Galatians 5:1,18: (NLT) “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.”

Christianity is obviously founded upon the sacrifice of Jesus. The opportunity to follow him was given to both Jews and Gentiles. Because Jesus was obviously Jewish himself, the question of what to do with the requirements and sacrifices of that Old Testament Law has been discussed and disagreed on for centuries. The Jewish Law had been the centerpiece for communion with God for many centuries before Jesus came. Letting go of it was an epic challenge for many Jewish Christians.

The New Testament book of Hebrews emphatically tells us the blood of bulls and goats offered as Old Testament sacrifices could not take away sin. Those offerings provided a temporary bridge to harmony with God, and as such, needed yearly renewal. Jesus was THE sacrifice necessary for the sins of the world. That sacrifice was done once, and it was done for all. This one scriptural point clearly tells us that Jesus actually replaced the need for those temporary things. Does this provide absolute proof Jesus lifted the requirements of the Law from the shoulders of Christians? Sort of!

Jesus’ offering of himself did emphatically cancel the need for continual sacrifices required by the Jewish Law. This change helps us understand the removal of the rituals of the old Law. Interestingly, some Christians do still hold onto some of those old rituals such as tithing and physical abundance. This is actually counter-productive to the whole idea of following in Jesus’ footsteps. 

Salvation is through Jesus. It is not based on works. Salvation is a gift from God and Jesus. Maintaining our justified standing with God is also not based on keeping the Law. As Paul wrote, “For if you (believers) are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace…For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love,” Galatians 5:4,6 (NLT).

The new, spirit-begotten man is under the Law of Love. First and foremost, we are to love God. Matthew 22:37 (NKJV), “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Then we are to love each other as we love ourselves. Matthew 22:39, 40 (NKJV), “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” 

In Romans 13:10, Paul explained, “love is the fulfilling of the law.”

There is no legality involved in the law of Love. There is no list of rules, festivals, animal sacrifices, etc. Instead, Love is based on the moral principles of the Ten Commandments and on doing “all to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1330: “Do the Covenants of God All Last Forever?”
Understanding which promises are eternal promise from God and why
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1084: “Does the Old Testament Law Apply to Me?”
Understanding what to take and what to leave from the Jewish Law
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes