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,

These Sayings of Mine – Jesus Fulfills the Law

The deeper we go into the Sermon on the Mount, the more challenging it is becoming to focus on the simple “doings” that are required for our houses to stand. Or, it just may be that I am making it harder than it needs to be. Perhaps, as some have suggested, I think too much.

Perhaps I just need to write the article, and see where it leads us. Bear with me.

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.  Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19

“Do even the least of these commandments (the Law), and teach them.” Would you agree that is a simple and fair interpretation of this saying? It is simple, isn’t it?

Yet, it is not simple; at least, not for me – not the application of it. Why? Because I have been taught most of my life that the Law is totally optional; that it’s only purpose was to show us that we could not fulfill God’s requirement for righteousness in our own strength; that we needed the grace of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation.

We are saved by grace, through faith; and not by works of the Law. That is how I remember it. That is how I was taught. And that is what I still believe with all my heart. I am incapable of fulfilling the Law.

So, why did Jesus make this a point of His sermon? There must be something more here. It seems to me that, in this case, I did not think enough. I certainly did not search out the matter as I should. I allowed myself to believe that the Law was of consequence for the Israelites, only. Let me see if I can make sense of it; if only to clear up my own confusion.