The Three Old Testament Law Categories

The Old Testament Law

Aaron and His Sons Preparing a Burnt Offering

Galatians 3:18-19 (NIV)
The Old Testament Law

For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator.(Gal 3:18-19 (NIV))

The Old Testament Law serves two purposes for the Christian. One is to reveal the nature and will of God and to show people how to live. The other is that it points out people's sins and shows them that it is impossible to please God by trying to obey all his laws completely.

God's promise to Abraham was through faith, while the law focuses on actions. The covenant with Abraham shows that faith is the only way to be saved and enter into Heaven. Faith does not do away with the law; but the more we know God, the more we see how sinful we are.

Christians are to depend on their faith in Christ alone for salvation. In fact, Christ is the only way given by God for us to enter heaven. (1 Tim 2:5)

The law points out for the Christian what God considers to be sin. It teaches us the need for salvation; God's grace gives us that salvation.

What is the Law?

Part of the Jewish law included the laws found in the Old Testament. When Paul said that non-Jews, (Gentiles) are no longer bound by these laws he is not saying that the Old Testament laws do not apply to us today. He is saying certain types of laws may not apply to us.

Categories of the Old Testament Law

Ceremonial Law: This type of law relates to Israel's worship. (Lev 1:1-13) The laws pointed forward to Jesus Christ and were no longer necessary after Jesus' death and resurrection. Though we are no longer bound to them, the principles behind the ceremonial laws, that is to worship and love God, still apply.

Civil Law: This law dictated Israel's daily living (Deut 24:10-11); but modern society and culture are so radically different that some of these guidelines cannot be followed specifically. The principles behind the commands are used to guide our conduct.

Moral Law: The moral laws are direct commands of God. A good example are the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:1-17). The moral laws reveal the nature and will of God, and still apply to us today. We do not obey this moral law as a way to obtain salvation, but to live in ways pleasing to God.
(From the "Life Application Study Bible")

The Old Testament Law still applies today. It is where God reveals His nature, His will/lifestyle for humanity, His moral laws, and guidelines for living. But we cannot go to heaven by keeping that law; we must be Born Again and trust in Christ.

Blessings,

Samuel Mills

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The Law and the Gospel
By Ernest C. Reisinger / P & R Publishing

Is the law of God binding on believers? Are Christians freed from the Ten Commandments? What is the relationship between the law and the gospel, or between Moses and Christ? Are we forced to choose between God's law and God's grace? These are the crucial questions addressed by Ernest Reisinger in The Law and the Gospel.

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The Old Testament Law