“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

There have always been people who find a certain amount of pleasure in holding people to the letter of the law. In Jesus’ day the Pharisee’s built on the essence of God’s 10 commandments and expanded to some 613 laws governing life forJews. Orthodox Jews still observe these today, but followers of Christ are freed from the law because Jesus did not abolish the law, but fulfilled the law perfectly through His life, sacrificial death and physical resurrection from the dead. He is the source of the liberty as described by Paul.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 10:4

Later, Paul continues with support for those who believe.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2

And so the law no longer condemns those who believe. We are free from the “law of sin and death.”

My Bible Commentary describes the significance of these verses – “In crystal-clear language, the Bible indicates there is absolutely no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. None. Zero. Paul’s statement leaves no room for even a tiny bit of condemnation to sneak in.”

As we considered yesterday, freedom is intended to free us to live the best life! Instead of a book filled with laws we are guided by two distinct principles in life – We are to love God and love people (Matthew 22:38-40).