Confused on Matt 5;17-19

[gooner]

I just got done with reading six pages of discussion on Theology 201 re The Law;

http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?t=60294

I say discussion with reservation.I learnt next to nothing from it!I have real problems reconciling Matt 5;17-19 with the notion of not being under Law...I think I may be the only Christian in the world who doesn't get it!Anyone want to help?

[National Intelligence Director Phoenix]

I just got done with reading six pages of discussion on Theology 201 re The Law;

http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?t=60294

I say discussion with reservation.I learnt next to nothing from it!I have real problems reconciling Matt 5;17-19 with the notion of not being under Law...I think I may be the only Christian in the world who doesn't get it!Anyone want to help?

Hi Gooner. Thanks for your question.

First off, let me say that you're not alone in many ways. Many people still do wrestle with this sort of issue. It's also one that we can realize truth about it in our heads, but it doesn't always seem to hit our souls. I'd say much of the Bible is like that though. Imagine the change in our lives if we ever realized that every word of Scripture is absolutely true?

Of course, that doesn't answer your question, so let's get to it. The verses in question I will be reading from the NIV.

17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Let's start with something important here. Jesus is not anti-law. In John 10:34, he says that the Scripture cannot be broken. In Matthew 4:4, he states that man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Jesus is not "anti-law."

However, having said this, the law does have its purpose. This is the role the Pauline Epistles help us realize, particularly Romans, which has been a life-changing book. Both Martin Luther and John Wesley were deeply impacted by Romans.

Now Jesus comes to fulfill the law though. We often today divide the law into civil, ceremonial, and moral aspects. Granted, there are such qualities, but you do not see this break-down taking place in the Bible.

We do realize our freedom in that we don't have to offer sacrifices, but we say we are bound by the moral law. Now why would this be? The reason we obey the moral aspects is because of their being placed on the hearts of all mankind as well as Romans 2 says.

The law had its purpose of pointing to the nature of God. Why could you not wear mixed fabrics? Because God was absolutely pure and you needed to be reminded of that. An excellent look at this can be found in a chapter of Paul Copan's "How Do You Know You're Not Wrong?"

The moral law aspect points to God's moral characteristics. We do not really need the law to tell us many such things such as not to murder. I have never considered the Israelites sitting around Mt. Sinai and hearing when Moses comes down and saying, "Uh oh guys. We gotta stop this murder thing now. Turns out, we're not supposed to do that."

So what are the commands then that are abiding that Jesus wants us to follow? He wants us to live lives that will reflect kingdom people. The law stopped at murder. Jesus tells us to remove unjustified anger that will lead to hatred. The law stops at adultery. Jesus tells us to remove lust.

Ultimately, love truly is the fulfillment of the law as Paul says twice in Romans 13:8-10. The Sermon on the Mount starts with talking about the people who will follow God, how they will effect the world, and then how they are different.

So what does this mean for you? Gooner. You are simply to love your neighbor. Jesus said the law is fulfilled in that you love God and love your neighbor as yourself.

If you want more information on this topic, I would suggest you try to find some good commentaries on Matthew. A local Bible College or Seminary would probably be glad to aid you on your quest. F.F. Bruce also has a book called, "Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free."

And if you're living in fear of your salvation, don't. Just trust in Jesus. That's what he really asks for. Take time to love God and love your neighbor and all the other stuff will fall into place.

Hope this helps! Thanks for your question also! It's an excellent one, and God bless you in your quest for truth!

[gooner]

Thanks both of you.How do you confidently answer the person who argues the following........
Jesus says that those who teach that it's ok to eat pork and mix your fibres are annulling the commandments of the law...didn't He say they stand and that those who teach otherwise are the least in the Kingdom?I mean MY answer would be.....Yes but the look to the whole of the NT....it is clear from the epistles that this is not the case.BUT....isn't that ducking the issue?

[National Intelligence Director Phoenix]

Thanks both of you.How do you confidently answer the person who argues the following........
Jesus says that those who teach that it's ok to eat pork and mix your fibres are annulling the commandments of the law...didn't He say they stand and that those who teach otherwise are the least in the Kingdom?I mean MY answer would be.....Yes but the look to the whole of the NT....it is clear from the epistles that this is not the case.BUT....isn't that ducking the issue?

I'd turn to Mark 7.

Really, the commandments were given for a time and a place. Israel was a theocratic society. If we're Gentiles, we're not. We've never been under the law. If it's wrong to do that, then the problem is with Jesus. He declared all foods clean. (See Acts 10 also)