BY WHAT AUTHORITY DO WE OBEY THE NEW TESTAMENT?

A large number of people are confused as the role of the old and new testaments in determining religious authority today. Some religions are based upon certain parts of the Old Testament, and many others use parts of the Old Testament to justify their practices today.

The New Testament is very adamant and clear in this regard (Heb.1-10). While every word in the Old Testament is true (being inspired of God -- Mt. 5:18), we are not under it today. This statement can be clearly justified by a review of the scriptures, (Heb. 8:6-8; Col. 2:14; Eph. 2:15-16; Rom. 7:6-7; 1 Cor. 9:20-2 1; Gal. 3:23-25 and Jn. 12:48).

That God has given people different commands at different times is well understood. We understand that Adam and Eve had the command to abstain from the forbidden fruit, Noah was to build an ark, and Abraham was commanded at one point to leave his homeland. The fact that we are not under these commands does not mean that they were any less of God. It is prejudicial and dishonest to accuse Christians of not believing in the inspiration of the Old Testament because we teach that we are not under the Old Testament law.

Taking this one step further, it is clear from Gal. 5:2-12 that not only are we not under the Old Testament, but the binding of old testament doctrines after Christ died on the cross is sinful. Paul stated to Christians: “I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”

Clearer words could not be written. It should be noted that circumcision was just the detail, which represented the regression to the Old Testament. Circumcision in and of itself (i.e., not as a religious rite) was never condemned (see Acts 16:3). In addition, the Jews were free to practice any of the Old Testament traditions provided they did not bind them on the church. However, attempts to bind them were met with consistent opposition from the Apostles (See Acts 15).

The argumentation of Paul, that if we bind one part of the law we are bound to bind it all, is devastating. Not even orthodox Jews practice the entire Old Testament law. We are not free to pick and choose those parts of God’s law, which we wish to practice. Such is simultaneously adding to and taking away from God’s written word, which is condemned (Rev. 22:18-19).