Lesson 4 – Righteousness

Law Abiding to the Bible - Matthew 5:17 – 18

“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.  18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  

19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 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.   

In these verses, Jesus clarifies his stance regarding the Law and the Prophets (referring to the Old Testament Scriptures). He emphasizes that he has not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Jesus is not disregarding the importance of the Law but rather bringing it to its intended completion and ultimate purpose.

Jesus affirms the enduring nature of the Law by stating that not even the smallest letter or stroke will disappear from it until everything is accomplished. This emphasizes the significance and authority of God's law, revealing that it remains relevant and binding until its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets through his life, teachings, death, and resurrection. He embodies the righteous requirements of the Law perfectly, providing the ultimate sacrifice for sin and establishing a new covenant with humanity based on grace and faith in him. Jesus' fulfillment of the Law brings about a new era, where believers are justified by faith in him rather than solely relying on obedience to the Law for salvation.

These verses emphasize the continuity and significance of the Old Testament Scriptures in light of Jesus' ministry. While the Law is not disregarded, it finds its completion and fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who brings a new and transformative way of relating to God.