AS IT WAS; AS IT IS (1)

Highlighting Jesus' Review of the Laws of Moses

Introduction

Jesus clearly stated in one of His sermons that he did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. (Matthew 5:7)

The coming of Jesus introduced some differences in the Jewish religious practices, and since it could not be fully integrated at that time, thus Christianity was formed. This is a series of teaching on the alterations Jesus made on certain traditional practices.

This teaching is categorized into six episodes, with each treating an item of this doctrinal modifications.

In these cases, Jesus gave a clearer definition or explanation to these laws and their right application. We shall identify the Old Testament verdicts and discuss alongside Jesus' comments.

[You Have Been Told]

"Thou shall not kill, else you'll be in danger of judgement "

[But I Say Unto You]

a. "Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgement."

b. "And whosoever shall say to his brother 'Raca' (meaning good for nothing) shall be in danger of the council.

c. Whosoever shall say 'Thou fool' shall be in danger of hell fire."

In Addition

d. "If you bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way first, be reconciled with thy brother, then come and offer thy gift." (Matthew 5:21-26 KJV)

Words and Actions: Spiritual Implications

In the realm of the spirit, Jesus had made us to understand that killing can be done by words and actions.

Spirituality, the practical act of murder has no different judgement from hating, abusing or cursing your brother or sister for a no just cause.

In the law, before you are accused of murder, you have killed someone. – In grace, the law becomes more delegate. We are expected to watch our tongues, and guard our thoughts. This is because now, the laws are no longer on tablets of stone, but engraved in our hearts.

This is a call to every believer to avoid abusive words. Be more tolerating and forgiving to avoid murdering others with your mouth. It would promote sincerity among us as against being actors of Christianity.

The next edition of this series is on another issue Jesus raised in the same chapter of our text above.

God bless you.

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