Biblical Answer

The Relationship between the Old Testament Law and the New Testament Believer

The question of whether Christians are under the Old Testament law is a complex one that has been debated throughout Christian history. While the Christian is not technically under the stricture of the Old Testament law, the New Testament restates many of the moral norms of the law as being applicable today. For instance, the commandments to not steal, bear false witness, murder, honor one's parents, and keep one's promises are still authoritative for Christians today. In fact, Jesus teaches that the moral norms of the law are still valid, and that they are part of the law of Christ (Romans 13:8-10).

The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ

The New Testament teaches that Christ fulfilled the Old Testament law, but this does not mean that the law is no longer valid. Rather, it means that the law has been fulfilled in Christ, and that Christians are now under the law of the Spirit, which is a more perfect and holy law. Paul writes, "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14). This does not mean that Christians are free to disregard the moral norms of the law, but rather that they are free from the burden of trying to keep the law perfectly in order to earn salvation.

The Application of Old Testament Laws Today

In terms of the application of Old Testament laws today, some are still binding, while others are not. For instance, the ritual laws of the Old Testament, such as those related to food and sacrifice, are no longer applicable. However, the moral norms of the law, such as the commandments to not steal, bear false witness, murder, honor one's parents, and keep one's promises, are still authoritative for Christians today. In fact, the New Testament teaches that these laws continue to be authoritative because they are part of the law of Christ, which is a more perfect and holy law. Ultimately, Christians must seek to understand the Old Testament law in light of the New Testament, and to apply its moral norms in a way that is consistent with the teachings of Christ.