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“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18 ESV)

There are those who preach, teach and believe that the Old Testament is not applicable to believers in Christ today. In other words, many are convicted that all that matters is to be a student of the New Testament. They say the Old Testament is not important.

This is not a new heresy. In church history it was called Marcionism.  Marcionism is the belief that the Old Testament is not authoritative in matters of Christian doctrine and morals, Marcion, the son of a bishop from the first century, was one of the most successful heretics in the early church. He grew in prominence for preaching a version of the faith that distanced itself from the Old Testament.

Jesus Christ would not have agreed with Marcion. In today’s text, Jesus affirmed that He did not come to abolish the Old Testament Law or the Prophets. Jesus neither gave a new law or modified the old one. Rather, Jesus explained and fulfilled the moral significance of the Mosaic Law and the Prophets; the entirety of the Old Testament.

To abolish (καταλύω; katalyō) means to infinitely destroy and to demolish. In this context, it refers to the destruction of the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus refuted the very notion that is what He had come to earth to accomplish.

Jesus stated that not even the most minute punctuation in the Hebrew language, an iota or a dot, would pass from the Law until all the Old Testament revealed would be fulfilled.

“It is necessary to appreciate the abiding truthfulness of the law of Moses because Jesus is the fulfillment of this law (5:17; see Rom. 10:4). Jesus does not nullify it, but comes so that everything in it will be accomplished (Matt. 5:18). He does this through His entire representative obedience. Thus, though the teaching of Jesus is challenging to the core, Jesus did not come to encumber us with impossibly heavy burdens (11:28–30; see 23:4). Only Jesus, the last Adam and perfect Son of God, is able to fulfill God’s law perfectly (3:15) and therefore is able to pour out His blood for the forgiveness of sins (26:28; see 1:21; 20:28),” explains commentator Brandon Crowe.

“This does not mean Christians should have no concern to follow God’s law. Christ frees us to obey it. Jesus’ disciples are called to a genuine love of God and neighbor (22:37–40; see 7:21). This is a lofty calling, but Jesus Himself embodied it throughout His life. Through His obedience, Jesus releases us from the burden of trying to earn our salvation. We are to be merciful because of the mercy Jesus has shown to us (5:7; 9:13; 12:7; 23:23; see Hos. 6:6; Matt. 18:33). In sum, the law of God is an abiding witness to the person and work of Christ, and through Him we are able to call this law our delight,” concludes Crowe.

The Old Testament is completely trustworthy. It is the Word of God.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

What is the Christian’s identity? In other words, what is the believer’s identity in Christ? Thus far, Jesus described believers in Christ as the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13). However, that is not where the direct comparison concludes. Believers in Christ are also the light of the world.

The word light (φῶς; phos) refers particularly to the light of the sun. It may also refer to the heavenly bodies (James 1:17). Light is indispensable to life. Light is associated with life (cf. John 1:4), and as universal beneficence, with God and the Messiah (cf. John 1:8, 8:12), &c. (cf. John 12:36, Eph. 5:8): τὸ φῶς, the (bright) fire (Mark 14:54, Luke. 22:56).

“The second metaphor describes believers as light in this world. I have a common first-century lamp that was used in Jewish households to provide light in their homes. The lamp is small and unassuming. One day, I put a small amount of oil in the lamp with a wick, turned off the lights, and lit the wick to experience how people in the first century, without the benefit of modern electricity, lit their homes when it was dark. This lamp, though small, enabled me to see throughout the entire room. Jesus expresses how inappropriate it would be in a dark place to hide a lamp under a bowl. The intention of light is to provide a way for people to see where they are going (John 11:9–10). This is precisely what Jesus is after in calling believers “light”: they show people the way to salvation in a dark world,” explains Pastor Christopher J. Gordon.

Believers in Christ are to display the light of God’s Gospel in an increasingly dark world. There cannot be any compromise. The Apostle John stated, “⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (I John 1:5-7 ESV)

“A godly life gives convincing testimony of the saving power of God. That brings him glory. Cf. 1 Pet. 2:12,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

We live in a dark and evil world. Let us brightly shine the light of the Gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:13 ESV)

What is the Christian’s identity? In other words, what is the believer’s identity in Christ?

 “Think of the struggle we are witnessing in our culture over the question of identity. Today, people are on an endless quest of finding an identity in those things that they believe will make them happy. The culture tells people to turn inward and follow the desires of the heart to define one’s identity. And once people believe they have found their true identity, notice how passionate they are to make it known,” explains Pastor Christopher J. Gordon.

Jesus stated that His disciples, then and now, are the salt of the earth. That is our identity in Christ. Rather than something to pursue, the believer is presently compared to the characteristics and properties of salt. Salt is who we are. What did Jesus mean by this metaphor?

“Salt in the ancient world was used to prevent the decay of foods and flavor them for better taste. People commonly knew that gypsum and other minerals would dilute the potency of salt and make it useless in the preservation of foods. Jesus used this familiar phenomenon with the added concern that if the salt loses its taste, it is “no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matt. 5:13). Believers are like salt in this world. Their distinctive character, through good works, preserves and flavors this world to prevent its decay,” states Gordon.

It is an unfortunate characteristic of the contemporary church that its leaders seek to make it as compatible as possible to the current culture. Whatever the fallen world is selling, so to speak, there are those in church leadership who are quick to buy; and who want their congregations to do likewise.

“Matthew 5:13. Ye are the salt of the earth. What belongs to doctrine is applied to the persons to whom the administration of it has been committed. When Christ calls the apostles the salt of the earth, he means, that it is their office to salt the earth: because men have nothing in them but what is tasteless, till they have been seasoned with the salt of heavenly doctrine. After having reminded them to what they are called, he pronounces against them a heavy and dreadful judgment, if they do not fulfill their duty. The doctrine, which has been entrusted to them, is shown to be so closely connected with a good conscience and a devout and upright life, that the corruption, which might be tolerated in others, would in them be detestable and monstrous,” states John Calvin.

What was true for the apostles is true for every believer in Christ. All who are in Christ are the salt of the earth. May our saltiness be seen by all today; and always.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹¹ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11–12 ESV)

The final Beatitude that Jesus spoke was specifically directed to His disciples; then and now. Rather than generic principles for all, today’s text is pointedly applicable to those who follow Jesus in this fallen world.

“Just as Jesus experienced opposition and persecution, his disciples can expect the same. Their reward may not come on earth, but it surely will be theirs in heaven. Throughout history, beginning with Cain’s murder of Abel (Gen. 4:8; cf. 1 John 3:12), there have been those who oppose God’s people,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.  

To revile (ὀνειδίζω; oneidizo) is to be insulted for Christ. To persecute (διώκω; dioko) means to encounter harassment because of faith in Christ. The phrase utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account refers to when people say wicked and evil lies about you as a believer in Christ.

Why would, and should, a believer in Christ find joy in such circumstances? It is because of the accompanying promise. Jesus provided the basis for the believer’s encouragement in the midst of the storms of spiritual persecution. He said, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

“The suffering that is blessed here is suffering for righteousness’ sake—being persecuted for doing the will of our Master. To embrace the promise of this beatitude, the persecution must be for doing His righteous will (1 Peter 3:8–17),” explains commentator Michael Glodo.

“When we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake and wonder if it is worth it, we can remain resolute that the kingdom of heaven is ours. Second, it is a source of joy because in it we are identified with our Lord (Matt. 10:25; Acts 5:41). Third, it is a signpost guiding us along the path of Jesus. The way of the cross is not an elective in the school of Christ (Matt. 10:24–25). There is no other path to life except the cruciform way. Fourth, it invites us to take inventory when we aren’t experiencing persecution. All who live a godly life will be persecuted (2 Tim. 2:12). We are to be wary of ourselves when the world has only good to say about us (Luke 6:26). Absence of persecution may be because we are fitting in too well with the world. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it, it may mean that we have exchanged discipleship for citizenship,” concludes Glodo.  

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10 ESV)

The Scriptures have much to say regarding the persecution of believers in Christ. There is no doubt that when one serves the Lord Jesus, opposition will occur.

The word persecuted (διώκω; dioko) is a present passive particple. This means the believer in Christ is receiving the action from another. To persecute means to harass and to pursue to oppress. However, the persecution should only be because the believer is righteously following and identifying with the Lord Jesus Christ. I Peter 4:15-16 says, “¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”  

When persecution happens, and it will, the Lord assures us that we belong to the kingdom of heaven. To encounter persecution for Christ is one of the marks of true citizenship in God’s kingdom.

“Many of the Old Testament prophets suffered in bringing God’s word to Israel (e.g., Jer 26:11); Jewish tradition amplified the number of prophetic martyrs further and made it a major emphasis. The burden of proof was always on the prophet who spoke what people wanted to hear (Jer. 28:8–9; cf. 6:14; 8:10–11; 23:17),” explains commentator Craig S. Keener.

“Most Jewish people did not believe that prophets still existed in the Old Testament sense, so Jesus’ comparing his followers to the prophets indicated that they would have an extraordinary mission. To suffer for God was meritorious (Ps 44:22; 69:7), and Judaism highly honored martyrs for God’s law; yet no other rabbi called disciples to die for his own teachings or name.”

“People possessing these qualities (the Beatitudes) would naturally stand out in the crowd and would not be understood by others. Thus they would be persecuted; others would speak evil of them (v. 11). However, Jesus’ words encouraged His followers, for they would be walking in the train of the prophets, who also were misunderstood and persecuted (v. 12; cf. 1 Kings 19:1–4; 22:8; Jer. 26:8–11; 37:11–16; 38:1–6; Dan. 3; 6; Amos 7:10–13),” states commentator Louis Barbieri.

Are you standing out in the crowd at work, home or at school? Do people know that you are a dedicated believer in Christ? If you are, they will.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10 ESV)

The Scriptures have much to say regarding the persecution of believers in Christ. There is no doubt that when one serves the Lord Jesus, opposition will occur. Take note of the following biblical references.

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. ²¹ But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. ²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ Whoever hates me hates my Father also. ²⁴ If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ (John 15:18–25 ESV)

³¹ Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? ³² Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. ³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:31–33 ESV)

² “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:2–8 ESV)

¹² “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” ¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:12–19 ESV)

More to come regarding the subject of persecution. Be encouraged in Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!  

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 ESV)

What does it mean to be a peacemaker? Does this beatitude pertain to politics, business, home, school, social relationships, church, or all of the above? Peacemaking involves all human relationships, regardless of their particular category.

The word peacemaker (εἰρηνοποιός; eirenopioi) means to be one who works for peace. It means to be a reconciler in all relationships; whether they be political vocational, educational, familial, social or ecclesiastical. Peacemaking involves every aspect of the believer’s relational life. There are no exceptions.

Romans 12:9–21 (ESV) has much to say about the discipline of peacemaking. This discipline marks the true believer in Christ.  

⁹ “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹ Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹² Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ¹³ Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

¹⁴ “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

The key verse in this extended text is Romans 12:18: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” We may not be able to control another individual’s behavior, but we can control our own; with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

Peacemaking is also a Fruit of the Spirit. “²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Earlier, I wrote that peacemaking is the mark of a true believer in Christ. This is supported by the latter half of today’s text from Matthew 5:9. Peacemakers will be called the sons of God. This is because God is a God of peace. Believers in Christ not only have the peace of God, but also peace from God and peace with God (Romans 5:1-2; Phil. 4:6-7; Isaiah 26:3).

“Conflict among individuals, races, and nations comes from our alienation from God. Jesus is the great peacemaker through His wall-destroying death (Eph.2:14-18). In Matthew 5:44-45, Jesus calls the children of God to make peace, even with their enemies,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

With the Holy Spirit’s invaluable help, let each of us strive to be a peacemaker. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 (ESV)

Being poor in spirit, mourning over one’s sin, being meek and hungering and thirsting for righteousness has corresponding results in the believer’s behavior. It begins with being merciful to others as God has been merciful to the believer in Christ. It continues with being pure in heart. What does it mean to be pure in heart?

“Blessed are the pure in heart.” Opinion is divided as to whether these words of Christ refer to the new heart received at regeneration or to that moral transformation of character that results from a Divine work of grace having been wrought in the soul. Probably both aspects of the truth are combined here. It would appear that the purity of heart which our Savior pronounced His blessing is that internal cleansing that both accompanies and follows the new birth. Thus, inasmuch as no inward purity exists in the natural man, that purity attributed by Christ to the godly man must be traced back, as to its beginnings, to the Spirit’s sovereign work of regeneration,” explains commentator A.W. Pink.

Pure (καθαρός; katharos) means to be clean and innocent (Luke 11:41; John 13:11; James 1:27). This purity is to be in the individual’s heart (καρδία; kardia). This comes by the monergistic work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-21; Titus 3:1-5).

This purity in heart is not merely outward. It penetrates to the believer’s core. It impacts the intellect, emotions and will. It is freedom from defilement and divided affections. It is sincerity and integrity. It is a singleness of purpose. It is the opposite of hypocrisy and duplicity.

The result of such purity in the heart of the believer in Christ is the promise of seeing God. This is not only a future fulfillment (I John 3:1-3), but also a present promise. “The pure in heart possess spiritual discernment. With the eyes of their understanding they obtain clear views of the Divine character and perceive the excellency of His attributes. When the eye is single the whole body is full of light,” states Mr. Pink.

“Seeing God is a gift of the gospel of Christ. Long ago, Moses knew the desire to see God’s glory (Ex. 33:18), and David prayed for this “one thing” alone, that “I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple” (Ps. 27:4). The biblical witness so consistently points to the fact that we are made with the divinely designed yearning for God that the early Christians spoke of our great hope as the “beatific vision” of God,” explains commentator Michael Allen.

May each of us have the “beatific vision” of God. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!