The Law (5:17-20)

Our Relationship to OT Instructions

Position #1 We must obey them to be saved
Position #2 We have no relationship to them
Position #3 Christ fulfilled them

Problems with Position #1
Not even currently possible
Not one of us could do it
Not effectual even if we did (Gal. 2:15-16, 21)

Problems with Position #2
Ignores fact that they were God given
Ignores the Jewish heritage of Christianity
Ignores the call to holiness

Purpose of the OT Instructions
Makes us aware of our crimes (Romans 3:20)
Arouses sin which takes control (Romans 7:5)
Polices us until/toward Christ (Galatians 3:19, 24-25)
Supply us with instruction for living

What does “To fulfill them” mean?
It means He lived a perfectly moral life (moral, Romans 13:8+10)
It means He is the one the symbols pointed to (ceremonial, Colossians 2:16-17)
It means He is Lord of a new civil system (civil)


Thinking Through Examples
Tattoos
Food Laws
Sabbath

What to do about Disputable Matters… (Romans 14)

Jesus did not come to abolish the law (position #2), but to fulfill them. He fulfilled the 'moral' law by His perfect love. He fulfilled the 'ceremonial' law by the substance of His life and actions. He fulfilled the 'civil' law by bringing about the Kingdom of God/heaven. His people, in response, keep the moral law, celebrate the substance, and live as citizens of the kingdom. In this sense, nothing from the law has disappeared, even though much has been changed into its fuller form.