The Ark of the Covenant derived its name from the Covenant, the Ten Commandments, placed within it.

The Ten Commandments reflect the eternal moral law of God. They are God's judgment on the spirits of the heavens that rebelled against Him. The letter of the Ten Commandments was a temporary covenant with the people of Israel—temporary until Christ appeared. The eternal law of God, of which the Ten Commandments are a limited expression, is not temporary. The eternal moral law of God shall never be changed in any manner.

Both the old covenant and the new covenant are based on the moral law of God. Under the old covenant the moral law of God was expressed in the Ten Commandments, commandments that were to be obeyed by every member of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Under the new covenant the moral law of God, now infinitely expanded until its full meaning is brought forth, is written in the heart and mind of the worshiper. Christ Himself is the eternal moral law of God, the covenant of God with mankind. As Christ is formed in us the eternal moral law of God, the covenant of God with mankind, is formed in us. The holy city, the Bride of the Lamb, will be the eternal expression in the earth of the moral law of God.

We have stated that the new covenant, as well as the old, is based on the eternal moral law of God. Let us think about how the new covenant operates in terms of the moral law of God.

When we first become a Christian we are forgiven through the blood atonement made by the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary. We repent of our worldly ways and are baptized in water, showing our willingness to die to the world and to enter the Kingdom of God. We are born again of the Spirit of God, meaning that the Divine Seed, Christ, is planted within us.

We now are forgiven and have the Life of God in us. But our old Adamic personality still governs most of our thoughts, our words, and our actions.

In the New Testament we have numerous commandments. These commandments are to be obeyed by us, remembering that we still are an Adamic personality.

"Love your enemies."

"Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect."

"Present your body a living sacrifice."

"Let him that stole steal no more."

"Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together."

On and on they go. We are to obey all these commandments.

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (Romans 6:17)

"Ye have obeyed from the heart."

When we find ourselves unable to obey what the Scriptures say, then we are to go to God in prayer and obtain help in our hour of need.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

To be continued.