Debates often arise among Christians regarding the relevance of the Old Testament in modern faith. The distinction between the Old and New Testaments reflects different periods in God’s redemptive plan. While certain Old Testament laws, like circumcision and dietary restrictions, are no longer binding, understanding the Old Testament in light of the New Testament remains crucial.
One pivotal chapter shedding light on this relationship is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus employs the phrase ‘You have heard that it was said … But I tell you’ to address common interpretations of Old Testament teachings. Contrary to misconceptions, Jesus does not aim to undermine the Old Testament but rather to clarify and deepen its true essence.
Renowned theologian John Stott emphasizes that Jesus’ critique in the Sermon on the Mount is not directed at the law itself but at the Pharisees’ misinterpretations. Jesus underscores the importance of inner righteousness over mere outward compliance with the commandments, highlighting the underlying principles of the law.
Furthermore, Jesus explicitly states that he did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. His perfect fulfillment of the law underscores its enduring authority, emphasizing the redemptive work he accomplished for humanity. Through faith in Jesus, believers inherit the blessings of the law and receive salvation.
Despite misconceptions portraying Jesus as lenient on ethical standards, a closer examination reveals that he upholds and intensifies moral commandments. Jesus’ teachings underscore the necessity of grace for repentant sinners, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s grace in leading believers towards holiness.
Following the receipt of grace and forgiveness, believers are called to pursue holiness not as a means of earning salvation but as a response to God’s grace. This pursuit of holiness stems from a transformed heart and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, aligning believers with God’s will and character.
Jesus’ critique of the Pharisees in the Sermon on the Mount highlights the importance of genuine righteousness rooted in inner transformation rather than external adherence to rules. By asserting his authority as the ultimate interpreter of God’s law, Jesus reveals his divine identity and underscores the significance of approaching the Gospels with a proper understanding of his teachings.
Ultimately, the interplay between law and grace in Christian faith underscores the necessity of both paradigms in upholding God’s standards while providing a pathway to redemption for sinful humanity. By embracing the transformative power of grace and striving for holiness in response, believers align themselves with God’s redemptive plan as exemplified by Jesus’ teachings.
Olof Edsinger, the general secretary of the Swedish Evangelical Alliance, offers insights into the intricate relationship between the Old Testament law, Jesus’ teachings, and the transformative power of grace in shaping Christian faith and practice.
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