For the first time in what seems like forever I am responding to a question in written form. An e-mail full of questions came in and I'm slowly getting around to answering them. Expect a couple more of these in the next few weeks.
Does the Levitical law still apply since the new covenant was created through the sacrifice of Jesus?
I'll start by stating that my views are completely in line with the late Greg Bahnsen. Purchasing audio lectures from him on the subject of Theonomy is a must for interested parties. But stating my view from the start, I believe that one the best ways to divide the law is between moral law and restorative law. I believe the moral portion of the law remains intact. I believe the restorative portion "remains intact" as well but ultimately it is fulfilled and remains fulfilled in the once-for-all sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.
So when I hear "Levitical law" I presume what is meant when I speak of "restorative law": God's method of bringing people back to Him after they have broken the moral law. But I would also like to add possible clarification.
There is a category often referred to as "holiness law." This category is typically spoken of when God's law is broken up into three categories: moral, holiness and ceremonial. This "holiness" category consists of food laws, types of clothing, beard shaving, etc. While I would not include this in the category of "restorative law," I do believe that this was primarily typological to God's ultimate restoration. Put another way, this category of laws pointed forward to the distinction between the church and the world. These laws were given to Israel to help it stand out from the world but God was, and will not be, satisfied with external distinction. Instead He has now given us the Holy Spirit and "living in the Spirit" (as opposed to "the flesh") sets us apart from the world.
So in conclusion, the ceremonial portions of the "Levitical law" were fulfilled once and for all in Jesus Christ's perfect life and death. The holiness portions of the law were ultimately fulfilled in the given of the Holy Spirit and the purification of the church through the Word. The remaining "moral law" I believe is valuable to both the church and political government today.
