A question that I am often asked by non-believers is "How can you call yourself a Christian? You don't follow many of the old rules in the Old Testament - rules such as "do not shave" and "do not eat shellfish". Why not?" Questions like that frustrate me, because the person has obviously not taken the time to research Christianity.
There are two main sections found in the Bible. There is an Old Testament and there is a New Testament. Both are very important and both play a large part in the role of teaching us, as budding Christians. I personally draw much more out of the New Testament, and my church (which is Evangelical) focuses on the New Testament more.
The Old Testament teaches us of the ancient power and might of God. God is an all-powerful being, and the stories in the Old Testament affirm that. He demands the respect and love that He deserves. The New Testament teaches us of the other side of God - a loving and forgiving creator.
The Old Testament was written and created mainly for, in that time period, the Jewish people. It taught the Jewish people proper ways to show respect for God. In time, like all human social institutions, there developed elite factions in the Jewish community. These were the Pharisees. Like many elite groups, the Pharisees had fallen into corruption and decay. They are described as hypocritical and working for profit. They cared more about the appearance of being pious than following the spirit of the rules that were created for other reasons. (For more about Pharisees, see: Matthew 12:14, 21:23-27, 22:15-17, 23:5-7).
God's laws were given to help people love God with their lifestyle. But over time, these rules were misquoted and misapplied. Religious leaders made them confusing. Jesus came and said, "Those old rules don't matter anymore. Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Accept me, and live virtuously." It doesn't matter if you shave or if you eat shellfish. These ceremonial laws were no longer needed after Jesus's death and resurrection. However, the purpose behind them is still very real - to love and worship our Lord.
The Pharisees were very concerned with appearing righteous. Jesus said that his followers needed a very different kind of righteousness - love and obedience - not just a more intense version of the Pharisees (legal compliance).
Don't confuse the old-time ceremonial laws with the moral law. Basic pillars of Christianity are just as applicable as always. The same sins are still forbidden - murder, sexual immorality, stealing, and others. (The ceremonial laws are primarily found only in Leviticus).
Praise the Lord, for he is mighty indeed
