Jesus and the Law

The Lord’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 5— 7) was not contrary to the Old Testament Law.

In fact, the teaching of Jesus fulfilled the Law. When He died on the cross, He had so accomplished the keeping of God’s Law that He removed it from sentencing mankind to death for not keeping it.

Paul put it this way: “He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” ( Colossians 2: 13- 14).

When Jesus died for our sins, not only was He nailed to the cross, but the “certificate of debt” or the “decrees against us” was also removed.

Believers in Christ are “made alive together with Him” because God has “forgiven us” and has “cancelled” our debt to Him.

The condemnation we deserve for failing to keep God’s Law is forever washed away, removed by the cleansing blood of Jesus.

Because of such mercy our hearts overflow with thanks.

Believers can sing with John Newton, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”

The wonder of God’s extravagant grace is beautifully captured in the New Living Translation of Romans 5: 8- 9:

“But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.”

These inspired Scriptures we call the Bible can change our lives.

Paul reminded Timothy, “from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” ( 2 Timothy 3: 15).

These sacred Scriptures— this holy Book— these God- breathed words— can lead us to salvation by faith in Christ.

His Word will also bring conviction, direction, holiness and wholeness— if we will read and heed its direction.

Let us pray with the Psalmist: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your Law” ( Psalm 119: 18).

If we make this our prayer, then spend time in His Word, God will truly show us “wonderful things” as He blesses our lives.