Why Some Biblical Commands Are No Longer Followed: Understanding Christian Practice Today

Many Christians wonder why some Biblical Commands are followed today while others are not. This can be confusing, especially when it comes to topics like eating pork, wearing mixed fabrics, or following certain Old Testament laws. The simple answer is that the way Christians understand and apply these commands has changed over time, based on historical, cultural, and theological reasons. In this article, you'll learn why some Biblical Commands remain central to Christian life, while others have been set aside, and how believers decide which teachings still matter.

What Are Biblical Commands and Why Were They Given?

Biblical Commands act as a foundation for understanding how God instructed His people to live. These commands, found throughout the Old Testament, shaped daily choices and community life for the nation of Israel. But not all Biblical Commands are alike—some laid out timeless moral truths, while others addressed specific practices for worship or social order. To really grasp why not every law still applies, we need to see what these commands meant in their original setting.

Defining Biblical Commands

In simple terms, Biblical Commands are rules or instructions given by God, recorded in the Bible. They include everything from the Ten Commandments to dietary laws and how Israel was told to treat each other. Think of these commands like traffic signs—some are universal, like stop signs, meant for everyone at all times. Others are local, such as speed limits in school zones, meant for a specific group or time.

Most Biblical Commands served to:

• Build a relationship between people and God

• Set apart Israel with unique customs and worship

• Shape just and orderly communities

At their core, these commands reflected God's nature and His desire for people to live in right relationship with Him and each other.

The Three Main Categories of Old Testament Law

The commands in the Old Testament generally fall into three main types. Each had a different purpose based on what the community needed at the time.

1. Moral Laws

• Moral laws speak to right and wrong in a universal sense. The classic examples are the Ten Commandments—honoring parents, avoiding murder, refusing theft, and telling the truth.

• These teachings focus on the heart’s intent, justice, compassion, and faithfulness. The moral standards were meant for all people, not just ancient Israel.

• Many Christians see these as still important today, sharing much in common with values found around the world.

2. Ceremonial Laws

• Ceremonial laws guided Israel’s worship, sacrifices, dietary customs, and rituals around purity.

• These rules helped form the spiritual identity of Israel and set it apart from other nations. They included things like animal sacrifices, temple worship, and restrictions on foods such as pork or shellfish.

• While these practices seem unusual now, they were central to Israel’s relationship with God at the time.

3. Civil Laws

• Civil laws dealt with everyday life among the Israelites—how to handle property disputes, justice in the courts, or community responsibilities.

• These laws matched the needs of an ancient nation living together under God’s kingship, kind of like a legal code for a country or city today.

• Many civil commands addressed issues of the time, such as caring for the poor or handling conflict.

For a detailed look at how these categories connect to questions about free will and hope, you can read about Christian answers on why God created people who might reject Him.

The Historical and Cultural Setting

When reading the laws of the Old Testament, it helps to remember that these were given in a very specific place and time—ancient Israel, over 3,000 years ago. Life then was shaped by tribe, family, and land. The commands given reflected what the people faced, the existing cultures around them, and the need to be different from neighboring nations.

For example:

• Certain laws set Israel apart from the practices of Egypt or Canaan.

• Food rules created community identity in shared meals.

• Rituals and festivals shaped yearly rhythms to keep faith at the center of daily life.

Some laws reflect timeless truths, while others were deeply tied to the era’s culture and needs. Understanding this helps make sense of why some Biblical Commands still guide Christian life, while others are seen as part of an ancient covenant, not required today.

Old Testament Laws: Ceremonial, Civil, and Moral Distinctions

Old Testament laws come in three broad categories: ceremonial, civil, and moral. Each was given to Israel for a particular reason and shaped their spiritual, social, and ethical identity. Understanding these distinctions makes it easier to see why Christians continue to follow some Biblical Commands but not others today. Let’s look at each category more closely.

Ceremonial Laws: Ritual Purity and Sacrifice Requirements

Ceremonial laws focused on how Israel was to worship God and keep themselves ritually pure. These laws created a system of sacrifices, priestly duties, cleansings, and religious festivals that marked Israel as a people set apart.

These commands included:

• Rules for offering animal sacrifices to deal with sin or give thanks.

• Instructions for celebrating Passover, Day of Atonement, and other feasts.

• Purity rituals, such as cleansing after contact with certain foods or diseases.

• Restrictions on eating foods like pork or shellfish.

• Clothing rules, such as avoiding garments made from mixed fabrics.

These ceremonial practices pointed forward to the future work of Christ. Many Christians believe Jesus fulfilled these requirements through His life and sacrifice, which is why they are not followed today. For a detailed explanation on the subject, see this resource on the differences between ceremonial, moral, and civil laws in the Bible.

Civil Laws: Rules for a Nation’s Daily Life

Civil laws governed daily living in ancient Israel as a nation-state. These practical rules addressed community life, social responsibility, and justice. The goal was to create a fair and safe society built on God’s justice and care for the vulnerable.

Examples include:

• Property boundaries and restitution for theft or damage.

• Marriage and divorce laws.

• Guidelines for judges and courts.

• Rights of foreigners, widows, and orphans.

• Community health and quarantine regulations.

Civil laws reflected the realities of a specific time and place—ancient Israel dwelling in the land. As nations and cultures changed, these laws were not seen as universally binding outside Old Testament Israel.

Moral Laws: Timeless Ethical Commands

Moral laws lay out universal standards for right and wrong. Unlike ceremonial or civil instructions, these focus on justice, honesty, respect, and faithfulness—ethical values that last for all people at all times. The Ten Commandments are the best-known example.

Consider these key moral commands:

• Do not murder, steal, or commit adultery.

• Honor your parents.

• Speak truthfully.

• Show compassion for your neighbor.

These Biblical Commands express God’s unchanging character and intent for human life. Jesus affirmed and expanded these teachings, showing that moral law goes beyond outward actions to the heart’s intent. Christians continue to see the moral laws as the guide for personal conduct and relationships.

For more insight on how Old Testament commands shaped Israelite ethics, you can study why certain Biblical laws still guide Christian living while others don’t.

Understanding these distinctions unlocks much of the confusion around which laws Christians continue to follow and why. Each category of law met a real, practical need for Israel, and each points to a deeper spiritual truth that still matters today.

How Jesus Views and Fulfills Old Testament Commands

Jesus’ teachings bring clarity to the role of Old Testament commands for Christians today. When reading the Gospels, it becomes clear that Jesus respected the law, but He also redefined its meaning for those who would follow Him. His message reframed how God’s people relate to Biblical Commands—not by strict legalism, but with hearts aimed toward God’s intent. By looking at Jesus’ words and the decisions of the early church, we see why some biblical laws are no longer practiced, while others remain central for believers.

Teachings from the Sermon on the Mount

Jesus speaks directly about the law in His Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5–7. He makes it clear in Matthew 5:17: “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.” This verse often confuses people. What does it mean to “fulfill” the law?

• Fulfilling, Not Abolishing: Jesus followed the Old Testament law perfectly—He never broke it. But He also completed it through His life, showing that He was the promised Messiah. His sacrifice met the requirements of the ceremonial laws once and for all.

• Bringing Out Deeper Meaning: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus often says, “You have heard… but I say to you…” For example, He took “do not murder” and expanded it to include anger and contempt. He did the same with adultery, saying lustful intentions counted, not just actions.

These teachings reveal that Jesus was aiming for more than just boxes to check. He pointed to the spirit of the law—love, mercy, justice—and called people to focus first on those. The Bible Project unpacks how Jesus completed the law’s demands, emphasizing that His coming changed how God’s people relate to the law.

• Key Takeaway: Jesus invited people to see Biblical Commands as rooted in God’s character and purpose, rather than just external rule-keeping.

The Apostolic Council and Gentile Believers

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the early church had to decide: Should non-Jewish (Gentile) believers follow all Old Testament laws, like dietary rules and circumcision? The answer came at a gathering known as the Jerusalem Council, recorded in Acts 15.

• A Turning Point: Church leaders—Peter, Paul, James, and others—debated whether Gentile Christians should keep the full law of Moses.

• New Guidance: They concluded that Gentile believers did not need to follow ceremonial laws like circumcision, avoiding pork, and strict Sabbath observance. They only asked new believers to avoid a few things directly tied to idolatry and immorality.

This decision marked a shift. The church recognized that Jesus’ fulfillment of the law broke down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, freeing believers from old rituals. The moral principles of Biblical Commands—like avoiding immorality and loving one another—remained, but ceremonial and civil requirements tied specifically to ancient Israel no longer applied.

• Key Takeaway: Early Christians saw Jesus’ work as the reason some laws were no longer binding, and they understood this was not a rejection of God’s commands, but a fresh way to live out those truths.

For those interested in how the church continues to wrestle with questions of freedom, responsibility, and faithfulness, resources like GotQuestions: What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law? add further perspective.

Understanding Jesus’ perspective and the early church’s response helps explain why Christians today do not follow all Old Testament commands. Instead, their focus turns to living out God’s love, justice, and mercy in every part of life. For more context about God’s purpose in allowing people free will and hope, see our explanation of Christian answers on free will and rejection.

Why Christians No Longer Follow All Old Testament Commands

Many Christians wonder why some Old Testament rules—like not eating pork or not wearing mixed fabrics—are no longer followed, while others still shape Christian life. The reason comes down to how Biblical Commands are applied in light of Jesus’ life, teaching, and sacrificial death. These commands were not all meant to have the same lasting authority beyond ancient Israel. Some pointed to spiritual truths fulfilled in Christ, while others express God’s unchanging standards for right and wrong.

Freedom from Ceremonial and Civil Law

When you look at the Old Testament, you find hundreds of laws about food, rituals, clothing, and community behavior. These included not eating pork, avoiding shellfish, and not wearing clothes made from mixed fabrics like wool and linen. These commands, often grouped as ceremonial or civil laws, played key roles for ancient Israel:

• They set Israel apart from surrounding nations.

• They created an environment of purity for worship.

• They provided order and structure for community life.

Jesus’ work marked a clear change in how Christians relate to these rules. The New Testament teaches that Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17). He completed its requirements and brought its deeper meanings into full view.

Acts 15 tells how early church leaders met to decide if non-Jewish followers of Jesus had to practice these Old Testament laws. They agreed that believers are not bound by ceremonial or civil laws designed for Israel’s nationhood or temple worship. Instead, faith in Christ brings freedom from these old requirements. Paul echoes this in letters like Galatians and Colossians, where he says believers are not judged by dietary rules or special days.

For instance, Colossians 2:16-17 states: “Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival... These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Because Jesus completed what these laws pointed to, rules about food and fabric no longer have binding force for followers of Christ.

For a deeper explanation, you can read why Old Testament commands are no longer binding in this interview from Desiring God. You’ll see how Jesus’ fulfillment changes the way we approach ancient rules, so Christians aren’t ignoring Scripture—they’re living out its deeper intent.

Enduring Relevance of Moral Law

Unlike ceremonial and civil laws, moral laws remain relevant for Christians today. These Biblical Commands reflect God’s unchanging character. They’re about honesty, faithfulness, justice, and loving our neighbors. These standards don’t fade with time or culture.

The Ten Commandments are a good example. Commands like "Do not steal," "Do not murder," and "Honor your parents" are repeated and reaffirmed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Moral laws deal with the heart and relationships, not just outward actions. Jesus often taught that these standards should go even deeper—covering our intentions, not only our behaviors.

New Testament letters reinforce this. Paul, John, and Peter all call believers to live holy, loving lives that reflect Christ’s example (Galatians 5, 1 Peter 1:15-16). Christians follow these moral commands—not to earn favor, but to show the change Christ brings.

If you’d like a more detailed breakdown of why Christians keep moral commands but not ceremonial ones, this article from JD Greear offers a practical perspective.

To summarize:

• Ceremonial and civil laws served a purpose for ancient Israel and pointed to Jesus, so they’re no longer binding.

• Moral laws reflect timeless truths and God’s character, so Christians still follow them today.

For more on God’s purposes behind Old Testament commands and how free will connects with Biblical hope, see our insights on Christian answers on free will and rejection.

A Christian’s freedom from some biblical rules isn’t about picking and choosing but knowing which commands were fulfilled in Christ and which still express God’s will for how to live. For a broader look at whether Christians must obey Old Testament law, check out GotQuestions: Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament law?.

Practical Guidance: Applying Biblical Commands Today

Living out Biblical Commands today can feel complicated. The Bible contains laws and teachings from thousands of years ago, given to people in settings quite different from ours. Yet Christians want to remain faithful, honoring both tradition and the intent of Scripture. Making sense of what applies now and how to live it out requires more than just surface reading. It also means showing grace to each other as we walk out our faith.

Studying Scriptural Context and Intent

To apply Biblical Commands wisely, context matters. Looking at when, where, and why a command was first given helps clarify its purpose for readers now.

• Understand the historical background. Ask what problem or situation the command addressed. For example, dietary rules about pork and shellfish were meant for ancient Israel’s health and worship, not as lasting moral rules for all people.

• Look at the type of law. Is it moral, ceremonial, or civil? Moral laws speak to God’s character and are usually repeated in the New Testament. Ceremonial and civil laws often reflected Israel’s time and nationhood.

• Compare Scripture with Scripture. The Bible is its own best interpreter. See if and how Jesus or the apostles reaffirm, fulfill, or change the instruction. The principle “let Scripture interpret Scripture” is helpful in avoiding misunderstandings. For more practical guidance, check out this article on how to interpret the Bible today.

• Follow a principle-based approach. Even when a specific command doesn’t apply, the principle behind it might still guide us. For example, Old Testament rules about caring for the vulnerable reflect God’s ongoing concern for justice and compassion.

When reading a Biblical Command today, try asking:

• What was God’s intent in giving this command?

• Is the command reaffirmed for Christians in the New Testament?

• What principle can I apply from this text to my life and community?

Spending time in thoughtful study, using resources that discuss both context and application, brings clarity and confidence to Christian living. As Evangel Magazine suggests, every command should be measured by how it demonstrates love for God and others. For deeper insights, see “Biblical Commands and Cultural Context” at Evangel Magazine.

Unity and Grace in Christian Practice

Disagreements about which Biblical Commands apply are not new. The early church faced strong debates over food, festivals, and other cultural rules. Yet unity and grace marked how they resolved differences.

• Respect tradition without being legalistic. Value what faithful Christians before have practiced, but remember the heart of the command. Avoid turning personal convictions into universal requirements for all.

• Show humility and patience. Honest Christians can disagree on secondary matters. When you encounter someone living out a command differently, respond with empathy rather than judgment.

• Celebrate shared essentials. Focus on what unites Christians—faith in Christ, love for others, and pursuit of holy living. Disunity often grows when people make non-essential issues the main thing.

You can see this principle reflected in the way early Christians worked through issues regarding Old Testament law and cultural habits. When applying Biblical Commands today, unity around the core message of the gospel matters most.

If you want a practical framework for careful Bible reading, “Rules & Guidelines for Bible Interpretation” at Always Be Ready can help you and your community dig deeper while keeping relationships at the center.

Through study, grace, and a focus on love, you can live out Biblical Commands in a way that honors God and respects the faith journey of others. For more on how faith, free will, and God’s purpose connect with our approach to biblical commands, explore our internal perspective on Christian answers to free will and hope.

Conclusion

The difference between why some Biblical Commands still matter and others do not comes from understanding their purpose and fulfillment. Old Testament ceremonial and civil laws shaped Israel for a season, but Jesus’ life, teachings, and sacrifice changed how believers connect with these rules. The lasting value of moral law continues to guide Christian living because it reflects God’s heart and character.

Recognizing these distinctions deepens faith and frees Christians to follow Jesus sincerely—without confusion or legalism. When believers understand the intent behind each command, they gain clarity, unity, and strength for daily life. For anyone seeking more on how free will and God’s purposes relate to Biblical Commands, explore Christian answers on free will, rejection, and hope.

Thank you for reading and reflecting on what it means to live faithfully today. How do you personally approach Biblical Commands in your walk with God? Share your thoughts and experiences to keep the conversation growing.