Why do Christians pick and choose which parts of the Old Testament to follow? Introduction Many question why some commands in the Old Testament—such as dietary restrictions or ceremonial rituals—are not observed by all Christians today, while other commands—like prohibitions against murder or theft—remain in force. A closer look at biblical teaching, the purpose of these laws, and how they have been viewed throughout history clarifies why Christians appear to “pick and choose,” and whether they are genuinely doing so or simply following consistent biblical principles. Context of Old Testament Commands The Old Testament describes various commands given to ancient Israel—some moral, some ceremonial, some civil. The moral commands reflect God’s unchanging standards of righteousness (e.g., honesty and compassion), whereas ceremonial and civic laws were intended for worship practices and societal regulations in a distinct theocratic nation. By understanding the context, time period, and audience, the question of why Christians do not follow every Old Testament command becomes clearer. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, preserve intact copies of many Old Testament texts and demonstrate remarkable consistency with the modern Hebrew Bible. These same texts document ancient Israelite worship practices—temple sacrifices, feasts, purity rituals—that were particular to Israel’s covenant relationship with God. Such context helps differentiate timeless moral truths from ceremonial duties tied to Israel’s distinct role. The Role of the Law in the Old Testament The Law (often called the “Torah”) shaped Israel’s relationship with God. It included: 1. Moral Laws – Ethical commandments, like prohibitions against murder and theft, as found in Exodus 20 (the Ten Commandments). 2. Ceremonial Laws – Sacrificial rituals, dietary rules, and priestly ordinances (e.g., Leviticus 1–7, 11, 16) uniquely defining Israel’s worship and identity. 3. Civil Laws – Guidelines for justice, governance, and neighborly conduct within Israel’s theocracy (e.g., Exodus 21–24). The famed Code of Hammurabi (from an ancient Mesopotamian civilization) and other surrounding culture’s law collections show that Israel’s laws had parallels but also stark differences—especially in how they reflected the holiness and character of one sovereign God. Fulfillment in Christ Scripture presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. In Matthew 5:17, He says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law...but to fulfill.” That fulfillment impacts how Christians regard Old Testament commands: • Moral Commandments Upheld: The New Testament reiterates commandments against murder, adultery, stealing, and idolatry. Jesus summarized the moral law by teaching the “greatest commandments”: loving God and loving one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). • Ceremonial Observances Transformed: Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice replaces the need for repeated animal sacrifices (Hebrews 9:11–14). Dietary regulations symbolized ritual purity in ancient Israel, but Mark 7:18–19 indicates that Jesus declared all foods clean, showing a shift away from strict food laws. • Civil Laws Specific to Israel: Rules for land ownership, property disputes, and national governance applied to Israel as God’s covenant nation in the Old Testament. The New Testament does not bind every culture to replicate Israel’s theocratic society. Moral, Civil, and Ceremonial Laws Many theologians have sorted Mosaic commands into these three categories, recognizing that moral principles remain eternally relevant, while civil and ceremonial laws were shadowed realities pointing forward to Christ. The sacrificial system, for instance, foreshadows the ultimate atonement offered by Jesus (Hebrews 10:1–10). Once that atoning death is accomplished, the picture painted by the rituals is replaced by reality. Galatians 3:24–25 explains that the Law was “our guardian until Christ came,” highlighting that its full purpose culminates in Him. Consequently, Christians are not inconsistent by adhering to moral commandments while not observing ancient Israel’s temple-based rituals. Biblical Clarifications in the New Covenant The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) showcases a pivotal decision in early church history regarding which commands from the Mosaic Law Gentile believers must observe. The apostles concluded that many ceremonial and cultural practices (such as circumcision) were no longer required for salvation. However, they upheld moral behavior consistent with God’s holy nature (Acts 15:28–29). Throughout the New Testament, moral calls to integrity, love, justice, and holiness reappear. Yet believers are not instructed to sacrifice animals or avoid certain fabrics (Leviticus 19:19). The new covenant centers on Christ’s accomplished work, making ritual laws unnecessary for righteousness. Historical Considerations Over centuries, Christian writers such as Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Augustine, and Thomas Aquinas discussed the relationship between Old Testament laws and the New Covenant. Their consensus: moral precepts remain binding, while ceremonial and civil laws were specific to Israel’s station in redemptive history. Manuscript evidence from around the Mediterranean world (e.g., early papyrus fragments, Codex Sinaiticus) confirms that the New Testament writings were faithfully copied, reflecting consistent teaching on the lesser emphasis of ritual practices post-resurrection. This aligns with archaeological and textual data supporting the continuity and integrity of the biblical record. Practical Implications 1. Avoiding Confusion: Understanding these distinctions helps believers and seekers navigate accusations of “cherry-picking.” 2. Ethical Consistency: Christians follow moral laws that reflect God’s unchanging righteousness. 3. Freedom in Christ: Ceremonial and civil laws that once set Israel apart no longer apply under the new covenant, yet their underlying principles—worship of God, a life of holiness—remain instructive. 4. Historical Faith: The Old Testament’s reliability, supported by archaeological finds (e.g., the Tel Dan Stele naming the House of David, the Dead Sea Scrolls verifying textual stability), reassures that the laws it contains are faithfully preserved. Conclusion Christians do not arbitrarily “pick and choose” which Old Testament commands to obey. Rather, they recognize the Law’s threefold nature—moral, civil, and ceremonial—and affirm that Jesus fulfilled the entire Law. In light of the New Testament’s guidance and the testament of history, believers continue to uphold moral commands while acknowledging that ceremonial and civic regulations were tied to ancient Israel’s specific covenant context. This understanding derives from the consistent teaching of Scripture, confirmed by the New Testament writers and early church councils, supported by manuscript evidence, and grounded in the enduring principle that all Scripture points to the redemptive work of Christ. |
    |