OT Law in Today's Society

One of the categories of laws for God’s people in the Old Testament can referred to as societal or civil law. This past Sunday we referenced multiple categories of these types of laws (i.e. laws of slavery, protection against injury, restitution, social justice). Because God’s people in the Old Testament formed their own unique society as an independent nation-state, there were certain laws put in place for governance. In our day and time that distinction no longer exists because church and state are two different entities. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to know how to apply certain OT civil laws in our day and time. Below are three thoughts for how to apply these laws today.

First, it is helpful find the timeless principle behind each OT civil law. For example, OT laws about slavery provide us with a principle for using authority or influence we may have over others in ways that are characterized by compassion and kindness. Second, we must think through how each category of civil law applies specifically within the church. To continue with the example of slavery: if laws about slavery teach us about using authority well, then these can apply specifically to authority figures in the church (i.e. elders, deacons, etc.)

Finally, we must think through each category of civil law with the question of how the church should be a redeeming influence in society. Again, to use the example of slavery, we should think about how we as God’s people are to operate in “secular” spaces in which we possess authority or influence. Furthermore, we should be on the lookout for situations in which we can help those who may be suffering underneath those who may be using their authority abusively or oppressively.

Applying OT civil law today is sometimes challenging. Hopefully these three approaches will help us as we seek to understand how these laws are still able to shape us today.