The new and remarkable teaching and authority of Jesus of Nazareth alarmed many who did not understand that he, in fact, did not come to abolish either the Law or the Prophets. Rather, he came to actually fulfill them. Jesus declared that until heaven and earth pass away, not even an iota, not even a dot, would pass from the Law until everything written in it was fully accomplished. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, the Messiah and Ruler promised to come and make an end of sin and death. He comes not to annul the promise but rather to fulfill it.

The great sayings of the Protestant Reformation are often called the five “solas”. Sola fide, faith alone; Sola gratia, grace alone; Sola Christus, Christ alone; Sola Scriptura, Scripture alone; and Soli Deo Gloria, for the glory of God alone. In some sense these have defined our thinking about salvation, and rightly so. However, we should not take these to extremes that are not warranted by the Bible. Salvation by grace alone through faith alone does not make obedience to God optional.

Holy Spirit of God, teach us to obey the command of our Lord and keep in step with you.

“The prescriptions of the Mosaic covenant for ritual cleansing were a sign of the need for purification in a more profound and complete sense. Jesus’ teaching raises a question about where such cleansing might be found. The immediate context provides no answer, though his teaching about the significance of his death ultimately offers a solution to this problem.”

~ David G. Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. p. 114.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Jesus Fulfills the Law, Matthew 5.13-20

Book Reading
Peterson, Engaging with God