Do Christians have to follow Old Testament laws?
Many people wonder how Old Testament laws apply to Christians today. Scripture teaches that the law reveals God’s holiness and exposes human sin, but salvation and righteousness come through Jesus Christ. Christians are not under the Old Covenant law as a system of justification, yet the law still teaches important spiritual truths.
Why people ask this question
Some believers become confused when reading Old Testament commands about sacrifices, dietary restrictions, and ceremonial practices. Others struggle to understand why some commands seem different from New Testament teaching. The Bible provides clarity by explaining the purpose of the law and its fulfillment in Christ.
The law reveals sin and shows God's standard of holiness
Romans 3:20 (KJV)
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
The law shows humanity’s need for salvation. It reveals God's righteous standard and exposes mankind’s inability to achieve righteousness through personal effort.
The law was designed to lead people to Christ
Galatians 3:24–25 (KJV)
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
The law acted as a guide pointing people toward the Savior. Once Christ fulfilled the law and provided salvation, believers are no longer under the law as a means of justification.
Jesus fulfilled the law rather than abolishing its purpose
Matthew 5:17 (KJV)
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Jesus completed what the law pointed toward. The sacrificial system, priesthood, and ceremonial regulations all anticipated Christ’s redemptive work.
Christians are saved by grace, not by law-keeping
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Salvation cannot be earned by obeying Old Testament commands or any human effort. It is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Moral principles revealed in the law still reflect God's character
Romans 7:12 (KJV)
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
While Christians are not under ceremonial or sacrificial law, the moral truths revealed in God's commands continue to demonstrate His righteous character and guide believers in holy living.
Key word study (Strong’s Definitions)
Law (Greek: νόμος)
Strong’s G3551 — nomos: A rule, command, or established standard given by authority.
Fulfil (Greek: πληρόω)
Strong’s G4137 — plēroō: To complete, to accomplish fully, to bring to full expression.
What this means
- The Old Testament law reveals God’s holiness and humanity’s need for salvation.
- The law points people toward Jesus Christ.
- Christians are not justified by law-keeping but by faith in Christ.
- The moral truths of God's law still reflect His character and guide believers.
Gospel connection
Romans 5:8 (KJV)
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The law shows the seriousness of sin, but the Gospel reveals God’s solution. Jesus fulfilled the law and paid sin’s penalty so believers can receive forgiveness and eternal life through faith.