What Christ Said About the Law
Christ's position on the law was clear - do you know what He said, and do you agree with Him?
In Matthew 5:18-19 Matthew 5:18-19 [18] For truly I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one stroke or one pronunciation mark shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
[19] Whoever 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 whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
American King James Version×, Christ said that not even one letter of God's law can pass away until heaven and earth also pass away - an event which is prophesied to happen at the same time that the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven (Revelation 21:1-2 Revelation 21:1-2 [1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
[2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
American King James Version×). This has not happened yet, and is not prophesied to happen until after the tribulation, after the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth, and after the Great White Throne Judgment. In the same passage, Christ even stated that adherence to God's law will be the standard for whether you are called "great" in the Kingdom of heaven or not!
Most Christians today hold a belief that is directly contrary to this clear statement of Jesus Christ. Many of them selectively quote writings from other books in the New Testament, often out-of-context, in order to argue that the law of the Old Testament is no longer in effect under the New Covenant. Some of these arguments can sound convincing, but they are deceptions! Christ made such a simple statement that it cannot be misinterpreted: God's law has not - and will not - pass away until heaven and earth have also passed away.
The prophets teach us that one day everyone will come to keep God's law. In Isaiah 2:2-3 Isaiah 2:2-3 [2] And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.
[3] And many people shall go and say, Come you, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
American King James Version×, it is prophesied that people from all over the world will go to Jerusalem to learn the law of God. Zechariah 14:14 Zechariah 14:14And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.
American King James Version×reveals that people from every country will keep the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem every year. Isaiah 66:23 Isaiah 66:23And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, said the LORD.
American King James Version×says plainly that people from all over the world will come together to worship God on the seventh-day Sabbath. There are many as-yet unfulfilled prophecies that specifically show that God's laws will one day be kept all over the world, but not a single prophecy stating that the law would someday be abolished!
No matter what clever arguments anyone might use to justify their position, the words of Christ and the prophets are true - they are the words of God! In light of this, how do you understand scriptures like Galatians 3:10-13 Galatians 3:10-13 [10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
[11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
[12] And the law is not of faith: but, The man that does them shall live in them.
[13] Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:
American King James Version×, or Colossians 2:16-17 Colossians 2:16-17 [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
American King James Version×? Does your understanding agree with the teachings of Christ and the prophets?
If you want answers on how to understand these scriptures properly, check out the United Church of God's booklet, "The New Covenant: Does it Abolish God's Law?" It answers specific arguments that are used to wrongly teach that the law was done away, including those that use the scriptures listed above. It also describes the true foundation of the New Covenant and the personal responsibilities of Christians today.