Joshua Waggener | October 27, 2026

Summary

Joshua Waggener’s sermon explains the Mosaic covenant in Exodus 19–20 and compares it with the new covenant through Jesus Christ.

God redeemed Israel before giving the covenant law

At Mount Sinai, God reminded Israel that they had witnessed his judgment on Egypt and his rescue of them through the Red Sea. He described that rescue as carrying them “on eagle’s wings” and bringing them to himself. The law was given to a people God had already delivered—not as a condition they had to meet to earn deliverance.

Israel’s identity and calling under the Mosaic covenant

God set Israel apart as his treasured possession among the nations, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Waggener explains that Israel’s priestly role involved representing God among the other nations, while its holiness meant reflecting God’s character.

The Mosaic covenant was conditional: Israel was called to listen to God and keep the covenant. The people agreed to obey before they had heard the law, and the sermon emphasizes that they could not ultimately keep that commitment.

Sinai revealed God’s holiness and the need for a mediator

God’s presence at Sinai was accompanied by thunder, lightning, smoke and fire, and an increasingly loud trumpet blast. These signs displayed his power and majesty, but also frightened the people. They were invited to meet God, yet warned not to approach too closely.

Moses served as the mediator between God and Israel, going up and down the mountain to carry messages between them. The scene illustrates the distance between a holy God and sinful people, and their need for a go-between.

The Ten Commandments teach what to avoid and what to pursue

Waggener stresses that the commandments were given after God had redeemed Israel. They were a response to grace, not a way to earn it. He also argues that each prohibition implies a positive calling:

• Have no other gods: Worship Yahweh alone.
• Make no idols: Worship God without representing him through an image.
• Do not misuse God’s name: Honor and praise God with your speech.
• Keep the Sabbath holy: Rest from work and set time aside for worship, thanksgiving, and delight in God. The Sabbath also served as a sign of the covenant and recalled God’s rest after creation.
• Honor your father and mother: Respect and care for parents. This command is associated with the promise of long life in the land.
• Do not murder: Value and protect the lives of others.
• Do not commit adultery: Love and cherish one’s spouse.
• Do not steal: Give generously and care for neighbors, including strangers and refugees.
• Do not bear false witness: Tell the truth.
• Do not covet: Be content with what God has provided.

Together, the commandments call Israel to love God and neighbor, not merely to avoid wrongdoing.

Israel’s failure and the need for atonement

The Ten Commandments were only the beginning of Israel’s covenant obligations; the rest of the Old Testament contains further laws. Because Israel would fail to keep the covenant, the provision for altars and sacrifices in Exodus 20 points to the need for forgiveness and restoration.

The new covenant brings a greater mediator and fuller access to God

Waggener connects Israel’s calling as a holy, priestly people to the church’s identity in 1 Peter 2. Through Christ, believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s possession. Their identity and calling come through God’s mercy, and their purpose includes proclaiming his praises.

The sermon contrasts Sinai with Mount Zion. Through faith in Jesus, believers come to God through the mediator of the new covenant. Unlike Israel’s restricted access at Sinai, Christians receive the privilege of entering God’s presence through Jesus’ atoning death.

The new covenant’s blessings do not depend on people perfectly keeping the law. They rest on Christ’s obedience and sacrifice. Moses repeatedly ascended and descended Sinai to mediate for Israel; Jesus came once, and his incarnation and sacrifice are sufficient. The sermon closes by giving thanks for this grace and urging believers to look to Christ.

Speakers and sources featured or mentioned

• Joshua Waggener — Preacher and principal speaker.
• Novo — Thanked at the beginning in connection with the singing; the transcript does not clarify whether this is a person or group.
• Nelly — Credited by Waggener with reading from Hebrews earlier in the service.
• Dr. Dockery — Credited with the vision for the sermon series.
• Pastor Ben Bolan — Mentioned as a previous sermon speaker on Exodus 6.
• Dr. McCeler — Mentioned as a previous sermon speaker on Exodus 12; the surname may be mistranscribed in the subtitles.
• Dr. Taylor — Mentioned as having preached on the Abrahamic covenant.
• Dr. Josh Williams — Mentioned as an upcoming speaker on the Davidic covenant.
• Dr. Ratza — Mentioned in connection with an upcoming sermon on the new covenant.
• Dr. Dod — Mentioned in connection with a future sermon on the Day of Atonement.
• Eugene Carpenter, Dan Block, Walt Kaiser, and Ron Mann — Cited by Waggener for observations about the Mosaic covenant, the commandments, and the new covenant.

Biblical sources cited or discussed

Exodus 6, 12, 19–20, and 31; Genesis 15; Psalm 97; 1 Peter 2; Hebrews 2 and the passage about Mount Zion and Jesus as mediator; Galatians 4.