Question: In Matthew 5:17-18: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 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." Also in 1 John 2-3: "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." My question is: If Jesus said in Matthew, it’s not done away with and other scriptures indicate that the laws are not done away with, then why do some teach they are done away? The way I understand it, Jesus said, it’s not. And as far as I know, Jesus is still in charge, and his words stand forever. I would appreciate a reply.

Thanks!

Jeff

Answer: Dear Jeff,

Thanks for your questions. Both of the passages to which you refer concern the law and commandments, and I take it that you have concerns about "doing away with the law."

First, it is important to read both of these passages in context. For example, Matthew 5 is within the context of the antithetical statements made later in the chapter – "It was said of those of old…BUT I SAY UNTO YOU. Jesus is clearly stating his authority, and his mission. He is saying, in vs. 17-18 that he would fulfill, that he would obey, that he would be under the law as no human had ever been able to, or would ever be able to – Jesus kept the law, the only human ever in history to do so. He fulfilled it. He obeyed it. He did not do so setting us an example in the sense that we must keep it perfectly, for we are unable to keep the old covenant law.

In addition, he made the demands of the law (under the new covenant, which started when the veil of the temple was rent, as Jesus atoned for our sins on the cross, doing for us what we can never do for ourselves) Jesus made the demands of the new covenant higher/harder/more demanding. Thus the antithetical statements of chapter 5. Why? To reinforce in our minds that the life we lead must be that new life in Christ which alone can bring justification and sanctification. See Galatians 2:20 and 21. Only Jesus, as he empowers and lives within us can fulfill the obligations of the law.

We can never earn our salvation. He paid the debt he did not owe, because we owe a debt we cannot pay.

In 1 John, once again I urge to read the entire book. You will not once find the references to the commandments being the "10 commandments of the old covenant" – but rather the commandments we are given in the new covenant. And what are those commandments? Because these answer are already posted and available on our website, I will now refer you to our questions under "Ask Greg" – see the category "Sabbath and Other Commandments" – please note the answer to questions posed by Maria, Tracie, and Duane.

May God bless you, Jeff, and if I can be of further help, please let me know.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht