The Law of God in the New Testament

Jesus and the Law

What did Jesus say of His attitude toward the law?

“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.” Matthew 5:17.

Note – “The law” includes the five books of Moses; and the prophets,” the writing of the prophets. Christ did not come to set aside, but to fulfill, both. The ceremonial types and shadows contained in the book of Moses He fulfilled as their great Antitype. The moral law, the basic fabric underlying all Moses’ writings, Christ fulfilled by perfect obedience. The prophets He fulfilled in His advent as the foretold Messiah, Prophet, Teacher, and Savior.

What did he teach concerning the stability of the law?

“I 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.” Verse 18.   

Note – We must understand that the Ten Commandments are just as binding upon Christian people today as they were upon the Children of Israel. The Moral Law is a part of the natural law of the universe… Just as a natural law broken in the material world brings its inevitable consequences, so the Moral Law broken brings its inevitable consequences in the spiritual and mental worlds. The Lord knew this. He knew it much better than anyone else who ever lived. Therefore He built His gospel upon a firm foundation of Moral Law, knowing that such a foundation can never be upset.

How did He stress the importance of keeping the law?

“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Verse 19.

What did Christ tell the rich man to do in order to enter into life?

“If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” Matthew 19:17.  

When asked which commandments, what did Jesus say?

“Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” Verse 18,19.

Note – While not quoting all Ten Commandments, Jesus quoted sufficient to identify the moral law. The second great commandment called attention to the principle underlying the second table of the law – love to one’s neighbor – that the rich young man was not keeping.

Sin and the Whole Law

What proves that the law is an undivided whole? 

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.” James 2:10-12.    

How is sin defined?

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4. 

Does faith render the law void?

“Do we, then, nullify the law the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” Romans 3:31. 

How Can Man Fulfill the Law?

“Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.” 1 Corinthians 7:19.

What kind of mind is not subject to the law of God?

“The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”

Romans 8:7.  

How is the law fulfilled?

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule.’ “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:8-10. 

How may we know that we love the children of God?

“This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and keeping his commands.” 1 John 5:2. 

What is the love of God declared to be?

“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”

Verse 3. 

How is the church of the last days described?

“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring – those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” Revelation 12:17; 14:12.  

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