The Law is Fulfilled

 N.T. #43 "The Law is Fulfilled"

April 6, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 13

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. (verse 17) 

LET IT GLOW

The message of Jesus Christ was superior to the Law of Moses. The New Testament gospel is not contrary nor contradictory to the Old Testament law. What were the two things Jesus said to His disciples in verse 17? First, He did not come to destroy the law. Second, He came to fulfill it.

Destroy means dissolve; overthrow; throw down in the Greek language.

 Jesus was not doing away with the Law of Moses. There were 3 categories of the Law:

1. Ceremonial Law-Leviticus 1 tells us Israel was to bring burnt offerings of animals for their sins; the priests offered up the blood and sprinkled it around on the altar in the Tabernacle. then he would burn the body pieces of the animal on the fire altar. It was a soothing aroma to the LORD. (verse 9) this was their worship and love for God shown to Him.
2. Civil Law-The principles are timeless. Deuteronomy tells of those laws about how to treat one another.
3. Moral Law-It was the nature and will of God that applies today. (Exodus 20 gives the Ten Commandments)

Jesus was the theme of the Old Testament. God's Word is entirely authoritative, so Jesus completely obeyed it all. Christ calls us to obey the Law, not for salvation but for sanctification. This is so we may see the kingdom rule of God in our lives. 

LET IT GROW

Jesus came to fulfill the Law.

Fulfill means satisfy; finish; accomplish.

Jesus showed us how God wants us to live as believers. He is the Living Example, Perfect Picture, the Ideal Man, the Representative Man, the Pattern for all men. (John 1:14; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3 )

Before Christ, the Law was only rules and words. Now we have life, power of the Holy Spirit, and power through Jesus. (Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 5)

The Law needed an interpreter, but Jes explained the rules and gave them meaning. He lived it out.

The Law demanded perfect righteousness. Man cannot live it perfectly, but Christ did. Jesus Christ is the Perfect Man, the Ideal Man, the representative Man for all. 

The Law shows us our sins It is by faith in Jesus Christ that we are made righteous by the shedding of His blood for us. (2 Cor. 5:21) 

Our High Priest knows what it is like when we are tempted to sin, for He was tempted in all points and did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus frees us from that penalty when He becomes our Savior.

The Law demanded punishment for disobedience. Jesus took our punishment when He died on the cross in our place. Such love! Do you know this love, friend?

LET IT GO

What a Savior!

Thank You for mercy and grace and forgiveness whenever we sin.

Holy is the Lord God Almighty! Worthy of worship and praise is He!