What was the mission of Christ on this earth?
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. ” Matthew 5:17
Answer: “the law” spoken of here includes the five books of Moses and “the prophets” includes all the writings of them. Christ is saying he came not to destroy these but his mission we see was to fulfil them. The ceremonial types and shadows was fulfilled by him as their anti-type and Christ fulfilled the moral law by perfect obedience. Christ also fulfilled the prophets in his advent. Christ came that the Law and the prophets may be fulfilled!
What did Christ teach concerning the stability of the law?
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. ” Matthew 5:18
Answer: Christ is teaching us here that the law will always be there and no one can alter it, not in the smallest degree. It is still binding today as much as it was during his time.
What did He say about those who keep or break the law?
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ” Matthew 5:19
What did Christ tell the rich young man to do in order to enter into life?
“… but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17
When asked which commandments, what was Jesus’ answer to him?
“Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ” Matthew 19:18-19
Answer: The commandments mentioned is what Jesus calls the “Second commandment” which is Love to your neighbor Mark 21:32. notice all the commandments mentioned deals with our neighbors. But Christ quoted enough to identify to the young man that he was referring to the moral law.
How does Jesus wants us to show our love to him?
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandment. Christ is saying those who truly love him will keep the commandments(Exodus 20) he has given us. And to the rich young man he told him that to keep those commandments was to enter into life eternal. Are we seeking to be saved in Gods heavenly kingdom? Christ is looking for those who are obedient to his law; If we make a decision today; with the strength of the Lord(Philippians 4:13) he will enable us to keep his commandments and abide in his love! (John 15:10)