> As we gather to reflect on the teachings of Jesus, let us turn our attention to His profound words in Matthew 5:17-20. Here, Jesus clarifies His mission concerning the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that He came not to abolish but to fulfill them. This passage challenges us to consider the depth of our righteousness and our understanding of God’s commandments.
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Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” With these words, Jesus reassures His listeners that His teachings are not a departure from the sacred texts but their completion. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies the perfect fulfillment of the Law, revealing its true purpose and meaning.
The Law was given to guide God’s people, to set them apart, and to point them toward holiness. However, it was never meant to be an end in itself. Jesus, in fulfilling the Law, shows us that its ultimate goal is love—love for God and love for our neighbors. Through Him, we see the Law’s intentions fully realized.
God Credits Us with Jesus’ Righteousness
Jesus fulfilled the Law and became the perfect sacrifice to bear the penalty for our sins. God not only placed our sins on Christ but also credited His perfection to us, allowing us to stand justly before a holy God.
The biblical teaching that God imputes (credits) Christ’s righteousness to believers through faith alone in Christ alone is central to the Christian faith. This concept is often associated with the doctrine of justification by faith.
- Justification by Faith: According to this teaching, justification—being declared righteous before God—is not based on human effort or merit but solely on faith in Jesus Christ. Key biblical passages that support this include Romans 3:21-26, where Paul explains that righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Likewise, Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast.
- Imputation of Righteousness: The doctrine of imputation means that Christ’s righteousness is credited to the believer’s account. This does not mean that individuals become inherently righteous in their behavior, but that God counts them as righteous because of their faith in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 illustrates this exchange: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
- The Role of Faith: Faith is the means by which believers receive this righteousness. It is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. Romans 4:5 points out that to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
- Christ’s Perfect Righteousness: According to this doctrine, Jesus lived a sinless life, fulfilling the law perfectly on behalf of humanity. As such, His righteousness is seen as perfect and complete, and when it is imputed to believers, it satisfies the requirements of God’s law.
- Resultant Relationship with God: The imputation of Christ’s righteousness is foundational in the believer’s restored relationship with God. It assures believers of their standing before God and grants them peace, as seen in Romans 5:1, which states that since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In summary, the biblical teaching is that through faith in Christ, believers receive His righteousness, leading to their justification before God. This faith is not a work or merit but a means of grace through which God’s righteousness is applied to the believer.
A Call to Exceeding Righteousness
Jesus continues, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” The Pharisees were known for their meticulous adherence to the Law, yet Jesus calls us to a righteousness that goes beyond mere external compliance.
The statement by Jesus serves both as a motivation and encouragement by emphasizing the importance of a deeper, more genuine form of righteousness. Here’s how this idea can be understood:
– Motivation for Growth
Jesus’s message challenges individuals to aspire to a higher standard of moral and ethical living. The Pharisees were known for their strict observance of the Law, but this was often limited to external actions and rituals. By calling for a righteousness that surpasses theirs, Jesus motivates believers to pursue a more authentic and heartfelt commitment to doing what is right. This involves fostering inner virtues such as love, humility, and compassion, rather than simply adhering to rules. It encourages self-reflection and the desire to improve one’s character and actions.
– Encouragement of Attainability
The statement also implies that this higher level of righteousness is not out of reach. If Jesus calls for such righteousness, it suggests that individuals are capable of achieving it with intentional effort and reliance on spiritual transformation. The encouragement comes from the understanding that righteousness is not about achieving perfection through one’s own strength but about engaging in a transformative journey where personal growth is possible. Through spiritual practices like prayer, studying scripture, and building community, individuals can develop the kind of deep-seated righteousness that Jesus describes.
This deeper righteousness is not about adding more rules or performing more rituals. Instead, it is about a transformation of the heart. It is about aligning our inner lives with God’s will, allowing His love and grace to permeate every aspect of our being. True righteousness is marked by sincerity, humility, and a genuine desire to reflect God’s character.
In essence, Jesus’s teaching shifts the focus from external compliance to internal transformation, letting people know that while the standard is high, it can be reached by every genuine believer since they are the ones who are sincere in their pursuit of a life aligned with spiritual values.
Living Out Fulfilled Righteousness
In practical terms, living out this fulfilled righteousness means examining our motives and actions. Are we driven by love and compassion, or are we merely checking off religious boxes? Do we seek to honor God in our thoughts, words, and deeds, or are we content with outward appearances?
Jesus invites us to embrace a life of integrity, where our faith is not confined to religious settings but is evident in our everyday interactions. This kind of righteousness is not burdensome but liberating, as it draws us closer to the heart of God.
Conclusion: Embrace the Fulfillment
As we conclude, let us embrace the fulfillment of the Law through Jesus Christ. Let us strive for a righteousness that exceeds the superficial, one that is rooted in love and manifests in every facet of our lives. May we seek to understand and live out the true spirit of God’s commandments, knowing that in doing so, we reflect His glory and draw others to His kingdom.
Pray for the strength and wisdom to pursue this deeper righteousness, trusting in Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law as your guide and inspiration.
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