In this series, we will study the Word of God in a clear, systematic, and meaningful way—so we can understand not just what we believe, but why we believe it.
Understanding this foundation reveals why Scripture has authority, how God interacts with His people, and how Jesus fulfilled everything God began at Mt. Sinai.
Before we begin, it’s helpful to know how to study any spiritual subject. A balanced approach examines four key aspects:
1. Genesis — Where did it begin?
What is the origin of this subject?
2. Etymology — What does it truly mean?
How does the meaning of the word shape our understanding?
3. Morality — What truths or spiritual issues are connected to it?
How does it affect our lives and relationship with God?
4. Destiny — Where does this topic lead?
What is the ultimate purpose or outcome?
In this session, we will focus on Genesis—the origin of the Word of God and the formation of the Church. These two are inseparable, and to understand one, we must look at the other.
How the Word of God First Came to Humanity
To understand this, we travel back about 3,500 years to one of the most dramatic moments in history.
Israel had just escaped Egypt. Behind them thundered Pharaoh’s army; in front of them stood the Red Sea. Then God told the people to move forward and instructed Moses to stretch out his staff over the Red Sea. The waters parted, and the Israelites walked through on dry ground. The Bible records that God delivered them with “a mighty and an outstretched hand.” At first glance, this may appear poetic. However, the Midrash—one of the Jewish writings that expands on the details found in Scripture—states that the Israelites literally saw two mighty hands stretched out over the Red Sea. (Exodus 14:21–22).
When they reached the other side and saw their enemies drowned, they exploded with celebration. Moses’ sister Miriam took a tambourine, and the people danced before God because they had five powerful reasons to rejoice:
Five Reasons Israel Celebrated
- God remembered His promise made to their forefathers and fulfilled it.
- They understood the saving power of the lamb’s blood. The previous night, before their escape from Egypt, the firstborn of the Egyptians died, but the Israelites remained safe because they had applied the lamb’s blood on their doorposts.
- God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
- They witnessed the mighty hand of God over the Red Sea.
- After crossing the Red Sea, they came under God’s Shekinah—the divine presence of God.
Day 50: The Day God Came Down
The celebration continued as they journeyed through the wilderness. On the 47th day after leaving Egypt, they reached Mount Horeb, the place where Moses had first encountered God in the burning bush.
God told them to stop celebrating and sanctify themselves, because on the 50th day—He would descend and enter into a convent with them.
On that day, God came down on the mountain with fire, thunder, and smoke. He spoke to the entire nation and gave them the Ten Commandments and other laws, entering into a covenant with them (Exodus 19:16–19; 20:1).
This means that the Israelites—about 3 million people—literally witnessed the written Word coming from heaven.
This is a historical claim that the Jewish people continue to preserve to this day.
The Formation of the Torah
Over the next 40 years, God continued speaking with Moses, who compiled what we now call the Torah. The Torah is divided into four parts:
- Moral Law – God spoke, God wrote, and gave it to Moses (Exodus 20).
- Ecclesiastic Law – God spoke, Moses wrote, and gave it to the people of Israel.
- Civil Law – God spoke, Moses wrote, and gave it for the world.
- Hygiene (Cleanliness) Law – God spoke, Moses wrote, and gave it specifically to the people of Israel.
These became the foundation of everything that follows in Scripture, all the way to the book of Revelation.
Later came the Prophets (Nevi’im) and the Inspired Writings (Ketuvim), collectively known as the Tanakh—the 39 books of the Old Testament.
The Covenant People and the Birth of the Church
At Mount Sinai, God not only gave His Word—He also formed a covenant people.
Israel became a covenant community, sealed with the blood of animal sacrifices. In this moment, God established the foundation of what we now understand as the Church:
A gathering of people called to celebrate the presence of God by following the doctrine of holiness.
Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Mosaic Law
About 1,500 years after God gave the Mosaic Law, Jesus came to earth to renew the covenant—and He sealed it with His blood. But to truly understand His impact, we first need to explore the foundation God laid through the Mosaic Law.
The Four Parts of the Mosaic Law
The Mosaic Law can be divided into four categories:
- Moral Law – This law is universal and unchangeable, applying to all people at all times.
- Ecclesiastical Law – These are laws about worship, applicable specifically to the Jewish people.
- Civil Law – These laws instruct how a civilized community should function.
- Hygiene Law – Focuses on health and ritual cleanliness.
Over time, the last three types of laws could become obsolete or irrelevant as society changed.
Only a Rabbi with Semikhah (which means authority) has the power to change these laws.
In Jewish history, only four such changes have ever occurred.
Training a Rabbi: A Lifelong Journey
In Jewish tradition, a boy’s education in Scripture begins almost at birth. By a few months old, his father starts reciting the book of Leviticus into his ears. By age six, the boy is expected to memorize it and recite it publicly at the synagogue. After mastering Leviticus, he advances to Beit Sefer, memorizing the remaining Torah books—Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—and familiarizing himself with other Old Testament writings.
At age 12, the boy begins engaging in discussions at the temple. If the rabbis and scholars recognize his knowledge, he is called a Bar Mitzvah, or “Son of Torah.” He then continues to Beit Talmud, the next academic level, studying to become a Rabbi.
Two Kinds of Rabbis
- Torah Rabbi – Can interpret Scripture but cannot issue new teachings.
- Rabbi with Semikhah – Granted authority by other Semikhah rabbis, able to teach new revelations and update certain laws.
Typically, a rabbi reaches this level around age 30, having memorized the entire Tanakh and studied the Talmud. To gain Semikhah, two other rabbis with Semikhah must publicly testify to his authority.
Jesus as Rabbi with Semikhah
In the Gospels, we read that people often called Jesus “Rabbi.” But unlike others, Jesus taught with authority. People were amazed because He spoke with divine authority, unlike their Rabbis. We also see the chief priests and scribes questioning His authority.
Jesus did not need any human Rabbi to testify on His behalf; His witnesses came directly from God. At His baptism, a voice from heaven declared,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well–pleased.” (Luke 3:22)
Thus, Jesus received His authority—His Semikhah—directly from God.
Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law
During the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus gave 40 commandments, also known as the incredible ethical teaching. He said,
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
Whatever part of the law that needed to be changed was changed by Jesus—the only Rabbi with Semikhah from Above.
From Temple to Jesus
Jesus gave the fundamental teachings 1,500 years after the giving of the Mosaic Law—not to nullify God’s foundation, but to bring the entirety of Scripture to its appointed goal.
For example, consider the Old Testament instructions related to the temple. The temple in Israel was the place to meet with God. Priests represented the people, drew near to God, and offered sacrifices. When Jesus came, He announced,
“But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here” (Matt. 12:6).
All the commands associated with the temple find their fulfillment in Jesus.
Now, those united with Jesus become part of this temple and draw near to God through Him, as a new priesthood offering themselves in sacrificial worship. Thus, every Old Testament command is caught up in this larger story, fulfilled in the teachings of Jesus.
Built on the Rock
As renewed covenant people, we are called to follow these commandments. Jesus said that those who practice them are like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. The Church, founded on the Rock—that is, Jesus—will not fall and will withstand the storms of life.
Thank you for reading.
God bless you!
Reasoning Generation 