A Deeper Look into the Relationship Between Grace and the Law
The question of whether Jesus ended the Law is one that has
sparked much debate among Christians throughout history. Some argue that Jesus
fulfilled the Law, thereby bringing it to completion, while others believe that
the Law remains in effect even after His sacrificial work on the cross. To
fully understand this complex topic, we must delve into Scripture, examine the
nature of the Law, and explore how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection
transformed its role in the lives of believers.
The Perfection of God: The Lawgiver
Before addressing whether Jesus ended the Law, it’s
essential to understand who gave the Law in the first place. God, the Lawgiver,
is perfect in every way. He is omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent (present
everywhere), and omniscient (all-knowing). His wisdom is infinite, and His
nature is holy. The Law reflects His perfect character—His justice,
righteousness, and love. Because God is perfect, His Law is perfect, but it
also reveals the imperfection of humanity. As Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the
Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.”
Yet, the Law was never meant to save us. It was a mirror,
showing us our sin and our need for a Savior. It was a shadow, pointing forward
to the ultimate fulfillment that would come through Jesus Christ.
Jesus: The Sinless Lamb Who Bore the Law
Jesus, the Son of God, is the perfect embodiment of the Law.
He was conceived without sin, lived without sin, and became the sinless Lamb of
God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He bore the full weight of
the Law in Himself at all times, fulfilling every requirement on our behalf.
Unlike us, Jesus did not fall short of God’s standard. He walked in perfect
obedience, demonstrating what it means to live in alignment with God’s will.
When Jesus went to the cross, He did not merely fulfill the
Law—He became the fulfillment of the Law. Colossians 2:14 tells us, “Having
canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and
condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” The “certificate
of debt” that once held us accountable for our sins was nailed to the cross
with Jesus. He is the living Deed, the embodiment of God’s will, who hung on
the cross to cancel our debt and reconcile us to the Father.
The Word Became Flesh
Jesus is not only the fulfillment of the Law—He is the Word
made flesh. As John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling
among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came
from the Father, full of grace and truth.” In other words, God Himself—the
Lawgiver—became the Law-bearer. Jesus bore the weight of the Law and fulfilled
it perfectly before God, something no human could ever do. He is the living
Word, the embodiment of God’s truth, grace, and glory.
The Prophetic Fulfillment in Zechariah 11:10-12
The beauty of Scripture is how the Old Testament prophecies
find their fulfillment in the New Testament. Zechariah 11:10-12 is a powerful
example of this. Let’s break it down verse by verse:
- Zechariah
11:10: “Then I took my staff called Favor and broke it, revoking the
covenant I had made with all the nations.”
This symbolizes God’s judgment and the breaking of His covenant with
Israel due to their disobedience. In the New Testament, we see Jesus as
the ultimate covenant between God and humanity. His death and resurrection
established a new covenant, one not based on the Law but on grace.
- Zechariah
11:11: “It was revoked on that day, and so the afflicted of the flock
who were watching me knew it was the word of the Lord.”
The breaking of the staff signifies the end of an era. Those who were
watching—the faithful remnant—recognized this as the Word of the Lord.
Similarly, in the New Testament, those who witnessed Jesus’ ministry,
death, and resurrection understood that He was the fulfillment of God’s
promises.
- Zechariah
11:12: “I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if
not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.”
This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the New Testament when Judas
Iscariot betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). This
act of betrayal led to Jesus’ crucifixion, which was part of God’s
redemptive plan. The thirty pieces of silver were later used to buy the
potter’s field (Matthew 27:7), fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 11:13.
These verses illustrate the precision of God’s Word and how
every detail points to Jesus. The breaking of the staff, the thirty pieces of
silver, and the potter’s field all find their fulfillment in the life, death,
and resurrection of Christ.
The Artistry of God’s Word
The mention of poets like William Shakespeare and the
artistry of writing is a fascinating perspective to consider. Shakespeare,
often regarded as one of the greatest writers in history, crafted works that
resonate with timeless themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Yet, even his
masterpieces pale in comparison to the divine artistry of God’s Word. The Bible
is a literary masterpiece, filled with poetry, prophecy, and profound truths.
Its intricate design and prophetic precision reveal the hand of a divine
Author.
When we read verses like Zechariah 11:10-12, we see the
beauty and precision of God’s Word. These Old Testament prophecies find their
fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the life and death of Jesus.
The Bible is not just a collection of stories or laws—it is the living Word of
God, pointing us to Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of all Scripture.
From Law to Grace: A New Relationship
The shift from Law to grace is transformative. In fact, we
sometimes joke among ourselves that if there were no Law, we would call our
“Mother-in-law” our “Mother-in-grace.” While this is lighthearted, it reflects
a profound truth: the Law, though holy and good, often became a source of
conflict and burden for humanity. It exposed our shortcomings and created
divisions, as no one could perfectly keep it. But grace, through Jesus Christ,
brings reconciliation and freedom. It restores our relationship with God and
with one another, removing the barriers that the Law could not.
Conclusion
So, did Jesus end the Law? In one sense, yes—He fulfilled
its requirements and removed its power to condemn us. Yet, the moral principles
of the Law continue to guide us, not as a means of earning salvation but as a
reflection of God’s character and will. As believers, we are no longer under
the Law but under grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that
honors God.
The beauty of Scripture, as seen in both the Old and New
Testaments, is that it points us to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our
faith. Whether through the poetic prophecies of Zechariah or the profound
teachings of Paul, the Bible reveals the story of redemption—a story that finds
its climax in the cross and resurrection of Christ.
As you reflect on this topic, consider how the Law and grace
work together in your own life. Are you living in the freedom of Christ, guided
by His love and empowered by His Spirit? Let the Word of God continue to
inspire and transform you, just as it has done for countless believers
throughout history.
