Based on the writings of Ellen G. White, the justification for clinging to Old Testament mandates in light of Paul's teachings in Galatians and Romans is nuanced: 1. Ceremonial Law vs. Moral Law: Paul taught that the ancient rites and ceremonies (the ceremonial law) given to Israel gained a new significance in the light of the gospel. These ceremonies pointed forward to Christ, and since Christ had come, believers were freed from their observance. However, God's unchangeable law—the Ten Commandments—remained binding, and Paul himself kept them in both spirit and letter (see AA 190.1). 2. The Issue in Galatia: In Galatians, Paul warned against returning to the "obsolete ceremonies of Judaism." False teachers were urging Gentile converts to observe the ceremonial law, which Paul opposed. He made a clear distinction between the gospel of faith in Christ and the dead formalism of ceremonial observances (see AA 383, AA 385.2, LP 191.1). 3. The Gospel for All: In Romans, Paul explained that the gospel is for both Jews and Gentiles. The promises once given to the Jews were now extended to all who believe. The ceremonial law was not required for Gentile converts, but the moral law (the Ten Commandments) and a holy life were still expected (see AA 373.2, GW 397.3, AA 195.2). 4. The Apostolic Council: The apostles and elders agreed that Gentile converts should abstain from certain practices (meats offered to idols, blood, things strangled, fornication) but were not required to keep the ceremonial law, such as circumcision. They were, however, to keep the commandments and lead holy lives (see AA 195.2, LP 69.3). Summary: According to Ellen White, Paul did not abolish the moral law (Ten Commandments) but taught that the ceremonial law was fulfilled in Christ and no longer binding. Clinging to the Old Testament mandates is justified only in the sense of upholding the moral law, not the ceremonial rites and traditions that pointed forward to Christ. If you need more specific references or a deeper exploration of a particular mandate, please let me know! References: - White, E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles (AA), pp. 190.1, 195.2, 373.2, 383, 385.2. - White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers (GW), p. 397.3. - White, E. G. (1883). Life Sketches of Paul (LP), pp. 69.3, 191.1.