Truth Connections – Fulfilling the Law

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2). Searching out the matters of God is an active and exciting adventure. God has put a desire in our hearts to search; giving us eyes to see, and ears to hear. We have been called to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of the kingdom (1Corinthians 4:1-2).

As we surrender to God and turn our hearts to search, He reveals new truths that enlarge our faith, make us free and lead us ultimately into all truth. Here is a recent discovery for your edification and encouragement.

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17

As we know, Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law. Most assume that happened on the cross of Calvary, in His death. I believe the following passage reveals something different.

For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4

“… that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us”? Wait a minute. Didn’t Jesus say that He came to fulfill the law? At first glance, this passage appears to contradict the Matthew 5:17 proclamation. How can we fulfill what He has already fulfilled? The answer is found in two seemingly unrelated passages.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10

The truth we discover in this connection is profound; and potentially life changing for many Christians. Jesus Christ’s death on the cross did not fulfill the law. It was the beginning of a process, whereby we were reconciled to God, that Jesus could now abide in us to fulfill the law in, through and out of us. Furthermore, it is His life that saves us, not His death.

See what a little searching will turn up. Potential conflict becomes compounded truth; leading to more truth; truth that must be shared with others in our spheres of influence. Not for our own sake (aren’t we smart), but for the sake of the Body of Christ and our Lord. Along with the Holy Spirit, He is our Teacher. To Him be the honor and glory; with much thanksgiving.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Bowing at the Cross?

I heard a song the other day that has me wondering. It is a very moving song, with powerful and encouraging lyrics. The title of the song is At the Cross. I am sure you have heard it; even sung along with it. It has been performed by a number of recognized Christian artists – most recently by Chris Tomlin. One Hillsong version has over 28 million views on YouTube.

At the Cross is filled with truth about the love and work of God in the death of His Son. I would venture to say it speaks deeply to a lot of people; saved and not. Furthermore, the lyrics speak out of a theology (intended or not). They are more than just words. And so, I wonder.

The chorus of At the Cross includes a repeated line, “At the cross I bow my knee, where Your blood was shed for me.” Those are the lyrics – and the theology – that have me wondering:

1. Why would we bow at the cross when Jesus is no longer there?
2. Is the Jesus that hung on the cross the Jesus I should be bowing to?
3. How many are worshipping a dead Christ; trying to be saved by His death, rather than by His life?

I recognize that some may genuinely feel that I am making too much of this; or, I am missing something. For either case, please help me understand; for I have a hard time worshipping when the lyrics are wrong to me.