The Everlasting Covenant

Nothing New at Sinai

It is evident, therefore, that the giving of the law upon Sinai did not make any difference whatever in the relation that already existed between men and God. Nothing new was introduced. The very same law existed before that time, having the same effect, namely, to show men that they were sinners; and all the righteousness which the law demands, and all that it is possible for any man to have, had been possessed by men of faith, of whom Enoch and Abraham are notable instances. The only reason, therefore, for the giving of the law upon Sinai, was to give men a more vivid sense of its awful importance, and of the terrible nature of sin which it forbids, and to lead them to trust in God, instead of in themselves. EVCO 283.2