Under the Law, or not under the Law? (Pt.2)

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Matthew 5:17-18

Last time we explained that believers are not under the condemnation of the law because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross. We are free from condemnation, but not from obligation. The Law still stands for believers to instruct us how to live as followers of Christ.

And yet! There are some aspects of the Law that Christians are not under obligation to follow, and that we must NOT follow. What are they, and why?

There are three aspects of the Law: Moral, Ceremonial, and Civil.

In reverse order, the civil aspect of the Law regulates the civil and criminal laws for ancient Israel. No one is under those laws because ancient Israel no longer exists.

The ceremonial aspect regulates the religious laws for the Jewish religion, most specifically regarding the priesthood, the temple, and the sacrifices required by the Jewish religion. No one is under those laws for two reasons: (A) Because Jesus fulfilled every detail the of Ceremonial law that pointed to Him (discussed in detail in Hebrews 9 & 10). And (B) Because the biblical Jewish religion has not existed since 70 AD when it was violently dismantled, never to be reinstituted. It is important to point out that Christians must not offer sacrifices for sin because to do so is a declaration that Jesus’ sacrifice was not sufficient!

Lastly, the moral aspect of the Law is for all people throughout all of time. Keeping the Law has never been a means of salvation for anyone. The Law cannot save, it only condemns those who fail to obey it perfectly—which includes everybody! (Romans 3:10-20). The Ten Commandments are recognized as the initial statement and summary of the moral law. The moral law is throughout the Law—both explicitly and implicitly—in particulars and in principles (even in the civil and ceremonial Law).

Christians are not under condemnation of the Law. We are under obligation to live according to God’s moral law, but not the civil or ceremonial aspects of the Law.

Let us be clear: obedience to God’s law has never been, nor will it ever be a means by which anyone is saved. Living in obedience to God’s moral law is the reasonable response (Romans 6:1-2, 12:1) of those God has saved by His grace alone, received by faith alone, in Christ alone!