Is freedom in Christ freedom from the law? Among the most misunderstood positions in modern evangelicalism is whether the believer is under the law, or free from the law. In this article we’re going to discuss this topic from both the Biblical and historical perspectives. We want to show a clear and consistent theology that shines throughout the New Testament, and which makes accepting Jesus Christ’s teaching easier to take, though no less easy to live out.
The principal argument for being under the law comes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Jesus clearly articulates that the law will continue until all things are accomplished.
““Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17–18, HCSB)
Somehow, however, this statement by Jesus has been practically interpreted in, I think, a rather curious way. Let me explain. The Sermon on the Mount is most complete in Matthews gospel, while a rather abbreviated version appears in Luke 6. With Matthew’s account we get a much richer two chapter long exposition by Jesus touching on a multitude of topics, from the famous beatitudes through our call to be different than the world – salt and light; before Jesus sets about with His main point: He came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it. Indeed, even today, the law exists. Sacrifices cannot be made, because the Jewish people do not have a temple – but that doesn’t abdicate the law.
Jesus then sets about describing our need for a Savior. He begins by describing the futility of the law. Because sin begins in the heart, not in the act. He discusses murder, adultery, divorce, going the second mile (an eye for an eye), and love your enemies. In each case, the listener is led to feel somewhat hopeless – I can’t do this, this is too hard. That’s the point. You can’t do it. The law, a broken system corrupted by our corruption cannot save us. Only a messiah can save us.
Murder begins in the heart – our heart is corrupt. Adultery begins in the heart – our heart is corrupt. Swearing is the result of a repeated failing to fulfill. What God intended was a world where our yes was yes, and our no was no. No question, no dishonesty, no “this time I promise I’ll be there.” It is our heart that is corrupted, our heart that is evil. We are too broken to fulfill the law.
To go deeper, I’ve developed the Foundations study.