Key Terms
Moral Law — Commands that reflect God's eternal character — like prohibitions against murder, theft, and adultery. These principles apply across all times.
Civil Law — Laws that governed Israel as a nation — like property rules, court procedures, and penalties. These applied to ancient Israel's specific situation.
Ceremonial Law — Laws about worship, sacrifices, cleanness, and the temple system — fulfilled in Christ and no longer binding in their original form
Underlying Principle — The timeless truth behind a specific ancient law — the reason God gave the command, which may still apply even when the specific practice does not
Key Concepts
- Not all Old Testament laws apply the same way to Christians today
- Moral, civil, and ceremonial law — a helpful (though imperfect) framework
- Look for the underlying principle behind the specific command
Scripture Focus
Deuteronomy 22:8
Leviticus 19:19
Matthew 5:17-20
Galatians 3:23-25
Learning Objectives
- Explain how Old Testament laws functioned in their original context — as covenant rules for Israel's national and religious life
- Use the moral/civil/ceremonial framework as a starting point for determining what carries forward to the Christian life
- Identify the underlying principle behind specific Old Testament commands and show how that principle applies today
Resources
Download the companion handout for this lesson to review key terms and concepts offline.
Download Lesson Handout (PDF)