Does the Mosaic law still apply?

Answer 1

Many followers of Judaism still follow the Mosaic law, where it can be applied either directly or in principle to today. An example is in relation to sabbath keeping and the prohibition against work. Lifts are provided and set so that they stop on every floor of a building to alleviate the necessity for a person to perform the work of pressing the button. In certain situations a 'sabbath days journey' is specifically defined by markers to avoid the breaking of this precept.

Christians have clearly been set free from following the provisions of the Mosaic law as Jesus' finished work on the cross fulfilled the law and superseded it. This was symbolized by the tearing of the thick curtain in the temple. Numerous New Testament scriptures demonstrate this.

For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1 v 17

Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped , and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no person be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3 v 19-20

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3 v 24

Knowing this 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.Galatians2v16

The first council of the Christian church held at Jerusalem and presided over by James the brother of Jesus, specifically addressed this issue. Only a very few provisions were seen as being still relevant for non-Jews to follow. This discussion is recorded in Acts 15.

Jesus' statement in Matthew 5 v 17-18 means simply that he himself was to fulfill the law perfectly, which he certainly did. The law, being given by God himself is certainly inspired and its chief purpose was to point to Christ and to show people their need of a savior. The book of Hebrews discusses much of this at length. The book of James and any other verses cited to prove that a Christian is to obey the law of Moses or do works for salvation are simply taken out of context and/or misunderstood and misapplied. It is also incorrect to say that it is faith and works for salvation.

The moral aspects of the Mosaic Law are certainly fulfilled in Christians as they, empowered by the Holy Spirit of God naturally do God's will. Thus lawlessness is not at all a natural consequence of the abrogation of the Mosaic law. It is simply that the law of Moses does not apply today to Christians in regard to salvation or as a system of religious works. Any religious systems which are works-based are thus by definition not Christian.

Verses taken firstly out of context and wrongly interpreted do not prove that the Mosaic law still applies to Christians. As mentioned above, it most certainly does apply to those who follow it today, viz. those who follow the religion of Judaism. Nor is there any contradiction at all between Jesus' teaching and Paul. The following passage from Romans 1 v 1-4 make this clear: ' There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. 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: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.'

Further to all this, the principles contained in the Mosaic Law most certainly form the basis of much of the legal framework in Western cultures which have had a substantial Christian influence. This also includes principles relating to compensation apart from the obvious such as murder (thou shalt not kill), theft (thou shalt not steal) etc.

In this much broader sense where the Mosaic legal principles demonstrate God's knowledge of what is best for society generally it has an abiding usefulness but this is not of course in any religious sense, nor does it mean or imply any adherence to Christian or Biblical principles on the part of those who enjoy its benefits.

The teachings of Jesus Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 5:18 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. 5:19 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. Or; if you follow the teachings of Paul; Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. see related link; " Are the laws of the Old Testament still binding? " There is a danger in confusing "application of Mosaic Law" and right action. No one will argue that since Christ has come, the laws saying "Thou shalt not kill" and "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife" can be tossed out the window. If you claim to be saved by grace, then you are not and cannot be bound by Mosaic Law. Salvation by grace is a position, and adherence to Mosaic Law is a practice. You are not bound by law, but you are constrained to right action by the indwelling spirit.