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Chapter 16 - The Fulfillment of the Law

Paul acknowledges that the gospel he brings carries with it a freedom from law.

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. - Romans 6:15

We might ask how we can resolve the freedom from law, with the following of the law done by Jesus.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 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 5:17-18

One might think of the law as divided into two realms. The first regards personal conduct. The second has national and ceremonial relevance. When Jesus institutes the new covenant with the nation of Israel (upon her receiving the kingdom), one might expect that the burdensome ceremonial requirements would be done away with or at least modified. However, it is not difficult to imagine that what was once considered burdensome will then be seen as an opportunity to give glory to God that becomes a cherished tradition for the nation.

In regard to personal conduct, the Christian has God living in him to help him grow and mature in truth and love.

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. - Romans 13:10

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. - Galatians 5:14

The law might be seen as a sort of booster stage for a rocket. Having accomplished its purpose, it would only be a hindrance to cling to it. Paul describes the law using the illustration of a teacher.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. - Galatians 3:24-25

Paul admonishes the Galatians for after having begun to follow grace, being advised to return to the law.

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? - Galatians 3:1-3

 

  

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