BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part X)

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part X)

In our effort to offer a portrait of the PERSON and WORK of JESUS CHRIST, we continue to highlight his TEACHING MINISTRY via an ongoing examination of the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew, chapters 5-7)  Our focus for today is on The New Laws instituted by Jesus Christ.  These New Covenant Laws stand in stark contrast with the Old Covenant Laws of Moses. 

Currently, Belinda and I are engaged in a study of the book of Romans during our family devotional hour.  Throughout this book, the Apostle Paul offers in-depth analysis of the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, comparing requirements of The Mosaic Law with those of this current dispensation of Grace and Truth.  According to Paul, the primary purpose of the law is to collectively bring mankind to a full awareness that the entire world is “guilty before God.”  In other words, by way of the law we achieve “the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:19-20)  As such, “the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)

The Kingdom teachings of Jesus Christ proclaim a higher righteousness than the law, which is graciously derived from Christ’s life-giving atonement and the subsequent indwelling of His Holy Spirit.  Consequently, Jesus issues a clear challenge to His disciples: “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)  Make no mistake, this “righteousness” is not achieved by a legalistic observance of the laws of God, for the scriptures state that this is an absolute impossibility.  “For all have sinned and come short,” that is, no man was able to keep the dictates of the law. (Romans 3:23)  Paul teaches that any who strive by human means to please God are “ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:3)  Jesus Christ enters the scene as One “who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Corinthians 5:21)  And “the righteousness of God [is] by faith.” (Philippians 3:9)  Faith only –  “not works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

When Christ declares believers to be righteous, based solely on the fact that HE offered Himself up as “the propitiation [sacrificial substitute] for our sins,” we become spiritually enabled to live according to the precepts of His Law, i.e. His Word. (I John 2:2 – Galatians 2:20)

Thus, Jesus Christ did not come to “destroy the Law or the Prophets…but to fulfill” their God-ordained purposes. (Matthew 5:17)  Transcending the lifeless and powerless law, Christ enables us with the spiritual authority and power to comply with the divine will.  As the Personification of Divine Love, Christ calls us to become active agents of divine love.  Therefore, every believer is admonished to “be reconciled with your brother” (Matthew 5:24), to maintain your body temple in holiness (Matthew 5:27-28), to honor the sanctity of marriage vows (Matthew 5:31-32), to speak the truth (Matthew 5:33-37), to answer evil with good (Matthew 5:38-42), to love all enemies (Matthew 5:43-45), and to live in perfect union with God (Matthew 25:48).  Wow!

Let us resolve to conscientiously practice the presence of The Risen Christ who resides in us and thereby manifests the righteousness of God, working in us and through us.  None of this would ever be possible without HIM.  “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!