Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew

Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew
XVII

Matthew 5:17-19; Hebrews 10:1; Romans 10:4, 8:4; Hebrews 8:10; Romans 8:2, 7:12: What God’s people usually think is that Jesus came to annul the law, but He Himself says that we must not think that He came to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. A superficial consideration of Romans 10:4 seems to confirm this gross error, but Matthew 5:31-44 tells us with all desirable clarity how He became the end of the law in the following manner: The laws of the old covenant—which were only a shadow of the perfect law—were far too weak, and now they were not annulled in and through Christ in any other way than by being replaced by a law that was many times stronger and more perfect!

It is replaced by Christ Himself, by the fullness of the Godhead (Col. 2:9-10), or by the laws of the Spirit of life (Rom. 8:2). These perfect laws—the laws of the new covenant—are written in our hearts and minds. Heb. 8:10. More and more laws are written in our heart as we are faithful.

This is the central point of Christianity. Obedience to the law is Christianity itself. Lawlessness is destruction and the power of Satan. Antichrist (against-Christ) is therefore rightly called the lawless one. 2 Thess. 2. We are noble, God-fearing, and pleasing to God to the extent that we love laws and commandments. If we do not love laws and commandments, our minds are corrupt even if we have the appearance of godliness and speak ever so many nice words about Jesus.

Christ came with the kingdom of God’s perfect laws, and at the same time, He came with all grace and abundant power for all upright souls, so that they all can become happy by keeping these laws, which is their greatest longing.

We can divide it into three parts. 1) Lawlessness. The person does not want to keep the laws. 2) Transgression of the law. The person wants to keep the laws, but he cannot. 3) Obedience to the law. By God’s grace he has come to the point where he both wills to and can keep the laws. Phil. 2:13.