When people challenge biblical teaching on sin, they often ask why Christians hold to some Old Testament laws and not others.
“If homosexuality is wrong because of the Old Testament, then why don’t you also follow laws about wearing blended fabrics?”
This line of reasoning assumes that all Old Testament laws are the same—but they aren’t. A simple rule of thumb helps clarify this issue:
Every Old Testament capital offense remains a sin under the New Covenant, even if the punishment differs.
This principle provides a consistent way to understand which Old Testament laws still define sin today. Let’s explore why.
1. Three Types of Old Testament Laws
The Old Testament contains three main types of law:
- Moral Law – Eternal commands reflecting God’s character (e.g., the Ten Commandments).
- Ceremonial Law – Rituals, sacrifices, and purity laws specific to Israel (e.g., dietary restrictions, blended fabrics).
- Judicial (Civil) Law – Legal penalties for governing Israel as a nation (e.g., death penalties for crimes).
While ceremonial laws were fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 2:16–17), moral laws remain binding (Romans 13:9). The judicial laws no longer apply to Christians as a theocratic legal system, but they still reveal God’s standard of sin.
2. The Death Penalty as a Moral Indicator
A key difference between ceremonial and moral laws is that moral laws often carried the death penalty, while ceremonial laws did not.
For example:
- Homosexuality → Death penalty (Leviticus 20:13)
- Murder → Death penalty (Exodus 21:12)
- Adultery → Death penalty (Leviticus 20:10)
- Blended fabrics → No death penalty (Leviticus 19:19)
Wearing blended fabrics was part of Israel’s ceremonial purity laws, not a moral issue. That’s why it does not carry forward under the New Covenant. In contrast, every sin that was a capital offense in the Old Testament is still a sin in the New Testament, even though civil punishments are no longer enforced by the church.
3. New Testament Confirmation of Moral Laws
The New Testament reaffirms every Old Testament capital offense as sin, even if civil punishments are no longer applied.
| Old Testament Capital Offense | New Testament Confirmation |
|---|---|
| Idolatry (Deut. 13:6–10) | 1 Cor. 6:9–10, Gal. 5:19–21 |
| Blasphemy (Lev. 24:16) | Col. 3:8, 1 Tim. 1:20 |
| Murder (Ex. 21:12) | Matt. 5:21–22, 1 John 3:15 |
| Adultery (Lev. 20:10) | Heb. 13:4, 1 Cor. 6:9–10 |
| Homosexual Acts (Lev. 20:13) | Rom. 1:26–27, 1 Cor. 6:9–10 |
| Bestiality (Lev. 20:15–16) | Rom. 1:24–27 |
| Incest (Lev. 20:11–14) | 1 Cor. 5:1 |
| Kidnapping (Ex. 21:16) | 1 Tim. 1:10 |
| False Witness Leading to Death (Deut. 19:16–21) | Rev. 21:8 |
| Disobeying Parents (Ex. 21:15,17; Deut. 21:18–21) | Eph. 6:1–3, 2 Tim. 3:2 |
| Sorcery/Witchcraft (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 20:27) | Gal. 5:19–21, Rev. 21:8 |
| Rebellion and Lawlessness (Deut. 21:18–21) | Rom. 1:30–32, 2 Tim. 3:1–5 |
| Rape (Deut. 22:25–27) | 1 Cor. 6:9–10 |
| Violence Against Parents (Ex. 21:15) | 1 Tim. 1:9 |
| Contempt for Authority (Deut. 17:12) | Rom. 13:1–2, Jude 8 |
Offenses That May Seem Extreme for Capital Punishment but Are Still Sin
- Disobeying Parents: Still condemned (Ephesians 6:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:2). The law targeted persistent rebellion, not normal immaturity.
- Sorcery/Witchcraft: Still condemned (Galatians 5:20; Revelation 21:8).
- Contempt for Authority: Still condemned (Romans 13:1–2; Jude 8).
While civil penalties no longer apply, these actions remain morally offensive and spiritually destructive.
4. Conclusion: A Clear and Consistent Standard
Instead of picking and choosing which Old Testament laws to follow, we recognize this consistent biblical pattern:
- ✅ Every Old Testament capital offense remains a sin today.
- ❌ Ceremonial laws (e.g., blended fabrics, dietary restrictions) do not.
However, this does not mean Christians desire the execution of sinners—far from it. If the Old Testament’s capital laws were still in effect, we would all deserve death.
The Hope in Christ
- Instead of executing sinners, Christ died for sinners (Romans 5:8).
- Instead of judging immediately, God offers mercy (2 Peter 3:9).
- Instead of condemnation, there is grace and transformation (1 Cor. 6:9–11).
When people claim that Christians “want homosexuals put to death,” they misunderstand the gospel message. We do not desire anyone’s destruction. We desire all to come to repentance, just as we ourselves needed forgiveness.
If someone asks, “Why do you condemn homosexuality but not blended fabrics?” the answer is clear:
The first was a capital offense because it is a moral sin. The second was a ceremonial law for Israel that no longer applies.
And for all moral sins, Christ offers redemption to those who repent and trust in Him.
