Biblical Answer

Understanding the Relationship Between Christians and Old Testament Law

Christians are 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, while the civil laws given to the Old Testament people of God are not in force today. This is evident in the writings of Paul, who never conceived of a situation in which the church would be under the Old Testament law.

Applying Hermeneutical Principles

When determining which Old Testament laws and regulations are binding for Christians today, we must consider hermeneutical principles. The Old Testament itself declares that some laws are not binding, such as food restrictions (Mark 7:19). Additionally, the New Testament emphasizes different themes in a theology of the law, highlighting the moral norms that remain in force for the church. This means that while some Old Testament laws are no longer applicable, the underlying moral principles continue to guide Christian behavior.

The Fulfillment of the Law

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ have fulfilled the Old Testament law, but this does not mean that the Old Testament is an inferior Christian text. Rather, it is a foundational text that points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. As a result, Christians should be guided by the Old Testament, teaching others accordingly, while also recognizing the limitations of its application in modern times. By understanding the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament, Christians can navigate the complexities of applying Old Testament laws and regulations in a way that is consistent with their faith.