Here is a remarkable truth worthy of our fullest understanding. Because of the fact that we are “saved by grace” and without “the works of the Law” (Eph. 2:8, 9; Gal. 2:16), some misapply these words of Jesus. He notes that while our salvation is neither based on or sustained by our performance of the Law of God’s Old Testament commandments, we are still called to obey them.
In describing the character traits of kingdom people, Jesus emphasizes this. He was unmistakably clear: People who teach that God’s Old Testament Law is unimportant are “least” in His value system. People who do and teach the Law are “great.” Of course, this is not intended to induce a guilty sense of failure for laws we disobey. Neither is it to bring defeat to our souls when we are still “learning to walk,” and sometimes stumble over God’s commandments. Our salvation is secured in Christ’s Cross, and our justification ensures our acceptance with God. However, as we grow and go forward in the life of the kingdom, the commandments of God provide a holy blueprint for successful, liberated living.
Thank God, He has given the Holy Spirit to enable us to live above condemnation and in growing obedience to the Law! (Rom. 8:1–39)
