Understanding The Law

Introduction:

There has been much discussion and debate in Christian circles about whether believers today are still required to keep the Law of Moses. Some argue that we must continue observing the commandments given in the Old Covenant, while others believe that Jesus fulfilled the law and established a New Covenant through grace and faith. As an Apostolic Pentecostal believer, it’s essential to approach this subject by rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and understanding the purpose and fulfillment of the law through Jesus Christ.

Question #1. What Law Are We Talking About?

In the Bible, the term “law” can refer to different things depending on the context. It could mean:

The entire Mosaic Law (including civil, ceremonial, and moral laws)

The Ten Commandments

The Law of Sacrifices and rituals

When we see scriptures like Galatians 5:4, it’s important to understand the context. Paul was addressing those who were seeking to be justified by the law of Moses, particularly the ceremonial laws and animal sacrifices, which Jesus fulfilled.

Galatians 5:4 (NKJV) – “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”

Here, Paul is saying that if anyone is trying to earn salvation or justification through keeping the law—especially sacrifices that were meant to temporarily cover sin—they are separating themselves from the finished work of Christ. Jesus was the final sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

The Purpose of the Law

The law served to reveal sin and lead people to recognize their need for a Savior.

Galatians 3:24-25 (NKJV) – “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”

The law pointed forward to Jesus. It taught the people holiness, justice, and reverence for God. But it was never meant to be the means of salvation—it pointed toward the One who could save.

Jesus Fulfilled the Law

Jesus said He came to fulfill the law, not to abolish it.

Matthew 5:17 (NKJV) – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

By living a sinless life, being the perfect sacrifice, and rising again, Jesus completed what the Old Testament laws pointed toward. He didn’t destroy the law—He brought it to completion. That includes fulfilling the system of sacrifices.

Question #2. Does This Mean We Can Live However We Want?

Absolutely not. The New Covenant doesn’t do away with obedience—it changes the source and motivation. Instead of obeying a written code, believers are transformed by the Holy Spirit and obey God out of love.

Romans 6:1-2 (NKJV) – “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”

John 14:15 (NKJV) – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

But what commandments is Jesus referring to? He’s not simply reiterating the Mosaic law—He’s giving new instructions rooted in love, faith, and Spirit-led living. His teachings (such as those found in the Sermon on the Mount), along with the apostles’ doctrine, make up the commandments we follow under the New Covenant.

We Uphold the Law Through Faith

While we are not under the law, we don’t nullify its moral principles. Paul explains:

Romans 3:31 (NKJV) – “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.”

This means that the righteousness that the law described is fulfilled in us through Christ—not by striving in our flesh, but by walking in the Spirit.

Romans 8:3-4 (NKJV) – “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son… 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.”

Conclusion:

As true believers in Christ, we understand that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. We no longer offer sacrifices or follow ceremonial rules because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. However, this freedom doesn’t give us license to sin—it compels us to live holy, Spirit-led lives that honor God.

We obey Jesus’ commandments, which are rooted in love, mercy, faith, and truth—not because we’re under the Mosaic law, but because we are in covenant with the living God through Jesus Christ.

Let us walk not in the letter of the law but in the Spirit—living testimonies of His grace and truth.