In a recent episode of Alan DiDio’s Encounter Today, Rabbi Kirt Schneider delves into some of the most misunderstood commandments of the Torah, offering insight into how these ancient laws apply to modern believers.
Rabbi Schneider begins by explaining the scope of the Torah: “The Torah most specifically are the first five books of our Bible. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Also referred to as the Pentateuch.” While many Christians believe they have been “redeemed from God’s Law in the Torah,” Rabbi Schneider clarifies this is a common misunderstanding. “We are redeemed from the curse of the Law,” he explains, “not from the law itself.”
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
He elaborates that the Torah’s Law came with promises of blessings for obedience, but also curses for failure to uphold its perfect demands: “If one did not live up to the Law’s requirement, the curse came upon them. … Jesus lived out the Law perfectly, then gave Himself up for us as a sacrifice.” This sacrifice means believers are no longer condemned by the law, but the wisdom and self-revelation within the Torah remain valuable. As Jesus stated in Matt. 5:17-19, “I did not come to abolish the Law and the prophets, but to fulfill [it].”
Rabbi Schneider also tackles the deeper meaning behind some peculiar commandments, such as the prohibition against offering honey on the altar. “Honey can stimulate the flesh,” he explains. “When you put honey in your mouth, it stimulates your taste buds. Some people say it makes your eyes glow.” The commandment symbolizes that worship must not be driven by fleshly excitement or hype but by genuine spiritual anointing. He warns against “stimulating the flesh through honey with an artificial means,” drawing a parallel to today’s overly loud church music that “stimulates the flesh” but may lack true spiritual power.
Regarding the Torah’s relevance today, Rabbi Schneider emphasizes that “God’s purpose, His destiny upon you and I… is that we would be fruitful and multiply.” This commandment, given at creation, encourages believers to grow spiritually and spread the gospel, not just physically multiply. He explains, “We understand that God wants us to keep increasing spiritually, to keep growing in the fruit of the Spirit.”
On dietary laws like kosher, Rabbi Schneider clarifies, “Nowhere in the New Testament are Gentiles commanded to keep kosher. So, I’m not advocating that Gentiles can’t eat pork or shellfish.” However, he stresses that God cares about what we put in our bodies because “He wants to be involved in the very details of our existence in this world.”
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
Rabbi Schneider’s insights challenge believers to move beyond surface-level interpretations and embrace the Torah as a wellspring of spiritual wisdom. Rather than viewing God’s commandments as outdated or irrelevant, he invites Christians to rediscover them as a reflection of God’s heart and a roadmap for deeper intimacy with Him.
In an age of confusion and compromise, his message is a timely call to return to the foundations of faith—not through legalism, but through revelation. By understanding the spirit behind the law, modern believers can walk in greater purpose, clarity, and alignment with God’s eternal design.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
