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What determines which laws/rules to follow?

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BlueCelt

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Hello all! I'm curious what determines how different laws/rules from the OT and NT are determined to be followed or not. Like say no tattoo's, slavery, the cleanliness laws from the OT or the NT dietary restriction lifting. I'm not asking about the merits or problems with those laws, just how does Christian thought determine which are followed and which are not. Is there a process? Is it up to denomination?

Thanks!

Blue
 

ebia

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Hello all! I'm curious what determines how different laws/rules from the OT and NT are determined to be followed or not. Like say no tattoo's, slavery, the cleanliness laws from the OT or the NT dietary restriction lifting. I'm not asking about the merits or problems with those laws, just how does Christian thought determine which are followed and which are not. Is there a process? Is it up to denomination?

Thanks!

Blue
Because the bible is a narrative, with rules given within that narrative in particular places and contexts we have a more complex, but ultimately mature, job of figuring out how to live in the light of what's gone before rather than just following a simple list of do's and don'ts.

When it comes to rules it's better to see the bible as a set case studies or case law, rather than a set of timeless statutes.
 
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drich0150

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The Apostle Paul explains to us that True Righteousness is obtained through Faith and not by our works in trying to obtain righteousness through up holding the Law, but at the same time we Up hold the law because of our faith..

Meaning if we love God through Jesus then we are no longer bound by the law for our righteousness.. It is or love that deems us righteous, and not the Law. But at the same time we do not break the law because we are free from it, rather we up hold it (to the best of our abilities) because we Love the one who created it.

It's kinda like you love your mother, and she hates snakes, so because you love your mother you don't give her snakes on her birthday.

Ro.3: 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
 
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JohnDB

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Yep...you just stepped right into it. But let me see if I can give you a bit of clarity.

Most every denomination (including those non-denominationalists) have traditions and "rules" (that they say aren't rules but are morality) that they follow.

The vast majority of preachers teach morality from their pulpits every week as to how we should behave, think and act. Then there are the different traditions that they speak to as well pertaining to the importance of them and what they define.

God, in the bible, says that in the days of the New Covenant (the Old Covenant being done away with) that the rules and laws He was going to write on your heart.
What that means is that you will intristically know the difference between right and wrong. It won't be rocket science for you to figure out how to show lovingkindness to people coming from the knowledge that since God does it (to you as well as to others) you should do it as well.

I am not advocating staying out of churchs by any means. Norms of the day have gone this direction and so most teach what they call "life application" studies. But I go regularly to fellowship with other believers to give and recieve support for the faith that we hold. A place where I can speak freely about the passion that I hold so dearly.
 
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aiki

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Hello all! I'm curious what determines how different laws/rules from the OT and NT are determined to be followed or not. Like say no tattoo's, slavery, the cleanliness laws from the OT or the NT dietary restriction lifting. I'm not asking about the merits or problems with those laws, just how does Christian thought determine which are followed and which are not. Is there a process? Is it up to denomination?
Personally, I take my cue in this matter from the Word of God - as do most of the other Christians I know.

Hebrews 7:12-28 (NKJV)
12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.
13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest
16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
17 For He testifies: "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."
18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,
19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath
21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The Lord has sworn And will not relent, 'You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek' "),
22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

With the advent of Jesus Christ into the course of human history the law of the OT (and by connection the levitical priesthood), which served ultimately only to condemn those who would try to keep it, has been "annulled" and in its place a "better hope" manifested in Christ has been established.

What laws were set aside or made obsolete by Christ's work on the cross?

Hebrews 9:1 (NKJV)
1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

Those laws pertaining to the ceremonies of the tabernacle and of sacrifice were abolished by the new High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:13-15 (NKJV)
13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,
14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Paul the apostle also indicates that laws designed to distinguish the Israelites from other peoples are also made obsolete. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul exhorts them to reject circumcision, which some were declaring was necessary for full salvation. Such outward signs of separation unto God are, under the New Covenant, unnecessary. Growing beards, avoiding tattoos, being circumcised - all these things are part of the Old Covenant and thus are no longer required for the Christian.

Galatians 5:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.
3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.
4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Dietary laws were also suspended.

1 Corinthians 10:23-27 (NKJV)
23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake;
26 for "the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness."
27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake.

What are the "rules" for the Christian under the New Covenant?

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NKJV)
23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NKJV)
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Galatians 5:13-14 (NKJV)
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Romans 8:3-4 (NKJV)
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

I hope that, while I have only just scratched the surface of this issue, what I have offered is, nonetheless, helpful.


Peace to you.
 
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JohnDeereFan

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Hello all! I'm curious what determines how different laws/rules from the OT and NT are determined to be followed or not. Like say no tattoo's, slavery, the cleanliness laws from the OT or the NT dietary restriction lifting. I'm not asking about the merits or problems with those laws, just how does Christian thought determine which are followed and which are not. Is there a process? Is it up to denomination?

Thanks!

Blue

The first thing we do is to determine who the law was given to and which code of law it is.

In the case of the laws you're talking about, we know that they are not for us to follow today because they were given specifically to the nation of Israel, which no longer even exists, and they are Old Covenant laws, which have been fulfilled by Christ.

If you're really interested in this, the book of Hebrews talks about this in great detail.
 
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salida

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The NT is an fulfillment of the OT because Jesus came. In the OT they used animal sacrifices to cover their sins but they weren't taken away - it was like a band aid. In the NT since Jesus came as christians our sins are taken away because Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. When one comes to Christ, they repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They repent ask for the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Holy Spirit gives them the power to live a christian life - their nature becomes more like Christ's. Thus, we are dying daily to sin and one doesn't want to practice it anymore. We will never be sinless because of this flesh - but your desire will change and you won't want to practice it. Its a lifelong lifestyle and daily committment by praying, reading the bible, and surrounding oneself with friends that are inspirational (other christians).

Why is all this necessary above? I tell others to visit: http://www.livingwaters.com/good/ Are you a good person? Can you keep all the 10 Commandments all the time 100% of the time? Only Jesus could. This is why one is saved through faith in Christ. Its by grace (a gift from God). Since mankind has fallen this is the only spiritual medicine and the redemption of mankind.
 
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BlueCelt

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Thank you all for the info, I've been curious about that for a long time. Way back in the day when I considered myself a Christian (or was deluding myself, for my calvinist friends ;)) I never could figure it out. Thanks for the verses, I think it'll help me understand Christian beliefs a little better.

Blue
 
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theVirginian

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The first thing we do is to determine who the law was given to and which code of law it is.
I also look to see if the subject is repeated in the NT, such as some taboos. If it is, I consider it serious enough to God for me to do likewise. Otherwise, I look for the wisdom in the OT laws, such as the dietary ones, and incorporate them into my life accordingly, understanding that whether or not I do won't make any difference regarding my salvation.
 
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Emmy

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Dear BlueCelt. Jesus, our Saviour gave us 2 Commandments, they contain all 10 Commandments, which God gave us. 1) Love God with all our hearts, all our souls, and all our minds. 2) Love our neighbour, ( all others) as we love our selves. God is our Heavenly Father, and He made us in His image. We owe Him our love and devotion. As to loving our neighbour, all others, we should say and do to others, as we would like others to say and do to us. ( Treat each other as we would like to be treated, with kindness, forgiveness, consideration, and a helpful hand.) If we have LOVE like that, would there be anything God could not approve of??? any rules or laws broken? That is what God/Jesus wants from us, and it will take years to become like it. We have Jesus to help and guide us, and every time we fail, or fall, we can ask God for forgiveness, and God sees our hearts, He will know how sincere we are in trying our best, to become as God wants us to be. Jesus is the Way, and there is no law/rule more pleasing to God, that is what we should do. I say this humbly and kindly, BlueCelt. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.
 
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FutureAndAHope

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For those wanting excuses to sin we must consider the following verses:

Mat 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Mat 5:19 Anyone who breaks 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 practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

We find that the law has not changed it is still in place and will be until Jesus returns. The only thing that has been removed is (as others so skillfully mentioned) is the blood sacrifices and other sacrificial ordinences. These were replaced when Jesus was crucified.
 
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JohnDB

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Well, in the Old Testament, people sacrificed to atone for their sins.
In the New Testament, Jesus died for our sins, thus making it possible to be forgiven without sacrificing. So, the New Testament has a lot of rules that are important to follow, and also, the Old Testament has a lot of useful words of wisdom.

I know that it seems that way from reading the scripture but...

God and Abraham had a blood covenant where God walked the blood path (where abraham split the sacrifice) and following that the Israelites would make an offering to remind God of his covenant with Abraham and not to forget it due to their personal sins.(the flowing of blood) Forgiveness was never dependant upon the sacrificial offering...Forgiveness was always dependant upon God...there never was anything which we as mere mortals could do to entice God into forgiving us except for contrition of heart.
 
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