Old Testament laws confuse many believers today. Were they meant for us? Learn how to distinguish between Mosaic laws and eternal truths. Understand which Old Testament commands still apply under the New Covenant, and how modern churches often misuse them. This post unpacks the difference with practical examples and clear guidance.
One of the biggest questions many Christians ask is this: "Which Old Testament laws should we still obey today?"
Some still insist on tithing as a legal requirement. Others say we must keep the Sabbath. Some even avoid eating pork.
But at the same time, others argue, "That was the Old Testament! None of that matters anymore."
So, what is the truth? Let’s break this down in a clear, biblical, and educational way.
The Mosaic Law: Temporary, Cultural, and Covenant-Based
The Mosaic Law consists of the 613 laws given by God through Moses to the nation of Israel. These are found in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
These laws were:
- Given specifically to Israel, not to the global Church.
- Part of a conditional covenant (Exodus 19:5-6).
- Designed to set Israel apart from the pagan nations.
- A mix of ceremonial, civil, and moral laws.
Types of Laws:
- Ceremonial Laws – sacrifices, rituals, feasts, priesthood (e.g., Leviticus 1-7).
- Civil Laws – legal codes for governing Israel as a nation (e.g., Deuteronomy 22).
- Moral Laws – commandments that reflect God’s holy character (e.g., the Ten Commandments).
Jesus Fulfilled the Law
Jesus said clearly in Matthew 5:17:
“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."
Here’s what that means:
- Jesus was the perfect fulfillment of the law’s requirements.
- His death satisfied the need for sacrifices.
- His resurrection introduced a new covenant of grace.
As Hebrews 8:13 says:
“By calling this covenant 'new,' he has made the first one obsolete..."
So we are not under the Mosaic law. But we are not lawless either.
What Still Applies Today?
This is where Christians often get confused. Let’s clarify:
No Longer Binding:
- Sacrifices and offerings (Hebrews 10:1-14)
- Clean and unclean food laws (Mark 7:18-19, Acts 10:15)
- Temple rituals and feast obligations
- Laws about stoning, slavery, or wearing mixed fabrics
Still Applicable:
- Moral principles that are repeated in the New Testament and reflect God's nature:
- "Do not steal" (Ephesians 4:28)
- "Do not commit adultery" (Matthew 5:27-28)
- "Honor your father and mother" (Ephesians 6:1-3)
These were not just laws for Israel; they reveal eternal truths about God’s character and His expectations for human behavior.
Modern Misinterpretations in Today’s Church
1. Tithing as a Legal Obligation
Many churches teach Malachi 3:10 as if it still applies today. But that passage was directed at the Levitical priesthood, not the New Testament Church.
Correction: In the New Testament, giving is taught as a matter of the heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). Generosity remains a principle, not a law.
2. Sabbath-Keeping as Mandatory
Some groups insist that Christians must worship on Saturday or face judgment.
Correction: Colossians 2:16 says:
"Let no one judge you regarding a Sabbath day..."
The Sabbath was a shadow of Christ's rest (Hebrews 4:9-10). True rest is found in Him.
3. Using Old Covenant Verses to Manipulate
Many sermons quote Deuteronomy or Malachi to enforce blessings or curses.
Correction: Those were covenant-specific promises to Israel, not the Church. God still blesses obedience, but through the Spirit, not law-based merit.
Common Errors in Application:
| Error | Scripture Used | Why It’s Wrong | Correction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demanding tithes | Malachi 3:10 | Written to Israel’s priests | NT teaches freewill giving |
| Legalistic Sabbath | Exodus 20:8 | A sign of the Sinai covenant | Jesus is our Sabbath (Heb. 4) |
| Avoiding pork | Leviticus 11 | Ceremonial law now obsolete | Mark 7:19 - all food clean |
| Cursing disobedient Christians | Deut. 28 | Covenant curses for Israel | Grace teaches, not curses |
How to Know What Applies Today (Layman’s Checklist)
- Who was it written to? Israel or the Church?
- Was it fulfilled by Jesus? (e.g., sacrifices, temple laws)
- Is it repeated in the New Testament? Moral truths carry over.
- What was the purpose? Was it for holiness, identity, or health?
- How did Jesus or Paul interpret it? (See Romans, Galatians, Hebrews)
- Is it descriptive or prescriptive? Not everything the Bible reports, it supports.
Don’t throw out the Old Testament.
It’s the foundation of our faith. It shows God’s heart, history, and holiness. But it must be read with covenant clarity and Christ-centered vision.
The Bible is not just a list of rules. It is the story of redemption. And that story reached its fulfillment in Christ.
So let’s honor God’s Word by interpreting it rightly. Not with confusion or condemnation, but with wisdom and truth.
"The law was our guardian until Christ came... now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." — Galatians 3:24-25
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