I had heard somebody describe really well a few years ago how to explain which OT laws we follow and which ones aren't neccessay. Unfortunately, I forgot.
So how would you explain it?
Some are obvious, like 'Thou shall not steal.' Yet, we do not keep the feasts, circumsize our children on the eigth day, and according to the apostle Paul, the Sabbath need not be observed.
So how would you explain to somebody who maybe confused about all of this? I know, 'love does no harm to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.' So is that all there is?
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.
This is the universal law,that applies all through history,which this alone can judge every single person who has ever lived,whether they heard the word of God,or not.
Which this law is love is the fulfilling of the law,for it is always love is the fulfilling of the law.
Creation testifies there is a higher power,that created all things,and testifies of His attributes,that He is intelligent,wise,powerful,and love,for He provided food,and the means to make clothing,and shelter,and if He created all things,and is loving towards people,then people should acknowledge Him,and love people,which that alone the world has no excuse.
In the Old Testament it is a physical covenant,with physical blessings,which they could not live up to the moral laws,and laws of love,perfectly,so God had them do physical ordinances,things they could live up to,to be right with God,until Christ came.
That is the only way they could show their love to God,is by physical ordinances,for they could not receive the Spirit to do it on a spiritual level.
It too is love is the fulfilling of the law,but God added physical ordinances,because the Spirit could not be given to lead a person in a spiritual way.
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
God took the physical ordinances of Israel out of the way,nailing them to His cross,because they were contrary to us,that they had no impact on us for a spiritual relationship with God,and the Spirit is given,which is the only way to have a spiritual relationship with God,so let no person judge you concerning those things,which means do not be persuaded by them when they tell you to keep them.
In the Old Testament the only thing that remains from the Old Testament,is the two greatest commandments,love God,and love people,and love works no ill towards their neighbor;therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Isa 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
Isa 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Isa 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
The sabbath day,is a spiritual sabbath by the Holy Spirit,a spiritual rest.
1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
1Ti 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
1Ti 4:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
We can eat whatever meat we want to eat in the New Testament.
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Love is the fulfilling of the law,and law we follow is being led of the Spirit,showing the characteristics of the Spirit,which the law then cannot touch us for prosecution.