Two fears related to God’s law are very common. First, if salvation is not by merit, doesn’t that undermine righteousness? But this assumes earning salvation is the only motivation for righteous living! Second, if the law still matters for Christians, doesn’t that undermine grace? But this assumes God’s grace only forgives us, forgetting that it also transforms and empowers us!
The Fulfillment of the Law 17-18
Jesus’ life fulfills the law by perfectly obeying it, embodying it.
Jesus’ death fulfills the law by establishing the New Covenant.
(This means that the sacrifices, holidays, ceremonies, and civil regulations of the law have reached their goal and do not bind Christians. See Mark 7:19, Rom. 14:5 and 14, Acts 11:4-10, Col. 2:16, and basically the entire book of Hebrews.)
Jesus’ teaching fulfills the law by bringing out its full meaning.
The Ongoing Importance of the Law 19-20
The prophets did not say the law would cease to matter, but that it would be written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Jer. 31:31-34, Ezek. 36:26-27). We are not saved by keeping the law, but our salvation by grace is meant to result in righteousness (Ephesians 2:8-10).
The Spirituality of the Law 21-48
The law does not just regulate behavior; it convicts and guides our hearts and lives at the deeper, spiritual level.
Murder and Anger (21-26)
Adultery, Lust, and Divorce (27-32)
Oaths and Truthfulness (33-37)
Justice and Mercy (38-42)
Enmity and Love (43-48)
“Since the ceremonies and civil precepts of the law given by God to Moses were
intentionally temporary, leading to Christ, they are no longer binding. Nonetheless, no one is free from obedience to the moral commandments of God’s law. No one will be justified by the law, and in Christ believers will not be condemned by the law. Yet the law informs them of God’s will, reveals their sinfulness, and shows them their need for Christ. Those who use Christian liberty as an excuse to practice sin misapply God’s grace to their own destruction. God gives grace and liberty so that Christians might serve him in holiness without fear.” (Grace Church Doctrinal Summary)
Read Ahead: Matthew 6:1-4