Bible Study Notes: Understanding the Difference Between the Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Law

1. The Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Law Are Different

Abraham’s covenant was not the Mosaic Law in the Bible. Don’t mix the two!

Today, what we will learn is what God gave to Abraham and what Moses gave to Israel, and why we should not treat them as though they were one and the same.

The Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Covenant are distinct covenants with unique differences and purposes.

The Abrahamic Covenant

Abraham received a promise. Moses gave the Law.

God made His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12, 15, and 17.

God promised Abraham descendants, a nation, land, and blessings, and that all nations would ultimately be blessed through his seed.

Paul tells us who that seed is.

Galatians 3:19

The Lord’s awaited seed is Christ.

So, the Abrahamic promise was already pointing toward Christ, but the Mosaic Covenant came later.

2. The Mosaic Covenant

Israel received the Law through Moses at Mount Sinai.

Exodus 19–24

The Mosaic Covenant included:

  • Commandments
  • Regulations
  • Sacrifices
  • Priesthood
  • Ceremonies
  • Covenant obligations given to Israel

So, what do we have?

Abraham → Promise

Moses → Law

Christ → Fulfillment

The Law did not cancel the promise. This is one of Paul’s strongest arguments.

Galatians 3:17

The promise came first. The Law came 430 years later.

3. Righteousness Was Not Established Through the Mosaic Law

Therefore, the Law could not cancel the promise God had already given to Abraham.

Abraham’s righteousness was not established by keeping the Mosaic Law.

Genesis 15:6

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted as righteousness unto him.”

Abraham lived before Moses.

So, how could Abraham have been justified by keeping a law that didn’t yet exist?

What Was the Purpose of the Law?

Read Galatians 3:19–25.

The Law had a purpose, but the Law was not the promise.

Moses was not the fulfillment of Abraham’s promise. Christ is.

So, what covenant are we under?

4. The Believer’s Relationship With God

The believer’s relationship with God is not established by entering the Mosaic Covenant and attempting to obtain righteousness through keeping Israel’s Law.

Christ established the New Covenant.

Supporting Scriptures

Luke 22:20

Hebrews 8:6

James 3:3 (NLT)

Mark 11:23

Proverbs 18:21

The Power of Your Words

Your life is governed by what you say.

If you continue to say that you’re poor, you will indeed grow poorer.

You will actually, eventually accept poverty.

However, if you repeat to yourself that you are able and will succeed, your physical body, soul, and spirit will be motivated by positive, true words, and you will actually succeed.

5. Understanding the Difference

Understanding the difference between the Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Law is important.

The Abrahamic Covenant was based on God’s promise.

The Mosaic Covenant established laws and obligations for Israel.

Christ fulfilled God’s promise and established the New Covenant.

Key Takeaway

Abraham received the promise.

Moses received the Law.

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the promise.

The Law did not replace or cancel the promise God made to Abraham.

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