ACCOMPLISHING, FULFILLING THE LAW

ACCOMPLISHING, FULFILLING THE LAW

Matthew 5:17-20 "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.  (18)  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.  (19)  So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.  (20)  "But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

At first glance this passage may appear to be saying that we are to follow all the Old Testament Law and some even quote this to propagate that teaching. The key here is in the phrase, “until its purpose is achieved.” Jesus accomplished the purpose of the law. Romans 10:4 “For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in Him are made right with God.”

So what was the purpose of the law? Galatians 3:19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law (specifically the ceremonial part of it) was designed to last only until the promised child, Jesus Christ fulfilled the law through His death, burial and resurrection. God gave His law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. (Emphasis Added)

Does this mean we can forget about the law? Paul answers that question for us in Romans 3:30-31 “There is only one God, and He makes people right with Himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.  (31)  Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.”

Paul and Jesus talk about the law being fulfilled through love. Romans 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' (38) This is the first and greatest commandment. (39) A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (40) The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial parts of the law. After His death, burial and resurrection there was no longer a need for animal sacrifices and all that went along with them. According to Hebrews 9 Jesus died once for all. There is no need for Him to die over and over again because He was the perfect sacrifice that only needed to be offered one time. In that act of dying for us He fulfilled the requirements of the law for all mankind who would accept the gift He offered.

So, in Christ Jesus the law’s purpose is fulfilled. Those who believe in Him are then called to a life of good works which can only be fulfilled through faith and in love. One who loves his neighbor will not steal from his neighbor or lie about him or murder him, etc. No, love will demand that we treat our neighbor as we would desire to be treated.

As for being more righteous than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees… Philippians 3:9b I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith.

In the following verses from The Sermon on the Mount Jesus takes the letter of the law and breaks it down to issues of the heart.

Father in heaven, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus for our sin. Thank You for making it possible for all to come to You for salvation through faith in Your son. Help us now to show that we truly believe by filling us with Your Holy Spirit and empowering us to walk in love with one another and You. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!