Are We Still Under the Law of Moses?

The answer to the above question is crucial to our understand­ing of the church. Why? Because many people look to the Old Testament to justify their particular brand of religion. Such things as special “holy days,” the burning of incense and can­dles, the playing of mechanical instruments in worship, the wearing of priestly garments, and the observance of Sabbath day customs are all carryovers from the law. But, were they ever a part of New Testament Christianity? A study of the scriptures reveals that they were not.

The law was given to the Jews, not Gentiles (Romans 3:2). It was not intended for us (Gentiles). It had a specific purpose and a limited duration. “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgression, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made” (Galatians 3:19). The “seed” which was to come was Christ (Galatians 3:16). Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Its purpose accomplished, the law was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).

What was wrong with the law? It was, by design, weak (Romans 8:1-3). What the law could not do God accomplished through His Son. The blood of “bulls and goats” could not atone for man’s sin, but the blood of Christ did just that (Hebrews 10:1-12). We now live under His rule.

Lest someone misunderstand, we believe that the Old Testament is the word of God. We are even commanded to study it (Romans 15:4). But, it is not God’s law for the church! To learn what must be done to be saved, what constitutes acceptable worship, and how one must conduct himself as a Christian, it is necessary to read the New Testament.