Learner objectives: (1) To be able to name examples of basic morality as depicted by Exodus chapters 21-23. (2) to be able to discuss the concepts of sin, atonement, sacrifice, and redemption (3) to be able to identify Jesus as the sacrifice and the propitiation for our sin.

Narrative: When these commandments were given to Israel some 3500 years ago, they were given for the purpose of showing Israel what sin was, and how terrible it was. The Old Law was God's attention-getter. It was God's way of saying "You're hurting ME when you do these things!" God still cries out from the pain inflicted on Him by his creation today when man sins. God will not be in pain helplessly and forever, however. Romans 15: 4--"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." The same concepts of basic morality can be found in the New Testament. Jesus as the final atonement for our sins is made manifest in the New Testament.

Time: (also see time line in the classroom): about 1440 B. C.

The Bible Story:

I. Basic morality

A. Exodus 20: 21-26. The law of the altar. Part of mans' relationship with God.

B. Laws about masters and slaves (today would be employers and employees) Exodus 21: 1-11.

C. Bigger point: You can have someone work for you, but leave room for him to be himself and to have a life outside of work.

D. Laws relating to murder (Exodus 21: 12-17)

E. Laws related to non-capital offenses (21: 18-32). Eye for an eye, tooth for tooth.

F. Property rights. Exodus 21: 33-22: 17.

II. Spiritually capital offenses (Exodus 22: 18-20)

A. Sorcery

B. Bestiality

C. Idolatry

D. Does man have the sensitivity to even recognize these the same way God forbade them then?

III. Sundry duties (Exodus 22: 21-31)

IV. Ethical Instructions. Exodus 23: 1-9

V. Laws of Festivals and Holidays (Exodus 23: 10-19). Question: how could anyone read these commandments and believe that God was not with man, and did not understand what man was doing every minute of every day? God was not and is not a God that is afar off.

VI. A covenant sealed by blood (Exodus 24). New Testament parallels. See Hebrews 9: 1-14.

How terrible sin is! And what atonement has to be made! But in the New Testament, Christ is our atonement for our sins. See Hebrews 10: 1-18.

What if we refuse the atonement?

There is no more sacrifice (Hebrews 10: 26-31). Man who refuses Christ as his atonement for his sins lies open, defenseless, vulnerable to the wrath of God that will be directed toward those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel (II Thessalonians 1: 6-10)

This is the unpardonable sin.

Where are you today on accepting Jesus as your atonement?

We hope that by visiting this website, you have been blessed.