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Are we to follow the law of the Jews?

 Submitted: 2/20/2008
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Question: Romans 2:14-29, as I understand it, is that Gentiles ever since do not have the law, this includes all law in the Bible, Moses law and even moral law, for they were given to Jews. Following Acts 15 we are not required to obey such. However, as believer now in Christ, you are right and I say we are ordained in good works. Loving thy neighbor fulfills all the moral law for us. Does this include as well that we are not to follow the law of Jews like (first fruits, tithes, dress code, and many more)?
Answer: We are to follow the teachings of the New Testament which show us how to please God and how reveal Him to the world. This is the essence of what it means to live as a believer in Jesus Christ. We must keep in mind that many of the principles that underlie the New Testament teachings are from the Old Testament. God's standards of proper conduct did not change just because He came in the flesh. What did change was the ceremonial aspects of the law. This means that we do not need to keep the Passover or the Sabbath or practice circumcision. These were all fulfilled in Christ. He is our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7); He is the one who gives us rest (Matthew 11:28); and we are spiritually circumcized through baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:11-12). It also means that we should continue to keep ourselves from adultery or lying or stealing (Ephesians 4:25-28 and 5:3). These have always been wrong and always will be. Other matters such as tithing and dressing in accord with ones gender are principles that were established in the Old Testament and assumed in the New. There is no reason to believe they suddenly vanished with the coming of Christ.


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