The term "abrogated" refers to the annulment or repeal of a law, command, or practice. In biblical studies, it often pertains to the discussion of certain Old Testament laws or practices that are considered to be no longer applicable under the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. This concept is significant in understanding the transition from the Old Covenant, centered on the Mosaic Law, to the New Covenant, which emphasizes faith in Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law was given to the Israelites as a comprehensive guide for religious, moral, and social conduct. This law included ceremonial practices, dietary restrictions, and civil regulations. The Law was seen as a covenant between God and Israel, with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).

New Testament Context

The New Testament introduces the concept of abrogation primarily through the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostle Paul. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, stated, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). This fulfillment is understood as bringing the Law to its intended purpose and completion.

The Apostle Paul addresses the abrogation of certain laws in his epistles. In Galatians 3:24-25 , Paul writes, "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." Here, Paul suggests that the purpose of the Law was to guide people to Christ, and with the advent of faith in Him, the Law's role as a guardian is no longer necessary.

In Ephesians 2:15 , Paul further explains that Christ "abolished in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees." This indicates that the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Mosaic Law, which separated Jews and Gentiles, were abrogated through Christ's sacrificial death, creating unity among believers.

The Jerusalem Council

The early church grappled with the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe the Mosaic Law. This was addressed at the Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15. The council concluded that Gentile believers were not obligated to follow the entirety of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, which was a sign of the covenant with Abraham. Instead, they were advised to abstain from certain practices associated with idolatry and immorality (Acts 15:28-29).

Theological Implications

The abrogation of certain Old Testament laws under the New Covenant has significant theological implications. It underscores the belief that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ rather than adherence to the Law. This transition highlights the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers in righteousness.

Contemporary Relevance

The concept of abrogation continues to be relevant in contemporary theological discussions, particularly in understanding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. It raises questions about the applicability of Old Testament laws to modern Christian life and the nature of biblical authority and interpretation.(imp. & p. p.) of Abrogate.

The Law Abrogated; the New Testament Promised and Given by God.
... Chapter XI."The law abrogated; the New Testament promised and given by
God. "There will be no other God, O Trypho, nor was there ...
/.../chapter xi the law abrogated the.htm

Another Instance of Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Text the ...
... Paul's Text The Fulness of Time, Announced by the Apostle, Foretold by the
Prophets. Mosaic Rites Abrogated by the Creator Himself. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter iv another instance of marcions.htm

Even if the Permission had Been Given by St. Paul in the Sense ...
... For if Christ abrogated what Moses enjoined, because "from the beginning (it) was
not so;" and (if)"this being so"Christ will not therefore be reputed to ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter xiv even if the permission.htm

The Law of God
... these uses it is easy to collect how far the moral law obtains among believers and
those who are placed under the grace of Christ, and how far it is abrogated. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

Christ's Charge to his Heralds
... The letter of these instructions to the apostles has been abrogated by Christ, both
in reference to the scope of, and the equipment for, their mission (Matthew ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/christs charge to his heralds.htm

On the Sacraments of the Old Testament, the Tree of Life ...
... typically to adumbrate Christ, the true Lamb, who was to endure and bear away the
sins of the world; on which account, also, its use was abrogated by the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxi on the sacraments.htm

Excursus on the History of the Roman Law and Its Relation to the ...
... own day. This is the famous Justinian Code, which was promulgated in 529,
and abrogated all previous collections. [25]. This, however ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the history of.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... The thing I would have you now observe is, that the commandment of keeping the Sabbath
was not abrogated with the ceremonial law, but is purely moral, and the ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

Whether Food or Drink Taken Beforehand Hinders the Receiving of ...
... to represent the Lord's supper. But this is now abrogated, because as
Augustine says (Resp. ad Januar., Ep. 54), it is customary ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether food or drink taken.htm

Letter xxiii. (AD 392. )
... That "seal of the righteousness which is by faith" was of so great importance in
that dispensation before it was abrogated [1499] by the Lord's coming, that ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxiii a d 392.htm

Abrogated (1 Occurrence)
...Abrogated (1 Occurrence). Matthew 15:6 he shall be absolved from honouring his father';
and so you have abrogated God's Word for the sake of your tradition. ...
/a/abrogated.htm - 6k

Sabbath (126 Occurrences)
... institution. Change of the day or no change, the Sabbath remains as a sacred
institution the same. It cannot be abrogated. If any ...
/s/sabbath.htm - 86k

Nullify (8 Occurrences)
... Galatians 3:17 I mean that the Covenant which God had already formally made is not
abrogated by the Law which was given four hundred and thirty years later--so ...
/n/nullify.htm - 8k

God's (602 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 15:6 he shall be absolved from honouring his father'; and so you
have abrogated God's Word for the sake of your tradition. (WEY). ...
/g/god's.htm - 33k

Formally (2 Occurrences)
... Galatians 3:17 I mean that the Covenant which God had already formally made is not
abrogated by the Law which was given four hundred and thirty years later--so ...
/f/formally.htm - 7k

Covenant (309 Occurrences)
... This covenant is abrogated under the gospel, inasmuch as Christ has fulfilled all
its conditions in behalf of his people, and now offers salvation on the ...
/c/covenant.htm - 101k

Absolved (4 Occurrences)
... Absolved (4 Occurrences). Matthew 15:6 he shall be absolved from honouring his father';
and so you have abrogated God's Word for the sake of your tradition. ...
/a/absolved.htm - 7k

Abrogate (1 Occurrence)

/a/abrogate.htm - 7k

Abrogation (1 Occurrence)

/a/abrogation.htm - 6k

Sake (241 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 15:6 he shall be absolved from honouring his father';
and so you have abrogated God's Word for the sake of your tradition. ...
/s/sake.htm - 36k

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