Yes, the Law was abolished with the coming of Christ because it was a temporary system that condemned, was never meant to save, and was fulfilled in the finished work of Christ.
The Law was given to Israel for a specific time and purpose, to prepare them for the Messiah and to show the knowledge of sin. It could only condemn, never save. When Christ died, was buried, and resurrected, He paid the sin debt, fulfilling the Law's demands, and thereby abolished it as the basis for righteousness, introducing a new dispensation of grace revealed through the Apostle Paul.
Romans 3:20 — This verse directly states that by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified, for by the law is the knowledge of sin, highlighting the Law's condemning role.
The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:20, 'Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.' This indicates that the Law's purpose was not to save but to reveal sin. In Romans 3:21-22, Paul explains that now 'the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.' Thus, the righteousness that comes from God is now apart from the Law, through faith in Christ. Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 3:13, the veil on Moses' face signified that the children of Israel could not 'steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished.' This suggests that the Law was temporary, destined to be abolished, and that its glory was fading in comparison to the greater glory of the new covenant.
Les emphasizes that the Law was given specifically to Israel and was never intended to be permanent. It was a yoke of bondage, a burden that Israel could not bear. The Law's only function was to condemn; it had no power to save. With the coming of Christ, who fulfilled the righteousness of the Law, a new dispensation of grace was revealed through the Apostle Paul, separate from the Law. Les points out that the veil on Moses' face illustrated Israel's blindness to the fact that the Law was fading away, and this blindness continues for those who still read the Law without recognizing its temporary nature. The Law was a shadow of the coming Redeemer, but now that Christ has come, the Law is no longer the basis for salvation.
Les explains that the Law was given to Israel at Mount Sinai for a specific purpose: to make them a nation and to prepare them for the coming Messiah. However, the Law was severe, a burden, and a yoke of bondage that Israel could not even bear. Its function was to show the knowledge of sin, not to save. As Les says, 'The law does nothing, absolutely nothing but condemn us. There is no power in the law to save anybody.'
Les reminds us that before the cross, for about 1,500 years, Israel was under the Law. Christ Himself, during His earthly ministry, was under the Law and confined His ministry to the nation of Israel under the Law. This underscores that the Law was still in effect until Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
Les contrasts Law and Grace, showing that the Law was given to Israel under the covenant promises, but when Israel rejected the Messiah, God set them aside temporarily and turned to the Gentiles in grace. Now, in Christ, Gentiles who were far off are brought near to God by the blood of Christ, not by the Law or covenants. This demonstrates that the Law has been abolished in favor of a new dispensation of grace.
Les explains that the veil Moses put over his face was so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly to the end of that which is abolished. The Law was temporary and fading away, but Israel could not see this. This veil remains over them as they read the Old Testament, preventing them from seeing that the Law has passed off the scene in Christ.
The Veil on Moses' Face
Les teaches that the veil on Moses' face signified that Israel could not look to the end of the Law, which was to be abolished.
The Law as a Yoke of Bondage
Les explains that the Law was a severe burden for Israel and that righteousness came not by the Law but through faith.
The Law Condemns, Cannot Save
Les emphasizes that the Law's only effect is to condemn and give knowledge of sin; it has no power to save.
Not Under Law but Under Grace — What Romans 6:14 Really Means
And then coming out of Egypt, we have the nation of Israel making its appearance under the leadership of Moses. Remember, Israel was to become a nation while they're in slavery in Egypt. And then we had the giving of the law shortly after that. And that of course was by Moses. The Lord gave it to him at Sinai. And now we're about 1,500 years from the cross. Law for 1,500 years before the cross.
What Does It Mean to Be "All Things to All Men"? — 1 Corinthians 9
This thing had been so watered down with man-made ideas, that the law of Paul's and Christ's day was a whole set of six hundred and some rules and regulations. Now that was the law that the Jews really attained to, was the law that the rabbis had kind of put together, studying the various aspects of the Old Testament. Alright so Paul says, "...
Gentiles Brought Near by Christ's Blood
Les teaches that after Israel's rejection, God turned to Gentiles in grace, and now they are brought near by the blood of Christ, not the Law.
The Service of God Explained: What Israel's Worship Meant — Romans 9:4
But the big picture of law was everything that pertained to the worship, the sacrifices, everything in the law. Now the services then were how the priests operated, how the tabernacle was set up, how later on the temple, and how the sacrifices were offered, the setting up of all the feast days throughout their religious calendar year, and then of course everything was indicative and was looking fo…
Righteousness Apart from the Law
Les explains that after Christ's work, a new set of circumstances exists: the righteousness of God is revealed without the Law.
Romans 3:20: Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Shows the Law's function is to reveal sin, not to justify.
Romans 3:21: But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Contrasts the old and new ways of righteousness, showing revelation apart from the Law.
2 Corinthians 3:13: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
Indicates the Law was destined to be abolished and that the veil prevented Israel from seeing its end.
Romans 6:14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Shows believers are no longer under the law but under grace.
Ephesians 2:13: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Emphasizes that Gentiles are made near to God through Christ's blood, not the Law.
No, according to Les Feldick, the Law had no power to save anyone. It only condemned and gave the knowledge of sin. Its only purpose was to show Israel their need for a Redeemer.
Les teaches that the veil on Moses' face symbolized that Israel could not look to the end of the Law, which was to be abolished. It also represents the blindness of Israel in not recognizing that the Law was temporary and was fulfilled in Christ.
Les, using Romans 6:14, teaches that believers are not under the Law but under grace. The Law was abolished with Christ's finished work, and the current dispensation is one of grace revealed through Paul.
Watch the Teaching: What the Veil on Moses' Face Really Meant (Most Miss This)