Do Old Testament Laws Still Apply Today?

One of the first questions a Jewish person faces upon receiving Jesus as Messiah is whether or not to keep the Old Testament laws. Most Jewish believers understand that the law was a "tutor" (Gal. 3) and that salvation has nothing to do with keeping Kosher. However, many still feel the need to confirm their Jewishness through "keeping" the Torah.

Therefore, it is important to not judge anyone as "legalistic" who chooses to observe Jewish traditions. For many Jewish believers it is a way to connect to their Jewish heritage in a way that they had never done. However, if a Jewish believer chooses to go to a traditional church and eat a "BLT" for lunch, they should not be considered as less than what they are - a Jewish person who has received Jesus as Messiah.

Because the answer to the title question is both "Yes" and "No." We as believers in Jesus (Jew or Gentile) should observe and practice the moral laws (i.e., Exodus 20). However, the ceremonial laws dealing with sacrifices and Temple worship were fulfilled (Matt. 5:17-20) by the death and resurrection of Jesus and cannot be followed.

Any attempt to develop a complete answer to this question is impossible. The Laws of Moses were given by God for perpetuity. The means of observance is the question that each Jewish (and Gentile) believer must answer for themselves. The important thing is to remember that the Law can never save - that is the job of the Messiah Jesus.