The Fulfillment of the Law
by Everett Ramsay, DD
From the book: Commentary of the New Testament
Matthew 5:17-20:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy. 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. 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. 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.”
Jesus Christ made it plain that He did not come to alter or eliminate the law. He came to fulfill the law, especially that which is related to the covenant of Abraham. The ceremonial law was not removed or done away. It was fulfilled in Christ. The law is still there.
- We still need a lamb. But Christ is that lamb.
- We still need a sin offering and Christ is that offering.
- We still need a priest to intercede and Christ is that High Priest.
The laws are still on the books. The law is still in effect. So are all the other laws.
The laws of feasts and Sabbaths are still on the books, and our Sabbaths and feasts are in Christ. Look at the parables Jesus gave of the feasts! The only ceremonies we have left today is the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.
The Bible still says that sin is the violation of the laws of God. 1 John 3:4 “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
- If there is no law, then there is no sin.
- If there is no sin, there can be no grace.
If a policeman stops you and says that you are driving 70 miles an hour, but I am going to have grace on you and not give you a ticket; you may feel good until you find out there was no speed limit. Then what do you feel. Contempt! Why would this cop stop me for driving 70 mph when it is perfectly lawful!
The same is true with preachers and church members. Most members are rebelling against preachers because they keep saying they are sinners and need a savior, but at the same time they are saying that Jesus Christ died and abolished the law. If Christ abolished the law, then why do we need a savior? I need a savior because I have sinned against the Law/Word of God, Jesus Christ. This teaching of no law is seriously flawed and makes the salt unsalted and thrown out.
