Do Christians Follow the Old Testament?

The question of whether Christians follow the Old Testament is one that has sparked considerable discussion among believers, theologians, and scholars throughout history. The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, is the sacred scripture of Judaism and a foundational part of Christian Scripture. However, the relationship between Christians and the Old Testament is complex and nuanced, shaped by theological interpretation, historical context, and doctrinal development.

The Old Testament and Its Role

What is the Old Testament?

The Old Testament is a collection of religious writings that form the first part of the Christian Bible. It contains books of law, history, prophecy, poetry, and wisdom literature. These texts were originally written primarily in Hebrew (with some parts in Aramaic) and were central to Jewish religious life for centuries before the advent of Christianity.

The Old Testament includes key sections such as the Pentateuch (the first five books traditionally attributed to Moses), the historical books (detailing the history of Israel), the prophetic books (messages from God’s prophets), and the wisdom literature (such as Psalms and Proverbs).

The Old Testament in Christianity

Christianity inherited the Old Testament from Judaism and regards it as sacred scripture. For Christians, the Old Testament is important because it sets the stage for the coming of Jesus Christ and provides the background to the New Testament. Many Christians believe that the Old Testament contains prophecies and types that point to Jesus as the Messiah.

Despite this, Christians do not always follow the Old Testament in the same way Jews do. This difference is largely due to the coming of Jesus and the establishment of the New Covenant described in the New Testament. Understanding how Christians relate to the Old Testament requires exploring several theological themes.

The Old Testament and the New Covenant

The Concept of the New Covenant

In Christian theology, the New Covenant refers to the new relationship between God and humanity mediated by Jesus Christ. This is distinct from the Old Covenant, which was established with the Israelites through Moses and the Law (Torah). The New Covenant is emphasized in the New Testament, particularly in books like Hebrews and the Gospels.

The Old Testament laws, especially the Mosaic Law, were given to the people of Israel to guide their worship, ethics, and social life. However, Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17) and inaugurated a new way of relating to God through faith and grace.

The Role of Jesus in Interpreting the Old Testament

Jesus himself often referenced the Old Testament scriptures, affirming their authority while also redefining their meaning. For example, he highlighted the moral and spiritual heart of the Law rather than strict legalistic adherence (Matthew 22:37-40).

Jesus’ death and resurrection are seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the means by which the requirements of the Law are satisfied. Therefore, Christians understand that the Old Testament remains authoritative but must be interpreted in light of Christ’s life and mission.

The Apostle Paul and the Old Testament

The writings of the Apostle Paul provide much insight into how the Old Testament relates to Christian faith. Paul argued that righteousness before God comes through faith in Christ rather than by works of the Law (Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16). However, he also affirmed the value of the Law in revealing sin and guiding ethical behavior (Romans 7:7-12).

Paul’s letters suggest that Christians are not bound by the ceremonial and civil laws of the Old Testament but are called to live by the Spirit, which fulfills the moral intent of the Law (Romans 8:1-4).

Do Christians Follow the Old Testament Laws?

The Mosaic Law: Ceremonial, Civil, and Moral Laws

To understand how Christians relate to the Old Testament laws, it is helpful to distinguish among three categories of the Mosaic Law:

Ceremonial laws: Regulations concerning worship, sacrifices, festivals, and priestly duties.

Civil laws: Rules governing the social and political life of ancient Israel.

Moral laws: Ethical commands such as the Ten Commandments that reflect God’s moral character.

Most Christians believe that the ceremonial and civil laws were specific to the Israelite nation and its covenant with God and are not binding on believers today. The moral laws, however, continue to have authority as expressions of God’s eternal will.

Ceremonial and Sacrificial Laws Fulfilled in Christ

The sacrificial system and ceremonial rites, such as animal sacrifices for atonement, were foundational to Israelite worship. Christians believe these pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (Hebrews 10:1-18). Because Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all, Christians do not perform these Old Testament rituals.

Similarly, the observance of certain festivals and purity laws is generally not practiced by Christians, who see these as fulfilled or rendered obsolete by the New Covenant.

The Moral Law and Christian Ethics

The moral teachings of the Old Testament, including the Ten Commandments, remain central to Christian ethics. Jesus summarized the Law by emphasizing love for God and love for neighbor (Mark 12:29-31). Christians see this as the fulfillment and heart of all Old Testament commandments.

Thus, Christians are called to uphold moral principles like honesty, justice, kindness, and faithfulness, which are rooted in the Old Testament but given fuller meaning in the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament apostles.

The Old Testament in Christian Worship and Study

The Old Testament in Liturgy and Preaching

Many Christian traditions regularly incorporate Old Testament readings into their worship services. These readings connect believers to the historical and theological roots of their faith and prepare the way for the New Testament message.

Preachers often use Old Testament passages to explain the background of Jesus’ mission, to draw moral lessons, and to highlight God’s faithfulness throughout history.

The Old Testament as a Source of Prayer and Wisdom

Books like Psalms and Proverbs remain beloved in Christian devotional life. The Psalms, in particular, are frequently used in prayer and worship due to their rich expressions of praise, lament, and trust in God.

Wisdom literature provides guidance for daily living, ethical decision-making, and understanding the human condition, all of which remain relevant for Christians.

Challenges in Interpreting the Old Testament

Interpreting the Old Testament in a Christian context can be challenging. Some passages appear harsh or difficult to reconcile with the message of love and grace found in the New Testament.

Christian scholars emphasize the importance of reading the Old Testament in its historical context and interpreting it through the lens of Christ’s revelation. Typology, prophecy fulfillment, and the continuity of God’s plan help Christians understand the unity of Scripture.

Different Christian Perspectives on the Old Testament

Roman Catholic and Orthodox Views

The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches hold the Old Testament as fully authoritative and integral to the Bible. They emphasize continuity between the Old and New Testaments, celebrating the Old Testament’s role in salvation history.

Both traditions use the Old Testament extensively in liturgy, theology, and spiritual formation, interpreting it in harmony with Church teaching and tradition.

Protestant Perspectives

Protestant denominations generally hold the Old Testament as inspired Scripture and essential for understanding God’s revelation. However, they stress that the Old Testament laws must be understood in light of the New Testament.

Most Protestant churches do not observe Old Testament ceremonial laws but uphold its moral teachings as part of Christian ethics.

Messianic and Hebrew Roots Movements

Some Christian groups, such as those in the Messianic and Hebrew Roots movements, place strong emphasis on observing Old Testament laws, festivals, and customs as part of their faith expression. They view the Old Testament laws as still relevant and binding for Christians today.

These groups often seek to combine Jewish traditions with belief in Jesus as the Messiah, which sometimes leads to a different approach to the Old Testament than mainstream Christianity.

How Christians Follow the Old Testament

The Old Testament is Part of Christian Scripture

Christians universally accept the Old Testament as a foundational part of the Bible. It contains God’s revelation, history, prophecy, and moral teaching.

The Law is Fulfilled in Christ

Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament Law and established a New Covenant. As a result, the ceremonial and civil laws are generally not practiced by Christians today.

The Moral Teachings Remain Authoritative

The ethical principles of the Old Testament, especially the Ten Commandments, remain central to Christian living and moral conduct.

The Old Testament Inspires Worship and Devotion

Old Testament scriptures enrich Christian worship, prayer, and spiritual growth.

Interpretation Through Christ and the New Testament

Christians read the Old Testament in the light of Jesus’ life and teaching, ensuring a coherent understanding of Scripture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christians do follow the Old Testament, but not always in the same way that it was originally practiced by ancient Israel. The Old Testament remains sacred Scripture, providing the historical, moral, and spiritual foundation for Christian faith. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant, Christians interpret and apply the Old Testament differently—focusing on its fulfillment in Christ and continuing relevance for moral guidance rather than strict legal observance.

This dynamic relationship invites Christians to appreciate the richness of the Old Testament while embracing the grace and freedom brought through Jesus. Understanding this balance is key to grasping how Christians relate to one of the oldest and most profound parts of their Bible.