Was the Old Testament law severe and demanding?
Yes, the Old Testament law was severe and demanding. Israel was under it for about 1,500 years. The law was severe to the extremes and allowed no hanky-panky or appeals. For example, picking up sticks on the Sabbath brought death, and murder brought immediate execution.
Les explains that when he talks about the law, he always reminds people it was severe and demanding. Israel was under the law for about 1,500 years, and there was no hanky-panky because it was severe to the extremes. He illustrates this by noting that under the true law of Moses, if someone picked up sticks on the Sabbath, the result was death—no ifs, ands, or buts. Likewise, murder brought no long appeals; they were dead and done with.