The practice comes from our understanding of worship and priesthood. Going back to the Old Testament for study is helpful in understanding many things, but going back to the Old Testament for any practice obligates one to keep all its ordinances (Galatians 5:1–3 James 2:10). The Old Testament is written for our learning but not for our law (Romans 15:4). He spent more than six thousand years completing His plan for the church (Ephesians 3:11 Galatians 4:4–5) so nothing was left to happenstance. God always meticulously planned worship (Exodus 25–40 Leviticus 1–27). He kept unleavened bread, the fruit of the vine, prayers, and singing. In the changeover, God omitted such things as burning incense, golden vessels, colorful tapestries, dancing before the Lord, bitter herbs, and instruments. Worship is not conducted by a special class of priests blood is not sprinkled on a mercy seat and unusual ceremonies involving goats, red heifers, and burnt animals are not required. Christians no longer offer animals, keep the Passover, observe Sabbaths and new moons, or avoid pork and catfish (cf. Christ came to take away the first law to establish second (Hebrews 10:9).Ī new law changed humanity’s response to God.New effective after Christ’s death (Hebrews 9:16–17).Change in priesthood required change in law (Hebrews 7:12 9:11).Separating wall removed (Ephesians 2:14).“Engraven in stones” law abolished (2 Corinthians 3:7–14).“Christ is the end of the law” (Romans 10:4).Loosed/delivered from the law (Romans 7:1–7).Preach gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:18–20).The New Testament records this transition: Its rule of faith and practice is the covenant Jesus delivered by the Spirit (New Testament), not the Law delivered to Moses at Sinai (Old Testament).
The church is a New Testament institution, purchased on the cross and established on Pentecost (Matthew 16:18 Acts 2:1–47 20:28).