Jesus: The End of the Old Covenant Laws
The Law Ended with Christ or is Fading Away.
Starting in the Old Testament. The LAW is NOT forever.
Jeremiah 3:15-16 CSB
I will give you shepherds who are loyal to me, and they will shepherd you with knowledge and skill. [16] When you multiply and increase in the land, in those days—this is the LORD’s declaration—no one will say again, “The ark of the LORD’s covenant.” It will never come to mind, and no one will remember or miss it. Another one will not be made.
Hebrews 7:11-12,15-16,18-19,22 CSB
Now if perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to appear, said to be according to the order of Melchizedek and not according to the order of Aaron? [12] For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well. [15] And this becomes clearer if another priest like Melchizedek appears, [16] who did not become a priest based on a legal regulation about physical descent but based on the power of an indestructible life. [18] So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable [19] (for the law perfected nothing), but a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. [22] Because of this oath, Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.
And…
2 Corinthians 3:7-11 CSB
Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside, [8] how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? [9] For if the ministry that brought condemnation had glory, the ministry that brings righteousness overflows with even more glory. [10] In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it. [11] For if what was set aside was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.
The Law's Purpose Until Jesus
Galatians 3:19-26 CSB
Why, then, was the law given? It was added for the sake of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator. [20] Now a mediator is not just for one person alone, but God is one. [21] Is the law therefore contrary to God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if the law had been granted with the ability to give life, then righteousness would certainly be on the basis of the law. [22] But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin’s power, so that the promise might be given on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ to those who believe. [23] Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. [24] The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. [25] But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, [26] for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.
The Law Ends for Those Who Believe
Romans 10:2-4 CSB
I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. [3] Since they are ignorant of the righteousness of God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. [4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes,
Hebrews 10:1,9-10 CSB
Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the reality itself of those things, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year. [9] he then says, See, I have come to do your will. He takes away the first to establish the second. [10] By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.
Hebrews 8:13 CSB
By saying a new covenant, he has declared that the first is obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old is about to pass away.
Romans 6:14 CSB
For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace.
Jesus Himself is the End of the Old Covenant Laws and Rituals
Ephesians 2:14-15 CSB
For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, [15] he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace.
Galatians 5:18 CSB
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Luke 16:16 CSB
The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then, the good news of the kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is urgently invited to enter it.
The Law of Christ: A Believer's New Standard
1 Corinthians 9:20-21 CSB
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law-though I myself am not under the law -to win those under the law. [21] To those who are without the law, like one without the law-though I am not without God's law but under the law of Christ-to win those without the law.
The Bible references a new covenant that supersedes the outdated laws and regulations. The former method of living by laws written on stone has been replaced by a new way of life through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the termination of the old covenant’s laws and rituals. The law was given to reveal people’s sins, but it served a temporary purpose until the arrival of the prophesied child from God. Now, through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God’s promise of liberation and no longer require the law as our guardian. Ultimately, for believers, Christ is the conclusion of the law for righteousness. This is a magnificent transformation, where the Holy Spirit provides life and the new way, which lasts eternally, brings even greater glory than the old way.
Questions that Challenge Your Current Understanding
- Considering that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4), how does this shift your perspective on the significance of Jesus in relation to Old Covenant laws?
- In Hebrews 8:13, it's mentioned that by establishing a new covenant, the first one becomes obsolete. How does this align with popular beliefs or misconceptions about the continuous application of Old Covenant laws?
- Given that "The Law and the Prophets were until John" (Luke 16:16), how does this inform our understanding of the temporary nature of the Old Covenant's laws and rituals in relation to the eternal Gospel message?
- 1 Corinthians 9:21 speaks of being "under the law of Christ." How does this new standard differ from the Old Covenant laws, and how should believers navigate this in their daily lives?
- In what ways have you encountered or perceived the law as a permanent, unchanging standard? How do the passages provided challenge or reshape those views?