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Theology

The Law of Moses and the Law of Christ

May 28, 2015 4 min read

For most Christians, the Law of Moses is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Are Christians under the Law? How do we decide which commandments are applicable today?

Understanding the 613 Commandments

Many believe the Law consists of just the Ten Commandments. Actually, the Law of Moses contains 613 commandments covering everything from sacrifices to men's haircuts, clothing restrictions, sewage disposal, and charging interest on loans. These commandments are found in the first five books of the Bible—the Pentateuch (Torah).

Two Theological Systems

Covenant Theology

Teaches continuity between Old and New Testaments. Divides the Law into ceremonial, legal, and moral commandments, believing the Ten Commandments remain valid while the other 603 do not.

Dispensational Theology

Teaches that God has dealt differently with people during different ages. The 613 regulations given to Israel are not binding upon New Testament believers.

The Purpose of the Mosaic Law

Scripture clearly states the Law was given to Israel, not the church (Deut. 4:7-8, Ps. 147:19-20, Mal. 4:4). The Law served three primary purposes:

  1. To reveal God's holiness and the standard of righteousness required for relationship with Him
  2. To provide rules of conduct for Old Testament saints
  3. To reveal sin (Rom. 3:19-20) and lead us to Christ (Gal. 3:24-25)

The Law of Moses Rendered Inoperative

The New Testament is crystal clear that Christians are NOT under the Old Testament Jewish Law:

Romans 6:14 • Romans 7:4, 6 • Galatians 3:24-25, 5:18 • 2 Corinthians 3:11 • Colossians 2:14 • Hebrews 8:13, 10:9

The Christian's Relationship to the Law

The dispensational truth asserts that the Law has never been abrogated, but the Christian is dead to the Law (Rom. 7:4). The Law continues today and has present use (1 Tim. 1:8-11), but the Christian is dead and risen with Christ. Grace is our divinely appointed teacher, not the Law (Titus 2:11-15).

The Truth About Tithing

Most preachers teach that Christians must give ten percent, but this misunderstands both Old and New Testament giving:

Old Testament Tithing = At Least 25% of Income

  • Levite's Tithe (10%): Support for the priestly tribe (Lev. 27:30)
  • Festival Tithe (10%): National religious worship (Deut. 12:10-11)
  • Welfare Tithe (3.3%): Help for the poor and widows (Deut. 14:28-29)
  • Additional taxes: Profit-sharing, land Sabbath, temple tax

Total: More than 25% annual income tax to Israel's theocratic government!

New Testament Giving

Under the Law of Christ, giving is governed by different principles (1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:1-8; 2 Cor. 9:6-8):

  • Give as the Spirit leads, not a mandated percentage
  • Give cheerfully, not under compulsion
  • The more given with joy, the more received from the Lord

Important: Church leaders who require a specific percentage are guilty of placing man-made traditions above the Holy Spirit's guidance, running contrary to sound theology.

Is Sunday the Christian Sabbath?

The Bible does NOT teach that Sunday is the New Sabbath. Consider these New Testament facts:

  1. Christ's resurrection appearances: Always on the first day of the week (Matt. 28:1, Mark 16:9, Luke 24:1, John 20:19)
  2. Sabbath in Acts-Revelation: Only mentioned for evangelizing Jews in synagogues
  3. Clear first-day gatherings: Acts 20:7 - "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread"
  4. Paul's instruction: Col. 2:16 - Don't let anyone judge you regarding Sabbaths

The Sermon on the Mount

Is the Sermon on the Mount the Christian's rule of life? Understanding its dispensational character is crucial:

The Sermon on the Mount was addressed primarily to Israel, presenting Christ as King and the rules for the kingdom. It represents the quintessence of the Law—dealing with hidden thoughts of the heart, not just acts.

Key Point: No one has ever perfectly carried out the Sermon on the Mount. Even Paul didn't turn the other cheek when unjustly smitten (Acts 23:3), nor did Christ Himself before Caiaphas.

The Law as a Mirror

The Law functions like a mirror or an MRI machine:

  • A mirror reveals you need fixing but cannot fix you
  • An MRI detects problems but cannot heal them
  • The Law reveals God's standard of holiness and our unrighteousness
  • The Law points us to our need for a Savior

The Bottom Line

Christians are not under the Law of Moses but under the Law of Christ. We are dead to the Law through Christ's body, married to Him who rose from the dead, and now serve in the newness of the Spirit, not the oldness of the letter.

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