Does the Old Testament still matter for Christians today? Discover how God’s Law, grace, and Jesus are all part of one story.
The Law and Grace: Does the Old Testament Still Matter?
Many Christians today—especially in a modern culture like ours in Canada—wonder if the Old Testament still matters.
“Aren’t we under grace now?”
“Wasn’t the law just a failed system before Jesus came?”
It’s an understandable question, but the answer is a big, hopeful yes—the Old Testament still matters. Not just a little. A lot.
The Problem Isn’t the Law. It’s How We’ve Read the Bible.
The confusion often comes from a misunderstanding of the Bible’s big picture. We sometimes treat the Old Testament Law like a failed first draft. We imagine that God gave the Law, hoping we’d obey it and earn eternal life. When that didn’t work (because of sin), He switched to Plan B: grace.
But that’s not how the Bible tells the story.
God doesn’t do Plan Bs. The Law and the Gospel are not opposites—they’re deeply connected. The Law wasn’t a trap; it was always pointing us to Jesus. If we ignore the Old Testament, we miss the Gospel Jesus Himself preached.
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”
— Matthew 5:17 (NLT)
Jesus didn’t cancel the Law. He completed it.
What Does “The Law” Really Mean?
When Jesus talks about the Law, He’s not just talking about rules or rituals. “The Law, the Prophets, and the Writings” was the full name of what we now call the Old Testament.
Sometimes “law” means the commands (like the Ten Commandments), and sometimes it refers to the whole Old Testament story.
Here’s the key:
- The ceremonial laws (like animal sacrifices) were fulfilled by Jesus.
- The moral commands—how we love God and love others—still apply today.
Why Does the Old Testament Matter Today?
Here are three powerful reasons why God’s Law still matters—and how it all points to Jesus:
1. The Law Shows Us What’s Right and Wrong
God’s law defines sin. It’s not just a list of “don’ts”—it’s a portrait of what love looks like. When we read the commandments, we’re seeing God’s heart for justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
But here’s the problem: on our own, we can’t live up to it.
That’s where Jesus comes in. He kept the Law perfectly, showing us what obedience looks like—and offering us His righteousness in our place.
2. The Old Testament Prepares Us for Jesus
From Adam to Abraham to Moses, every story and command in the Old Testament is part of God’s one plan of salvation.
Think of them as signposts pointing to Jesus.
“From every text in Scripture there is a road to Christ.” — Charles Spurgeon
The whole Bible tells one unified story: creation, fall, promise, redemption. The Law shows our need, and Jesus shows God’s answer.
3. Jesus Gives Us Power to Obey
Before Jesus, the Law said “Do this,” but we were powerless to obey.
Now, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we can walk in obedience—not perfectly, but truly.
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
— Romans 13:10
Love is the heart of the Law, and Jesus empowers us to love as He loves.
What Happens When We Fall Short?
We will. We all do.
But that’s the beauty of grace: Jesus not only forgives our failure—He gives us the Spirit to keep going.
“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”
— Psalm 119:165
Our obedience doesn’t earn our salvation—it flows from it.
Don’t Be a Pharisee. Be Like Jesus.
The Pharisees knew the Law, but missed its meaning. They reduced it to behaviour they could manage, then advertised their own righteousness.
Jesus brought the Law back to its original purpose: loving God and others with all our heart.
He said:
“You have heard it said… but I tell you…” — Matthew 5
Jesusn wasn’t making the Law easier. He was showing us how deep it really goes—and that only He could fulfill it.
Jesus Didn’t Just Teach the Law—He Fulfilled It
Jesus didn’t come to give us a new religion. He came to:
- Fulfill the requirements of the Law by living it out.
- Die in our place, becoming the final sacrifice.
- Give us the Holy Spirit, so we can now walk in obedience.
“With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!”
— Romans 8 (MSG)
We’re no longer facing the Law alone—we’re facing it with Christ in us.
Final Thoughts: One Story, One Plan, One Saviour
God didn’t have a Plan A and a Plan B. He’s always had one plan.
The Old Testament, the Law, and Grace are all part of the same story.
- Jesus fulfilled the Law by living it perfectly.
- He fulfilled the Law by making us new.
- He fulfilled the Law by showing that love—not legalism—is the goal.
So yes, Christian—the Old Testament matters. It matters deeply.
Because Jesus is all over it.
Takeaway
Don’t ask: “Is the Old Testament relevant to my life today?”
Ask instead: “How is it relevant to my life today?”
Once you see Jesus in the Law, you’ll never read the Bible the same way again.
Bonus: Quick Study Ideas
Use these for personal devotions or small group discussions:
- 📖 Matthew 5:17–20 – What does Jesus say about the Law?
- 🔄 Romans 13:8–10 + Exodus 20 – How does love fulfill the commandments?
- 🙏 Psalm 119:165 – Pray for a renewed love of God’s Word.
- 🧭 Challenge: Find one passage in the Old Testament that points to Jesus. Share it with a friend this week.
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