•8:00 AM
Why does the church of Christ teach the Law of Moses is no longer binding?
Todd ClippardTopic(s): Bible Study, Church
COMMENTS ON MATTHEW 5:17-18
Jesus said He did not come to destroy< the law, but to fulfill it. He said in verse 18 that not one thing would pass from the law "until all be fulfilled." Jesus' perfect life, death, and resurrection was the final fulfillment of the old law (cf John 5:39).Also, the old law contained language of its own demise in Deuteronomy 18:18-20, where Moses told the people a new prophet would come and He would speak new words from God. The priests and Levites thought John the Baptist was "that prophet" according to John 1:21. However, Peter identified that prophet as Jesus in Acts 3:20-26.
The prophets also contained language pointing to the end of the old law - particularly Jeremiah 31:33 and like passages.
COMMENTS ON LUKE 16:17
Because the old law was given by God, it was impossible for the old law to fail. However, in light of what we have just discussed in Matthew 5:17-18, this strengthens the argument that the old law was not given as a final will or law of God. Since the old law contains language of its own decease, and since that law cannot fail, then of necessity the old law must come to an end when all was fulfilledLook at Luke 16:16. Jesus said, "the law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it." Jesus here clearly states the end of the old law was begun when John the Baptist began his public ministry, preaching repentance in view of the imminent coming of the kingdom (Matt 3:2). Jesus preached this same message when He began His public ministry (Matt 4:17).
COMMENTS ON ROMANS 3:31
Romans 3:31 is where Paul says he justified the law. I think this is directly related to the previous discussion. Paul was in no way trying to denigrate or destroy the old law, but was rather trying to get the Roman Christians (who were formerly Jews) to see the inclusion of the Gentiles as being a fulfillment of the old law (Isa 62:1-2). By preaching the justification of all men through faith in Jesus Christ, Paul was affirming the teaching of the old law, which was a shadow of the law of Christ (Col 2:17) and a tutor to bring us to the faith of Jesus Christ (Gal 3:22-29).Look back at Romans 3:28. Paul writes, "We conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
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