Are All of the Bible’s Commands Still Relevant Today?
The Questions We Keep Asking – Post 6 of 10
“Do I really have to follow everything in the Bible?”
In a world where cultural values shift and morality seems subjective, many wonder: Are all of the Bible’s commands still binding? What about Old Testament laws? Dietary restrictions? The Ten Commandments? And if we’re under grace—not law—how do we know what still applies?
I. All Scripture Is Inspired, But Not All Commands Apply Equally
2 Timothy 3:16–17
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The entire Bible is God’s Word. Every command, story, and teaching matters. But that doesn’t mean every law is meant to be obeyed the same way under the New Covenant.
- Moral law – timeless principles (e.g., Ten Commandments)
- Ceremonial law – worship rituals (e.g., sacrifices)
- Civil law – legal code for ancient Israel
Matthew 5:17
“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.”
II. Jesus Fulfilled the Law—He Didn’t Cancel It
Romans 10:4
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Colossians 2:16–17
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
Jesus is the substance—the law pointed to Him. Now that He has come, we follow Him directly, not through shadows.
III. The Moral Commands Still Guide the Believer’s Life
Galatians 5:13–14
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
John 14:15
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
The New Testament reaffirms the moral expectations of God—honesty, purity, justice, mercy, worship, forgiveness, and love.
IV. We Are Under Grace—But Grace Trains Us to Obey
Titus 2:11–12
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Grace is not permission to disobey—it’s power to live in freedom.
V. So What Do We Do With Hard or Confusing Commands?
Some commands seem strange or specific—like head coverings or dietary restrictions. How do we interpret them?
- Interpret in context – Who was the command for?
- Compare with the New Testament – Is it reaffirmed?
- Look for God’s character – What does it reveal?
- Apply the principle – Even if the practice has changed
Reflection & Life Application
- Are you resisting God’s Word where it challenges your lifestyle?
- Do you see obedience as love—or legalism?
- Have you searched the Scriptures with the help of the Holy Spirit?
Let’s Talk About It
God’s commands are not about control—they are about life.
1 John 5:3
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”
When we understand the heart of God, obedience becomes joy—not a job.
Next Post in the Series:
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?