The Biblical Law - Then
I’ve heard many times the debate that the Old Testament of the Bible (pre the physical birth of Jesus) is no longer relevant as its been replaced by the New Testament. This debate is typically around the relevance of the Jewish Law today.
To some degree the argument is correct in that the death and resurrection of Jesus provides forgiveness of our sins as a free gift. No more sacrificing as a payment for our bad deeds. Jesus’ sacrifice paid the full penalty for all.
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. - Hebrews 10;14
In addition, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” - Matthew 27:51, which symbolized the granting of direct access to God via the Holy Spirit and Jesus.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.- Romans 8:26
So then, what exactly do we do today with The Law of the Old Testament? Great question, glad you asked. Let’s start with what The Law actually is.
The Law
The Law is also referred to as the Law of Moses, Old Testament Law, and Mosaic Law. It includes the Ten Commandments and many other laws that cover moral, social, and spiritual behavior.
613 Laws or Commands (365 Negative / 248 Positive) known as Mitzvot which are religious duties and deeds required of the Jewish people
The Law is found in the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These five books are referred to by different names…
Christians: Pentateuch
Jews: Torah
Muslims: Tawrat
The author of The Law is Moses, and it was written between 1450-1406 BC. BC stands for Before Christ. In the 1700s some started using BCE (Before Common Era). BC counts down, hence 1450 shown before 1406. AD stands for "anno Domini," which is Latin for "in the year of the Lord".
Pentateuch = Five Volumes
Genesis: The promised blessings. Book of relationships between God and nature, God and man, and man and man.
Exodus: Foundation for a theology of God’s revelation of his name, his attributes, his law, and his worship. Redemption of Abraham’s “seed.”
Leviticus: Establishment of ordinances when approaching God. Main theme is holiness of God. The laws are given to help the Israelites worship and live as God’s holy people.
Numbers: Rebellion of God’s people, their judgement, and God’s love and forgiveness.
Deuteronomy: Cliff Notes of the first four books. Summary of God’s laws, God’s love, and God’s sovereignty.
Law, Sin, & Mercy
God is serious about His Law.
Christ’s death on the cross shows God’s justice…sin must be punished.
The Law shows us that ‘we’ are sinners.
The Law does not save you, it points you to a Savior.
Only God’s mercy and grace forgives us of our sins.
Is the Law Obsolete
Galatians 3:23-25, Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
That verse is what invites our question: Once we become a Christian, what do we do with the Law?
Rather than provide a long discourse to answer that question, I put together a simple chart to summarize The Law’s role in the Old Testament versus the New Testament (two parts of the same Bible).
Keeping it Simple
Summary: Our Faith & The Law
Our relationship is based on Faith, not a list of rules
If we view laws and commands in terms of rewards and punishments, we greatly hinder our relationship with Christ.
Conversely, if we view laws and commands as a roadmap they will guide us to a closer and stronger relationship with Christ.
