The Christian and the Law
Every tree that bringeth forth not good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:19,20
Read Matthew 7:7-20
Christ’s coming into the world did not signify the end of the law. Some say that because Christ fulfilled the law, it no longer applies to a Christian who relies on Him. These people also think that it is therefore wrong to read the law of God in the morning worship service. The time period in which the law applies is past.
But Christ Jesus indicated that the law is not superfluous. He has not come to terminate the law but to fulfill it. He actually placed the law in its proper light, revealing that no one could be saved by the deeds of the law. The righteousness of the Pharisees was insufficient to save. They thought they could faithfully keep the law, but no one can be saved in that way.
Does that mean we should just set aside the law? By no means, for the law is designed to bring you to Christ. You must therefore confess all your transgressions of the law to Him and seek refuge with Him, for He has fulfilled the law. Christ has borne the punishment due to all sin; since the curse of the law was laid on Him, it is not only not possible to be saved by keeping the law, but it is no longer necessary either. Yet, through His saving power, God’s people long to keep the law, that they might honour their Lord. The commandments reveal the way God should be served. Therefore we can never say that the law has no significance. Instead, when the Lord works in someone’s heart, he learns to love the law of the Lord.
Thought: Why is it inconceivable that the law no longer applies in the life of a Christian?
Psalter 42: 1,2,3 (based on Psalm 19) Most perfect is the law of God, Restoring those that stray; His testimony is most sure, Proclaiming wisdom’s way. The precepts of the Lord are right; With joy they fill the heart; The Lord’s commandments all are pure, And clearest light impart. The fear of God is pure, And ever shall endure; The statutes of the Lord are truth, And righteousness most pure.