Are We Expected to Obey the Laws of the Old Testament?
The relationship between the Old Testament Law and the Christian is a surprisingly complex issue. Not everyone understands it in the same way. First, the laws in the Old Testament essentially reflect the holy nature of God himself. This principle is found within the Law: “ I am the LORD your God ; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44, repeated in vv. 45; 19:2; 20:7–8). Because God’s nature does not change, this principle does not change, and therefore it is repeated in the New Testament : “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’ ” (1 Peter 1:15–16). Just as Old Testament Israel was called by a holy God and therefore expected to reflect his holy character, so New Testament Christians are called by a holy God, who rightfully expects the same thing from us. Second, the essence of the Old Testament Law is summarized by Jesus in Matthew 22:36 –40. Jesus answered the questi