Does the Old Testament Law Still Apply Today?
Many Christians wonder how the Old Testament law fits into the life of a believer today. If we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, what purpose does the law still serve? Did Jesus set it aside, or does it continue to have value?
The apostle Paul answered those questions in Galatians by explaining how God’s promise and His law work together.
Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. Galatians 3:19
The law was never intended to replace God’s promise to Abraham. Instead, it served a specific purpose until the coming of Jesus Christ. Paul wanted his readers to understand that God’s plan of salvation had always rested on His promise, not on man’s ability to perfectly obey the law.
That raises an important question: If we are saved by grace, does the Old Testament law still have a purpose today?
Why God Gave the Old Testament Law
To answer that question, it helps to understand the order in which God revealed His plan.
When God called Abraham, He promised that through his descendant the nations of the world would be blessed. That promise ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ.
More than four hundred years later, after God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He gave His law to Moses. The law did not replace the promise. It was given alongside it.
Paul explains that the law revealed humanity’s sin and demonstrated our need for a Savior. Left to ourselves, we naturally justify our actions and redefine right and wrong. God’s law established His perfect standard of holiness and exposed how far we fall short of it.
Rather than serving as a means of salvation, the law became a guide that pointed people toward Christ.
The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. Galatians 3:24
The King James Version uses the word “schoolmaster,” describing the law as a teacher who leads us to Christ. Think of it as a mirror. A mirror faithfully reveals every flaw on your face, but it cannot wash your face. In the same way, God’s law exposes our sin, but it cannot remove it. The law shows us our need for forgiveness, while Jesus alone provides it through His death and resurrection. The law points us to the Savior; it was never intended to replace Him.
Life Application
- Thank God for His grace. Your salvation rests on what Jesus accomplished on the cross, not on your ability to perfectly keep God’s law.
- Allow God’s Word to examine your heart. Just as a mirror reveals what needs attention, God’s truth exposes attitudes and actions that need to be surrendered to Him.
- Respond to conviction with repentance. When the Holy Spirit reveals sin, don’t ignore it or become discouraged. Confess it, receive God’s forgiveness, and continue walking with Christ.
- Read the Old Testament with new appreciation. Rather than viewing the Old Testament law as outdated, recognize how it reveals God’s holiness and points every person to their need for a Savior.
- Live in grateful obedience. We don’t obey God to earn His acceptance; we obey because His grace has already transformed our lives through Jesus Christ.
Lord, We understand the value of the Old Testament Law. Thank you that Jesus fulfill that law and made salvation available for those who call on His name.
Check out these related posts on God’s Grace
- How To Continually Rely On The Grace Of God
- The Grace Of God, The Most Amazing Gift Ever
- God Gives Grace To The Humble
- Rely On The God Of Grace
To receive each new devotional post delivered to your inbox, subscribe below by giving us your first name and email address.
