The other day I read in the news that someone was stoned to death for working on the Sabbath. Or at least, that’s something we might see in the news today if we were under Mosaic Law. As absurd as it might be to think about killing someone for working on the Sabbath, some Christians read Old Testament precepts and believe we must follow them. 

Consider the anointing oil (perfume) described in Exodus 30:22-33. Specifically these commands by the Lord about how this oil is to be used.

Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. Say to the Israelites,”‘ This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. Whoever makes perfume like it and puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from their people‘” (emphasis added).

Exodus 30:30-33 (NIV)

Verse 33 says anyone who makes this perfume and uses it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from the people. 

What day is the Sabbath? Saturday or Sunday? Let’s just stone everyone who works on weekends.

Since the ingredient for this perfume was listed, I wondered if anyone had made it. After all, it would be interesting to investigate and see how it smelled. While searching online for it, I found someone selling it on Amazon. If you’re not aware, each product sold on Amazon has a “Questions & Answers” section where people can post questions that might be answered by other customers or the person selling the product.

Imagine my surprise, or perhaps my lack of surprise? Someone asked, “What about the verse that prohibits the production of this oil, except for priests?” 

That individual might be of the Jewish faith, which I might understand, but what about everything else required under the law? I’m not versed in Judaism, but there must be an explanation somewhere as to why some of the law is followed, and others aren’t. However, there were a lot of people who were not Jewish who tried to answer this question. I appreciate them and their endeavors to help someone out. 

The most correct answer is that Christians are no longer under the Mosaic Law and that Christ fulfilled the law. Thus, we are only obligated to follow the law of Christ as we live out our mortal lives here on earth. We are saved by grace and by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Otherwise, we’d be stoning people for working on the Sabbath and following other laws that do not lead to salvation. 

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.