Jesus and the Law

 

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets;

I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
Not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments,
and teaches others to do the same,
shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven;
but whoever keeps and teaches them,
he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-19

Grace does not annul the law.  Yes, we are no longer under the law for judgment, but God’s rules and regulations of the Old Testament are still His best for us.  In other words, God gave the law for the protection and provision of His people.  Those same laws when followed today still protect and provide for us.  We are not condemned by the law since Jesus’ blood paid in full for our inability to keep the law, but the law still has merit for victorious living.  It is really a matter of the horse and the cart.  If you put the cart before the horse, you will end up in the ditch!  If you put the law before grace, you will end up legalistic and unhappy.  Grace comes first and that gives us the desire to please God and have the ability to follow the law. 

 Choose to walk in the knowledge of God’s amazing grace which is forgiveness and freedom from guilt and shame.  But also choose to be wise and learn the laws of God, that you may know His protection and provision.