Which Old Testament laws should Christians obey today? God’s moral law—including the Ten Commandments—continues to define righteous conduct for Christians. The sacrificial system pointed forward to Jesus Christ and was fulfilled by His sacrifice, while many civil laws governed ancient Israel as a nation. The principles throughout God’s law, however, remain valuable instruction for Christians today.
One of the most common questions sincere Christians ask is:
“If Jesus fulfilled the Law, which Old Testament laws still apply today?”
Many churches teach that the entire Old Testament law ended at the cross. Others believe Christians must observe every command given to ancient Israel exactly as it was written.
Neither extreme reflects the full teaching of Scripture.
The Bible reveals that God’s law contains different categories of instruction, each serving a specific purpose in His plan. Some reveal His eternal character and remain binding today. Others pointed forward to Jesus Christ or governed ancient Israel as a nation.
When we allow the Bible to interpret itself, the picture becomes much clearer.
God’s Law Reflects His Character
The Bible teaches that God does not change.
“For I am the LORD, I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)
James writes:
“With whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
Because God’s character never changes, the principles that define righteousness do not change either.
King David wrote:
“All Your commandments are righteousness.” (Psalm 119:172)
The apostle Paul agreed:
“Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” (Romans 7:12)
God’s law was never designed to save people by human effort. Instead, it defines sin and teaches us how to love God and our neighbor.
Jesus Did Not Abolish God’s Law
Jesus made His position unmistakably clear.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
He continued:
“Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18)
Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly through His sinless life and fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death, but He never taught that God’s moral standards were abolished.
Instead, He deepened their meaning of the Ten Commandments by showing they begin in the heart (Matthew 5:21–48).
The Bible Distinguishes Between Different Types of Laws
Although Scripture often refers to “the Law” as a whole, careful study shows that different commands served different purposes.
1. God’s Moral Law
These are the eternal principles that define righteousness.
They include the Ten Commandments:
- Worship only the true God.
- Avoid idolatry.
- Honor God’s name.
- Remember the Sabbath.
- Honor parents.
- Do not murder.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Do not steal.
- Do not bear false witness.
- Do not covet.
Jesus summarized these commandments into two great principles:
- Love God (Matthew 22:37-38)
- Love your neighbor (Matthew 22:39-40)
Paul confirmed:
“Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” (Romans 3:31)
John wrote:
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” (1 John 5:3)
These moral laws remain the standard for Christian living.
2. The Sacrificial and Temple System
The Old Testament included animal sacrifices, priestly rituals, incense offerings, and temple ceremonies.
These pointed forward to Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist declared:
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
The book of Hebrews explains that Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled the sacrificial system once for all (Hebrews 9:11–15; Hebrews 10:1–14).
Because Jesus accomplished what those sacrifices pictured, Christians no longer offer animal sacrifices.
3. Civil Laws for Ancient Israel
God also gave Israel national laws concerning:
- Property
- Courts
- Criminal penalties
- Land inheritance
- National government
These laws governed Israel as a physical nation under God’s direct rule.
The modern Church is not a civil nation with judges, prisons, or national borders.
Although these specific penalties are not enforced by the Church today, the principles of justice, honesty, fairness, and mercy found within them continue to teach valuable lessons for Christian’s today.
4. Health and Cleanliness Laws
Scripture also contains laws regarding clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14).
These were given long before modern science understood disease or nutrition.
Nothing in Scripture states that God later reclassified unclean animals as food.
Instead, these instructions continue to distinguish what God created for food from what He did not create for food.
What About Circumcision?
One issue frequently debated in the New Testament was physical circumcision.
The apostles concluded that Gentile believers were not required to become physically circumcised to receive salvation (Acts 15).
Paul explained:
“Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.” (1 Corinthians 7:19)
Physical circumcision was never the basis of salvation.
Instead, God desires a circumcised heart—a life transformed through His Holy Spirit (Romans 2:28-29).
Salvation Comes Through Grace
The Bible never teaches that Christians earn eternal life by keeping God’s law.
Instead:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
But the very next verse explains why God saves us:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Grace forgives.
Grace transforms.
Grace produces obedience.
Obedience is the fruit of salvation—not its cause.
Or, for even greater clarity:
- Grace forgives our past sins.
- Grace transforms the heart.
- Grace leads us to obey God and His commandments.
- We do not obey God’s law to earn salvation; we obey because God has saved us by grace and is transforming how we live.
Why Do Christians Obey God’s Law?
Christians obey because they love God.
Jesus said:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
John echoed the same truth:
“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar.” (1 John 2:4)
Obedience is not legalism.
It is the loving response of someone whose heart has been changed by God’s grace.
Practical Application for Christians
Understanding the Old Testament helps Christians appreciate God’s unchanging purpose throughout the Bible.
Instead of asking, “What laws can I ignore?” believers should ask, “What does this command teach me about God’s character?”
When we read the Old Testament through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we see:
- God’s moral law still defines righteousness.
- The sacrificial system pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrifice.
- Israel’s civil laws reveal principles of justice and mercy.
- God’s instructions for holy living continue to guide His people.
The entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—reveals one consistent plan of salvation centered on Jesus Christ and the coming Kingdom of God.
Conclusion
The Old Testament is not obsolete.
It remains an essential part of God’s inspired Word.
Christians are not called to repeat the sacrifices fulfilled by Jesus Christ or administer the civil laws of ancient Israel as a nation. But God’s moral law continues to define holy living, and the entire Old Testament teaches timeless principles that help believers grow in wisdom, faith, and obedience.
Rather than setting aside the Old Testament, Jesus and the apostles continually taught from it. As followers of Christ, we should do the same, allowing all Scripture to instruct us and point us toward the Kingdom of God.
Key Scriptures
Pkease look up these scriptues in your own Bible.
- Exodus 20:1–17
- Deuteronomy 5:6–21
- Leviticus 11
- Deuteronomy 14
- Psalm 119:172
- Malachi 3:6
- Matthew 5:17–19
- Matthew 22:36–40
- John 1:29
- John 14:15
- Acts 15
- Romans 2:28–29
- Romans 3:31
- Romans 7:12
- 1 Corinthians 7:19
- Ephesians 2:8–10
- Hebrews 9:11–15
- Hebrews 10:1–14
- James 1:17
- 1 John 2:3–6
- 1 John 5:3