The Old Testament Law – Does It Still Apply?

Does the Old Testament Law still apply to us as Christians? No, it does not!

The role of the Old Testament and how much of the Old Testament Law still applies to Christians today is an important subject to understand correctly. The differences in understanding of what parts of the Old Testament Law/The Law of Moses still applies has created a lot of confusion and differences of beliefs among Christians.

Our Bibles contain the instructions for two different religions. The Old Testament tells one how to practice the Jewish religion and the New Testament teaches us how to follow the Christian faith. Having the instructions for both religions in the same book causes a lot of confusion for Christians. We know that the Old Testament has importance because God placed it in our Bibles. It is important that we understand what the significance is of the Old Testament being in our Bibles. And it is also very essential to understand how much of the Old Testament still applies to Christians today.

One day each of us will stand before Jesus on Judgment Day and it is important to know beforehand exactly what in our lives Jesus will be judging, and what laws He will be using. Many Christians believe that because they are saved, they will not be judged. But that is not correct. There are many passages of scripture that state that Jesus will judge Christians as well as non-believers. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2,3 states that Jesus will judge the churches for their works, not merely if they are saved or not. Matthew 5:11,12 indicates that there will likely be varying degrees of reward in Heaven based on our life here on earth.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Are you looking for something more than just the same old concepts, interpretations, explanations, and perspectives you have heard regurgitated over and over again? This website will give you some new insights and things to think about. You may not agree with everything you read, but Biblical Research Reports will stimulate your thinking. Our goal is to help you to formulate in your own mind what is Jesus’ truth as you look at the research we share on the various subjects facing the Church.

It is important that we clearly understand what is right and what is sin. We need to know what laws and commands Jesus expects us to follow in His Kingdom so that we can do what is pleasing to Him. Do some of the OT Laws still apply for Christians? Are we to follow some of the Old Testament Law and also the commands that God gives us in the New Testament? Or are we only to follow the commands God gives us in the New Testament?

Most church groups and denominations pick and choose commands in the Old Testament and commands in the New Testament to follow. They teach, or imply that it is wrong or sin to not follow those commands that they have picked out. What happens is that each group has a different set of commands that they follow, and a different set of commands that they ignore in both the Old Testament and in the New Testament as not applying to them. The distinguishing set of commands that a group follows is what sets them apart as a denomination or as more liberal or more conservative. The result is that those who call themselves Christians are not speaking the same thing. They are not of one mind. It is as if the various denominations are following many different Christs, each “Jesus” having different and conflicting instructions.

Many Christian groups categorize the Old Testament Law into three categories: The Civil Law, The Ceremonial Law, and The Moral Law. They say we are no longer under the civil or ceremonial laws but we are under the moral laws. The problem is, these are man made categories and the Bible never states these categories nor puts the various laws into categories. There is not agreement on which laws are “moral” laws. Each Christian group is picking their own set of commands from the Old Testament which they say are moral laws which their members must follow. We will see in the many passages of Scripture that we examine, that Christians are no longer under the Old Testament “moral” laws. The Old Testament Law no longer applies to Christians.

Few Christians follow all the Ten Commandments. The command, remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy is not observed by most Christians. Instead, most Christians keep the first day of the week holy instead of Saturday as is commanded in the Ten Commandments. Is it the right thing to do to not keep all the Ten Commandments?

There are also many who actively or subconsciously hold the belief that Christians are under grace and do not really have to follow any law or commands, especially if they are ones they don’t really like. They believe that once a person becomes a Christian they are saved and that they will not go to hell regardless of what they do. They take verses such as the following as applying to almost all the commands in the Bible including many of the commands in the New Testament. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

The following is an in-depth Bible study on what Jesus teaches us in the New Testament about the role of the Old Testament Law for Christians.

The Law of Moses

This is a term that God uses in the New Testament to refer to the Old Testament Law. In the New Testament, the Old Testament Law is not called the Law of God. That is significant.

The Law of Moses is a good term for us to use rather than just The Law. This will help prevent confusion about what law or laws we are referring to. It is important to make the distinction between the different sets of commands so that we do not confuse ourselves or others.

Note: Throughout this Bible study, the portions of the Scripture passage that pertain to the point being addressed are highlighted so that it is easy to pick out the part that speaks to that point.

John 1:16-17 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

John 7:19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

John 7:23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

1 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

These are some of the verses, plus many more which refer to the Law in the Old Covenant as the Law of Moses rather than referring to it as the Law of God.

The Law of Moses/Old Testament Law does not Apply to Christians

Jesus in Matthew 5:17-20 states clearly that He did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. That is true. The Law of Moses is still in effect and is a schoolmaster to bring people to Christ. However, once a person becomes a Christian, the following passages of Scripture state clearly that we are no longer under the Old Covenant Law. It is only Christians who are not under the Law of Moses. Romans 10:4-5 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved…

Acts 15:5-20 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 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? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. 13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Acts 15:24-29 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well, Fare ye well.

• The early church, from the very beginning had to wrestle with whether the Law of Moses applied to Christians or not.
• The early Christians came to the conclusion that the Law of Moses did not apply to the Gentiles when they became Christians. The only things that they asked that the Gentiles follow was to abstain from meats offered to idols, from blood, and from things strangled and from fornication.

Acts 21:20-25 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. 25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

• It appears that Paul, being a Jew, still kept the Law of Moses. At the same time, it states clearly again that the Gentiles were not to keep the Law of Moses.
• Are Jews still required to keep the Law of Moses? We will see in a number of other passages that Jews who become Christians are not to keep the Law of Moses. At this point in the early Christian church, they were still trying to figure out what God expected of Christians and what was no longer required.

Romans 6:13-17 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

• We are no longer under the Law of Moses. The Old Testament law no longer applies to Christians v. 9
• However, we do need to keep Christ’s commands. Verses 16 and 17 tell us that we need to obey what Jesus has commanded if we are going to serve Him. If we do not obey Christ’s commands we are not His servants nor His followers.
• Freedom from following the Law of Moses does not mean that we are free to sin or do what is right in our own eyes!! We still need to keep Christ’s commands.

Romans 7:1-25 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. 7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

• The Greek words for “Old Testament” are literally translated Old Covenant. The Old Covenant Law no longer applies to anyone who becomes a Christian. We are dead to the Law of Moses when we become a Christian. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
• God gives us the analogy of the marriage covenant, that a person is bound by that covenant as long as both of them live. In the same way we are bound by the Law of Moses until we become a Christian, we die to the old nature and the Law of Moses and are buried with Christ by baptism.
• At that point God tell us that we are delivered from the Law of Moses and are no longer under that Law. The Old Testament Law no longer applies to Christians V.6

Romans 8:1-5 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

• As Christians we are free from the Law of Moses. We no longer need to keep any of that Law. The Old Testament Law does not apply to Christians.
• When we become Christians, we die to the Law of Moses, so that we can follow Christ’s commands that He gives us in the New Testament (v.4).

Romans 10:4-5 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

• Jesus ended the Law of Moses as a means of obtaining righteousness for everyone who is a Christian.
• For both Jews and Gentiles, the Law of Moses/Old Testament Law no longer applies. Messianic Jews are no longer under the Law of Moses/Old Testament Law.

Galatians 2:11-21 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

• Verse 19 tells us that the only way that we can live for Christ is if we are dead to the Law of Moses and are not under that old Covenant. Then and only then can we follow Christ.
• If we were made righteous by keeping the Law of Moses, then Jesus died for no reason. V.21 The Old Covenant Law was not an end in itself, it was a shadow that pointed to Christ. The Old Covenant Law was only a temporary measure until Jesus came to die for our sins.
  • “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16-17
  • “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshipers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” Hebrews 10:1-4
• Christians do not need to live like the Jews did under their Law. The Old Testament Law no longer applies to Christians. (V.14)

Galatians 3:1-29 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

• The confusion and deception of following the Old Testament Law of the Jews to obtain perfection as a Christian has been a stumbling block for Christians ever since the time of the early Church.
• Following the Law of Moses is not of faith. The Law of Moses is not how we receive the Holy Spirit.
• After we have put our faith in Jesus Christ we are no longer under a schoolmaster (the Law of Moses). The Old Testament Law no longer applies to Christians. v.25
• Once a Jewish person becomes a Christian, they are no longer a Jew (verse 28) – they are no longer under the Law of Moses/Old Testament Law. “There is neither Jew nor Greek”. They are now one in Christ with those who are Christians who were not born Jews. Christians, both Jewish born and Gentile born, are both of Christ and Abraham.
• This is an important fact for us to grasp – that once a person becomes a Christian, they are neither Jew nor Gentile. The term “Messianic Jew” referring to Jewish Christians is not correct according to this Scripture. A person cannot follow the Law of Moses and follow Jesus too. The Law of Moses is not of faith.

Ephesians 2:14-16 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

• Jesus, in dying on the cross, did away with the Law of Moses so that we could become a new person in Christ. Under the Law of Moses, a person could not become a new person. They were bound by the Law. But through Jesus, the Old Testament Law is done away with and no longer applies. We become a new person where there is neither Jew nor Greek – we are now Christians.
  • For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Galatians 6:15
  • And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:10-11
• It was through Jesus abolishing the Law of Moses that we can have peace. The OT Law did not take away sin, nor the guilt that went with it. But in Jesus, our sins are removed as far as the east is from the west and we have peace in our hearts.

Colossians 2:14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

• Ordinances – #1378 δόγμα dogma  a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical): – decree, ordinance. Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries
• Jesus here tells us that the Law of Moses died with Him on the cross. He took the Law of Moses out of our way. The Law of Moses was against us.
• The Old Testament Law no longer applies to Christians.

Hebrews 7:5-28 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him. 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated forevermore.

• Jesus is our High Priest. However, Jesus did not become our High priest by following the commands in the Law of Moses. He was not a descendant Levi and according to the Law of Moses could never be priest and definitely not High Priest. Instead of being part of the Levitical priesthood and under the Law of Moses, Jesus became priest after the order of Melchizedek with the power of an endless life. Verse 12 states that because the priesthood changed with Jesus, there had to be a change in the Law. The Law of Moses can no longer apply. Christianity cannot exist under the Law of Moses because Jesus cannot be our High Priest under the Law of Moses.
• V.18 states even more clearly that the Law of Moses was disannulled and made obsolete for both the Jews and the Gentiles. It was a law that made nothing perfect.
• The Old Testament Law no longer applies to Christians.

Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

• This is another verse that tells us that the Law of Moses/Old Testament Law has passed away and no longer applies. It is replaced by a new covenant and Christ’s commands in the New Covenant (Testament).
• The terms Old Testament and New Testament are Old English terms that obscure the real meaning. The term testament actually means covenant. It would be better for us to us the terms Old Covenant and New Covenant in referring to the two parts of the Bible.

Hebrews 10:8-9  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;  9  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

• Jesus took away the Law of Moses so that He could establish His New Covenant and His commands. The Old Testament Law no longer applies to Christians.

Jesus did not destroy the Law or the Prophets

There appears to be a contradiction between the passages of Scripture listed above and what Jesus said in Matthew that He did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets:

Matthew 5:17-20 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

• Fulfill #4137 to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: – accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries
• This was at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry before His death and resurrection. At that point, the law and prophets had not yet been fulfilled through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Old Testament Law was still in effect. The Law of Moses still applied in its entirety to them.
• The Pharisees were breaking the least of the commands and teaching others to do the same, while at the same time pretending to be righteous.
• Immediately following these verses in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made changes to the Law of Moses
• Jesus states that His purpose in coming to earth was to fulfill the Law of Moses. His purpose in coming was not to destroy the Law.
• With Jesus fulfilling the Law of Moses, we as Christians are no longer under the Old Testament Law.
• For those who are not Christians, the Old Testament Law is a schoolmaster which teaches what sin is and brings them to Christ (Galatians 3:24, 1 Timothy 1:8-10). It is in this regard, that the Old Testament Law is not destroyed. A number of the passages in referring to this concept identify the Law by illustrating with commands from the Ten Commandments.
• In fulfilling the Old Testament Law, Jesus did not make us free to commit whatever sin we want to. Jesus has given us many commands in the New Testament which we are to follow. This is stated clearly in the Great Commission – “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Many of the commands Jesus gave restate Old Testament commands and expanded on them such as the commands He gave in the Sermon on the Mount when He said “You have heard it has been said”… “but I say unto you”.
• However, in restating Old Testament commands, Jesus is not putting us under the Law of Moses. We now follow the command because Jesus gave it, not because Moses gave it. This is a very important distinction.

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

• Jesus told us here what the spirit of the Law of Moses was. If a person followed the golden rule they would in effect be fulfilling what the Law and prophets commanded. Jesus gave us understanding of how to go beyond the Law of Moses in following Him.
• This does not mean that we are to follow the Law of Moses. We are to follow Jesus command to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

• Here again Jesus told us what the spirit of the OT Law was by giving us the Law of Moses boiled down into two commands. It is not a statement that Christians are to follow the Law of Moses.

Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

• Here Jesus was talking to the Jewish Pharisees before His death and resurrection. The OT Law was not yet fulfilled and applied in its entirety to them. Note, Jesus did not give us, as Christians, a command follow the command of Moses to tithe.

Conclusion – Does the Old Testament Law/The Law of Moses Still Apply to Christians?

The Bible contains the instructions for two different religions. The Old Testament tells one how to practice the Jewish religion and the New Testament teaches us how to follow the Christian faith. The Old Testament with its instructions on how to practice the Jewish religion has created a lot of confusion for many Christians.

God makes it clear in the many passages of Scripture that we looked at in this study, that Christians are no longer under the Law of Moses/Old Testament Law and it no longer applies. We are not to practice the Jewish religion or parts of it.

Christians are to follow the instructions and commands that Jesus has given us in the New Testament. Some of the Old Testament commands Jesus has stated that we are to follow as Christians. However, we follow them, not as Old Testament commands, but as commands that Jesus has stated in the New Testament that we are to follow.

The role of the Old Testament is important for us to understand. It is in our Bibles. The Old Testament helps us to understand a lot of things about God, who He is, how He works, and what He has done. But when it comes to the Old Testament Law, the Law of Moses, Christians are no longer to follow that part of the Bible. The Old Testament Law no longer applies to Christians. It died with Christ on the cross. We now are to follow Christ, and Christ alone.

What commands in the Law of Moses are you following as if they were commands of Christ?

List of Commands in the New Testament

God’s Commands in the New Testament in Subject Categories

Peace in the Old Testament

How to Become a Christian