Are the laws of the Old Testament null and void?

Well, if you're Jewish, I'd say no. If you're a Christian, probably so. If you're a Muslim, no. They still use it as reference. If you're Hindu, go worship the moon and use that book for rolling paper. If you're Shinto or Buddist, you're not bothering anyone. And if you're pagan, duck.

Matthew 5 is not the only passage about the validity of the Law of God today. Some aspects have passed away, like the ceremonial laws (i.e. sacrifices, temple worship, etc.). These are abrogated in Galatians and Hebrews, and elsewhere. Other elements of the Law of Moses are still applicable, the moral law for example (Matt 5, Rom 6-8). As to the Civic laws that you made reference to, there are a number of Christians that believe these are included in Christ’s affirmation of the Laws continuance in Matthew 5. This group is called Theonomy. Some of them would affirm the perpetuity of the slavery laws. Other Christians view the civic laws as co-extensive with the ceremonial law, and thereby has passed away.

not so simple

in a sense the law is fullfilled, legally at the cross

in a sense the law is fullfilled by changing people heart to say with David "ooooooh how I love thy law" and to keep the spirit of the law as a reponse

God takes us as we are

God does not leave us as we are, he changes us

God through the person of Jesus allowed himself to be valued of a female slave, 30 pieces of silver and die on a primitive and obcene cross

Jesus became a slave so you could have freedom though his work on the cross. The laws concerning slavery are things to consider... some laws were constraints for abuse and not necessarily approval of something, divorse being an example of something God says he hates but allowed in the law It is not true that laws legalizing slavery in the OT necessariy approve of slavery they contraint abuses.

These laws may generally apply to employers employees and other situations and slavery form kidnapping such in the US history would not be approved of nor would abusing slaves

Treating a slave or poor person or person of another ethnic background as inherently below you in terms of dignity or worth as a human is a sin against God whether they are your employee or employor

Those that are in the flesh cannot please God. The law proved that because no man ever kept the law. When you come to Jesus you become a new spirit subject to the laws of the Spirit and live a new life that pleases God. God attributes to you the same righteousness as if you were His own Son Jesus. Then there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit. Check that out, read your Bible!!!

Jesus made the Lavitical Laws as written (613 of them) null and void.

Jesus also taught.

What HE taught, ALL True Christians consider to be the new ideals to follow. this does not mean that all of the old ideas were 100% trash.

HE just re stated some good stuff.

If the OT laws are null and void, then the 10 commandments are null and void. In fact I think Jesus said as much.

I don't know of any Christians that say the OT laws regarding slaves are null and void. I do know that He did come to do away with the law and replaced the ten commandments with the greatest commandment to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind" and the 2nd is to "love your neighbor as yourself". As we learn to love our Father God, and each other, we will automatically do things that please Him and choose not to act in ways that are displeasing, ie. holding slaves, lusting, stealing, killing, coveting, worshipping false idols, etc.

Jesus fulfilled the law unto salvation.

This means we no longer must work to be saved. The law of works is null and void.

Saying that I am saved because I chose God or because I am a good person does not cut it.

Salvation is in Jesus Christ, His works, and he blesses YOU with faith.

The law has three purposes:

1. It is a curb: It acts to stop me from sinning

2. It is a mirror: It acts to show me my sins

3. It is a guide: It guides me, leading my life from sin

The old laws are of no effect.

Anything the new covenant church decided to bring over, include, and ratify (like the 10 commandments) is in full effect.

Yes. The laws of the OT are null and void. While we're at it, the laws of the NT, the Qur'an and the Bok of Mormon are all null and void too.