The whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14
Christ calls us to live a life of love (Eph. 5:2). The Old Testament law spells out what that means. It means honouring your father and mother, not committing adultery, and telling the truth. We all need this instruction. We are not so wise that we know what a life of love is.
Read the New Testament backward
Use the law to spell out what a life of love actually means. For example, Jesus calls you to be generous (1 Tim. 6:18). What does that mean? Look at the Old Testament, where God’s people gave a tenth of their income back to the Lord. Use the law to inform your pursuit of generosity.
Read the Old Testament forward
The law is a sign that points forward. You see this in the pattern of the Sermon on the Mount, where Christ quotes the law and then takes it further. “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you…” (see Mat. 5:21-43). In every case, Jesus goes further than the law.
The law says, “Do not murder.” Jesus says, “I’m taking you further. I want you to forgive your brother in the power of the Holy Spirit.” The law says, “Do not commit adultery.” Jesus says, “I’m taking you further. I want you to pursue purity of heart in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is telling us how to use the law properly.
Are you making a proper use of God’s law? Do you know what it is for? To restrain you from evil. To lead you to Christ. To point you to a new life, lived in the power of the Spirit, and compelled by the love of Christ.
Try your hand at reading the New Testament backward and the Old Testament forward.
