In this series, we have been discussing some key differences between the Old and New Testaments that often get overlooked. We discussed the change in our battle stance, from a focus on fighting flesh and blood, to fighting the spiritual forces. Last week, the topic was our new identity in Christ, that we have in the New Testament. This week, we will be discussing the fact that we are no longer under the law.

This is a great discussion point. While the sacrifice of Jesus saved us from inevitable death under the law, there is still a right approach to it. To further understand this, it’s important to know the old law and why we had it in the first place.

The Old Testament Law

Many of us are very familiar with the Law. The law is essentially all of our guidelines to avoid sin, and the guidelines for the Israelites. This was given to the Israelites in the first few books of the Bible. In fact, the first five books of the Bible are known as the books of the law. They include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. If you want a complete understanding of all the laws, you can check them out there.

One of the most prominent examples of the law is the Ten Commandments. This is a list of what most would refer to as the most important laws. They are so prominent that many out could name them all without really living any of them. Here is the list of the Ten Commandments:

1. Have no other gods before the Lord.
2. Do not have any idols.
3. Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your mother and father.
6. Do not murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not bear a false witness.
10. Do not covet.

While these laws seem impossible to follow, they are not even the end of the laws for the Israelites. There were many more, and they were strict. We won’t discuss them all, but it is important to understand why we have them in the first place.

Why Did We Have It?

The law was very serious, and as I’ve mentioned in the last two posts, there were dire consequences for those that did not follow it. The Israelites were taken from the top in Joshua, to their protection removed in Judges after disobedience. It was very serious. So, why did they have it in the first place?

From what I can see, there are two reasons that we would have the law.

To be Set Apart

The first reason is so that the Israelites would be set apart. The Israelites were chosen to be God’s holy people. He chose them so that they could show the world that He is God and that those who follow him will prosper (Isaiah 43:10).

With the complete coverage and aid of the Lord, the Israelites were able to conquer many nations. They followed the Law and showed the world that those who follow the law have his aid.

It also shows the world that those who fall out of serving the Lord, lose his coverage, further setting apart those who do serve the Lord.

For Our Own Good

The second reason I believe that we have the law is for our own good. Many of the other laws that aren’t mentioned in the ten commandments, are in fact beneficial for us. There are laws to protect against leprosy, to protect against harmful foods, and to sacrifice as atonement for our sins.

These were great aids back in the Old Testament as they did not have the protection that we have from those things today. Many, if not all, of the Ten Commandments also helped us as well. All of the Ten Commandments helped us to have a greater relationship with God and others and have rest.

Even today, many of the laws can still aid and protect us, but that we will discuss later.

What Changed?

If we’re talking about something in this series, then it must have changed in some way. The Old Testament people were heavily affected by their actions, and whether or not they followed the law.

But in today’s age, we are not affected by the law in the same way. That is, like all things, because of Jesus.

We get a good understanding of what Jesus really did in Matthew 5, which many have known as the sermon on the mount. Here is a passage from that chapter:

“”Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”” (Matthew 5:17-18)

In this passage, we see that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to abolish or do away with it. This is contrary to the thinking of most Christians, but we’ll get into that later.

Fulfill the Law

We know now that Jesus came to fulfill the law. Not to abolish it, not to leave it at is, but to fulfill it. So, we have to ask ourselves. What does that really mean?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition for fulfill means to bring to an end, to realize, to measure up to, and so on.

But for such a powerful scripture, I think it’s necessary to look at the Greek word and definition.

The Greek word for fulfill in this passage is pléroó, which means to make full, to make complete. This sounds pretty tame until you look at the whole Bible in context.

Throughout the Old Testament, we are shown the Israelites breaking the law consistently, and they feel the punishment for that. Jesus came to follow the law to a tee, following it to completion.

The completion of the law allowed us to not feel the same punishment the Israelites did, but to live in that same completion. How awesome!

Our Response to the Law

How are we really supposed to respond the law now that Jesus fulfilled it? Well, he tells us clearly. He didn’t abolish it, so we are still to keep them. He explains further in the rest of that passage.

“”Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”” (Matthew 5:19)

From this passage, it’s evident that we are not to relax the laws just because Jesus fulfilled them.

However, I do believe that there are some laws that are made void today. Obviously, the Ten Commandments and any teaching of Jesus we are to follow completely. The laws that I believe we are not to follow today are sacrificial laws.

Sacrificial Laws

The first few books of the Bible contain many laws and a bunch of those laws are about sacrifices. It’s very important to understand why the laws were there in the first.

Many of the sacrificial laws were there to cover one’s sin and atonement. The Old Testament Israelites did nodt have Jesus to pay for their sins and their issues, but it had to be done somehow. That is why animal sacrifices were made.

However, we all have Jesus, and he paid the ultimate sacrifice, his own life, for our sins.

During the Last Supper, we see Jesus referencing the bread and the wine as his body and blood. At the time, Passover was celebrated to remember the freedom from slavery that the Israelites had in Exodus. In a way, Jesus was creating a new Passover, because we were about to be saved from inevitable, eternal death.

We see Jesus say this:

“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20).

The New Covenant lies in his blood and in his sacrifice. With his sacrifice, we have eternal life and therefore freedom from the law. This means that he paid the sacrifice, because it was something we couldn’t do.

However, I do believe that there is a sacrifice we should all make as followers of Christ.

A Living Sacrifice

Jesus laid down his life for us. He granted us freedom from death, and freedom from the pain of the law. So, what are we supposed to do now?

I believe it’s simple. Romans 12 gives us the perfect answer to that.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1).

We are called to lay down our lives for the Lord. Not so they can be taken from us, but so they can be used to spread the good news and grow the Kingdom of God. After the major sacrifice that Jesus made, I don’t believe that it is too much to ask for.

How it’s done may seem complicated, but it’s really pretty simple. The next verse tells us exactly what to do.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2).

We are not to follow the rest of the world. We should be different, following the will of God, which is only found by the renewal of your mind.

This all brings us back to the major question: How are we supposed to respond to the law?

Why We Shouldn’t Sin

We are all sinners, who have been saved. Jesus came to fulfill the law; thus, the law does not bind a believer anymore. So, why should we follow any of the law if we’re already saved?

I believe there are three different reasons why and they make look pretty familiar. We should follow the law, because:

• We should not look like the rest of the world.

• It’s not good for us.

• It hurts the heart of God.

A couple of those probably look very familiar. That is because we discussed them when talking about the Israelites.

As you can see, the earthly effects of sin are still prevalent. It can still cause us harm and it can still affect how others view Christ and ourselves. While this wasn’t mentioned previously, I believe it is the most important reason why we shouldn’t sin. Sin hurts the heart of God.

The Heart of God

It’s been mentioned before, but God really wants a relationship with his people. He wants to be closer to us and have a genuine relationship. The problem comes when sin enters.

Sin offends God and it goes against His nature. When we willingly sin and go against the teachings of God, it separates us from Him and takes away some of the intimacy from the relationship we can have with him.

Of course, we know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and He will never leave us nor forsake us, but we push him away when we choose sin.

I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we don’t want that. Therefore, I urge everyone to choose greater intimacy with God over the temporary pleasures of sin.

Final Thoughts

One of the greatest scriptures that I have been able to use to help me in an assortment of areas is Romans 12:1-2. I referred to it earlier and I believe that is the key to success.

The key to overcoming sin and responding to it correctly in our lives is to renew our mind. Read the word. Be transformed.

When we let the word into our hearts and we commit ourselves to God, sin will not only offend God, but it will also offend us.

It’s important to remember though, that not only are we to commit ourselves to God, but we are also already saved from the pain of the law! The Lord paid an ultimate sacrifice, and we are so lucky to have him!

Jesus changed so much and without him, we would truly be hopeless. So, join with me in thanking him for his life, his love, and his great sacrifice!