How should Christians relate to the law of Moses?

THOMAS: That’s a tricky question because Mosaic law is usually divided into at least three different segments. There is the moral law, which involves the Ten Commandments and expositions of the Ten Commandments. Then there is this civil law, which is the law that was peculiar to the state of Israel as a theocracy. And then there’s the ceremonial law, which was done away with or fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The first is the only one that’s binding upon the consciences of Christians, and that is the moral law. The Westminster Confession, which is my own confession, speaks of the “general equity” of the civil law, as it is applicable in a very different set of circumstances in a modern democratic state as opposed to a theocracy.

BINGHAM: When they say “general equity” there, is that like the general value or the general wisdom of those principles?

THOMAS: Yes. For example, you can tease out how the law would’ve been applied in a theocracy, and there may be some general moral principles that can be applied in a modern state.

This transcript is from a live Ask Ligonier event with Derek Thomas and has been lightly edited for readability. To ask Ligonier a biblical or theological question, email ask@ligonier.org or message us on Facebook or Twitter.