Fulfillment

Fulfillment (by David Peterson of The Rock Of Jesus Church)

Jesus is near the beginning of His “Sermon on the Mount” and He states in Matthew 5:17-20; “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished! 19 Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you that unless your righteousness far surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is speaking of Himself as the fulfillment of the law in every way. He instructs that following His words in obedience comes from our justification whereby our imputed righteousness is granted to us as believers.

On this topic, Christian author and Professor Ken Puls wrote; “The Law is a strict and unforgiving task master. It has no power to save and can only condemn us. But it drives us to One who can save. It serves as a “tutor to bring us to Christ.” (Galatians 3:24).” Jesus Christ alone saves us through His mercy and grace. It is, quite simply, the “deal of the century”!

“Vain Are the Hopes the Sons of Men” is a hymn written by Isaac Watts in 1709. Verse 3 and 4 are below;

In vain we ask God's righteous law
To justify us now;

Since to convince and to condemn
Is all the law can do.

Jesus, how glorious is thy grace!
When in thy name we trust,

Our faith receives a righteousness
That makes the sinner just.

Watts informs us that we are not justified, or made righteous, by the Law. Jesus fulfills the Law by granting His believers grace through justification.

Let us pray: Jesus, our Christ, you fulfilled our need for salvation by offering us grace that erased our sin. The Law can only be satisfied through your work on the cross and your love for us! Amen.