Believers in the Messiah are no longer bound by the Law of Moses. This means that they are not obligated to observe any of its commandments as a requirement for righteousness, salvation, and being made right with God. However, this freedom extends in both directions—not only are believers free from the necessity of keeping the Mosaic Law, but they are also free to observe aspects of it if they so choose. This principle of voluntary observance is demonstrated in the life of Paul, the apostle most associated with the doctrine of freedom from the law.

Several passages in Acts illustrate Paul’s personal choice to observe certain elements of the Mosaic Law. In Acts 18:18, he takes a vow in accordance with Numbers 6:2, 5, 9, and 18, reflecting his personal decision to engage in a practice from the Mosaic system.

“After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.” (Acts 18:18, ESV)

Additionally, his desire to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost (Acts 20:16) aligns with the command in Deuteronomy 16:16, which required Jewish males to appear before the Lord at the temple during major festivals. The most striking example is in Acts 21:17–26, where Paul willingly participates in a purification ritual at the temple despite being a strong proponent of freedom from the law.

“Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.” (Acts 21:26, ESV)

These examples confirm that, while the law is no longer binding, individual believers—especially Jewish believers—may still observe aspects of it as a matter of personal conviction.

However, two significant dangers must be avoided when exercising this freedom. First, one must not assume that voluntary observance of Mosaic commandments contributes to justification or sanctification. Scripture is clear that righteousness comes through faith in Christ alone, not through adherence to the law. Paul firmly states in Galatians 2:16,

“…yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16, ESV)

Similarly, sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit, not the result of legal observance (Gal. 3:3). Any belief that keeping aspects of the Mosaic Law makes one more righteous or spiritually mature must be rejected. (A.K.A the Seventh-day Adventist doctrine on this concept.)

The second danger is expecting others to follow the same observances one has chosen to keep. While a believer may personally refrain from eating pork or observe certain Mosaic practices, imposing these choices on others moves into the realm of legalism. Paul addresses this issue in Romans 14:3–6, emphasizing that one believer may choose to observe a special day while another does not, and both decisions are valid before the Lord. He warns against passing judgment on fellow believers over such matters, reinforcing that Christian liberty allows for diversity in practice.

Ultimately, the principle of freedom means that believers are neither obligated to keep the Mosaic Law nor forbidden from observing aspects of it if they choose. The key is maintaining the correct perspective—such observances should never be seen as a means of attaining righteousness, nor should they be used to impose expectations on others. Christian liberty allows for personal conviction, but that liberty must always be exercised with grace and respect for the freedom of others.

In Christian Love,