandments are basically the top-ten aspects to God’s loving character, and what all Christ's Commandments boiled down to. Therefore, if you truly love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, then you’ll actually want to obey Him and follow His ways.
As an example, if you take the commandment about not causing adultery, then two people on their wedding day will want to commit to that promise at the alter because they love each other. They want to do this because of their love for each other, not because they have to.
Question - What Did God Ask Moses to Copy From What Exists in Heaven?
“Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." - Hebrews 8:5
God also introduced to Moses the principle of the sanctuary and gave him details of how to build one on earth, which is a copy-type of the real one in heaven.
Question - Who, After Adam & Eve, Sins and Misses God's Mark?
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" - Rom 3:23
The laws, sanctuary, and the rituals in early Israel expressed a process of how to deal with people’s sin by offering blood and animal sacrifices and is again similar to what happens in heaven. Sin is a problem; it goes against who God actually is and His character and needs ‘treating’ rather than just ignoring.
At the time of Israel, this process of complying with God’s law and ceremonies was enough to deal with sin. Throughout history from Adam and Eve right through to Jesus Christ, God worked out His Divine plan of saving human lives through various seed-lines and people; however, the devil was still around and came up with various counterfeits to destroy God’s ways.
As a quick overview of Israel in the Old Testament fulfilling God's plan, from the Garden of Eden to Abraham, it was more individuals that God blessed. From Abraham to Moses, it was the seed and family of Abraham, and from Moses to David, a whole nation was formed called Israel that God favoured. After David, this nation split and was eventually conquered by other nations, paving the way for Jesus Christ Himself to come to earth and be the ultimate end to the seed-line and plan of salvation.
