268 – Christ’s Relationship to the Law and the Prophets

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY V LESSON # 68

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
(CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS)

INTRODUCTION:

1. Few Bible doctrines have more or wider variations than Christ’s relationship to the Law.

i. “Kingdom Law”- Not under law, but under Grace.
ii. “If I keep the commandments and live by the golden rule.” (Hear on tape.)

2. This issue is neither difficult, nor obscure, if looked at with biblical comprehensiveness.
3. In this lesson, we will look at the law, then at Christ’s relationship to it.

I. THE DIVINE NATURE OF THE LAW (VERSE 18)

1. It is God’s law, it was only given through Moses.
2. Thus, it is flawless, never needing correction or improvement.
3. Paul describes it thus: Just, Holy, Good. (Rom. 7:12

)
4. It is a reflection of divine character, thus, attack should be unthinkable.

II. THE ETERNAL NATURE OF THE LAW (VERSE 18)

1. Divinity should suppose eternity. Administration may vary, but not attitude.
2. Immutability forbids the thought of the changing of moral rules.
3. Above all, Christ’s statement says: “Till ALL” (HEAVEN and EARTH) pass, not one jot.

III. THE NATURAL ATTITUDE TOWARD THE LAW (VERSE 19)

1. It is essentially this: We will not have anyone to rule over us.
2. Naturally, this comes out as rebellion, neglect, and professed atheism.
3. Religiously, it comes out as antinomianism. (Grace licenses sin.)
4. It is exclusively for this reason that men abandon and promote the abandonment of God’s law.

IV. THE NATURAL APPROACH TO THE LAW (VERSE 20)

1. Once a natural man is spiritually awakened enough to seek to obey, he will approach as did the Pharisees.
2. They went about to establish their own righteousness, thus, perverting the law. (Rom. 10:3

)
3. This is a perversion of the law’s purpose. (Rom. 3:19-20

)
4. It is a perversion of the law’s principles. (Mat. 5:21

– Ye have heard.)
5. The epitome of human righteousness (Scribes and Pharisees) would in no wise afford heaven. (verse 20)

V. THE MEANS OF THE LAW’S FULFILLMENT (VERSE 17)

1. Christ, clearly said, “I came (past tense, first coming) to fulfill the law and the prophets.”
2. He fulfilled the prophets by being all they had spoken of, but how did He fulfill the law?
3. He fulfilled by obedience:

i. I do always the things which please… (Joh. 8:29

)
ii. Which of you convinceth me of sin? (Joh. 8:46

)
iii. I find no fault in this man. (Joh. 19:6

)

i. Romans 10:4

explains how He gave us all the law demands of us.
ii. What the law demanded of me, He gave me.

Berean Baptist Church