Question:
Was the Mosaic Law intended to be passed down to us as a divine law? If so, why did Christ modify certain aspects of it, such as the laws regarding divorce and the principle of “an eye for an eye”? If the Mosaic Law was not meant for us, are we still obligated to follow its dietary regulations?
Answer:
Among the various precepts given by the Lord through Moses, some carry a distinctly spiritual essence, such as the calls to love and obey God. Others serve as civil ordinances designed to protect individual rights from the greed and oppression of the wicked, including laws on usury and land use. There are also ceremonial laws that govern sacrifices and offerings, symbolizing future events. Additionally, certain laws promote both the spiritual and physical well-being of God’s people, addressing matters like dietary regulations and health issues.
It’s important to recognize that the civil ordinances ceased to apply with the end of the Jewish state. Similarly, the ceremonial laws became obsolete at the cross, along with specific technical laws regarding food consumption. However, the moral principles and the foundations of human health remain timeless. One cannot eat and drink in a manner that honors God (1 Corinthians 10:31) while ignoring His clear teachings about food and health. For example, the prohibition against consuming swine’s flesh —swine are considered unclean and unsuitable for food. An informed individual will seek to heed the wisdom that God has “written aforetime” for our learning (Romans 15:4) in such matters.
