THE LAW IN ETERNAL PRINCIPLE
FOREWORD
A brief review of Lesson Five, “The Fulfilling of the Law,” will be profitable here. It must be clearly understood that the great law of God has not been “destroyed,” or “done away with,” though some passages, read out of context, have been interpreted to mean this. God’s commandments in their holy and eternal principles under grace supersede, or transcend, the law as a disciplinary or penal code. Let it never be thought that grace renders the eternal law of God ineffective; rather, it enhances the Word of truth by revealing God’s original intent.
In this lesson we will note Jesus’ own exposition of at least six points of the fulfilled law, giving the deeper principle as contrasted with what had formerly been said and heard. Our Golden Text shows that there is nothing wrong with the law itself. It was given to expose sin, but it has no saving power. The Spirit gives sanctifying power over the sinful nature, freeing us from the dominance of sin, or the power of sin. The law continues to serve its purpose, but the freeman is no longer under it “as a schoolmaster” (Gal. 3:23-26). He loves it and obeys it from the heart and not as “under the whip.’
KEY TEXT: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Romans 7:12).
Matthew 5:21, 22, 27, 28, 31-34a, 38, 39, 43, 44
21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all....
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hath thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
I. THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT (MATTHEW 5:21-26 RELATE TO THIS COMMANDMENT)
At Sinai, God gave this commandment – “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exo. 20:13; Deut. 5:17). On one occasion Jesus clarified it, saying, “Thou shalt do no murder (Matt. 19:18), showing it to be a sacred human-life principle involving soul and spirit, which are not possessed by life other than that of mankind. Thus, the true intent is that no human being shall murder another. The penalty for such “killing” was death (Lev. 24:17; Num. 35:31).
The Sixth Commandment deals with sinful passions. Jesus strengthens this law commandment by showing that anger of heart without a cause lead to murder. He did not equate anger with murder. Such anger could bring one before the local seat of judgment. A progression of anger might lead to calling a brother “Raca”—a rascal, or empty-headed fellow, “stupid.” An appeal might be made to the Sanhedrin Council. But a “fool” meant more than being foolish. A fool was a rebel against God and guilty of wickedness; perhaps an apostate. Causelessly branding a brother as a fool could result in being condemned to “hell fire,” even though the accuser might never have had the opportunity to kill the accused. Murder was still in his heart. There is the suggestion that true self-defense might be “just cause” to kill rather than be killed. The Jewish listeners probably understood “brother to mean either a blood-brother or a fellow-Jew, if not indeed a fellow-man, since God “hath made of one blood all nations of men...” (Acts 17:26).
It is possible that an inexcusable leniency toward the Sixth Commandment had developed, so that man had become careless about its observance. Jesus was warning them against indulging their anger to the point of breaking the commandment. Verses 23-26 present a clear teaching about the value of reconciliation before a matter gets out of hand. It is vain to try to worship, even at the altar, with unreconciled sin in one’s life. If reconciliation is not sought, there is nothing left but to pay the full penalty—eternal death!
II. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT (MATTHEW 5:27-30)
This commandment has been described as dealing with the sinful appetite, or fleshly desires. The “letter” of the law was clearly against the act of adultery, but Jesus went to the cause. The lust of the heart equates the committing of the act in God’s sight. The lustful look needed its opportunity to commit the act. The fear of being caught, indicted, and sentenced, or even the selfish concern for personal reputation, does not mean that adultery has not been committed in the heart.
This does not mean, of course, that mere temptation is sin, provided it is resisted and overcome. Evidently, Jesus was referring to temptation with regard to the plucking out of the offending eye and the cutting off of the offending hand; which must be taken figuratively. Jesus’ strong point was the determination not to sin. This admonition may well apply to any sinful enticement which threatens the welfare of the eternal soul. (Consider Samson eyes that got him in trouble were taken from him to get him out of trouble and bring deliverance to God’s people).
II. DIVORCE (MATTHEW 5:31, 32)
Jesus implicated divorce in the violation of the Seventh Commandment. Divorce was at variance with the eternal principles of that law of God. On this and other occasions (Math. 19:7-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18), Jesus set the record straight concerning God’s Word and what “hath been said.” Moses had allowed a relaxing of the marriage bond because of “hard-heartedness,” or to protect against cruelty, and perhaps even murder, by husbands who wanted another woman. But Jesus refuted the “writing of divorcement” on the ground that it was not so “from the beginning” (Matt. 19:8). Even Moses’ “writing” dared not allow for the breaking of the Seventh Commandment.
Jesus further stated the one and only “cause” for divorcement— “the cause of fornication.” Notice that He did not say “the cause of adultery,” or unfaithfulness to the marriage companion. “Fornication” involves at least one single person. After many years of prayer and Scriptural research by the guidance of the Holy Ghost, it can concluded that when a single person marries one who has a lawful living companion—even though divorced—that single person is not a lawful companion in the sight of God because the other party already has a lawful living companion. Therefore, the single party is free to divorce the unlawful companion and marry one who is lawfully single (See I Corinthians 7:10, 11).
Let it be understood that the Word says, “what God hath joined together, let not man put asunder”; not “who God hath joined together.” The “what” is the “one flesh” relationship. Divorce courts may put the man and woman asunder, but they have no power to undo the “one flesh” bond.
IV SWEARING (Matthew 5:33-37)
The Third Commandment is in view here: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (Exo. 20:7). However, Jesus’ reference to the subject probably sprang from a careless and presumptuous practice of forswearing instead of reverently appealing to God as a witness to the truth of whatever needed validity, or substantiation. To “forswear’ means to swear falsely, or to commit perjury. In law, perjury is telling a lie while under oath to tell the truth.
Pleading heaven, earth, or one’s head as witnesses is all in vain if it is done to cover up the truth. The man with a reputation for honesty needs only a Yes or No to stand good for his word. Jesus’ ( counsel is the final word—”Swear not at all.” And it goes without saying that taking God’s name in vain by cursing is intolerable.
V. RETALIATION (MATTHEW 5:38-43)
Vengeance, or “getting even,” has no relationship to love and mercy. It is not easy for the unsanctified spirit to “turn the other cheek” in non-resistance. But “the grace of God that bringeth salvation” (Titus 2:11, 12), which Jesus brought to us, and which makes us new creatures in Him, teaches us not to be retaliate when others seek to offend us. In fact, God’s great and loving salvation is the first and greatest example of “returning good for evil,” in promising and providing a Savior despite the awful fall of man. And that Spirit of the Father was manifested in the Son, when ‘He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so openedhe not his mouth” (Acts 8:32; Isa. 53:7). Then, when His very own rejected Him, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:43).
VI. LOVE TO THE UTTERMOST (MATTHEW 5:44-47)
This limitless principles of “love” is a continuation of His teaching against retaliation. “Uttermost” means: To the greatest or highest degree; the greatest that is possible. This love for our enemies who curse us, hate us, and persecute us, comes to us only from God, and we are able to pass it on only by His grace and power. Publicans and other sinners love those who love them. Many of Jesus’ listeners hated the publicans for their dishonesty in money matters. Christian love must go far beyond that of this world. Of course, loving our enemies does not mean that we love their evil ways.
VII. PERFECTION (MATTHEW 5:48)
“Therefore” directs attention to what Jesus had just said about love. It seems that love is the essence of perfection. The law commanded, “Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God” (Deut. 18:13). Jesus may have had the First Commandment in mind—”Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exo. 20:3); (see also Matthew 22:37). Perfection is in maturity and well as in holiness. Retaliation and hatred of one’s enemies is childish. The Christian must “grow up,” or mature, beyond this lower level of behavior. (See I Corinthians 13:11 and Ephesians 4:13-15.)
LIVING THE LESSON 6
The overall substance of this lesson pertains to living the holy, eternal principles of God’s law under grace. We are not under the “letter” of the law as were the Israelites. If so, then Jesus’ coming to fulfill that law would have been purposeless. But in no sense are we released from a love responsibility to live in the awesome fear of God and His Word. The terrors of Sinai have given place to the glories of Mount Zion (See Hebrews 12:22-29).
As Christ’s disciples and members of His body, His flesh, and His bones, we are not of those who have refused to hear Him. We have heard His voice; we have experienced His work of grace in our behalf; we are crucified and risen with Him. Therefore, we can say with David, “O how I love thy law! it is my mediation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
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