How to Understand the Bible ! (Continues) Sadly, many think Jesus Christ came to do away with the law, but He denied this in the strongest terms. “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets,” He warned. “I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18). Jesus did not mean He would obey the law so we wouldn’t have to, as some think. Rather, His teaching and personal example would fill up the meaning of God’s laws—showing their full spiritual intent—beyond the mere letter. In the same message, Christ showed that God’s laws are binding on even our thoughts—not just our actions. His “fulfilling” of the law—filling it up to its fullest intent—was to show us what the law truly requires of us. To those who followed Him, but did not obey God’s laws, He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Christ expected His followers to deeply respect God’s commandments, just as He always respected and obeyed them. His view was clear: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:10). Christ’s teachings uphold God’s commandments. They do not do away with them. The apostle Peter said this of people who desire to receive the Holy Spirit, a requirement for more fully understanding the Scriptures: “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit [which] God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Therefore, to understand revealed spiritual truths requires the vital key of faithful obedience to God’s perfect laws and instruction as shown in Holy Scripture.Though obedience is necessary for continued spiritual understanding, this does not mean that obedience entitles us to salvation. God alone, through His grace and mercy, forgives sin, grants us help to overcome and offers salvation as a gift. However, God does expect us to do our part while He fulfills the rest. James emphasized this principle: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he [as an act of obedience] offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” (James 2:21-22). The many benefits of obedience will quickly manifest themselves to the doer. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good,” wrote King David (Psalm 34:8). Jesus Christ said, Whoever chooses to do the will of God will know whether my teaching comes from him or is merely my own” (John 7:17, Revised English Bible). Following through with humble, willing obedience is the ultimus test! Amen
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 17:08:58 +0000
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