Christ: the End of the Law
Ten Commandments
April 14, 2024
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
Jesus did not abolish God's moral law but fulfilled it, making the law the enduring standard and guide for believers—salvation is by faith in Christ, and true faith is evidenced by Spirit-empowered obedience to that law.
Summary
Drawing on Matthew 5:17,20, the sermon argues that Christ placed himself at the point of the Law's fulfillment rather than its abolition; the moral law remains in force until heaven and earth pass away and serves as the standard and guide for God's people. While salvation is by faith alone in Christ’s fulfillment, saving faith is never alone: it produces obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit. The moral law predates Israel and applies to all image-bearers, and in the kingdom those who teach and keep the law are greatest while those who neglect it are least. The Lord’s Supper is presented as a continuing proclamation and participation in Christ’s fulfillment of the law.
Key Points
- Text and context: Matthew 5:17,20 — Jesus came to fulfill, not abolish, the law and the prophets.
- Enduring standard: The moral law remains until heaven and earth pass away and functions as the standard for holy living.
- Christ’s fulfillment: Jesus fulfilled the law (including its condemnation of sin), making the law our friend and guide rather than an undefeatable threat.
- Salvation and obedience: We are saved by faith in Christ alone, but saving faith is accompanied by obedience; greatness in the kingdom is measured by conformity to the law.
- Universal moral law: The moral law did not originate with Israel but is passed to all image-bearers and remains binding in the present age between Christ’s comings.
- Role of the church: The law is the foundation for the church; teachers and keepers of the law are greatest, those who neglect it are least.
- Past failures and expectations: Lowering God’s standard for the unconverted is deceptive; perfection is required by God’s moral law, highlighting our need for Christ’s fulfillment.
- Security and warning: Entry into the kingdom is through faith in Christ’s law-keeping; the least in the kingdom remain in it so long as Christ’s fulfillment is acceptable to the Father.
- Sacramental reminder: The Lord’s Supper proclaims and participates in Christ’s fulfillment of the law as we eat the bread and drink the cup until he comes.
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