Moral vs. Ceremonial Law: Ellen White Explains

A wonderful passage that clearly explains the difference between the moral and ceremonial laws can be found in Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 363 and 364.PP 364.3 This passage illuminates how God's people were given two distinct systems of law: the moral law and the ceremonial law.6BC 1094.8 The moral law, which includes the Ten Commandments, is described as pointing back to creation and is binding on all people for all time.6BC 1094.8 It's as enduring as God's throne and the pillars of heaven.6BC 1094.8+1 The ceremonial law, on the other hand, was given because of humanity's transgression of the moral law.6BC 1094.8 It consisted of sacrifices and offerings that pointed forward to the future redemption through Christ.6BC 1094.8 The passage emphasizes that these two systems are clear and distinct from each other.6BC 1094.8 The ceremonial system was composed of symbols that pointed to Christ, His sacrifice, and His priesthood. This ritual law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be practiced by the Hebrews until Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, came. When the type met the antitype in His death, all the sacrificial offerings were to cease. This is the law that Christ took out of the way, nailing it to His cross. Colossians 2:14+16BC 1094.8+1 In contrast, the passage highlights the enduring nature of the moral law. It quotes the psalmist who declares, "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89PP 364.3 It also includes Christ's emphatic statement, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law.... Verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17, 18PP 364.3 This shows that the moral law's claims will remain as long as heaven and earth exist.PP 364.3 Many, unfortunately, try to confuse these two systems, using texts that speak of the ceremonial law to claim that the moral law has been abolished. The passage calls this a perversion of the Scriptures, reinforcing that the distinction between the two is broad and clear.PP 364.3 The death of Christ brought the ceremonial law to an end, but it did not diminish the importance of the moral law. In fact, the necessity of Christ's death to satisfy the law's demands demonstrates its unchanging nature.ST July 15, 1880, Art. A, par. 13+3 This beautiful passage from Patriarchs and Prophets helps us to understand the distinct roles and destinies of these two important legal systems in God's plan.