The Old Testament

We believe that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God and valuable for study, learning, and guidance. As to Old Testament feasts, festivals, ceremonial sabbaths, and ordinances, however, we believe they foretold Christ and have been fulfilled in Him and are no longer required to be observed by believers.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Colossians 2:16-17 — Galatians 4:9-11 ¹⁾

We believe in the power and practicality of the Holy Scriptures, for “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) This assures us that every part of the Bible is inspired by God, making it valuable for guiding us in matters of doctrine, morality, and practical living. The Scriptures equip us for every good work, providing the necessary teaching, reproof, correction, and training that we need to live a righteous and purposeful life according to God's will.

The Old Testament is rich with laws, sabbaths, feasts, and festivals of a ceremonial nature that served specific purposes in the lives of the Israelites. However, the coming of Christ changed the way believers relate to these practices, as He fulfilled their symbolic meaning. It is essential to understand why ceremonial laws and observances are no longer required for believers.

The ceremonial laws, including various sabbaths connected to the religious calendar (not to be confused with the seventh-day Sabbath of the commandment), were intimately tied to the symbolism and foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Events such as the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Day of Atonement served as teaching tools, helping people understand the coming Messiah and His sacrificial mission. Once Christ arrived and completed His work, these practices were no longer necessary, as their purpose was fulfilled in Him.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes this point in Colossians 2:16-17, writing, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or sabbath days – these are only the shadow of the things to come, but the reality is Christ.” Here, Paul highlights that the Old Testament practices were merely shadows pointing to the reality of Christ. Thus, with the fulfillment of their purpose in Jesus, believers are no longer required to observe these ceremonial laws and practices.

In contrast to the ceremonial laws, the Ten Commandments hold a unique position within the Old Testament law. They represent the moral foundation that governs human relationships with both God and one another. Unlike the ceremonial laws and observances, the Ten Commandments are not set aside with the coming of Christ. Instead, they continue to serve as guiding principles for believers, demonstrating the moral standards expected by God.

The reason for this distinction lies in the nature and purpose of the Ten Commandments. While the ceremonial laws and observances served as a symbolic representation of the coming Messiah, the Ten Commandments embody timeless moral values that extend beyond the confines of the Old Covenant. Jesus Himself affirmed the ongoing relevance of the Commandments when He stated in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them.” Christ's life and teachings exemplified the essence of the Commandments, and He called His followers to live by these principles.

Regarding the Sabbath, there is a distinction between the Commandment Sabbath and the various other ceremonial sabbaths observed in the Old Testament. The Commandment Sabbath, as the fourth commandment, is a day of rest and reflection on God's creation and provision. This day was established as a pattern for all humanity, as illustrated in Genesis 2:2-3, when God rested on the seventh day after completing His creation.

In contrast, the ceremonial sabbaths were specific to the Israelite religious calendar and were tied to various feasts and festivals. The difference between the Commandment Sabbath and the ceremonial sabbaths is important to understand when considering the relationship between the Old Testament and the teachings of Christ. While the ceremonial sabbaths were fulfilled in Jesus and are no longer required for believers, the Commandment Sabbath, as part of the Ten Commandments, remains a guiding principle for moral living.

And so, the ceremonial laws, feasts, and festivals of the Old Testament have been fulfilled in Christ and are no longer required to be observed by believers. On the other hand, the Ten Commandments, including the Commandment Sabbath, serve as the moral foundation for believers, continuing to guide Christians in their relationships with God and others. These Commandments embody the moral values that Christ Himself taught and demonstrated, ensuring their ongoing relevance for believers.

As followers of Jesus, our focus should be on living a life that reflects the grace, freedom, and moral standards He has so generously given to us. While we can appreciate the historical and instructional significance of the Old Testament ceremonial laws, feasts, and festivals, we must remember that their purpose has been fulfilled in Christ. Our relationship with God is now built on faith in Jesus and His redemptive work, rather than observing rituals that have been completed in Him.

In essence, the transformation brought about by Jesus' life, death, and resurrection has shifted the believer's focus from the Old Testament practices to the living embodiment of God's love and grace in Christ. As we continue our walk with Jesus, let us cherish the moral guidance provided by the Ten Commandments while celebrating the freedom and new life we have in Him.

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