Christians Under the Law of Christ

Christian service, Israel, Living by Faith, Ministry, Righteous Living 4 Minutes

The Bible teaches that Christians today are not under the Mosaic Law but are governed by the Law of Christ (Gal 6:2). The apostle Paul states, “you are not under law but under grace” (Rom 6:14), and again, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom 10:4). The Mosaic Law was given exclusively to the nation Israel as part of a covenant made at Sinai (Ex 19:5-6; Deut 5:1-3). Moses wrote, “These are the statutes and ordinances and laws which the Lord established between Himself and the sons of Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai” (Lev 26:46). The Mosaic Law was never intended as a universal code for all people or for all time. With the death of Christ, that covenant—and the law that sustained it—was rendered inoperative (Eph 2:15; Heb 8:13). Though the Law remains part of inspired Scripture and is valuable for teaching (2 Tim 3:16), it no longer functions as the rule of life for those who are in Christ. Fruchtenbaum correctly states, “The Law of Moses has been disannulled and we are now under a new law. This new law is called the Law of Christ in Galatians 6:2 and the Law of the Spirit of Life in Romans 8:2. This is a brand new law, totally separate from the Law of Moses.” (A. G. Fruchtenbaum, Israelology, 650).

Throughout history, God has governed people through various legal systems suited to their time and purpose. Adam was under the Edenic command, Noah operated under a broader moral framework, and Abraham walked by faith apart from any codified law (Gen 15:6; 26:5). Then, at Mount Sinai, Israel received the Mosaic Law—a national, theocratic code containing moral, civil, and ceremonial regulations (Ex 19-40; Lev 1-27; Num 5-6, 15, 18-19, 28-30; Deut 1-34). This law set Israel apart from the Gentiles and defined the covenantal obligations of the nation under God’s direct rule. Gentiles were never placed under this law, and the Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles in one spiritual body (1 Cor 10:32; 12:13), was never brought under it either (Rom 2:14; 6:14).

God’s dealings with mankind have unfolded in stages, each marked by new revelation and responsibility. While His character remains immutable, the way He governs and communicates with humanity has changed. This is evident in shifting commands about sacrifices, Sabbath observance, priesthood, and food laws. The sacrificial system, once essential under the Mosaic Law, is now obsolete due to Christ’s once-for-all atonement (Heb 10:10-14). Believers today are under the Law of Christ (Gal 6:2; 1 Cor 9:21), which consists of the commands and teachings given by Jesus (John 13–17) and His apostles (Romans to Revelation 3).

The New Testament teaches that Christians, though not under the Levitical system, are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Pet 2:5). These include the presentation of our bodies as living and holy sacrifices, set apart for God’s purposes (Rom 12:1); the continual offering of praise and thanksgiving, described as “the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15); and acts of goodness and generosity, which are also called pleasing sacrifices to God (Heb 13:16). Evangelism and discipleship are viewed as priestly offerings, as Paul described his ministry to the Gentiles as a kind of spiritual service (Rom 15:16). Additionally, financial giving is described as “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice” that pleases God (Phil 4:18). These offerings are not performed to gain or retain salvation, but flow from hearts already justified by grace through faith, seeking to honor the Lord in every area of life (1 Cor 10:31).

At the heart of this present age is the message of grace. Eternal life is the free gift of God (Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9), received by faith alone (John 3:16; Rom 3:28) in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Jesus is the eternal Son of God (John 1:1; Heb 1:8), who became fully Human (John 1:14; Col 2:9), and lived a sinless life (1 John 3:5). The gospel declares that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4). Those who believe in Him are justified before God apart from works of the Law (Rom 3:28; 4:5). Salvation is not earned by law-keeping, ritual observance, or moral improvement. It is granted entirely on the basis of what Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection. Faith in Jesus is the only condition, and once exercised, it results in the permanent possession of eternal life (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:47; 10:28).

Christians today live under the Law of Christ (Gal 6:2; 1 Cor 9:21), which is made up of the commands and teachings delivered by Christ (John 13–17) and His apostles (Romans to Revelation 3). According to Fruchtenbaum, “The Law of Christ contains all the individual commandments from Christ and the Apostles applicable to a New Testament believer.” (A. G. Fruchtenbaum, Israelology, 650). While all Scripture is inspired and instructive, only certain portions are directive for how Christians are to live under the Law of Christ. While we study the whole counsel of God, we must interpret and apply Scripture in light of where we stand in God’s plan: as members of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27), indwelt by the Spirit (1 Cor 3:16), and called to walk in love and holiness (Eph 5:1-2; 1 Pet 1:15-16). We do not return to Sinai for sanctification—we go forward, empowered by grace, as we serve the Lord in newness of life (Rom 7:6).

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div., B.Sc.

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Published by Dr. Steven R. Cook

Dr. Steven R. Cook is a Christian educator. He is protestant, conservative, and dispensational. Studies in the original languages of Scripture, ancient history, and systematic theology have been the foundation for Steven’s teaching and writing ministry. He has written several Christian books, dozens of articles on Christian theology, and recorded more than seven hundred hours of audio and video sermons. Steven currently serves as professor of Bible and Theology at Tyndale Theological Seminary, and hosts weekly Bible studies at his home in Texas. Steven’s ministry activity is entirely voluntary (articles, blogs, podcasts, and video lessons), as he works a full time job as a Case Manager for a local nonprofit agency that helps the elderly and disabled in the community.

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