“Think not that I am come TO DESTROY THE LAW, OR THE PROPHETS: I am not come to destroy, but TO FULFIL. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled…” Matthew 5:17-18 KJV, (Emphasis mine).
In recap, the entirety of the Torah is not obsolete. But a section of it which is the ceremonial dimension. The Ceremonial Law deals with the procedures and rituals pertaining to worship. So, Jesus amended the ceremonial perspective of the law, by substituting the canal worship with spiritual worship. According to John 4:22-24, we noticed that, the geographic location, and the day of worship were changed. Even the kind of worshippers were changed. Jesus was emphatic about the kind of Worshippers the Father was seeking. “…GOD IS SPIRIT, and his worshipers MUST WORSHIP in the SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH…” John 4:24, NIV (Emphasis mine). ‘Spiritual Worshippers in Truth’ they are those who the Father is seeking for.
Now, back to the crux of the main subject. The controversy begins from the Law/Torah and teachings of the Prophets. Therefore, to set the record straight and also reveal God’s plans for humanity which were obscured in both the Torah and the Prophets, was the emergence of the Messiah in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Word of God personified. Therefore, it is imperative that His teachings must be considered as the final authority in terms of doctrinal issues and Kingdom conduct. Let’s consider the main text.
“Think not that I am come TO DESTROY THE LAW, OR THE PROPHETS (OLD TESTATEMENT): I am not come to destroy, but TO FULFIL. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled…” Matthew 5:17-18 KJV, (Emphasis & Insertion mine).
There are two keywords in the above text. These are DESTROY and FULFILL. Before we delve into the main text let’s try to define the keywords to set the stage for the main subject which has been in contention for so long.
To DESTROY simply means, to end the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it. It also means, to reduce something to nothingness or to take away its powers and functions so that restoration is impossible. TO FULFILL simply means, to put into effect or to enforce.
Therefore, when we juxtapose the two definitions to the first two phrases in the biblical text, it points to the fact that Jesus did not come to entirely nullify the Old Testament as some people assume. Let’s consider the verse 19 of Matthew chapter 5:
“Whosoever therefore SHALL BREAK one of these least commandments, and SHALL TEACH men so, he shall be called the LEAST in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall DO AND TEACH THEM, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Emphasis mine).
This scripture reveals two categories of people and their rewards / position in the Kingdom. The first group are those who disobey or flout the Law and yet teaches or recommend others to obey them. On the lighter side, we call them “signboard believers”. They will point other to the right direction but not themselves. Such folks Jesus considers them the “LEAST” in the kingdom. The second group are those who obey the Law and also teaches others to do same. These are called the effective disciples. Jesus considers them as the “GREAT” in the kingdom.
We cannot afford to disobey the law with impunity just because of the excuse of Grace. Therefore, kingdom elevation is not determined by the impact we make on others alone but by how we maintain our integrity to the latter. Yes, the scriptures were emphatic that Grace was initiated by Jesus but we shouldn’t forget that Grace did not come alone but with its twin also known as Truth, which is the spirit of the law. (John 1:16-17).
In closing let me leave you with this biblical text to ponder upon. We will look at it in detail, God willing tomorrow.
“For I say unto you, that except your RIGHTEOUSNESS shall EXCEED THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, ye shall in NO CASE ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.” Matthew 5: 20 (Emphasis mine).
PRAY WITH ME
Lord Jesus, I thank you this day for my life. From this day forward, I have resolved to become an EFFECTIVE DISCIPLE with Kingdom righteousness and NOT as a “signboard believer”. Holy Spirit, please guide me and help me to achieve this. This I pray in the precious name of Jesus! Amen!
Author: REV. SOLOMON KWAME LUTTERODT
