Why do Christians follow some OT laws and not others?

Question

I mean, we observe 9 of the Ten Commandments but most Christians do not observe the Sabbath. We observe some of the other laws, like not having sexual relations with others of the same gender, and not having relations with animals or relatives. There are many others as well that we observe. But why do we pick and choose which ones are most convenient for us? Most Christians eat pork, shellfish, and other forbidden foods and never think twice about it.
Of course the sacrificial regulations were done away with because of Jesus's death. But what about the laws that have nothing to do with sacrifice? What about the Holy days we've replaced with pagan holidays?
So somebody who knows please tell me why we pick which laws we're going to obey, and forget about the ones that don't suit us or our lifestyles? And we DO still obey some laws, or else we'd all run around killing and raping all the time! If it's only because these things are illegal, why should they be if God approves them now?

Someone said many people do observe all the laws...Not many Christians that I've met do! I know because I've looked for 12 years to find a church that does.

I have attended Bible Studies and have not gotten a good answer yet. I have read and studied my Bible (and prayed for answers) for about 12 yrs. regarding this. Because the Catholic church said so isn't good enough for me. I've read the entire book of Acts several times, and God hasn't shown me a definite answer yet.
Someone said some of the laws were for health.....has the human body changed so much that what used to be unhealthy is healthy now?

No I'm not SDA, although I attended a SDA church for awhile in my search for a church that did follow the Bible to the letter. I couldn't agree that EGW was a prophetess so I left.
It was WHILE I was working on my relationship with God that I discovered all this. The closer I get to Him the more amazing things He shows me. As Christians, shouldn't we try to please him in every way possible?

Answer 1

Because most Christians like to follow whatever their preacher says and the traditions of the church more than they like to follow the word of God.

"'And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.' He said to them, 'All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.'" (Mark 7:7 - 9 NKJV)

Answer 2

I take it you are a seventh day adventist or have been hanging around them. I believe that the sabbath is not a day of the week but a person (Christ) study this and you will see what I mean (I hope) Also we are living under a new covenant not a hopped up old covenant. How about letting the Holy Spirit that does live in you guide you and govern you. God is a happy God and if you will work on relationship instead of trying to jump through hoops to keep him pleased with you life will be much better for you. For an interesting study look up the perfect law of liberty in your bible and you will find a lot of freedom there.

Answer 3

well, ur right in questioning the attitude of most Christians...choosing to follow some and neglecting others, when it does'nt fit in with their lifestyle....

the sad fact is that God's laws have never been and never will be "relative", they were absolute....they do not change over time....

I am neither an SDA, nor a Jew, but i keep ALL the 10 commandments, including and especially the Sabbath....the 10 commandments were God's moral laws that were not given at Sinai, as most Christians believe, but right at creation.....
ppl believe ALL the old testament laws were abolished at the cross...thats satan's deception....there was, in fact one type of laws which was abolished...

1.The first set of laws were written by the fingers of God on tablets of stone and kept inside the ark of the covenant. these were not given at sinai, (as many believe) but right at creation.
These laws will hold good even in the millenial rule of Christ, until the new heaven and new earth.....they are called the Ten Commandments.....

2. The second set of laws were written down by Moses as instructed by God on leaves and placed by the side of the ark of the Covenant, but OUTSIDE....these laws are also called mosaic laws. Deu 31:24-26

it is these laws which were actually abolished at the cross....

satan's modus operandi has always been this : take half truth, merge it with half falsehood and present it so subtly, that ppl wouldnt know......if only all believers went to the Bible with a sincere heart and search the truth, we would have a major revival.....

Answer 4

A lot of the OT stuff only applies to Jews. According to some, the only laws that apply to gentiles are the Noahide laws, which God gave to Moses after the Flood. They are more-or-less similar to the Ten Commandments, but a bit more relaxed. For example, you don't have to believe in God, you just can't have another God before Him.

In addition, some Christians believe that the Jesus essentially brokered a new convenant with God, so the OT stuff no longer applies, except as a guide to what God wants. Other than that, there is certainly a lot of selective quoting going on :-)

Answer 5

Looking forward to seeing the answers. I've often wondered the same thing. Besides worshiping only one God, the laws are the most important part of the Bible. The Israelites were the first nation on earth to have written laws of protection that applied to all people -- for the first time ever, leaders were not above the law.
The laws are in the Bible and case law is in the Talmud. Why were Catholics forbidden to read it? Why did the Catholics burn every copy they could find.

Answer 6

Many of the moral standards set out in the Ten Commandments were restated in the inspired books of the Christian Greek Scriptures. ( however, none restating the sabbath law.) There is no evidence in the Scriptures that Christians were commanded to observe a sabbath.
It would have been made very clear if it were vital for God’s approval because of what the apostle Paul said: “I have not held back from telling you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27) Despite all the counsel and instructions he gave the Christian congregation, he said nothing about sabbath observance as being required of Christians. In his letters to Timothy and Titus he details things that are required of persons appointed to positions of oversight in the Christian congregation, but he makes no mention of sabbath observance. Since he told “all the counsel of God” for Christians but did not mention sabbath observance, we must conclude that God does not require it of Christians.—1 Tim. 3:2-7; Titus 1:7-9.

Answer 7

Hey, Married, I got a couple of books to refer you to. It might be easier than Bible studies.

Short answer: The Bible is a revelation that unfolds through the years. Occasionally the program changes. That's why we don't do animal sacrifices anymore, even though if Christians want to get all over people about obeying the 10 Commandments, if they want to be consistent, they should do that too, at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Things That Differ by CR Stam...is online, so you don't need to buy it to read it. That's the link under "Sources."

Classic Christianity by Bob George

Answer 8

I think some Christians do not have a testimony of keeping the Sabbath holy or what a difference in spiritual attitudes and energy it can make. It's easy to quote Jesus and say how the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath, not realizing that it doesn't mean we get to do everything we want that day. It is a day of rest, but not recreation or shopping. Having said that, I admit right off the bat I have a weakness for watching TV and movies on Sunday night, not sports, though, and more often than not it is family-oriented movies. In fact, I watched "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" last night, and "Ben Hur" the week before that. But the week before that I went to a fireside to hear a musician and a choir who had put together a musical program about Jesus Christ and Peter. By the way, I am grateful there are some service industries open on Sunday, like when you are traveling and have to stop for gas (although that can be minimized if you fill up last thing on Saturday night) or if you have to go to the emergency room (which has happened a few times). As far as the laws in the Old Testament go, I think we have to realize some are part of the Mosaic Law of Sacrifice, and when Jesus Christ finished the Infinite Atonement, He indicated that He had fulfilled the law of Moses. As far as pork goes, I like bacon and tomato sandwiches, but my sister-in-law will not eat bacon because of something she read about it. I am not so worried about what days holidays are celebrated on, as long as we remember what the purpose of the holidays are. If you are referring to Christmas, I like seeing Christians celebrate something all at once. I suspect after the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we will have a different way to celebrate holidays anyway. To me, I think it is important to listen to the Holy Ghost, and because I believe in a living prophet, I choose to believe what he says and honor the Sabbath day on Sunday by going to church and listening to Christian music or Classical and staying away from recreational places or shopping. I am not perfect at it by any means, but I'm trying, as I'm sure all of us are. Have a happy day. (Mormon point of view, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Answer 9

The people in the OT were under a covenant with God, when Christ came he became the new covenant. Christians are not bound by the old covenant. We do still follow the 10 Commandments or at least we try to. Christ said the most important command is to love the Lord God with all your heart,soul, and mind. The next is to love others. If you can do those you are doing well!

Answer 10

You've asked a great question! In the new testament, Jesus came and his salvation was the replacement for the law.

In Galatians 5:13-15 It brings up why we no longer have to be bound by the law. The law originally was formed out of love for the Children of Isreal and their protection (such as health laws) but after Christ came, we are now under the law of Love.

That law means that everything we do as Christians must be governed by the Law of Agape Love.

Answer 11

Jesus fulfilled the law, and technically christians are not under any old testament law. The OT Law was for the Jews. However there were many moral laws in the OT Law that show what God says is right and wrong. Christians should observe these moral laws and by following them they lead a moral life