Expert: Brenda Martin - 2/6/2010

Question
Brenda,
You say the laws are done away with and they were only for the Jews.
Does this mean if I am not a Jew who lived before Christ's death I am free to commit murder and adultery, and theft, and worship whatever God I wish and treat other badly as well as covet their wives and homes and lie whenever I wish since I do not have to keep the Sabbath? All of which are God's commandments. Or are you saying we get to pick and choose which laws we get to follow? Do you ever stop to think about what you are assuming? How can one commandment be abolished without the others?

Answer
How can one commandment be abolished without the others?

Jesus introduced a “new covenant,” based on the better sacrifice of his own perfect human life. Christians come under this new covenant and are subject to Christian laws. (Hebrews 8:7-13; Luke 22:20) Many of these laws have been taken from the law of Moses.

To illustrate--The constitution under an old government might be canceled and replaced, but the new constitution may keep many of the laws of the old one. In a similar way, the Law covenant came to an end, but MANY (not all) of its basic laws and principles were adopted into Christianity.

Note how this is the case as you read the Ten Commandments, and then compare them with the following Christian laws and teachings:

“It is Jehovah your God you must worship.” (Matthew 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:20-22)
“Guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21; 1 Corinthians 10:14)
“Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified (Matthew 6:9)
“Children, be obedient to your parents.” (Ephesians 6:1, 2)

And the Bible makes clear that murder, committing adultery, stealing, lying and coveting are also against the laws for Christians.—Revelation 21:8; 1 John 3:15; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; Ephesians 4:25, 28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Luke 12:15; Colossians 3:5.

So Christians are urged to “fulfill the law of the Christ,” rather than to keep the Ten Commandments. (Galatians 6:2) Jesus gave many commands and instructions, and by our obeying them we are keeping or fulfilling his law. In particular, Jesus stressed the importance of love. (Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:34, 35) Yes, to love others is a Christian law. It is the basis of the entire law of Moses, as the Bible says: “The entire Law stands fulfilled in one saying, namely: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’”—Galatians 5:13, 14; Romans 13:8-10.

The law given through Moses, with its Ten Commandments, was a righteous set of laws from God. And even though we are not under that law today, the divine principles behind it are still of great value to us. By studying and applying them we will grow in appreciation for the great Lawgiver Jehovah God. But especially should we study and apply in our lives Christian laws and teachings. Love for Jehovah will move us to obey all that he now requires of us.—1 John 5:3.

all the best
Brenda