Jesus, the end of the Law

Steven’s Scribbles
“Jesus, the end of the Law” 
Matt. 5:17


    In the first century, there was great debate between Christians with a Jewish background and those with a Gentile background, and the need to observe the Law of Moses. To a point that Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to debate the matter with the Judaizing Christians. Not only did the elders and apostles determine that it was unnecessary for Gentile converts to observe aspects of the old law, Peter said this, “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are” (Acts 15:10-11). As Paul later points out, that doesn’t mean that the Law of Moses was a bad thing (Rom. 7:7-10). Rather, Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses with his sacrifice on the cross (Rom. 7:1-6). In doing so, he enacted a new law, also known as a covenant or testament, and fulfilled the justification promised to those under the first covenant (Heb. 9:15-17). Even though this issue was firmly settled in the first century, some today are still guilty of trying to take aspects of the old law and apply them to Christianity. It is not uncommon today to see people use incense, liturgical  priestly robes, instrumental music, or sacrificial altars. Some religions still teach that there is a priestly group of Christians and a non-priestly (laity) group. There is a grave warning to those who would teach and follow such doctrines (Gal. 5:2-4). The truth is, Jesus is sufficient and his new covenant is sufficient for our practice and salvation. There is no need to add to or take away from what He accomplished. I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley