WHAT DID CHRIST ACCOMPLISH WHEN HE FULFILLED THE LAW?
Historically, clerics have misunderstood Jesus's meaning with regard to the Law as described in the sermon on the mount. Here is the statement they have taken out of context that caused them to go into error:
Matthew 5:17 NKJV 17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Most clerics have taken the word 'fulfill ' to mean to end or terminate the law for us. Even though Christ said the exact opposite. How is the word fulfill used in the New Testament? Note the Apostle Paul's use of the word.
Romans 13:8-9 NKJV 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
No reasonable person would assume that Paul is saying for you the law is now over, terminated and you can now stop loving others. That would be ridiculous. Note what Paul further writes.
9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Clearly Jesus and Paul are both supporting the law and our fulfilling it. We are being taught to obey it at the highest levels by Jesus. Christ further elaborates on this theme when He instructs us on what to teach and witness to others.
Matthew 5:19 NKJV 19 "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.
Another translation of this verse is even more revealing of the truth, note.
Matthew 5:19 Oracl 19 Whosoever, therefore, shall violate, or teach others to violate, were it the least of these commandments, shall be in no esteem in the Reign of Heaven; but whosoever shall practice and teach them, shall be highly esteemed in the Reign of Heaven.
All of us as we witness, and or teach and explain God's word want to be esteemed by God in heaven. Therefore we must support God's law with prudence and insight especially the core items the Ten Commandments.
HAVE THE COMMANDMENTS BEEN EXPANDED OR TERMINATED ?
We need to look clear eyed at what Christ Himself said about the Ten Commandments. The message is sharp and clear.
Matthew 5:18 NKJV 18 "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.
The book of Revelation reveals that after the process of God bringing Sons into His family, a new earth and heaven are coming. This will occur after the thousand year millennial reign of Christ, the Last Great Day of judgment and the lake of fire consuming the unrepentant wicked persons. The remaining believers then will all be spirit beings and have no need of an external law- it will be totally internal.
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Jeremiah 31:33 NKJV 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make... I will put My Law in their minds, and write it on their hearts;...
This exact scripture is quoted by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament for us new covenant believers. Note Heb 8:10. Therefore as long as the sun shines and Earth is below us, the commandments of God are still in effect so says Christ.
CHRIST MAGNIFIES THE LAW TO ITS TRUEST, DEEPEST MEANING
The self righteous Pharisees were known as the most obedient law oriented sect within the Jewish nation. They were so proud of their righteousness and obedience. Yet Jesus said they did not go far enough in following the law nor truly understood it. Note Mark 2:24-27.
Matthew 5:20-21 NKJV 20 "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Christ expand the commandment forbidding murder the sixth one.
MURDER COMMANDMENT EXPANDED
Jesus explains that the real goal is not just to protect life but to also forbid the hatred that precipitates murdering people's bodies and reputations. Now this is spread by social media hatred.
Matthew 5:21-24 NKJV 21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder,...' 22 "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment... But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. 23...First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
THE ADULTERY COMMANDMENT EXPANDED
Christ outlawed the lusting in our hearts for someone other than our spouse. This is detrimental to our hearts and minds. Jesus foresaw the dangers of pornography.
Matthew 5:27-28 NKJV 27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Christ also expanded our understanding of lying and oaths and vengeance, see verses 33-42. Then He summarized the law's deepest meaning which is love. Note also Deut. 6:5-6.
LOVE YOUR ENEMY
These teachings puts true Christianity so far above all other beliefs as to be no comparison.
Matthew 5:44-48 NKJV 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good,... 46 "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?...48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Our world is based on vengeance for personal affairs whereas Jesus taught grace and love instead. Wow! God is changing our hearts so we become loving forgiving beings, who then can help Jesus rule and guide the rest of mankind during the millennium to this high level. May God help us to love obey and understand.
ISSUES
- HOW NOT TO BECOME PROUD OF OBEDIENCE LIKE PHARISEES?
- WHY DOESN'T THE WORLD REALIZE THAT LOVING CHRIST MEANS ALSO LOVING HIS LAWS?
