“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. 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. Anyone 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. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-20)
It is a hard teaching that Jesus gave in the passage above and He continued it by giving some specific examples of the extent of the Law’s restrictions. It’s not just actual murder that makes us guilty under the Law, but even getting angry at someone else. (Matthew 5:21-26) It is not just committing adultery that breaks the Law, but even looking at a woman lustfully. (Matthew 5:27-30)
So, if we are bound by the Law and guilty when we break it, what hope is there? All of us have been angry at someone in our lives. All of us men, at least, have looked lustfully on a woman. And there are many other attitudes of the heart for which we all stand guilty, even if we’ve never followed through with those attitudes to sinful action. We’re guilty, and therefore, condemned under the Law. That was true for Old Testament people and true for those of who live after New Testament times.
Thank God, there is One hope: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Through Christ, God forgives sinners and welcomes us into His family.
Thank God! “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
His, by Grace,
Steve
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