The Bible is composed of two main sections: the Old Testament​ and the New Testament. While the Old Testament predates the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, it makes up roughly three-quarters of the Bible and contains the foundational history, laws, poetry, and prophecies of the Jewish people. Christians, who base their faith on Jesus as the Messiah and Savior, naturally ask: does the Old Testament still apply to them?

This question has sparked centuries of theological debate. Some argue that the Old Testament is obsolete because of the New Covenant established by Jesus. Others believe that every word of the Old Testament remains essential for the Christian life. The answer is not simple, but with careful study, it is possible to find clarity. To explore this question, we must understand how Jesus and the apostles viewed the Old Testament and how Christian theology interprets its role today.

Jesus and the Old Testament

Jesus, though the founder of Christianity, was born and raised in the Jewish tradition. He lived under the Law of Moses and was deeply familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures — what Christians now call the Old Testament.

The Law and the Prophets

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus made a remarkable statement:
"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."

This statement reveals Jesus’ deep respect for the Old Testament. The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” was a common Jewish way of referring to the entire Old Testament. Jesus affirmed its authority but clarified that His mission was to fulfill its purpose. This fulfillment included completing the requirements of the Law, embodying the prophecies, and revealing the true heart behind the commandments.

A New Covenant

At the Last Supper, Jesus spoke of a "new covenant" in His blood (Luke 22:20). This new covenant echoed the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:31–34, where God promised to write His law on the hearts of His people. This indicated a shift in how God would relate to humanity — not through tablets of stone or temple rituals, but through internal transformation and direct relationship with Him.

The Apostles’ Teaching on the Old Testament

After Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles continued to preach and write under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Much of their teaching involved interpreting the Old Testament in light of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Paul’s Letters and the Law

The apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, was uniquely equipped to discuss the Law’s purpose. In Romans 7:12, he called the law “holy and righteous and good.” However, he also emphasized that the Law could not save anyone. In Galatians 3:24, Paul wrote: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.”

Paul saw the Law as a guide that pointed to Christ. Once Christ had come, believers were no longer under the law as a means of salvation or righteousness. Instead, they were saved by grace through faith.

The Old Testament as Scripture

Despite the New Covenant, the apostles continued to use the Old Testament as Scripture. They quoted from it regularly in their sermons and writings. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

At that time, the “Scripture” Paul referred to was primarily the Old Testament. This shows that the early Church still considered it authoritative and valuable for spiritual growth.

Categories of the Old Testament Law

To understand what applies to Christians today, many theologians divide the Old Testament law into three categories: moral, ceremonial, and civil laws.

Moral Law

Moral laws are universal ethical commands, such as the Ten Commandments. These laws reflect God’s holy nature and are reaffirmed in the New Testament. For example, commands against stealing, lying, and adultery are repeated by Jesus and the apostles. Christians are expected to obey these moral principles not to earn salvation, but as a response to God’s grace.

Ceremonial Law

Ceremonial laws governed Israel’s worship system, including sacrifices, dietary restrictions, and festivals. These pointed forward to Jesus and were fulfilled in Him. Hebrews 10:1 says, “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves.”

Jesus became the final sacrifice, the true Passover Lamb. Therefore, Christians are not required to follow ceremonial laws because they were fulfilled in Christ.

Civil Law

Civil laws governed Israel as a nation. They dealt with property, crime, and social justice in ancient Israelite society. While these laws are no longer binding on Christians, they reveal God's concern for justice and mercy. Principles from these laws can still inform Christian ethics, even though the specific rules do not apply directly.

What the Old Testament Offers Christians Today

Though not everything in the Old Testament applies in the same way today, it remains essential for Christian understanding and growth.

God’s Character and Plan

The Old Testament reveals the character of God — His holiness, faithfulness, mercy, and justice. It also shows His long-term plan to redeem humanity, beginning with Abraham, continuing through Israel, and culminating in Christ. Reading the Old Testament gives Christians a fuller view of who God is and what He desires.

Spiritual Lessons

The stories of people like Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets are not merely historical records. They are spiritual lessons. Romans 15:4 says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Christians learn from the successes and failures of those who came before. The Psalms provide comfort in grief. Proverbs offers wisdom for daily life. The prophets call believers to justice, faithfulness, and hope.

Connection to Jesus

Many parts of the Old Testament point to Jesus. He is the promised seed of Abraham, the Passover Lamb, the suffering servant in Isaiah, and the King in David’s line. Understanding the Old Testament deepens one’s understanding of who Jesus is and why He came.

Conclusion: A Living Testament

The Old Testament is not a relic of the past. It is a living testament that, when read through the lens of Christ, reveals God’s grand story of redemption. Christians are not under the Old Covenant law, but they are still deeply connected to its truth and beauty. The moral wisdom of the Old Testament continues to shape Christian behavior. Its stories inspire, its prophecies confirm faith, and its teachings reveal the heart of God.

For the Christian, the Old Testament is more than just background. It is a vital part of God’s Word — useful, relevant, and sacred. It applies not by binding believers to ancient rituals, but by revealing timeless truths and pointing always to Jesus, the fulfillment of every promise.