christians old testament laws

Jesus said 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 statement often leaves Christians wondering if they’re still meant to follow Old Testament laws about what they eat, how they celebrate, or how they keep the Sabbath. The answer lies in understanding what Jesus meant by "fulfill" and how His teachings reshape our approach to the law today. By exploring this, we can better grasp how faith connects with tradition and modern Christian living.

The Old Testament Law: Its Purpose and Context

The Old Testament Law is often one of the most misunderstood aspects of Scripture. For many of us, it feels like a collection of rules—some straightforward, others puzzlingly specific. However, when we look deeper, the law reveals something profound about God’s intent and His relationship with Israel. To fully appreciate its purpose, we must explore its foundational role in ancient Israel, its various categories, and its foreshadowing of Christ.

Why the Law Was Given to Israel

When God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, they didn’t just walk away with their freedom; they walked into a covenant. This covenant needed structure, and that’s what the Mosaic Law provided. But don’t think of these laws as arbitrary commands. God used the law as a way to mold Israel into a distinct people—set apart for His purposes.

The law served three major purposes:

1. Holiness: The Israelites were called to reflect God’s holiness. Leviticus 19:2 emphasizes this, saying, “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” The detailed commandments reminded them that they were serving a holy God, and their daily lives needed to reflect His purity.

2. Identity: Think of the law as a badge of Israel’s unique identity. Ceremonial laws like keeping kosher or observing Passover weren’t random; they reinforced Israel's role as distinct from the nations around them. They were a living testimony of God’s activity in their lives.

3. Guidance: The law wasn’t just a set of restrictions; it was meant to guide them toward justice and righteousness. In fact, the laws around caring for the poor, respecting elders, and fair treatment of others remain timeless demonstrations of God's desire for a just society.

Without these guidelines, Israel could have easily adopted the practices of its neighbors. Instead, they became a people defined by God’s character, living as a light to the nations.

Types of Old Testament Laws

Not all laws in the Old Testament serve the same purpose. The Mosaic Law is often broken into three main categories: moral, ceremonial, and judicial. Understanding these distinctions makes it easier to see which principles carry over into a Christian understanding of faith.

• Moral Laws: These laws focus on timeless principles of right and wrong. Think of the Ten Commandments—laws that deal with worship, honoring parents, and valuing life. The moral laws reflect God’s eternal character and remain relevant today. For example, the command “Do not murder” transcends culture and time periods.

• Ceremonial Laws: These include rituals, sacrifices, and dietary instructions that were central to worship in ancient Israel. They pointed the people toward their need for atonement and a relationship with God. For instance, sacrificial laws prepared the Israelites for the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would one day make on the cross.

• Judicial Laws: These addressed civil matters specific to governing the nation of Israel, such as land disputes or penalties for theft. While rooted in justice, they reflect the cultural and historical setting of ancient Israel and aren’t directly applicable in the same way today.

Each type of law served a purpose, but not all were meant for eternity. Understanding these categories helps us navigate which principles apply to us as individuals and to the church as a whole.

For a deeper dive into this, check out The Purpose of the Mosaic Law, which breaks down how these commands shaped Israel's lifestyle and beliefs.

Were the Laws Meant to Be Temporary?

As much as the laws defined the covenant between God and Israel, they were never the final solution. What we see in the Old Testament are glimpses—shadows—of something fuller to come. Many of these commands pointed forward to Jesus, who would fulfill the righteous requirements of the law.

Prophecies like Jeremiah 31:31-33 speak of a new covenant: “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” This signaled that while the external law guided Israel, something deep and transformative was coming. It wasn’t just about following rules; it would become about an internal change of heart.

Moreover, the entire sacrificial system pointed to Jesus as the once-and-for-all sacrifice. The ceremonial cleansing laws foreshadowed Christ’s ability to fully cleanse us from sin. Paul sums this up beautifully in Galatians 3:24, calling the law a “guardian” meant to lead us to Christ. Once Christ came, the temporary purpose of the law was fulfilled, and believers entered into a new covenant through Him.

If you'd like to explore this concept further, this article provides helpful insights into how the nature of these commandments ultimately ties to Jesus's work on the cross.

By studying the Old Testament laws in their cultural, spiritual, and prophetic context, we gain a richer appreciation for what God was doing through Israel—and ultimately through Jesus Christ.

Jesus' Fulfillment of the Law: A Closer Look

When Jesus said 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," He made a profound statement that bridges the Old Testament and the gospel message. Understanding how He fulfilled the law is key to unraveling what it means for Christians today. Let’s break it down step by step.

Matthew 5:17 in Context

To grasp Jesus’ intent in Matthew 5:17, it’s vital to consider its context within the Sermon on the Mount. Directly following this verse, Jesus explains, "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18, ESV). Here, Jesus underscores the enduring significance of the law while shifting the focus from mere external compliance to a heart-level transformation.

Rather than discarding the law, Jesus elevated its teachings, often taking them one step further. In the same chapter, we see Him say, "You have heard that it was said... But I tell you," as He addresses issues like anger, adultery, and love for enemies. He moves beyond literal obedience to reveal the deeper, spiritual principles behind the commandments.

For example, the prohibition against murder (Exodus 20:13) isn’t just about physical harm; Jesus taught it extends to anger and hatred in our hearts (Matthew 5:21-22). This intensification demonstrates not a rejection of the Old Testament law, but rather its ultimate fulfillment in a way that points towards God’s ultimate purpose for His people.

If you want to dive deeper into what it means for Jesus to "fulfill" the law, this article provides great insights into how His interpretation upholds the higher ideals of divine justice.

How Jesus Embodied the Law's Ideals

Jesus’ fulfillment of the law wasn’t just in His teachings—it was also in His life. He lived in perfect obedience to God’s will, embodying the law’s moral ideals without fault.

For instance, the Ten Commandments and other moral laws were perfectly reflected in Jesus’ actions and attitudes. Every moment of love, humility, and sacrifice exemplified the deep-rooted intent of these divine standards. Unlike humanity, which repeatedly fell short, Christ upheld the law perfectly—not as a means of gaining righteousness, but as an expression of who He is.

By doing this, Jesus revealed what God's holiness looks like in human form. His integrity went beyond rules; it showed a heart wholly aligned with the Father’s will. In John 8:46, Jesus even posed this challenge to His opponents: "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?" His sinless life was living proof that God’s standards, while high, were made complete in Him.

This understanding is reflected beautifully in the ways Jesus addressed the Pharisees. He often rebuked their legalistic approach, not because the law was wrong, but because they had missed its purpose. They focused on outward appearances while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness—the very heart of the law (Matthew 23:23).

For an inspiring look at Jesus’ obedience and what it teaches us, consider exploring this related piece: Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Parables of Jesus and Their Everyday Lessons.

The Cross and the Covenant

Perhaps the most important aspect of Jesus fulfilling the law lies in what happened on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus established the New Covenant, which transformed humanity's relationship with the law.

The writer of Hebrews puts it this way: "By calling this covenant 'new,' He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear" (Hebrews 8:13). The New Covenant doesn’t erase the law but internalizes it, writing its principles on the believer’s heart (Jeremiah 31:33). This isn’t about outward adherence; it’s about the Spirit enabling us to live in alignment with God’s will.

Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished what the ceremonial law could only foreshadow. The sacrifices of bulls and goats were temporary measures, repeated year after year, never fully removing sin (Hebrews 10:4). But Christ’s death was the ultimate atonement. By fulfilling the requirements of the law, He brought believers into a new relationship with God—not based on works but on grace.

Paul sums it up in Romans 8:3-4: “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son.” Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice met the law’s demands, freeing all who trust in Him from its penalties.

For more context on how the Old Testament pointed to Jesus’ ultimate work, you can check out What Does It Mean That Jesus Fulfilled the Law.

So, what does this mean for us today? We aren’t bound by the ceremonial or judicial aspects of the Mosaic Law, but that doesn’t give us a free pass to live however we want. Instead, we’re called to walk in the Spirit, letting God shape our hearts to reflect His character. This goes beyond merely following rules—it’s about living out love, justice, and faithfulness as Jesus did.

Should Christians Follow Old Testament Laws Today?

When Christians read the Old Testament, with its detailed commands on everything from diet to festivals, it often raises questions. Which of these laws, if any, apply today? Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 5:17 that He came to fulfill the law, not abolish it, plays a crucial role here. To grasp our responsibilities as believers, it’s essential to differentiate between moral and ceremonial laws, consider the New Testament teachings on dietary restrictions, and understand how the Sabbath and festivals have been transformed.

Moral Laws Versus Ceremonial Laws

A helpful way to answer the question is to distinguish between moral and ceremonial laws. Moral laws, such as the Ten Commandments, reflect God’s eternal nature and principles. These standards of right and wrong, like not stealing or committing adultery, remain timeless and universally applicable. As Paul writes in Romans 7:12, the law is “holy, righteous, and good.” This means God still calls us to live morally upright lives that mirror His character.

Ceremonial laws, on the other hand, were designed for Israel’s worship practices. These included offerings, sacrifices, and rituals intended to foreshadow Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. When Jesus fulfilled the law, these ceremonial practices found their resolution in Him. Hebrews 10:10 confirms this, saying, "We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

So, while moral laws maintain their relevance, ceremonial laws served a temporary purpose, pointing to the Messiah. Today, we live in the freedom of Christ’s finished work rather than the rituals of the Old Testament.

For related thoughts on how Old Testament principles still influence Christian living, check out Why We Follow Some Old Testament Laws but Not Others.

Dietary Laws: What the New Testament Says

Dietary laws, like those found in Leviticus 11, were another key part of the Old Testament system. They were given to set Israel apart from surrounding nations, teaching purity and obedience through tangible means. However, the New Testament makes it clear that these restrictions no longer apply to believers in Christ.

One of the clearest examples is found in Acts 10:9-16, where Peter receives a vision of unclean animals being lowered from heaven on a sheet. When God told Peter to “kill and eat,” Peter initially resisted, citing the dietary laws. Yet God declared, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (Acts 10:15). This marked a profound shift, showing that the Old Testament dietary laws were fulfilled in Christ and no longer necessary to maintain righteousness before God.

Paul also addresses this in Romans 14:17, noting that the kingdom of God is not about "eating and drinking," but "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." The focus moves away from external practices to inward faith. What matters is living in alignment with God’s Spirit, not adhering to dietary restrictions.

For more insights into this transformation of the food laws, you might find Do Christians Have to Obey the Old Testament Law? a useful resource.

Sabbath and Festivals in a New Light

Observing the Sabbath and Israelite festivals is another area where Christians often wonder what’s required. In the Old Testament, these practices marked sacred rhythms of life, reminding Israel of their covenant with God and His provision. However, the New Testament sheds light on their deeper meaning and how they point to Christ.

For example, Jesus declared in Matthew 12:8, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” By doing so, He redefined the Sabbath not as a legalistic obligation but as a gift—a spiritual rest found in Him. Hebrews 4:9-10 elaborates, explaining that believers enter God's rest by trusting in Christ, rather than through external observances.

Similarly, festivals like Passover symbolized key aspects of God’s saving work, which Jesus fulfilled. Paul addresses this in Colossians 2:16-17 when he writes, “Do not let anyone judge you...with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” In essence, the festivals were signposts pointing to His redemptive work—once completed, the signs were no longer required.

While we are not bound to observe the Sabbath or Jewish festivals as the Israelites were, these practices still hold value as reminders of God’s faithfulness. Celebrating them can enrich our understanding of God’s story, so long as we approach them as acts of gratitude and worship, not as means of earning favor with God.

If you'd like to dive deeper into the relevance of Old Testament festivals today, Are Old Testament Laws Still Relevant For Christians? offers a thoughtful perspective.

Understanding these distinctions and scriptural teachings helps us follow Christ more faithfully. In essence, we embrace the moral principles of the law while celebrating our freedom in Christ, who is the fulfillment of all things.

Living Under the Law of Christ

When we think about laws, we often envision restrictions, rules, and regulations. But the "law of Christ" flips that concept on its head, emphasizing love over legalism and grace over guilt. Instead of a rigid checklist, this law calls us into a relationship-driven life that reflects Jesus’ teachings and example.

What Is the Law of Christ?

The New Testament speaks about believers living under the "law of Christ," a term that captures the essence of Jesus' mission and His message. In Galatians 6:2, Paul writes, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The heart of the law of Christ lies in love—love for God and love for others.

Unlike the Mosaic Law, which established a covenant between God and Israel through rules, sacrifices, and ceremonies, the law of Christ is rooted in grace. Jesus summarized the commandments in Matthew 22:37-40, teaching that loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself were foundational. Think of it as a shift in focus: from rigid adherence to transformed relationships. It's not about earning salvation but allowing God's love to be reflected in every aspect of your life.

Paul’s teachings further clarify this. In 1 Corinthians 9:21, he states that he lives "not outside the law of God but under the law of Christ." Here, it's clear that the law of Christ emphasizes love, humility, and selflessness, transcending the cultural boundaries of the Old Testament law. Want to explore this further? Check out this thought-provoking article on 1 Corinthians 9:21 for a deeper dive.

Practical Ways to Live Under the Law of Christ

Living under the law of Christ isn't a theoretical idea—it requires action. At its core, it's about letting love guide every area of your life. But how do you put this into practice in a tangible, everyday way? Here are a few actionable steps:

• Show Compassion: As Paul mentions in Galatians 6:2, carrying others' burdens is central to the law of Christ. This could mean being a listening ear for a friend, helping your neighbor with groceries, or praying for someone who's struggling. Compassion is love in action.

• Practice Selflessness: Christ’s love is sacrificial. Consider how you can put others’ needs before your own, whether it's donating your time, resources, or simply offering encouragement to someone feeling lost. For those who want to dive deeper into living out this calling, reading Breaking the Stigma: Christian Perspectives on Mental Health offers great insights.

• Forgive Freely: One of the hardest ways to live under the law of Christ is to consistently forgive others, just as Christ has forgiven us. Holding grudges weighs you down and strains relationships. By forgiving, you reflect the grace you've received through Christ.

• Extend Grace: Grace isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s something we actively give. When someone wrongs you or when situations don’t go as expected, how you respond matters. Approach with patience and understanding, remembering that Christ extends grace to us daily.

• Love Radically: Jesus instructed His followers to love not just their neighbors but also their enemies. This radical love sets Christianity apart. It means treating others with kindness, even when it’s inconvenient or undeserved.

Walking under the law of Christ is about alignment—not just with His teachings but with His example. As followers of Jesus, our lives can’t be compartmentalized. Our faith should spill into our work, relationships, and even how we respond to strangers on the street. Take a moment to read Understanding Suffering and Faith in Chronic Illness: A Theological Perspective, where the law of Christ is beautifully illustrated through compassion and empathy for those enduring difficult challenges.

Living under the law of Christ doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean transformation. Each day offers us a chance to reflect God’s love, to choose grace over bitterness, and to prioritize relationships over rules. Is it always easy? Absolutely not. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, it’s possible—and it’s the most fulfilling way to live. For a deeper understanding of how the law of Christ incorporates love and grace, take a moment to browse What Does It Mean That Christians Are Not Under the Law?.

When we live guided by love, grace, and obedience to Jesus, we leave behind the weight of legalism and step into the freedom He intended. It’s not only transformative for us; it’s life-changing for everyone we encounter.

Conclusion

The relationship between Christians and the Old Testament law centers on Jesus’ fulfillment of it. His life, death, and resurrection didn’t abolish the law but completed its purpose. While moral laws remain a reflection of God’s eternal nature, ceremonial and judicial laws served specific purposes for Israel and found their ultimate meaning in Christ.

Living under the New Covenant means embracing grace, love, and the guidance of the Spirit. It’s not about adhering to dietary restrictions or ritualistic observances but about letting Jesus’ example shape how we live. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of how Old Testament principles blend with New Covenant living, let this encourage you to explore further and grow in faith.

How does this influence your own walk with Christ? Feel free to share your thoughts and questions, as we’re all learning together.