3 categories of law under the old testament

The Bible
(Kalin Diyos - Words of God)

In the old testament, there were 3 categories of law.  These are:

• The ceremonial law - It is related specifically to Israel's worship (see Leviticus 1:2, 3 for example).  Its primary purpose was to point forward to Jesus Christ; these laws, therefore, were no longer necessary after Jesus' death and resurrection.  While we are no longer bound by ceremonial laws, the principles behind them - to worship and love a holy God - still apply.  Jesus was often accused by the Pharisees of violating ceremonial law.

• The civil law - It is applied to daily living in Israel (see Deuteronomy 24:10, 11 for example).  Because modern society and culture are so radically different from that time and setting, all of these guidelines cannot be followed specifically.  But the principles behind the commands are timeless and should guide our conduct.  Jesus demonstrated these principles by example.

• The moral law - One example is the Ten Commandments.  It is the direct command of God, and it requires strict obedience (see Exodus 20:13 for example).  The moral law reveals the nature and will of God, and it still applies today.  Jesus obeyed the moral law completely.