Life and the Law

From my observations, Christians in our day sometimes struggle with the relevance of the Law of Moses.  Some view it as being fulfilled and thus relevant only from a historical perspective, and others are confused about what believers are obligated to obey--because the Law is righteous and good.  The Sermon on the Mount shows Jesus established a standard higher than that of Mosaic Law rather than encouraging lawlessness, for by faith in Jesus we hear and obey Him.  Paul later explained the Law was given to reveal our sinfulness and need for forgiveness and salvation, likening it to a tutor that led sinners by the hand to trust in Jesus.

Those who have received the Gospel can have a negative bias against the Law of God, grateful we Gentiles are not obligated to live as Jews who traditionally observe the Law.  This attitude can actually be borne out of selfishness and love for our own lives rather than willingness to die to self, take up our cross daily and follow Jesus.  After all, isn't Jesus worthy of such sacrifices?  It is important we realise the Law of Moses is worthy of praise and admiration.  The psalmist certainly held this view as it is written in Psalm 119:92-94:  "Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. ⁹³ I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life. ⁹⁴ I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts."  To the nation of Israel, God's Law was a revelation of His righteousness that made a provision for blessing and salvation impossible by any other means.

Jesus observed this view was maintained by the religious rulers in His day in John 5:39-40:  "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. ⁴⁰ But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life."  God, who created mankind and gives life to all people, offers eternal life revealed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is by receiving Christ by faith we have life as it is written in John 1:12-14:  "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."  The abundant life promised by God is experienced and enjoyed by a relationship with God made possible by our Saviour Jesus who gives the Holy Spirit.

The Law has a critical and important relevance because by the Law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).  Through God's Law we are provided insight into God's character, His holiness, sin's consequences and need for atonement by sacrifices offered by sanctified priests.  Jesus is the great high priest who offered Himself once for all, not so we can keep the Law to be righteous, but so we might be declared righteous by grace through faith in Him.  We therefore are led and empowered to walk righteously, to love God and others, having our hearts and minds refined according to His divine goodness and His word.  Rather than loving the fact we do not need to be burdened by trying to keep the Law of Moses, we ought to love God's Law because God employed it to reveal our need for a Saviour--led us right to Jesus Christ who loves us and gave His life for us.