Are We Bound by Old Rituals or Freed by New Grace?
In this article, you will learn how Leviticus 12:5 contradicts Galatians 3:28, Acts 15:10-11, Colossians 2:14, Romans 10:4 and Hebrews 8:13. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
One of the intriguing debates within Christianity revolves around the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, such as those detailed in Leviticus 12:5, and how they stand in light of the New Testament teachings. Leviticus 12:5 sets forth a purification period after childbirth, extending longer for a girl than a boy. The question arises, how do these ancient laws align with the teachings of the New Testament which emphasize spiritual equality and freedom from the law?
In Galatians 3:28, Paul unequivocally states that in Christ, there is neither male nor female, emphasizing equality across genders. This message of unity and equality challenges the gender-specific purification laws seen in Leviticus. It suggests that spiritual standing is not affected by gender distinctions that were once significant under the ceremonial laws.
Acts 15:10-11 further rejects the imposition of old legal burdens on new believers. The early church leaders, including Peter, argued that salvation is not contingent on adherence to the old law but through the grace of Jesus Christ. This perspective challenges the necessity and fairness of extended purification periods for women post-childbirth.
Furthermore, Colossians 2:14 speaks of the old rules being abolished with the sacrifice of Christ. This suggests that the obligations detailed in Leviticus have been metaphorically nailed to the cross, symbolizing liberation from such ceremonial requirements.
Romans 10:4 declares Christ as the end of the law, hinting that the legalistic rituals from the Old Testament no longer hold sway over believers. Similarly, Hebrews 8:13 calls the old covenant obsolete, affirming that Christians are under a new covenant established through Christ.
These verses, when juxtaposed with Leviticus, provoke the question—are Christians today bound by the rituals of the past, or are they truly freed by the grace that the New Testament heralds?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leviticus 12:5 | But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days. |
| 2. | Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| 3. | Acts 15:10-11 | Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? |
| 4. | Colossians 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; |
| 5. | Romans 10:4 | For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. |
| 6. | Hebrews 8:13 | In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away. |