TOP 10 Reasons Christians discount the Torah, and why they're mistaken

Bob Lampkin
Jun 14, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jun 21, 2023

The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Pentateuch. It contains the laws and stories of God's covenant with Israel. Many Christians, however, do not regard the Torah as authoritative or relevant to their faith. Here are some of the common reasons they give and why they are mistaken.

1. The Torah is obsolete because Jesus fulfilled the law. This argument assumes that the Torah was only a temporary measure until the coming of Christ. However, Jesus himself said that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). He also affirmed the validity and importance of every jot and tittle of the law (Matthew 5:18). Fulfilling the law does not mean canceling it, but rather bringing it to its full meaning and application.

2. The Torah is irrelevant because we are under grace, not law. This argument misunderstands the relationship between law and grace. Grace does not mean that we have no obligations or standards to follow. Rather, grace means that God has given us his law as a gift to guide us in his ways and to show us his will. Grace also means that God has forgiven us when we fail to keep his law and has empowered us by his Spirit to obey him (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

3. The Torah is too hard to keep because it has too many rules and regulations. This argument overlooks the fact that the Torah is not a rigid set of rules, but a dynamic expression of God's character and wisdom. The Torah is not meant to be a burden, but a blessing (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). It is not meant to be followed mechanically but with love and understanding (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). It is not meant to be imposed by force but by choice and conviction (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

4. The Torah is inconsistent because it has contradictions and errors. This argument fails to recognize the literary and historical context of the Torah. The Torah is not a scientific textbook or a legal code, but a narrative of God's dealings with his people. It uses different genres, styles, and perspectives to convey its message. It also reflects the cultural and historical setting of its time. These factors do not undermine its truth or authority but rather enhance its richness and relevance.

5. The Torah is exclusive because it only applies to Jews, not Gentiles. This argument ignores the universal scope and purpose of the Torah. The Torah is not a nationalistic or ethnic document, but a revelation of God's will for all humanity. The Torah shows that God created all people in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). It also shows that God chose Israel as his special people to be a light to the nations and a blessing to the world (Genesis 12:1-3). The Torah invites all people to join God's covenant community and to share in his promises (Isaiah 56:1-8).

6. The Torah is divisive because it causes conflicts and controversies among Christians. This argument neglects the fact that the Torah is a source of unity and harmony among God's people. The Torah reveals God's character and will, which are consistent and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). It also reveals God's plan and purpose, which are good and perfect (Romans 12:2). The Torah provides a common ground and a common goal for all who follow God (Psalm 119:105).

7. The Torah is legalistic because it focuses on outward actions, not inward attitudes. This argument misrepresents the nature and intent of the Torah. The Torah is not a superficial or external system, but a holistic and internal one. The Torah addresses not only what we do, but also why we do it and how we do it. The Torah aims not only at our behavior but also at our heart and mind (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

8. The Torah is outdated because it does not address modern issues and challenges. This argument underestimates the relevance and applicability of the Torah. The Torah is not a time-bound or culture-bound document, but a timeless and transcultural one. The Torah deals with universal themes and principles that are applicable to every situation and circumstance. The Torah speaks to every aspect of life and every dimension of reality (Deuteronomy 32:46-47).

9. The Torah is incomplete because it does not contain the gospel or the teachings of Jesus. This argument overlooks the continuity and compatibility of the Torah with the rest of Scripture. The Torah is not an isolated or independent document, but an integral and foundational one. The Torah contains the gospel in seed form, as it foreshadows and anticipates the coming of Christ and his work of salvation (Luke 24:27). The Torah also contains the teachings of Jesus in essence, as he affirmed and expounded the Torah in his ministry (Matthew 22:34-40).

10. The Torah is optional because it is not a requirement for salvation or a criterion for judgment. This argument misunderstands the role and function of the Torah in God's plan of redemption. The Torah is not a means or a condition of salvation, but a result and a manifestation of it. The Torah shows us our need for God's grace and mercy, as we cannot keep it perfectly or earn his favor by it (Romans 3:19-20). The Torah also shows us our response to God's grace and mercy, as we obey him out of gratitude and love (John 14:15). The Torah is not a basis or a standard of judgment, but a witness and testimony of it. The Torah testifies to God's righteousness and justice, as he will judge everyone according to his law (Romans 2:12-16). The Torah also testifies to God's faithfulness and grace, as he will reward those who keep his law by faith (Hebrews 11:6).

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