Christian doctrine has continuously changed and developed according to historical circumstances and theological interpretation. Each era reveals its own unique faith characteristics, and in recent times, even a “New Legalistic Age” has emerged. Based on the Bible and church history, let’s examine the features and problems of each era in detail.

1. The Age of the Law: The Mosaic Law, Feasts, and Their Prophetic Significance
Biblical Foundation: The Ten Commandments given to Israel through Moses (Exodus 20) and the seven feasts (Leviticus 23; Numbers 28–29) symbolized the covenant relationship with God. Israel maintained its identity and relationship with God by observing the Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles.

Historical Significance: The law made people aware of sin and, through sacrifices, provided a way to approach God. However, its essence was as a “shadow” pointing to Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:1).

2. The Apostolic Age: Jesus Christ, the Fulfillment of the Law
Biblical Fulfillment: Jesus declared, “I did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). The Passover sacrifice on the cross (1 Corinthians 5:7), the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement as High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:11–12), the coming of the Holy Spirit as the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles and Firstfruits (Acts 2)—all the Old Testament ceremonies were fulfilled in the life and work of Jesus.

Historical Transition: After Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), the apostles no longer required observance of the feasts or ritual sacrifices (Galatians 4:9). All believers became “God’s temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16) and “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), able to approach God directly.

3. The Patristic Age: Institutionalization and Doctrinal Division in the Church
Historical Development: After the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple (AD 70) and the end of the apostolic age, the church split into Eastern (Jerusalem, Antioch) and Western (Rome) branches. There were disputes about the timing of Communion (Eucharist) and Easter, leading to the official establishment of Easter at the Council of Nicaea (AD 325).

New Doctrines: This era saw the establishment of Sunday worship, the reintroduction of tithing, and the doctrine of the Trinity (Nicene Creed). This was the beginning of a departure from the original teachings of the Bible.

4. The Scholastic Age: Systematization of Theology and Strengthening of Tradition
Historical Features: Medieval scholasticism (12th–15th centuries) focused on systematic study and doctrinal development of Scripture. Extra-biblical traditions and rituals increased—Lent, relic veneration, saint worship, witch hunts, the Inquisition—obscuring the essence of faith.

Critique: The biblical ideals of “truth and freedom” (John 8:32) were replaced by priest-centered authority and legalistic tradition, setting the stage for the Reformation.

5. The New Legalistic Age: Revival of Feasts and New Legalism
Historical Emergence: Beginning with the American Adventist movement in 1844, some denominations revived Old Testament laws and feasts, creating a “New Legalistic Age.” New sects such as the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the WMSCOG advocated re-observance of the Sabbath, Passover, Tabernacles, and other feasts.

Biblical Analysis: Paul warned, “Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day” (Colossians 2:16), but these groups mistook the “shadows” of the law for their reality. Though Jesus ended all law-based atonement with His sacrifice on the cross, they sought to restore them for various reasons.

6. Conclusion: Repeating Doctrinal History—Return to the Essence
Christian doctrine has constantly changed through the ages—the Age of Law, Apostolic Age, Patristic Age, Scholastic Age, and now the “New Legalistic Age”—driven by history and human interpretation. As Ecclesiastes 3:15 says, “Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.” Scripture and history are cyclical, but the core of salvation is the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, the gospel, and the freedom of faith. The true essence of the church is to believe in Jesus’ redemption and to serve God with freedom and love in the Spirit, in accordance with the spirit of the New Testament.