The Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus' Teachings on Obedience and Salvation

Matthew 5:18, a passage from the Christian Bible, clearly states, 'For truly I tell you, until all is accomplished, the heavens and the earth will not pass away.' This means that the law, as prescribed by previous scriptures, is not to be disregarded or nullified, but rather, it is to be fulfilled. This article delves into the essence of Jesus' teachings on the law, emphasizing the importance of obedience and salvation through good works.

Jesus Confirms the Law

In several passages, Jesus affirms the teachings of the Old Testament, a key part of the law. For example, in Matthew 22:35-40, He confirms the teachings of Deuteronomy 6:5 (the Shema) and Leviticus 18:4-5, which contain some of the fundamental commandments. Jesus’ holistic teaching is seen in Mark 12:33, where He asserts that loving one's neighbor as oneself is as significant as all burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Jesus on Mercy and Obedience

The Old Testament underscores the importance of mercy and adherence to God's teachings. Hosea 6:6 juxtaposes mercy and sacrifice, stating, 'For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.' This is further emphasized in Matthew 6:1-6,16 and 23:23.

What Jesus Taught About Obedience and Salvation

In several key scripture passages, Jesus emphasizes the importance of obedience. For instance, in Matthew 16:27, John 5:29, and Mark 12:31-36, Jesus clarifies that those who obey the law will be saved. Salvation is not merely a matter of belief but also of actions. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the final judgment based on good works, underscoring that belief without action is insufficient for salvation.

The Discrepancy in Teachings

Many people, however, often prefer teaching that suggests salvation through grace alone, as found in overall Pauline epistles. Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:28, and Galatians 2:16 emphasize that 'we are saved by grace through faith apart from works.' Furthermore, some key verses like Ephesians 1:4 and Romans 5:1 indicate that 'we have been justified through faith, and his gifts are not based on your performance.

Jesus’ Harsh Teachings vs. Pauline Teaching

Jesus' teachings include harsh commandments that may not be as attractive as some of Paul's teachings. For example, in Matthew 5:29 and Matt 18:9, Mark 9:47, He suggests radical acts such as plucking out an eye or cutting off a limb if it causes one to stumble. The appeal of these verses is often diminished in popular teachings, which instead highlight the grace and mercy found in Paul's writings.

Bad Scholarship and Attractive Teachings

Some scholars and preachers may downplay the importance of 'freely you have received, freely give' (Matthew 10:8) to focus on mergers between financial and spiritual gifts. The passage from 1 Corinthians 9:11 and 15:51-57 about the transformation and new birth highlight the importance of personal transformation but are sometimes misinterpreted to support individualistic salvation.

Embracing the Harsh Truth

It is crucial to embrace the harsh teachings as Jesus intended, recognizing the fulfillment of the law and the importance of good works. This is not to diminish the grace imparted by the teachings of Paul, but to balance them with the demands of the law. As Paul himself acknowledges, 'Let us not be so confident that we stand, but let us fear. The one who conserved me till this day will also conserve me until the end (Philippians 1:6).'

Understanding the balance between grace and law as Jesus taught it is essential for a holistic view of salvation and obedience. This requires careful study and reflection, as well as a sincere desire to fulfill the commandments of God.

Keywords: fulfillment of law, Jesus' teachings, salvation through deeds