Romans 7:4, "Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God."



There is a clear contrast between the "law" in the Old Testament that GOD established with Moses on Mount Sinai and the Gospel according to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The differences used to confound me and lead me to doubt before I really took the time to understand just what GOD did when HE sent HIS only Son to atone for us. The differences are not subtle. Take, for instance, when GOD tells Moses that justice is served by retribution. "An eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth." Jesus tells us of a radically different way with, "Turn the other cheek" and to, "Love our enemies." So, why are there such contrasting lessons in Scripture?



First of all, as with much in Scripture, GOD's words are figurative, which I believe was necessary at the time to get the message across. An eye for an eye was not meant to be taken literally but was meant to explain a secular form of justice that is equitable, neither excessively harsh nor lenient. Furthermore, most disputes aside from those demanding capital punishment, were settled through payments. The "eye for an eye" statement was meant for civil situations with judges, magistrates, etc. and was in no way meant to be a form of personal vendetta but thats exactly what the Pharisees  of Jesus' time, prompting Jesus to turn the law around. Jesus' message was simple, ignore personal insults and adopt the true Christian nature through charity and forgiveness.



There are radical differences between Old Testament law and New Testament teachings but once I understood that Christ was sent to relieve us of the necessity of having to adhere to the old laws, it became clear. We no longer need to shed any blood to atone with GOD. Jesus  shed His blood for all humanity and thus the law changed and we have a new covenant with GOD through Jesus and this covenant is an incredible act of pure love from our heavenly FATHER.