Christians and the OT Law
Matthew 5:17-20, Romans 3:31
A. The old covenant is an agreement which is fulfilled in Christ, and therefore we are under a new covenant.
B. What the law is not:
1. Directly authoritative (Colossians 2:13-15)
2. A means to salvation (Romans 8:1-4)
C. What the law is:
1. The Word of God
2. To lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:19-25)
3. To make us aware of sin (Romans 3:20)
II Defining OT Law
A. Torah = law
1. Five books of Moses
2. Selections within these five books
3. In the NT the five books of Moses are usually being referred to
B. Types of laws:
1. Ritual law (Cultic law) Leviticus 1:1-2
(Ch. 1-7) - not renewed in new covenant
2. Civil law: Deuteronomy 17:14-20, Exodus 21:28-29 - not renewed in
new covenant
3. Dietary/Hygienic laws Leviticus 15:31
4. Ethical law (Exodus 20) - parts are renewed in new covenant.
Leviticus 18
III Applying the Law today
A. Look for NT affirmation- Examples: Ephesians 4:28, Colossians 3:9
B. Search for insight into general moral principles - Deuteronomy 15:1-6,
23:17-18, 24:6
C. Some laws pre-figure Jesus - John 19:31-37; Exodus 12:46
D. Some laws pre-figure other teachings - Colossians 2:9-12