Out of Deep Waters

I was talking with someone I know about Jesus’ take on the law, and he mentioned Matthew 5:17-20, (which, in short, is Jesus’ saying that he didn’t come to abolish the law, and speaking of the importance of obeying the law.) The person with which I was chatting pointed out that Jesus said he didn’t come to abolish the law, and so it seems as though to say that Jesus did not come to make people follow the law (something that I had said earlier) is in conflict with what scripture says. And. I agree that Jesus, did in fact, say that he didn’t come to abolish the law. However, there is a difference between abolishing the law, and dying so that salvation is not dependent on it. The teachings in the bible are that it’s not by obeying the law that we gain favor with God, or entrance into heaven. It’s by having faith and believing that Jesus, who was righteous, died in our place, so that we could be made righteous. And when we believe that, the Holy Spirit leads us in a life which is in line with the law. Our salvation, our goodness, and our righteousness is not dependent on us, but on the grace of Jesus Christ and the teaching of the Holy Spirit. And we are not striving to be good, because it’s not by goodness that we are loved. It’s not by goodness that we are accepted. It’s by Jesus. And that seems so crazy. To me, it always seems too good to be true. And, while nobody is free of earthly consequences of decisions, it is true that we are free from the punishment of death for all of our sins, and have the gift of eternal life! And if THAT weren’t enough, we also have the Holy Spirit, who leads and guides us as we go throughout life and oh my gosh God is good.

Also, for your reference, Matthew 5:17-20 (NLT) is in the “read more” section.

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers or religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”