How should we view the Old Testament?
Introduction. In today's religious world, you will encounter a confusing variety of positions on how we should view the Old Testament (OT) or Hebrew scriptures when it comes to what we must obey today to be right with God. These positions range all the way from "We must obey the Law of Moses." to "Everything we need to obey is explicitly revealed in the New Testament (NT)." As is often the case, the truth can be found between these extremes as we will show from the scriptures themselves.
Background. Most Bible students realize the importance of the Hebrew scriptures. They contain prophecies cited by and fulfilled in the New Testament (e.g., John 5:39; Luke 24:27; Acts 18:28), many examples for our learning (1 Cor. 10:1-13; Heb. 11), and much wisdom (e.g., Proverbs, Psalms). Consider:
What about "binding" the Law of Moses? Some groups will claim that the Law of Moses in whole or in part is "binding" or required of people today. These claims are based on a number of different views:
The problem with these views is that they contradict a large number of explicit passages in the New Testament that teach those who would come to Christ are not required to obey the Law of Moses. For starters, contrast Deut. 5:1-5 with the promise of Jeremiah 31:31-34. We see the fulfillment of this promise in Christ and the Gospel (Heb. 1:1-2; Heb. 8:6-13; Heb. 10:1-18). Paul spends much of his letters to the Galatians and Colossians dealing with this subject. For example, Gal. 3:23 thru 4:7 teaches that the Law (of Moses) was a "tutor" or "school master" designed to lead us to Christ. But now that Christ has come, we are no longer under its authority. Also consider:
A "simplistic" view. Given the weight of the scriptures cited above, some people have concluded that something must be explicitly taught (in detail) in the New Testament in order to be required of Christians. In other words, the inspired writers of the NT already included all the necessary details from the OT that we need to obey. This view is somewhat "simplistic" given passages like the following:
Ultimately viewed, "all" inspired scripture must refer to Genesis through Revelation. All of it is profitable for "doctrine", "correction", etc. and is associated with "all good works". This includes the OT with the understanding that all of God's word must be handled properly:
A number of labels have been offered to succinctly summarize those principles which occur throughout the Bible, including "moral law", "timeless truths", "universal principles", and "non-dispensational laws". Each label has some merits, but each can also cause some confusion. Since none of these labels are found in the Bible, we should proceeding cautiously (1 Pet. 4: 11). But careful study indicates a number of legitimate concepts that are not explicitly labeled in scripture including a "triune" God, an "age of accountability" for turning to God, and the error of "denominationalism". Instead of arguing over different labels, let's examine a number of scriptural implications and applications of this approach.
Love thy God ... Love thy neighbor. While the Law of Moses was in effect, one Jewish man asked another what was the greatest commandment in the Law of Moses. Hear His response (citing Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18):
Further, we have the succinct expression of how to "love thy neighbor" in Matt. 7:12 as the "Golden Rule". And yet, multiple OT passages help to exemplify what this means (e.g., Ex. 22:14-15; Ex. 23: 4-5; Deut. 22: 4-8). For more from our archives, see "L" for "Love".
Abortion. Both Luke 1: 41 and Gen. 23: 18 can be correctly used to teach that the Bible makes no distinction between the baby in the womb and one newborn. Likewise, both Rom. 1:29 and Exodus 21: 22-25 can be correctly used to teach that murder is wrong, including of the unborn. Some specific features of Ex. 21 are limited to the Law of Moses (the "judges", civil fines, capital punishment). However, the facts that the aborted child is considered a "human" and those who cause injury are to be punished accordingly serve as vital and important principles today in arriving at a proper position relative to abortion. For more from our archives, see "A" for "Abortion".
Social Drinking. The NT clearly commands Christians to always be sober minded and stay away from alcohol (and other substances) that would impair clear thinking and lead to drunkenness (1 Thess. 5:6-8; Titus 2:2,4,6; 1 Peter 5:8). Note how Prov. 23:29-35 perfectly complements this teaching. It not only clarifies the dangers of alcohol in graphic language, but warns against even being enticed by its appearance (verse 31, "do not look on it"). For more from our archives, see "D" for "Drinking".
Decent/Modest Clothing. From 1 Tim. 2: 9, we learn that modest, respectable, decent clothing is commanded. Matt. 5:27-28 warns of lusting after another and immodest clothing can be a key contributor to tempting another to sin. What is "decent" admittedly has a degree of cultural influence (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21 "... honest things ... in the sight of all men"). But does God require certain "minimums" regardless of what the cultural norms may be (e.g., bare-breasted women, loin cloths, full nudity)? Yes, because we see such "minimums" clarified in the OT by how God viewed "decent" dress.
First, consider Gen. 2:25 thru 3:21. Adam & Eve originally were naked and unashamed (2:25). After acquiring the knowledge of good and evil, they were ashamed and made themselves loin coverings (3:7). Even with that type of covering, Adam still knew he was "naked" (3:10). God made decent "coats" or "garments" and clothed Adam & Eve (3:21). Gen. 3 clarifies that people can be considered "naked" or "indecent" even when their genitals are covered. Further, according to Exodus 28:42, priests were to cover their thighs down to their knees to avoid exposing their genital areas. Certainly this passage has a number of specifics related to the Law of Moses. But the general principle of hiding certain parts of the body while in public helps to clarify what God considers modest as well as immodest (e.g., "short shorts", "hot pants", short skirts, bikini swimsuits). For more from our archives, see "D" for "Dress".
Stewardship. According to NT passages like Rom. 1:21; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:10; and Heb. 13:5, God expects faithful Christians to be thankful and wise stewards of His blessings. While many of these passages are discussing spiritual blessings, the same concept would apply to physical blessings as well. We see this concept clarified in a number OT passages that include "ruling over" animals (Gen. 1:28; Psm. 8:6-8) and taking proper care of them (Deut. 25:4; Deut. 22:6). This general principle comes full circle when Paul uses the example of Deut. 25:4 to make a point about the financial support of elders in 1 Tim. 5:18.
Disciplining Children. A faithful Christian father needs to obey Eph. 6:4 and Heb. 12:5-11 in raising their children, including "discipline". But note how this responsibility is clarified by the wisdom of Prov. 13:24; Prov. 22:15; Prov. 23:13-14; and Prov. 29:15 which God gave to Solomon (1 Kings 3:6-12; 4:29-32). For more from our archives, see "F" for "Family".
Fornication. Several NT passages address the twin sins of sexual lust and fornication outside of a spiritually-approved marriage (e.g., Matt. 5:27-28; 1 Cor. 7:1-5; Heb. 13:4). "Fornication" is a general term for all illicit sexual intercourse. We can easily see this term clarified and illustrated in a number of related OT passages such as incest (Lev. 18:1-18), homosexuality (Gen. 19 & Lev. 18:22), and bestiality (Lev. 18:23). For more from our archives, see "F" for "Fornication".
Murder, Justice, and Capital Punishment. From Rom. 13:1-7 ("bear the sword") and Acts 25:11 ("worthy of death"), we understand God expects governments to exercise capital punishment when appropriate. From both the OT and NT, we realize murder has always been wrong (Gen. 4:1-11; Gen. 9:6; Ex. 20:13; Rom. 13:9). But it is from Gen. 9:6 in the OT that we learn not only what God views as appropriate punishment for murder, but also why that is the case. For more from our archives, see "D" for "Death Penalty".
Overcoming temptation. The NT is full of warnings about temptation (e.g., 1 Cor. 10, James 1). Even Jesus was tempted (Matt. 4). From Jesus’ temptation, we learn how to resist temptation based on principles in the OT (cp. Matt. 4: 4 with Deut. 8: 3; Matt. 4: 7 with Deut. 6: 16; and Matt. 4: 10 with Deut. 10: 20 and Prov. 23: 31ff).
The Good Shepherd. Jesus describes Himself as "the Good Shepherd" (John 10:11-14). Note how this is expressed in the oft-quoted Psalm 23. This beautiful Psalm helps clarify the kind of reliance and confidence we today should have.
Blood. From Acts 15: 29, we understand the need to abstain from ingesting blood. From Gen. 9:4, we understand this has always been true and from this passage & Lev. 17:14 we learn why. For more from our archives, see "B" for "Blood Transfusions".
Sacrifice. The multiple animal sacrifices for sin under the Law of Moses (Ex. 20: 22-26) have been replaced by the single, perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (1 Peter 2: 5, Rom. 12: 1, 2, Heb. 9: 24 thru 10: 10). And yet, God still expects Christians to offer "sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil 4:18; Heb. 13:15). OT passages like Lev. 22:17-25 & Deut. 15:21 clarify for us that God expects such sacrifices to be our best.
Conclusion. From a careful analysis of the passages above, we see several truths regarding how we should view the Hebrew scriptures:
Related Topics. While this article has focused on the role of the OT scriptures regarding obeying God today, there are two additional positions worth mentioning.
First, there are those who would claim no obedience is required (e.g., universalism, predestination, "grace only/faith only") or that all laws are subject to circumstances and no law is inherently right (e.g., situation ethics). For more on this topic in our archives, see "P" for "Predestination", "O" for "Obedience", "F" for "Faith", and "L" for "Law of Christ".
Second, there are those that restrict the "Law of Christ" to only those truths revealed after Jesus' death on the cross. According to this position, Jesus' teaching in the gospel accounts was done under the Law of Moses and is not applicable today. Although some of His teaching was indeed related to the Law of Moses, much of it was related to "the kingdom" which as "at hand". Consider the relevant truths in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), on marriage & divorce (Matt. 19), and congregational discipline (Matt. 18:15-17). For more on this topic in our archives, see "L" for "Law of Christ".
Background. Most Bible students realize the importance of the Hebrew scriptures. They contain prophecies cited by and fulfilled in the New Testament (e.g., John 5:39; Luke 24:27; Acts 18:28), many examples for our learning (1 Cor. 10:1-13; Heb. 11), and much wisdom (e.g., Proverbs, Psalms). Consider:
- Rom. 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
- Gen. 1-2 The creation of all things by God in six literal days
- Gen. 2 The origin of man
- Gen. 3 The origin of sin
- Gen. 7-9 The global flood in punishment on mankind
- Gen. 12 The selection of Abram/Abraham, Isaac, Jacob/Israel, and ultimately the children of Israel for a special covenant and special blessings
What about "binding" the Law of Moses? Some groups will claim that the Law of Moses in whole or in part is "binding" or required of people today. These claims are based on a number of different views:
- "As the Messiah, Christ didn't come to abolish the Law of Moses. He obeyed it and taught others to do the same."
- "Christianity is just an extension of Judaism with some additions and/or updates to the Law of Moses."
- "The apostles freely quoted and applied laws from the Law of Moses in their instructions to the early Christians. We can too."
- "The Law of Moses consisted of 'ceremonial law' and 'moral law'. Jesus only abolished the former."
The problem with these views is that they contradict a large number of explicit passages in the New Testament that teach those who would come to Christ are not required to obey the Law of Moses. For starters, contrast Deut. 5:1-5 with the promise of Jeremiah 31:31-34. We see the fulfillment of this promise in Christ and the Gospel (Heb. 1:1-2; Heb. 8:6-13; Heb. 10:1-18). Paul spends much of his letters to the Galatians and Colossians dealing with this subject. For example, Gal. 3:23 thru 4:7 teaches that the Law (of Moses) was a "tutor" or "school master" designed to lead us to Christ. But now that Christ has come, we are no longer under its authority. Also consider:
- Rom. 7:1-4 “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
- 2 Cor. 3: 6-7, 11 “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: … For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.”
- Col. 2:14-17 "14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly , triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come ; but the body is of Christ."
- Gal. 5:1-4 "1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free , and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised , Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised , that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
A "simplistic" view. Given the weight of the scriptures cited above, some people have concluded that something must be explicitly taught (in detail) in the New Testament in order to be required of Christians. In other words, the inspired writers of the NT already included all the necessary details from the OT that we need to obey. This view is somewhat "simplistic" given passages like the following:
- Rom. 7: 12, 16, 22 “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. … If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. … For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:”
- 2 Tim. 3:15-17 "15: And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works"
Ultimately viewed, "all" inspired scripture must refer to Genesis through Revelation. All of it is profitable for "doctrine", "correction", etc. and is associated with "all good works". This includes the OT with the understanding that all of God's word must be handled properly:
- 2 Tim. 2: 15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (KJV) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth”. (NASV)
- "Although Christians will be judged according to the Law of Christ as revealed in the NT, the OT contains important principles, patterns, and particulars that help clarify the Law of Christ."
A number of labels have been offered to succinctly summarize those principles which occur throughout the Bible, including "moral law", "timeless truths", "universal principles", and "non-dispensational laws". Each label has some merits, but each can also cause some confusion. Since none of these labels are found in the Bible, we should proceeding cautiously (1 Pet. 4: 11). But careful study indicates a number of legitimate concepts that are not explicitly labeled in scripture including a "triune" God, an "age of accountability" for turning to God, and the error of "denominationalism". Instead of arguing over different labels, let's examine a number of scriptural implications and applications of this approach.
Love thy God ... Love thy neighbor. While the Law of Moses was in effect, one Jewish man asked another what was the greatest commandment in the Law of Moses. Hear His response (citing Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18):
- Matt. 22:39-40 "37: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38: This is the first and great commandment. 39: And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40: On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matt. 22)."
Further, we have the succinct expression of how to "love thy neighbor" in Matt. 7:12 as the "Golden Rule". And yet, multiple OT passages help to exemplify what this means (e.g., Ex. 22:14-15; Ex. 23: 4-5; Deut. 22: 4-8). For more from our archives, see "L" for "Love".
Abortion. Both Luke 1: 41 and Gen. 23: 18 can be correctly used to teach that the Bible makes no distinction between the baby in the womb and one newborn. Likewise, both Rom. 1:29 and Exodus 21: 22-25 can be correctly used to teach that murder is wrong, including of the unborn. Some specific features of Ex. 21 are limited to the Law of Moses (the "judges", civil fines, capital punishment). However, the facts that the aborted child is considered a "human" and those who cause injury are to be punished accordingly serve as vital and important principles today in arriving at a proper position relative to abortion. For more from our archives, see "A" for "Abortion".
Social Drinking. The NT clearly commands Christians to always be sober minded and stay away from alcohol (and other substances) that would impair clear thinking and lead to drunkenness (1 Thess. 5:6-8; Titus 2:2,4,6; 1 Peter 5:8). Note how Prov. 23:29-35 perfectly complements this teaching. It not only clarifies the dangers of alcohol in graphic language, but warns against even being enticed by its appearance (verse 31, "do not look on it"). For more from our archives, see "D" for "Drinking".
Decent/Modest Clothing. From 1 Tim. 2: 9, we learn that modest, respectable, decent clothing is commanded. Matt. 5:27-28 warns of lusting after another and immodest clothing can be a key contributor to tempting another to sin. What is "decent" admittedly has a degree of cultural influence (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21 "... honest things ... in the sight of all men"). But does God require certain "minimums" regardless of what the cultural norms may be (e.g., bare-breasted women, loin cloths, full nudity)? Yes, because we see such "minimums" clarified in the OT by how God viewed "decent" dress.
First, consider Gen. 2:25 thru 3:21. Adam & Eve originally were naked and unashamed (2:25). After acquiring the knowledge of good and evil, they were ashamed and made themselves loin coverings (3:7). Even with that type of covering, Adam still knew he was "naked" (3:10). God made decent "coats" or "garments" and clothed Adam & Eve (3:21). Gen. 3 clarifies that people can be considered "naked" or "indecent" even when their genitals are covered. Further, according to Exodus 28:42, priests were to cover their thighs down to their knees to avoid exposing their genital areas. Certainly this passage has a number of specifics related to the Law of Moses. But the general principle of hiding certain parts of the body while in public helps to clarify what God considers modest as well as immodest (e.g., "short shorts", "hot pants", short skirts, bikini swimsuits). For more from our archives, see "D" for "Dress".
Stewardship. According to NT passages like Rom. 1:21; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:10; and Heb. 13:5, God expects faithful Christians to be thankful and wise stewards of His blessings. While many of these passages are discussing spiritual blessings, the same concept would apply to physical blessings as well. We see this concept clarified in a number OT passages that include "ruling over" animals (Gen. 1:28; Psm. 8:6-8) and taking proper care of them (Deut. 25:4; Deut. 22:6). This general principle comes full circle when Paul uses the example of Deut. 25:4 to make a point about the financial support of elders in 1 Tim. 5:18.
Disciplining Children. A faithful Christian father needs to obey Eph. 6:4 and Heb. 12:5-11 in raising their children, including "discipline". But note how this responsibility is clarified by the wisdom of Prov. 13:24; Prov. 22:15; Prov. 23:13-14; and Prov. 29:15 which God gave to Solomon (1 Kings 3:6-12; 4:29-32). For more from our archives, see "F" for "Family".
Fornication. Several NT passages address the twin sins of sexual lust and fornication outside of a spiritually-approved marriage (e.g., Matt. 5:27-28; 1 Cor. 7:1-5; Heb. 13:4). "Fornication" is a general term for all illicit sexual intercourse. We can easily see this term clarified and illustrated in a number of related OT passages such as incest (Lev. 18:1-18), homosexuality (Gen. 19 & Lev. 18:22), and bestiality (Lev. 18:23). For more from our archives, see "F" for "Fornication".
Murder, Justice, and Capital Punishment. From Rom. 13:1-7 ("bear the sword") and Acts 25:11 ("worthy of death"), we understand God expects governments to exercise capital punishment when appropriate. From both the OT and NT, we realize murder has always been wrong (Gen. 4:1-11; Gen. 9:6; Ex. 20:13; Rom. 13:9). But it is from Gen. 9:6 in the OT that we learn not only what God views as appropriate punishment for murder, but also why that is the case. For more from our archives, see "D" for "Death Penalty".
Overcoming temptation. The NT is full of warnings about temptation (e.g., 1 Cor. 10, James 1). Even Jesus was tempted (Matt. 4). From Jesus’ temptation, we learn how to resist temptation based on principles in the OT (cp. Matt. 4: 4 with Deut. 8: 3; Matt. 4: 7 with Deut. 6: 16; and Matt. 4: 10 with Deut. 10: 20 and Prov. 23: 31ff).
The Good Shepherd. Jesus describes Himself as "the Good Shepherd" (John 10:11-14). Note how this is expressed in the oft-quoted Psalm 23. This beautiful Psalm helps clarify the kind of reliance and confidence we today should have.
Blood. From Acts 15: 29, we understand the need to abstain from ingesting blood. From Gen. 9:4, we understand this has always been true and from this passage & Lev. 17:14 we learn why. For more from our archives, see "B" for "Blood Transfusions".
Sacrifice. The multiple animal sacrifices for sin under the Law of Moses (Ex. 20: 22-26) have been replaced by the single, perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (1 Peter 2: 5, Rom. 12: 1, 2, Heb. 9: 24 thru 10: 10). And yet, God still expects Christians to offer "sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil 4:18; Heb. 13:15). OT passages like Lev. 22:17-25 & Deut. 15:21 clarify for us that God expects such sacrifices to be our best.
Conclusion. From a careful analysis of the passages above, we see several truths regarding how we should view the Hebrew scriptures:
- The Law of Moses is not binding on people today. We will be judged according to the Law of Christ as revealed in the New Testament.
- At the same time, the OT is rich in historical facts, character examples, Messianic prophecies, and other items that help us better understanding the New Testament.
- More importantly the OT contains important principles, patterns, and particulars that help clarify the Law of Christ which all are subject to today.
Related Topics. While this article has focused on the role of the OT scriptures regarding obeying God today, there are two additional positions worth mentioning.
First, there are those who would claim no obedience is required (e.g., universalism, predestination, "grace only/faith only") or that all laws are subject to circumstances and no law is inherently right (e.g., situation ethics). For more on this topic in our archives, see "P" for "Predestination", "O" for "Obedience", "F" for "Faith", and "L" for "Law of Christ".
Second, there are those that restrict the "Law of Christ" to only those truths revealed after Jesus' death on the cross. According to this position, Jesus' teaching in the gospel accounts was done under the Law of Moses and is not applicable today. Although some of His teaching was indeed related to the Law of Moses, much of it was related to "the kingdom" which as "at hand". Consider the relevant truths in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), on marriage & divorce (Matt. 19), and congregational discipline (Matt. 18:15-17). For more on this topic in our archives, see "L" for "Law of Christ".