The applicability of the Old Testament's moral law to modern Christians is a complex question in Christian ethics. The Mosaic Covenant, which includes the Ten Commandments, was terminated with the death of Christ, and Christians now live under the New Covenant. While Christians are no longer directly subject to Mosaic law, the Old Testament remains a valuable source of ethical wisdom, particularly when interpreted in a way consistent with the New Testament's ethical teachings. For example, New Testament authors reaffirm the moral standards of the Ten Commandments but do not require Sabbath observance. The threefold use of the law in theology, including its political, pedagogical, and guiding functions, also suggests that the moral law continues to be relevant to Christians, providing a framework for making wise decisions and promoting uprightness and honesty.
What You'll Learn
The applicability of the Sabbath
The Sabbath as a Moral Obligation
The fourth commandment in the Ten Commandments states: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you shall not do any work..." (Exodus 20:8-11). This commandment is understood by some Christians as a moral law that is still applicable today. They interpret the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, refraining from work and ordinary activities to focus on God. This view is supported by the early Church Fathers, such as Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas, who regarded the Sabbath as a moral requirement.
The Sabbath as a Spiritual Freedom
However, other Christians argue that Sabbath-keeping is not a command from God but a matter of individual conscience. They point to Colossians 2:16-17, where the apostle Paul says, "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." This interpretation suggests that Christians have the freedom to choose whether or not to observe the Sabbath, and they should not be judged by others for their decision. This perspective is further supported by Romans 14:5, which states, "One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in their own mind."
The Lord's Day (Sunday) vs. the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday)
Adding to the complexity of the debate is the question of which day should be observed as the Sabbath. Traditionally, Jews observed the Sabbath on Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as commanded in the Old Testament. However, early Christians, who were predominantly Jewish, began to gather for worship on the first day of the week (Sunday) to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus. This shift from Saturday to Sunday as a day of rest and worship became more prominent with the influence of Church Fathers like Ignatius of Antioch and Constantine's edict in 321 AD, making Sunday a day of rest from labor.
In conclusion, the applicability of the Sabbath for Christians remains a divisive issue. While some Christians emphasize the moral obligation to keep the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, others interpret it as a matter of spiritual freedom, not a command from God. The debate also extends to the question of which day should be observed as the Sabbath, with some Christians observing Saturday, while others observe Sunday as the Lord's Day. Ultimately, each Christian must decide for themselves, guided by their own convictions and understanding of Scripture.
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The applicability of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, as outlined in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5, provide a foundational framework for ethical behaviour and have been influential in shaping legal and moral codes throughout history. They encompass a range of moral imperatives, including prohibitions against idolatry, murder, adultery, theft, and bearing false witness, among others.
The majority of evangelical theologians hold that the Ten Commandments are fully in effect today and are not abrogated by the New Covenant established by Christ. This view is supported by several New Testament passages, such as Romans 13:8, which states that "he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law." Jesus himself affirmed the continuing validity of the commandments, stating that not even the least of these commands has been abolished (Matthew 5:19). Additionally, Jesus summarised the law as loving God and loving one's neighbour (Matthew 22:37-40), which aligns with the moral principles enshrined in the Ten Commandments.
However, there is some debate among Christians regarding the applicability of the fourth commandment, which pertains to the Sabbath. While some argue that the Sabbath commandment is still binding, others believe that Jesus fulfilled this requirement, and Christians are now under the law of Christ, which is to love God and love others. This interpretation is supported by New Testament passages such as Colossians 2:16-17 and Romans 14:5, which suggest that Jesus has become our Sabbath rest.
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The applicability of Mosaic Law
The Mosaic Covenant, established between God and the nation of Israel through Moses, is considered by some Christians to have been terminated with the death of Christ. This belief is based on interpretations of Hebrews 8 and 9 in the New Testament. As a result, Christians are seen as living under the provisions of the New Covenant, rather than being directly subject to the Mosaic Law.
However, it is important to distinguish between different types of laws within the Mosaic Law. In the Reformed Protestant tradition, for example, a threefold distinction is made between moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws. While ceremonial laws are believed to have been fulfilled and abrogated by Christ's death and resurrection, moral laws are considered eternally binding. Judicial laws, on the other hand, are seen as applicable only to non-Israelite nations, reflecting natural law.
The Ten Commandments, which encompass regulations on justice, respect, and sexual conduct, are often regarded as a summary of permanent moral law. They are viewed as a reflection of God's character and an expression of human nature, providing a basis for formulating political and ethical laws. Jesus himself affirmed the continuity of the Law and the Prophets, stressing that he had come not to abolish but to fulfil them (Matthew 5:17).
However, the applicability of specific commandments, such as the Sabbath, is debated among Christians. Some interpret Jesus' fulfilment of the law as abolishing the distinction between Jew and Gentile, rendering the Sabbath obsolete (Colossians 2:16-17, Galatians 4:10, Romans 14). Others argue that the Sabbath remains relevant as a day of rest and worship, reflecting natural law (Exodus 20:8-11).
In conclusion, while Christians generally agree that the Mosaic Covenant is no longer directly binding, the Old Testament, including the Mosaic Law, remains a valuable source of ethical wisdom. The applicability of specific laws depends on their nature and their treatment in the New Testament. Jesus' teachings and the writings of the New Testament authors provide guidance on interpreting and applying these laws within the framework of the New Covenant.
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The applicability of the Old Covenant
The termination of the Mosaic Covenant with the death of Christ is clearly stated in Hebrews 8 and 9. Christians now live under the provisions of the New Covenant. This shift is reflected in the distinction between three types of law: moral, ceremonial, and judicial. The moral law, which includes the Ten Commandments, is considered forever binding, while the ceremonial law, which includes rituals and sacrifices, is abrogated as it pointed to Christ and was fulfilled by His death and resurrection. The judicial law, which includes civil and criminal laws, is no longer directly applicable but can provide principles and guidelines for modern society.
The Old Testament, particularly the book of Genesis and early chapters of Exodus, contains teachings of right and wrong that are not uniquely tied to the Mosaic Covenant. These include the wisdom literature found in Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, which offer general teachings about wisdom and life. Additionally, the distinction between different types of laws within the Mosaic Covenant itself can be observed, such as in Deuteronomy 14:21 and Leviticus 18.
While the New Testament does not require the observance of the Sabbath, it explicitly reaffirms all the moral standards found in the Ten Commandments. This indicates that the moral law, or mishpatim, remains applicable to Christians today. The purpose of the moral law is to promote the welfare of those who obey and is considered obvious by reason and common sense. It includes regulations on justice, respect, and sexual conduct, with penalties for failure to obey.
In conclusion, while Christians are not bound by the Mosaic Covenant, the Old Testament remains a valuable source of ethical wisdom. The moral law, as summarised in the Ten Commandments, continues to provide a framework for ethical decision-making and loving God and others. However, the ceremonial and judicial laws, while offering principles and guidelines, are no longer directly applicable in the same way.
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The applicability of the ceremonial law
There are several key aspects of the ceremonial law that are important to understand. Firstly, it includes instructions on how to regain a right standing with God, such as through sacrifices and ceremonies related to "uncleanness". It also encompasses remembrances of God's work, such as feasts and festivals, as well as specific regulations on diet, clothing, and other practices that distinguished the Israelites from their pagan neighbours. These laws served as signs that pointed to the coming Messiah, such as the Sabbath, circumcision, Passover, and the redemption of the firstborn.
When it comes to the applicability of the ceremonial law to Christians today, there are differing viewpoints. Some Christians believe that the ceremonial law is no longer applicable, as it was specifically given to the nation of Israel and was fulfilled by the coming of Jesus Christ. This view is supported by New Testament passages such as Galatians 3:23-25, which state that Christians are not required to sacrifice or circumcise, and Colossians 2:16-17 and Romans 14:5, which indicate that Jesus has fulfilled the Sabbath.
However, it is important to note that there is still debate among Christians over the applicability of certain aspects of the ceremonial law, such as the Sabbath. Some argue that the Sabbath, being one of the Ten Commandments, holds the weight of moral law and should still be observed. Others believe that while Christians are not bound by the ceremonial law, they can choose to observe certain practices if they feel it aids them in loving God and others.
The discussion around the ceremonial law is further nuanced by the recognition that God's expectations of His followers may evolve as societies change. This view is not explicitly stated in the Bible but is held by some Jews and Christians. Ultimately, the applicability of the ceremonial law for Christians today depends on their interpretation of Scripture and their understanding of the nature and purpose of these laws.
In conclusion, while Christians are generally not bound by the ceremonial law in the same way that the Israelites were, the applicability of certain aspects of it is still a matter of debate and personal conviction. Christians are called to love God and love others, and they have the freedom to determine how best to live out this command, drawing on the wisdom and guidance found in all parts of Scripture, including the ceremonial law.
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Frequently asked questions
The moral law, or mishpatim, relates to justice and judgment and is often translated as "ordinances". It encompasses regulations on justice, respect, and sexual conduct, and includes the Ten Commandments.
The Mosaic Covenant, which includes the moral law, was terminated when Christ died. Christians are no longer directly subject to the laws of the Mosaic Covenant but live under the provisions of the New Covenant. However, the New Testament authors explicitly reaffirm all of the moral standards found in the Ten Commandments, except for observance of the Sabbath.
The moral law relates to justice and judgment, while the ceremonial law focuses the adherent's attention on God and includes instructions on sacrifices, feasts, and dietary restrictions. The judicial law is specifically given for the culture and place of the Israelites and encompasses all of the moral law except the Ten Commandments.