Old Law is described as which of the following?

• A. It is the Law of Love found in Sermon on the Mount
• B. The Civil Code governing private relations
• C. Divine Law revealed in the Old Testament (given to Moses on Mount Sinai); summarized in the Ten Commandments; foreshadows New Testament; first stage; good but imperfect
• D. The New Covenant

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how the Old Law is defined in Catholic teaching. The best description is that it is Divine Law revealed in the Old Testament, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, summarized in the Ten Commandments, and foreshadowing the New Testament. It is the first stage of revelation—good and from God, but imperfect and pointing forward to the fuller fullness of grace in Christ.

This fits because the Mosaic Law encompasses more than a single code: it includes moral, ceremonial, and civil elements revealed to Israel, and it serves as a preparation for the Gospel. The Law of Love described in the Sermon on the Mount belongs to the New Law brought by Christ. The phrase “New Covenant” refers to what is realized in Christ and the Church, not the Old Law. The Old Law’s purpose is to guide and reveal sin until it is fulfilled in the New Covenant.