A lot of Seventh-day Adventists and Torah-keeping Christians ask: If the Torah is perfect (Psalm 19:7), how did it become obsolete under the New Covenant? Why does the New Testament say Jesus fulfilled the Law? If you want to understand this deeply, let’s explore the original Hebrew terms, Jewish history, and the role of the Ten Commandments in the bigger picture.
1. Hebrew Word Study — What Does “Law” Really Mean in the Old Testament?
Torah (תּוֹרָה):
The word “Torah” doesn’t just mean “law” — it literally means “instruction” or “teaching.” Not all commands are criminal laws; some are ceremonial, sacrificial, dietary, civil, and more.
Mitzvah (מִצְוָה):
This means “commandment.” It can refer to any of the 613 laws in the Mosaic Torah.
Chok (חֹּק):
These are statutes or decrees — often without a clear explanation (like dietary laws or mixing fabrics).
Mishpat (מִשׁפָט):
These are judgments or rulings — tied to justice and legal decisions.
The point?
There isn’t just one kind of law in the Old Testament. So even if the Torah is perfect, that doesn’t mean every part of it must be kept under the New Covenant. Some parts were ceremonial and symbolic (Colossians 2:16–17).
2. Jewish History — How Did Jews View the Torah?
In Second Temple Judaism, the Torah was central to Israel’s identity. But even then, there were signs it wasn’t the final revelation.
- Jeremiah 31:31–34 — God promises a New Covenant “not like the one” at Sinai
- Ezekiel 36:26–27 — A new heart and Spirit will lead obedience, not the old written code.
Even rabbis in the Talmud believed the Messiah would bring clarity and a new phase of the covenant. Some even said the Messiah would be greater than Moses.
So when Jesus said, “I came to fulfill the Law,” He wasn’t opposing Moses — He was completing what the prophets had already foretold.
3. The Ten Commandments and the Torah
Here’s the big question: Are the Ten Commandments the same as the Torah?
- Deuteronomy 4:13 — The Ten Commandments were the covenant given at Sinai.
- Exodus 34:28 — “The words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.”
So yes, the Ten Commandments are part of the Mosaic Covenant. But that doesn’t mean they’re eternal in that form.
Jesus and the New Covenant
- Matthew 5:17 — “I came not to abolish but to fulfill.”
- Romans 10:4 — “Christ is the end (telos) of the law for righteousness to all who believe.”
Jesus didn’t just obey the law — He brought the old covenant system to its intended conclusion, introducing a new way of righteousness: by grace through faith.
Example:
- Old Covenant: “Thou shalt not murder.”
- New Covenant: “Love your enemy.”
The New Covenant goes deeper — it reflects the Spirit, not just the letter (2 Corinthians 3:6).
Conclusion: Was the Law Abolished?
It wasn’t abolished because it was bad. It was fulfilled and replaced by a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6–13). The Torah was a shadow; Christ is the substance.
- Jeremiah 31 — New Covenant
- Ezekiel 36 — New heart
- Isaiah 42 — The Servant is the Covenant
- Deuteronomy 18 — New Prophet
So if you’re a former Adventist or Torah keeper, remember:
Following Jesus isn’t rejecting the law — it’s embracing its fulfillment.
The standard is now higher: love, faith, and the Spirit.
Former Adventists Philippines
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