Many would say that we should not even be talking about the Law since we are not under it any longer. Of course, the Law and some of the Prophets were all that the psalmist who wrote Psalm 1 had, but we would now say the Word of God which includes all 66 books. Should we ignore the Law as New Testament Christians?
What does Jesus say on the subject? “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19)
The Law has relevance for living, but it also has significance for understanding and belief. “Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,” (Luke 24:44-45)
Christ fulfilled the Law. We are free from its penalty and the ceremonial and civil components, but the moral law is being fulfilled as the Spirit works within us (Romans 8:1-4). This is all accomplished by the Incarnate Christ who died and rose and reigns, whose 1st Advent we celebrate this day (1).
- Originally written on 12/25/23
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