The Use of the OT Law for NT Believers¹

Many Christians are confused about the use of the OT Law. Do we follow it or not? Is it still in force or not? What parts of it should we follow? If we are not following it, of what value is it?

This lesson is designed to explore what the OT Law is and how it currently applies to NT believers.

Meaning of the word “law”

Part of the confusion on this issue stems from the multiple uses of the word “law” in the NT. Some of the uses of the term:

1. God’s general moral will expressed throughout the Bible (OT and NT); divine commands in the widest sense (Rom 7:25 [show]Romans 7:25 [25]Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. (ESV)
   ). The moral principles of the Ten Commandments did not begin with Sinai; they are as eternal and immutable as the very holy character of God Himself (1 Pet 1:16 [show]1 Peter 1:16 [16]since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (ESV)
   ).²

1. The OT Mosaic code (including or especially the 10 Commandments): the set of rules and regulations that God gave Moses for Israel. (Rom 2:14 [show]Romans 2:14 [14]For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. (ESV)
   a; 2:17; 3:21, 28; 7:12; Gal 4:21, 5 [show]Galatians 4:21 Example of Hagar and Sarah [21]Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? (ESV) Galatians 4:5 [5]to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (ESV)
   :3)

2. The “law of Christ” (1 Cor 9:21 [show]1 Corinthians 9:21 [21]To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. (ESV)
   ; Gal 6:2 [show]Galatians 6:2 [2]Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (ESV)
   ) refers to Jesus’ teaching or NT truth in general.

3. Scripture in general (especially the OT). Thus: “the law” (Matt 5:18 [show]Matthew 5:18 [18]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. (ESV)
   ; 12:5; Lk 2:27 [show]Luke 2:27 [27]And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, (ESV)
   ; 10:26; 16:17; Rom 3:19 [show]Romans 3:19 [19]Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. (ESV)
   ); “the law and the prophets” (Matt 5:17 [show]Matthew 5:17 Christ Came to Fulfill the Law [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. (ESV)
   ); “the law of the Lord” (Lk 2:23, 24, 39 [show]Luke 2:23 [23](as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") (ESV) Luke 2:24 [24]and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." (ESV) Luke 2:39 The Return to Nazareth [39]And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. (ESV)
   ); “the law of Moses” (Lk 2:22 [show]Luke 2:22 Jesus Presented at the Temple [22]And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (ESV)
   ; cf. also Acts 28:23 [show]Acts 28:23 [23]When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. (ESV)
   ); “Moses and the prophets” (Lk 24:27 [show]Luke 24:27 [27]And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (ESV)
   ). The threefold formula “Moses and the prophets and the psalms” also occurs (Lk 24:44 [show]Luke 24:44 [44]Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (ESV)
   ).

4. A rule, principle, or force (Rom 2:14 [show]Romans 2:14 [14]For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. (ESV)
   b, 7:2, 21, 23, 8:2)

5. Various forms of human laws, those prescribed by man through human government or custom (Luke 20:22 [show]Luke 20:22 [22]Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" (ESV)
   ; Acts 19:38 [show]Acts 19:38 [38]If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. (ESV)
   ).

6. Law in general (Rom 3:27 [show]Romans 3:27 [27]Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. (ESV)
   and possibly Rom 5:13 [show]Romans 5:13 [13]for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. (ESV)
   b).

NT teaching about the OT Law

1. The Law extended “until John” the Baptist (Mt 11:13); after that comes the gospel of Christ.

2. Christ did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Mt 5:17). It is impossible that any part of the Law would disappear (Mt 5:18-19). Jesus expected his audience to keep the Law.

It’s important to remember that Jesus lived and ministered under the Law. The end of the Law came with the death of Christ, the torn veil symbolizing the ending of the Levitical system (Mk 15:38 [show]Mark 15:38 [38]And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (ESV)
; Heb 6:19, 9 [show]Hebrews 6:19 [19]We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, (ESV) Hebrews 6:9 [9]Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things--things that belong to salvation. (ESV)
:3, 10:20). Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law set the stage for the church age.

3. The Law can be summarized by these two commands: Love God and love your neighbor (Mt 22:34-40). Paul states that love fulfills the Law (Rom 13:10 [show]Romans 13:10 [10]Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (ESV)
   ).

4. Christians are not under the OT Law. NT authors, especially Paul, states this truth in no uncertain terms and in various ways:

Ac 15:10, 19 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? … Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God…

Ro 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Ro 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Ro 7:1-6 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. … Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. … But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

(Note: the entire book of Galatians is a response to the idea that we are saved through the keeping of the Law.)

Ga 3:10-13 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)…

Ga 3:24-25 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Ga 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Eph 2:15 [show]Ephesians 2:15 [15]by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, (ESV)
having abolished [to destroy, do away with; to render idle, inactivate, inoperative: to deprive of force, influence, power; to cause to cease, put an end to, do away with, annul; to pass away, be done away] in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.

Col 2:14 [show]Colossians 2:14 [14]by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (ESV)
having wiped out [to eliminate, cancel, erase, blot out³] the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

1. What does it mean to be “under” the Law? It means to be subject to its rules and regulations, to be accountable to it, to be liable to its penalties, and to be bound to obey it.

2. The Israelites were “under” the Law in the sense that it applied directly to them; God expected them to apply it and obey it. He blessed obedience and punished disobedience.

3. At the Jerusalem council (read Acts 15:5-11, 19-21, 29 [show]Acts 15:5-11 [5]But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses." [6]The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. [7]And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. [8]And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, [9]and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. [10]Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? [11]But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." (ESV) Acts 15:19-21 [19]Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, [20]but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. [21]For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues." (ESV) Acts 15:29 [29]that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell." (ESV)
   ), the disciples specifically rejected the idea that Gentile believers need to observe the OT Law.

4. Some Jews, like Paul (1 Cor 9:19-23 [show]1 Corinthians 9:19-23 [19]For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. [20]To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. [21]To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. [22]To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. [23]I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (ESV)
   ) determined to observe the rituals of the OT Law, at least occasionally, simply to be non-offensive to those they were trying to reach. At other times, Paul exercised his freedom from those same rituals and restrictions (see Gal 2:11-21 [show]Galatians 2:11-21 Paul Opposes Peter [11]But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. [12]For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. [13]And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. [14]But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?" Justified by Faith [15]We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; [16]yet we know that a person is not justified(1) by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. [17]But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! [18]For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. [19]For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. [20]I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [21]I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness(2) were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [2:16] Or 'counted righteous' (three times in verse 16); also verse 17 2. [2:21] Or 'justification'
   ).

5. The Law of Moses is a unit, an indivisible, all-or-nothing proposition. The Bible never makes a distinction between parts of the Law. People typically recognize the different civil, ceremonial and moral aspects of the Law, but these categories do not stand individually; they are parts of the whole. You can’t just pick and choose the parts that you like and ignore the rest. This is precisely Paul’s point in Galatians 5:3-4 [show]Galatians 5:3-4 [3]I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. [4]You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified(1) by the law; you have fallen away from grace. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [5:4] Or 'counted righteous'
   —if you agree to be circumcised, you are agreeing to obey the whole Law, which means that you are rejecting salvation by faith in Christ.

Breakdown of the OT Law:

Ceremonial: deals with sacrifices, rituals, purifications, and other religious things fulfilled in Christ.

Civil: rules dealing with the government regulations, the Theocracy; governed national Israel.

Moral: deals with timeless moral principles like the 10 Commandments.

Quote: “God did away with the Mosaic Law completely, both the [civil,] ceremonial and the moral parts. He terminated it as a code and has replaced it with a new code, “the Law of Christ” (Gal 6:2 [show]Galatians 6:2 [2]Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (ESV)
). Some commandments in the Law of Christ are the same as those in the Law of Moses (e.g., nine of the Ten Commandments, excluding the command to observe the Sabbath day).”⁴

Christians are under the law of Christ

Ro 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

1Co 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;

Ga 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

What is the law of Christ? It’s the set of regulations and commitments taught by Jesus and expanded by the NT authors. It’s the Christian rule of life. In contrast to the Mosaic code, which emphasized rituals and works, the law of Christ emphasizes grace and love (cf. John 1:17, 13 [show]John 1:17 [17]For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (ESV) John 1:13 [13]who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (ESV)
:34; 1 Jn 2:3-6 [show]1 John 2:3-6 [3]And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. [4]Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, [5]but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: [6]whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (ESV)
). We serve “in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter” (Rom 7:6 [show]Romans 7:6 [6]But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.(1) (ESV) Footnotes 1. [7:6] Greek 'of the letter'
). The law of Christ covers all areas of the believer’s life just as the Mosaic code did for the OT believer.

Interpreting the OT Law

While we should not import NT ideas into the OT in our interpretation, we do consider NT teaching when considering application of OT principles. Our application of the OT should be read thru NT lenses. What principles still apply in NT times? What parts has Christ fulfilled or accomplished? What parts are mere shadows and symbols?

Values of the OT Law

1. The Law is “holy and good” (Rom 7:12 [show]Romans 7:12 [12]So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. (ESV)
   ), one of God’s gifts to Israel (Rom 9:4 [show]Romans 9:4 [4]They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. (ESV)
   ).

2. The Law provided a standard of righteousness (Deut 4:8 [show]Deuteronomy 4:8 [8]And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today? (ESV)
   ; Psalm 19:7-9 [show]Psalm 19:7-9 [7]The law of the LORD is perfect,(1) reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; [8]the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; [9]the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules(2) of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. Footnotes 1. [19:7] Or 'blameless' 2. [19:9] Or 'just decrees'
   ). The Law revealed the righteousness, holiness, and goodness of God (Deut 4:8 [show]Deuteronomy 4:8 [8]And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today? (ESV)
   ; Lev 11:44-45 [show]Leviticus 11:44-45 [44]For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. [45]For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy." (ESV)
   ; 19:2; 20:7; Rom 7:12-14 [show]Romans 7:12-14 [12]So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. [13]Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. [14]For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. (ESV)
   ).

3. The Law entered “that the offense might abound” (Rom 5:20 [show]Romans 5:20 [20]Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, (ESV)
   ; cf. 7:8-13; 1 Cor 15:56 [show]1 Corinthians 15:56 [56]The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (ESV)
   b), and in order to “confine” men under Law and sin, with no prospect of escape until Christ should come (Gal 3:22 [show]Galatians 3:22 [22]But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. (ESV)
   f.). The Law produces the startling realization of sin which does not save (Rom 3:20 [show]Romans 3:20 [20]For by works of the law no human being(1) will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [3:20] Greek 'flesh'
   ; 7:7); but it calls forth a cry for help in one’s lost condition (Rom 7:24 [show]Romans 7:24 [24]Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (ESV)
   ), a cry which can be answered effectively only by Jesus Christ (Rom 7:25 [show]Romans 7:25 [25]Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. (ESV)
   ).⁵

Ro 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Ro 7:13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

1Ti 1:9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,…

Note: In an evangelistic appeal, one must emphasize the sinner’s sinfulness. A comparison of the person’s lifestyle to the requirements of the 10 Commandments and to Jesus’ teaching on the Sermon on the Mount is often helpful in revealing the sinner’s total depravity.

Luther: The Law must be laid upon those that are to be justified, that they may be shut up in the prison thereof, until the righteousness of faith comes—that, when they are cast down and humbled by the Law, they should fly to Christ. The Law humbles them, not to their destruction, but to their salvation. For God woundeth that He may heal again. He killeth that he may quicken again.?⁶

4. Perhaps the most significant purpose of the Law is to lead men to Christ. The Law is a ???????????, “schoolmaster, tutor, custodian” (Gal 3:24-25 [show]Galatians 3:24-25 [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, (ESV)
   ). The ??????????? was usually a slave whose duty it was to take the pupil to school and supervise his conduct generally. The OT Law served this purpose—it held authority until the coming of Christ. Paul states clearly that after faith comes, “we are no longer under a schoolmaster” (Gal 3:25 [show]Galatians 3:25 [25]But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, (ESV)
   ).

5. 2 Tim 3:16 [show]2 Timothy 3:16 [16]All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV)
   All of the OT is still revelation, still profitable material, still contains doctrine and instruction in righteousness.

6. 1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition.

Good quote: It is possible to conclude that since it is unnecessary to keep the Law to be saved, it is unnecessary to pay attention to the Law for any reason. However, Paul was not urging his converts to burn their Old Testaments. The Law has values, as he previously pointed out, … Under grace we are free to fulfill the Law by loving one another. [Cf. Ro 13:10.] For the Christian the Mosaic Law has revelatory value (2 Tim 3:16 [show]2 Timothy 3:16 [16]All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV)
–17) even though it does not have regulatory value, controlling our behavior.⁷

Weaknesses of the Law

1. The Law cannot save. Salvation was never based on obedience to the Law, but on God’s grace and man’s faith in God’s promises (Rom 4:1-3 [show]Romans 4:1-3 Abraham Justified by Faith [4:1]What then shall we say was gained by(1) Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? [2]For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. [3]For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." (ESV) Footnotes 1. [4:1] Some manuscripts 'say about'
   ). There is no truth to the assertion that under the OT system, people were saved by works (Gal 2:16 [show]Galatians 2:16 [16]yet we know that a person is not justified(1) by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [2:16] Or 'counted righteous' (three times in verse 16); also verse 17
   ).

2. The fundamental weakness of the Law is that its only answer to sin is to forbid it and condemn it. Law cannot overcome sin, because it depends on the cooperation of the flesh (i.e., autonomous human nature), which is weak (Rom 8:3 [show]Romans 8:3 [3]For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin,(1) he condemned sin in the flesh, (ESV) Footnotes 1. [8:3] Or 'and as a sin offering'
   ), incapable of obedience.

3. What the Law demands can be gained only by the Spirit on the basis of the work of Christ (Rom 8:4 [show]Romans 8:4 [4]in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (ESV)
   ). The Law is essentially a letter that kills; the life of the new covenant is the Spirit who makes alive (Rom 7:6 [show]Romans 7:6 [6]But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.(1) (ESV) Footnotes 1. [7:6] Greek 'of the letter'
   ; 2 Cor 3:6 [show]2 Corinthians 3:6 [6]who has made us competent(1) to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [3:6] Or 'sufficient'
   ).

4. The book of Hebrews demonstrates that the old covenant of the Mosaic Law was only temporary and has been replaced by the coming of Christ whose ministry is based on (1) a better priesthood, one after the order of Melchizedek which is superior to Aaron’s, and (2) a better covenant with better promises (see Heb 7-10 [show]Hebrews 7-10 The Priestly Order of Melchizedek [7:1]For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, [2]and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. [3]He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. [4]See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! [5]And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers,(1) though these also are descended from Abraham. [6]But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. [7]It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. [8]In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. [9]One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, [10]for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Jesus Compared to Melchizedek [11]Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? [12]For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. [13]For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. [14]For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. [15]This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, [16]who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. [17]For it is witnessed of him, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." [18]For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness [19](for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. [20]And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, [21]but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'" [22]This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. [23]The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, [24]but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. [25]Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost(2) those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. [26]For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. [27]He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. [28]For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. Jesus, High Priest of a Better Covenant [8:1]Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, [2]a minister in the holy places, in the true tent(3) that the Lord set up, not man. [3]For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. [4]Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. [5]They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain." [6]But as it is, Christ(4) has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. [7]For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. [8]For he finds fault with them when he says:(5) "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, [9]not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. [10]For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [11]And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. [12]For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." [13]In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. The Earthly Holy Place [9:1]Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. [2]For a tent(6) was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence.(7) It is called the Holy Place. [3]Behind the second curtain was a second section(8) called the Most Holy Place, [4]having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. [5]Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. [6]These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, [7]but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. [8]By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing [9](which is symbolic for the present age).(9) According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, [10]but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. Redemption Through the Blood of Christ [11]But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come,(10) then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) [12]he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. [13]For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify(11) for the purification of the flesh, [14]how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our(12) conscience from dead works to serve the living God. [15]Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.(13) [16]For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. [17]For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. [18]Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. [19]For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, [20]saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you." [21]And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. [22]Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. [23]Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24]For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. [25]Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, [26]for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. [27]And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, [28]so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Christ's Sacrifice Once for All [10:1]For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. [2]Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? [3]But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. [4]For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. [5]Consequently, when Christ(14) came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; [6]in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. [7]Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'" [8]When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), [9]then he added, "Behold, I have come to do your will." He does away with the first in order to establish the second. [10]And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11]And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. [12]But when Christ(15) had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, [13]waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. [14]For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. [15]And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, [16]"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds," [17]then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." [18]Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. The Full Assurance of Faith [19]Therefore, brothers,(16) since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20]by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21]and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22]let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23]Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24]And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25]not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. [26]For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, [27]but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. [28]Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. [29]How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? [30]For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." [31]It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. [32]But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, [33]sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. [34]For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. [35]Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. [36]For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. [37]For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; [38]but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." [39]But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [7:5] Or 'brothers and sisters' 2. [7:25] That is, completely; or 'at all times' 3. [8:2] Or 'tabernacle'; also verse 5 4. [8:6] Greek 'he' 5. [8:8] Some manuscripts 'For finding fault with it he says to them' 6. [9:2] Or 'tabernacle'; also verses 11, 21 7. [9:2] Greek 'the presentation of the loaves' 8. [9:3] Greek 'tent'; also verses 6, 8 9. [9:9] Or 'which is symbolic for the age then present' 10. [9:11] Some manuscripts 'good things to come' 11. [9:13] Or 'For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies' 12. [9:14] Some manuscripts 'your' 13. [9:15] The Greek word means both 'covenant' and 'will'; also verses 16, 17 14. [10:5] Greek 'he' 15. [10:12] Greek 'this one' 16. [10:19] Or 'brothers and sisters'
   ). The old covenant was only a shadow of heavenly things, and if it had been able to make men perfect before God there would have been no occasion for a second or new covenant (see Heb 7:11-12 [show]Hebrews 7:11-12 Jesus Compared to Melchizedek [11]Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? [12]For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. (ESV)
   ; 8:1-13).⁸

Heb 7:19 [show]Hebrews 7:19 [19](for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. (ESV)
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Why not place yourself under the Law?

Many today advocate observing some of the rules and regulations from the OT. They assert that Christians should observe OT moral stipulations whenever possible. Examples: dietary regulations, clothing guidelines, infant circumcision, observation of the Saturday Sabbath, various sexual restrictions.

What is true of those seeking to place themselves under the OT Law?

1. They are violating the proper use of the Law (read 1 Tim 1:9 [show]1 Timothy 1:9 [9]understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, (ESV)
   ).

2. They ignore the fact that the Law demands entire obedience (Gal 3:10 [show]Galatians 3:10 The Righteous Shall Live by Faith [10]For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." (ESV)
   , quoting Deut 27:26 [show]Deuteronomy 27:26 [26]"'Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.' (ESV)
   ). It’s illegitimate to pick and choose those aspects of it that seem “applicable.”

3. Paul says that if one has been delivered from the Law through faith in Christ, to deliberately place oneself under its control results in “falling from grace” (Gal 5:4 [show]Galatians 5:4 [4]You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified(1) by the law; you have fallen away from grace. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [5:4] Or 'counted righteous'
   ). In other words, to go back to the Law amounts to a rejection of Christ.

4. To go back to the Law as a way of life puts one under the control of the flesh; it nullifies true spirituality by faith in the Holy Spirit and defeats the believer. It results domination by the sin nature or the flesh (Gal 5:1-5 [show]Galatians 5:1-5 Christ Has Set Us Free [5:1]For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. [2]Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. [3]I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. [4]You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified(1) by the law; you have fallen away from grace. [5]For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [5:4] Or 'counted righteous'
   ; Col 2:14 [show]Colossians 2:14 [14]by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (ESV)
   f).⁹

Is the Christian without law (i.e., lawless, antinomian)? No.

Gal 6:2 [show]Galatians 6:2 [2]Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (ESV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Heb 1:9 [show]Hebrews 1:9 [9]You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
[Christ] loved righteousness and hated lawlessness…

1Jo 3:4 [show]John 3:4 [4]Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (ESV)
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

Discussion questions:

1. Some people preach that the keeping of the OT Law is a moral and spiritual obligation for the Christian. They say that keeping the Law of Moses is necessary for sanctification, i.e., for living a holy life that is pleasing to the Lord. Although we are not saved by the Law, once we have been justified by faith, then the Mosaic Law becomes our rule of life. In other words, the OT moral Law still applies. Is this what the Bible teaches? No, we are not under any part of the OT Law—civil, ceremonial or moral. The OT Law is an all-or-nothing deal. Read Acts 15:10 [show]Acts 15:10 [10]Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? (ESV)
   and Gal. 5:1 [show]Galatians 5:1 Christ Has Set Us Free [5:1]For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (ESV)
   . Warning about Bill Gothard—major proponent of this error.

2. Jesus said (Mt 5:18f) that not even the smallest part of the Law would pass away until all is fulfilled. Doesn’t that mean that the Law must still be in force? No, because Jesus fulfilled the Law. Mt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Ro 10:4 For Christ is the end (telov) of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

3. Why not just cut the OT out of our Bibles if we are not under the Law? The OT still has revelatory value, just not regulatory value. It’s profitable (2 Tim 3:16 [show]2 Timothy 3:16 [16]All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV)
   ) and gives us many examples to follow or to shun (1 Cor 10:11 [show]1 Corinthians 10:11 [11]Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. (ESV)
   ).

4. How do we know what parts or principles from the OT we can apply? Generally, by how they correspond to NT principles.

5. If the OT is not the Christian’s rule of life, what is? The NT, the Law of Christ, grace. “The believer is now to live in the liberty and power of God’s grace by the Spirit, not the rule of Law. This new liberty must never be used as an occasion to indulge the flesh or sinful appetites (Gal 5:13 [show]Galatians 5:13 [13]For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (ESV)
   ) nor does it mean the Christian has no moral Law or imperatives on his life, but simply that he or she is to live righteously by a new source of life.”¹⁰

6. Why don’t we keep the Saturday Sabbath? 1) We are not under the OT Law; 2) There is no particular virtue in recognizing one day over another (