Why Eating Shrimp Isn't a Sin

THE PURPOSE OF THE MOSAIC LAW 

by Chris Durkin

A recent question from a young Christian man living in the Middle East: Why don't Christians follow the ceremonial and other types of stricter laws found in the Old Testament? How do we know which commands transfer over? Such as marrying a certain number of people, tithing, getting tattoos, eating certain foods and exacting God's violent wrath on sinful peoples, much as he commanded the Israelites to do. 

FIRST: What is the purpose of the law? 

The purpose of the law has always been to reveal God's holiness. As the prophets declare, the LORD God is Holy, Holy, Holy (Isaiah 6:3) and as the apostles proclaim He lives in unapproachable light (1 Tim 6:15-16). In fact, the purpose of all creation is to reveal God’s goodness, majesty and holiness (Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:20).

This Holy God revealed His character in the law and gave the law to Israel to communicate His covenant relationship with them (Exodus 19:3-6). God’s purpose was to have a people "set apart" (i.e. holy) for His own glory (Deuteronomy 7:6-9) - a people that would abstain from sin, forsake the pagan idolatry of the surrounding nations and worship the LORD God alone (Psalm 81). 

To a lesser degree, overflowing from this basic foundation, the law was given to provide legal parameters for agriculture, justice and economics, as well as, to protect God’s chosen people from disease and instruct them in proper worship.

It is crucially important to emphasize that the law was never meant to be a means of salvation or capable of offering salvation. From beginning to end, salvation has always been act of God received through repentance and faith.

He (the LORD) took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars —if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.  -Genesis 15:5-6

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. –Psalm 51:16-17

“The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feastsmy soul hates…

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” 

–Isaiah 1:11-14,18

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,

yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  -Isaiah 53:4-6

“‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. -Ezekiel 36:24-27

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” –Joel 2:12-13

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”… This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”  The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.  -Romans 4:22-25

The hope of salvation has always been that God would send a prophet, a priest, a king, the MESSIAH who would redeem his people. Faith in God as savior was always the mode of salvation. In fact, every part of the law, the ceremonial rituals, the offerings, the priesthood, the monarcy, the temple, the sabbath... all point to the Messiah. In Christ, all of these have been ultimately and perfectly and effectively and eternally fulfilled. 

So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this…  I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” –Genesis 3:14-15

I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. –Deuteronomy 18:18

When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.  -2 Samuel 7:12-13

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. –Isaiah 9:6

I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

–Matthew 12:6-8

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  –Luke 24:25-27

And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. –John 5:37-40

Now that the redeemer has come and offered himself as the ultimate substitute for our sin, we can have life through him. The Bible describes Jesus as the last Adam (Romans 5:12-21, 1 Cor 15:45) offered as the sacrificial lamb (John 1:29) for the remission of sins (1 John 2:1-2) appeasing the wrath of God (Romans 3:21-26) so that the curtain is now torn (Mark 15:38) and through faith we have a righteousness that is not our own but Christ's (2 Corinthians 5:21).  

SECOND: How do we understand the Mosaic Law through the lens of Christ and the New Covenant?

This important question seemed to be a place of constant theological tension for the early church. Israel’s identity and worship had become so deeply imbedded with the letter of the law that they missed the Law-giver in their midst. Consequently, they had a very difficult time adjusting to how the coming of the Messiah meant the fulfillment of the law.

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” –Matthew 5:17-20

If taken out of context, this passage would seem to suggest that nothing of the Old Covenant has changed or will change with the advent of the Messiah King. And to an extent, that is true. The emphasis is not how on Jesus changed the law, but how he preceded the law and how he fulfills the law. In fulfilling the law, we now know much of the law was but a “shadow” of things to come. Because of Christ, the passage in Ezekiel 36 referenced above, has come to fruition. See also these essentials passages:

        

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross…

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. –Colossians 2:13-17

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. –Hebrews 10:1-4

The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise…

What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one…

Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

-Galatians 3:16-25

THIRD: How do we know what Old Testament laws still apply to Christians today?

Once again, the issue with the New Covenant is not that Jesus replaced the old laws (as if they were outdated) with new laws. The means of reconciliation was always the promise that God would send a messiah to redeem His people from their sins. We are sinners by both nature and choice and it is only through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross that we can experience true transformation in our hearts and minds.

So when Jesus arrives on the scene in the Gospel of Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount is all about excavating the sin in people’s hearts (i.e. “You have it heard said ____, but I tell you”). While many associate the Old Testament with law and the New Testament with grace, Jesus teaching’s on the Sermon on the Mount are much more difficult to obey then that of the Old Testament law! That is because Christ’s teachings demand internal devotion and not just external religion. It moves beyond actions to attitudes.

Throughout the New Testament we see how the fulfillment of the law and the good news of Jesus Christ led to a new understanding of some of the Old Testament institutions.

For example, Jesus declared Himself “Lord of the Sabbath.” He is greater than the Sabbath and can deviate from a strict understanding of the Sabbath if someone is in trouble (Matt 12:1-14). Also, physical circumcision does not mean as much as the circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:28-29). Jesus’ disciples would encourage the early church to not get barred down with debates over the Sabbath or other controversies because they do not lead to greater devotion to Christ.

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm…

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.  -1 Timothy 1:3-11

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand…

One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. –Romans 14:1-8

Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it”… So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. -1 Corinthians 10:25-26, 31-33

In regards to the specifics of certain issues like marriage or dietary laws, a careful student of the New Testament will be able to discern what is explicitly taught and what has now become a matter of conscience.

For example, Christians do not support polygamy because Christ expressly taught that marriage should be between one man and one woman for life (Matthew 19:4-6).

Christians can eat shellfish and pork without a guilty conscience because God clearly allows it in Acts 10 (an important chapter to read on this issue) and Jesus taught it is not what goes into a man’s mouth that makes him unclean, but what comes out of man’s mouth that makes him unclean (Matthew 15:10-11).

About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. -Acts 10:9-16

Christians should not extract vengeance on their enemies, but love their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). In fact, when we love our enemies we are exhibiting the same kind of love that Christ showed us on the cross (Romans 5:6-10).

The New Testament does not give an exact percentage on how much someone should tithe, but warns that we cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13) and it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Many Christians take the Old Testament rubric of 10% as a guide but, again, this is a matter of conscience. It would be easy to make a strong argument that Christians should be giving at least 10% to the mission of the church.

Christians debate about whether Leviticus 19:28 prohibits all believers in every era to forsake tattoos. I personally do not think tattoos are ideal, simply because we are made in the image of God and inking our body may tarnish that which was fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). But I honestly cannot quote Leviticus 19:28 and say it is a sin to get a tattoo. Oddly enough, when some Christians do that they are not obeying the preceding verse which commands Israelites to never trim the hair on the side of their heads or their beards.

LASTLY: It is also important to emphasize the spiritual power of the law to sanctify the regenerate heart. Even if many of the laws of the Old Testament are not still "in effect," simply reflecting upon God's Word in Scripture leads to greater devotion to God's Word incarnate: Jesus Christ.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. –James 1:25

Perhaps of paramount importance, the New Testament emphasizes the purpose of the law is to reveal God’s holiness and our utter depravity. Religion prides itself on comparing our good deeds to that of your neighbor. The law forces us to compare ourselves with the Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty. It is then we realize how desperately we need to be saved. Ultimately, the law reveals our sin so that the Gospel can reveal our savior.

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

-Romans 3:20-22