Biblical Answer

Are Christians under the Old Testament law?

No, Christians are not under the stricture of the Old Testament law

The Christian is not technically under the stricture of the Old Testament law. The New Testament restates all but one of the Ten Commandments as being applicable today. The only exception is the commandment regarding the treatment of others' property, which is not re-stated in the New Testament. However, the moral norms of the law, now clarified, remain in force for the church. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, which includes following the moral principles outlined in the Old Testament.

The Old Testament laws are not binding today

Many Old Testament laws are specifically declared not binding in the New Testament. For example, food restrictions are no longer applicable. The logic of opposite-interpretation suggests that if a law has been fulfilled, it has diminished in importance. The Old Testament itself concedes that the law has diminished when a new era has arrived. The New Testament writers emphasize different themes in a theology of the law, highlighting its fulfillment in Christ. The Old Testament laws are not part of the Bible, and therefore, they have no binding authority for the thought or life of Christians today.

The moral norms of the law remain in force

The New Testament writers, such as Paul, emphasize the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings. This includes following the moral principles outlined in the Old Testament. While the civil laws given to the Old Testament people of God are not in force today, the moral norms of the law remain in force for the church. The Christian is called to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and clarified its moral principles for the new community of disciples. In conclusion, while Christians are not under the stricture of the Old Testament law, they are called to live a life that reflects the moral principles outlined in the Old Testament.