Whether it is salvation, or judgment; whether it is prophecy, or history; or whether it is personal, or governmental-- if it is in scripture it will be completed to the very letter. Every “i” will be dotted, and every “t” will be crossed.
[This sermon is one of a series entitled "Sermon on the Mount, Concentrating on the Beatitudes," which is being preached on Sunday mornings byPastor Tim Senter.]
Last week we talked about five things that related to Christ’s fulfillment of the law, all in an attempt to understand the Sermon on the Mount from the perspective of those who were in attendance. First, we considered the uniqueness of Christ and His specific perfection. Second, we looked at the law – the Levitical or Law of Moses, and the overall Old Testament law. We considered Christ’s implementation of this law, versus the implementation that the Pharisees and Scribes were attempting. Next, we considered the expectation of the audience. Was this truly the Messiah who would, in fact, deliver them? Conversely, would they be judged for following a false teacher? They knew judgment awaited those who did not follow God. Fourthly, we looked at some of the history in an attempt to understand the mindset of the Jew in the audience that would hear Jesus. Finally, we considered the fulfillment of the law in Christ and the completion of salvation for all mankind in that fulfillment.
Today we continue with this final function – fulfillment of the law.
Please look today at Matthew 5:18. We have talked about Christ fulfilling the tenor of the law. Much of that discussion dealt with the attitudes of the people in the audience on that occasion. Today we look specifically at Christ and His active fulfillment of the law and the prophets. This scripture has been noted many times for its specificity – even the smallest letter in the law – every jot and tittle. This is interesting in many ways. Let us discover together some of the gold and the fire that purifies it in this passage.
In reading our scripture we find we come to a discussion of the law again. Attempting to find an illustration for this section of scripture is rather difficult. The reason it is difficult is because man neither attempts to fulfill the letter or the tenor (spirit) of any laws. Since our Savior tells us even the smallest element, every “iota” of the law must be fulfilled before heaven and earth pass away, then every iota of scripture must be equally as important to us. Our word “iota” is a transliteration of the Greek word for “jot” in this scripture. Man is not so concerned about fulfilling law. Our entire judicial system, and the pattern of the world for that matter, continually attempts to circumvent the requirements of our laws. This caneither be in spirit or in letter– and many times it is both. Everyone, individually, thinks they can do it better, or have a better idea. This is the arrogance of the human mind, and the sin of pride that keeps him, or her out of heaven. For this reason, laws established ages ago for specific purposes are either considered obsolete or of lesser importance than more current legislation. Gun law infractions are a perfect example. These are often the first charges against the criminal that are negotiated away while plea-bargaining. That eliminates both the spirit and letter of any illegality dealing with crimes involving firearms. The tenor of the law indicates that crimes perpetrated with firearms are more aggressive and have a greater danger of bodily injury or death, therefore, they are far more serious. The letter of the law calls for more stringent jail terms because of the understood increased danger to the victim. When laws are excused to elicit confessions, it destroys the purpose in the law and promotes more crime of that sort. That is why gun laws fail–because they are not enforced. This is done all in the name of affordable justice.
Some consider success is measured in getting what you think is best for everyone. These people will do anything to accomplish their personal will. If we follow such individuals, we are to detach ourselves from commonsense or logical discussion and attack these problems with fervor. Lie, cheat, swindle, finagle, deceive–do what ever it takes to get what you want. Politicians operate this way by presenting their ideas in the best possible light. When law is regarded in the same fashion, this becomes an “ends justifies the means” ideological view that leaves justice behind. Crime, justice, and fulfilling or obeying the laws of our country are no longer contingent upon the laws as written, but upon how much it costs, or how much money one can make because of a law. We have examples of this that are closer to home.
Our church recently experienced this type of justice when a marketing company took us for $400.00. After reaching out to contact the group that developed refrigerator magnets for Fremont County emergency numbers, I called the organization that represented themselves as doing the work and providing the product. I checked them out online, called their offices, communicated with their “graphics artist” via phone and e-mail, and did everything I could short of traveling to Texas to visit their offices. We discussed the other businesses that were going to be on the magnet at length on the phone (we wanted to ensure no unacceptable organizations were listed). We lost $400.00 because, in the end, the company falsely represented itself. It never had the contract to produce the magnets. It promised a product it did not deliver, nor (as far as we can ascertain) did it intend to deliver what it promised. When confronted, the company refused to return any contact via letter, phone call, or email. They even treated the Better Business Bureau of Fort Worth in the same manner. That is hard enough to swallow, but that is not all. They are located in Tarrant County, Texas. In a conversation with one of the Assistant District Attorney’s offices, we were informed that the county only prosecutes: 1) things of interest to Texas and 2) only things that are $1,500.00 or more in value. Since we are in Wyoming, and the complaint was only for $400.00, nothing will be done. Therefore, in Tarrant County, Texas, any business that operates illegally in this fashion can keep taking people’s money and remain under the District Attorney’s radar and not be prosecuted until they receive enough complaints that amount to $1,500.00. Meanwhile, the District Attorney for Tarrant County can use this policy as an excuse to permit illegal activity to continue in their jurisdiction because it is cost-effective to do so. This type of injustice will not exist in the Kingdom of God, and Jesus Himself tells us He will never tolerate it. Judgment and justice are important to Him.
In this sermon, we will consider the fact that Jesus fulfills, and expects us to fulfill, not only the tenor of the law but the letter of the law as well. The fact is that “Jesus will fulfill every iota of scriptural law.” While “man attempts to manage lawlessness, God will tolerate none of it in His kingdom.”
What things are to be fulfilled before earth and heaven pass away? One has to ask, then, what is the “letter of the law”?
I. The Letter
The Hebrew Alphabet
What are jots and tittles? I think this is an appropriate question. Technically, we do not really know. The actual definition of the words used in the scripture is that a jot is “the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet.” This would be a “yud” or “y.” It looks much like an apostrophe except instead of a dot on top and a curved line; it is two straight lines in an upside down “L” with the top one being rather fat. Both lines are very short. A tittle is even smaller and the word used to describe them indicates the smallest part of a letter, or the smallest stroke in making the letter. In Hebrew, this is seen as a small tick mark that connects two lines. To explain this, if you draw an upside down “U” with straight lines and leave the left side open at the top (just an opening that is noticeable nothing more), you have a “he” or “h” in Hebrew. If you close that little space, that mark to close the space is a tittle. When you do you, make the letter a “chet” or an “h” pronounced with the back of the throat.
Well, what does all this technical stuff tell us? What does it mean to me? First, that kind of question, if not carefully phrased, can lend itself to complacency. Every word of scripture and every letter of every word down to the smallest mark of every letter is vital to the Savior. The statement here in Matthew 5:18 tells us that very clearly. If we only take, for example the phrase, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” and do not apply the rest of scripture which calls for a heart change in the Christian, we intentionally deceive ourselves. We can theoretically have people all throughout time claiming Christ, yet when Christ says, “I never knew you” at the judgment they will cry “unfair” and “liar.” This reaction of course reveals their true heart. There are many statements in scripture that tell us exactly how we are saved. We could list a few such as: Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; Romans 10:9, and 10:13; however, if we ignore the full truth of 1 Corinthians 12:3 and the meaning of Acts 16:31, James 2:19, and 1 John 5:13 ,we lull ourselves into a false security in salvation. If we look at Christ and His perfect fulfillment, yet ignore the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, we strive for nothing. If we ask Christ to forgive us, but act as the heathen in Romans 1:18-32, or ignore call to purity called for in Matthew 5:8, we attempt to take upon ourselves the tenor of the law, but disregard the purpose in the letter of the law. We should take our Beatitudes folks and ensure they are applied to our lives by seeking Him in their implementation. The Beatitudes being implemented in our lives, then, activate the letter of the law as well as the tenor of the law.
Second, the jots and tittles tell us of the commitment of our Savior to the letter of the Law. Once again, if we lean too much upon the love of God in such passages as John 3:16; 13:1, 23, 34-35 ,yet ignore the lessons in Mark 10:21 and 30 or Luke 6:32; 7:47; 16:13, we deceive ourselves. However, if you do not consider John 12:25, or 14:15 ,you fail Jesus in not discovering the full extent of His love. In the verses listed with John 3:16, and Mark 10 or Luke, we can choose to read about the love of God and concentrate on what we think love is in life. Alternatively, we can read about the judgment in scripture and develop a legalistic life based in rules that prevent you from breaking laws. As you build the shell around yourself, you shut people out and eventually close yourself off from the love of God. This is the way of the Pharisee, and the ways Jesus is specifically teaching against. This is the falsehood that Jesus highlights in His ministry to the Israelites. Jesus says that the whole law will be fulfilled, every jot and tittle. What we should do then is read the whole counsel of scripture and understand the balance between God’s love, and God’s justice, and that God’s love sometimes involves justice.
Genesis 18:25 clearly declares the truth of God’s justice and requirements to fulfill the law. This is how it reads,
“That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
Make no mistake, the wicked will be slain. The wicked will be judged. When Jesus tells us that all the law will be fulfilled before the end of the earth and the heavens, we should consider the book of Revelation, where, in chapter 20, beginning in verse 11 we read:
11 “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1 KJV)
The judgment called for in Genesis will culminate in this end for all those who rebel against our great and glorious God. He will not tolerate any lawlessness in His kingdom. It is that simple.
God makes no determinations based upon resources. He has all resources of the universe at His disposal. Any resources He needs that are not readily available, He will create. God will create this lake of fire we see in Revelation 20:15. He will create the new heavens and the new earth that come later. People think, for whatever reason, that they have to submit to God in order for Him to have authority over them. This is proven false in the fact that people refuse to submit to the government of the City of Lander, Fremont County, the State of Wyoming, or the Federal Government all the time, yet they are held accountable – they usually end up in jail. There are times that the world operates much the same as God has pointed out He will, and this is just such an occasion.
People say you must be tolerant. God, though, is (and has every right to be) demanding of perfection and intolerant of sin. God is intolerant of sin, lawlessness, rebellion, or compliancy and His absolutism will be meted out on all those who rebel against or reject Him.
Man knows that in order to get some to submit to authority, specific action needs to be taken. Man just does not want to appear to be mean. God’s Word tells us that if He were to allow injustice to prevail in any form in His heaven, that would be mean. It is rude and incompatible with justice that people who wantonly deny God, deny His Son, or refuse to submit to God and His law would be ushered into heaven without some type of penalty. The scripture says it is not just some type of penalty, but everlasting death.
In 1989, a group of evangelicals from a broad spectrum of believers met. They considered and debated specific doctrinal positions on a variety of issues. They developed (through a series of writers and committee reconsiderations) a doctrinal statement on judgment, which reads:
“Unbelievers will be separated eternally from God. Concern for evangelism should not be compromised by any illusion that all will be finally saved (universalism).”[1]
Consider this. The word “judge” is used 191 times in the scriptures. Most of these instances identify the judgment of God meted out either on entire nations or particular individuals of the world. In Psalm 75:7 we read “God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Psalm 94:2 the Psalmist cries for God to mete out his judgment on the proud by calling out, “Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.” The prideful and disobedient will suffer this judgment. In Ecclesiastes 3:17 the scriptures are even more stunning where we read, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” Our righteous works and the works of the wicked will be equally judged. Believers suffer a judgment on our works in His name; unbelievers suffer judgment for their wickedness. Anyone who contemplates for a moment that they can get away from God’s judgment needs to consider this verse because it tells us that even God’s chosen people, the believers in Him (Mk 13:20), will be judged. If those who openly and plainly and boldly call upon God, worship God, seek God, and witness to others for God are going to suffer judgment, how can an unbeliever think for a moment that they will escape it? If anyone were to receive favoritism, it would be the believer. Truly, this favoritism is realized in a faith in the Son, which the unbeliever does not have. This faith is the entry ticket into heaven. No works of righteousness can merit this entrance. It is by faith alone.
The wicked of the world are identified by their deeds in scripture in many places. This is the law. Anyone guilty of anything on these lists is worthy of judgment. We find a list in Romans 1 beginning in verse 18, where Paul writes first that the wrath of God will be brought down upon the unrighteousness of man. What is this unrighteousness? First descriptions in verses 19 and 20 indicate people who have ignored the “things of nature” around them, which testify of His greatness. These are unbelievers. Scripture says they are without excuse. They are vain in verse 21, they did not worship Him in verse 22, idolaters in verse 23, they abuse themselves in verse 24, they lie concerning the truths of God in verse 25, they are lesbians and homosexuals in verse 26 and 27. In verses 29 through 31 they are listed as fornicators, wicked ones, covetous, malicious, envious, murderous, contentious, deceitful, maligning, gossipers, backbiters, people who hate God, spiteful, proud, boasters, people who invent evil things, and are disobedient to parents. They are also foolish and lack understanding, they break their word or go back on their words, they commit to things and never intend to complete them, they lack any feelings, and are never satisfied or content as well as unmerciful.
That is a long list. How about considering Galatians 5:18-21 ,which has much the same list and ends with the statement, “of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Consider Revelation 21:8, where again we can find much the same list that begins with those who are simply afraid to discuss or fact the fact that God exists. These are the fearful. They are afraid to confront their confusion and reach out to read and understand or believe in something. Then the list begins to get difficult until the end we find the statement “and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Ladies and gentlemen, the letter of the law is pretty clear. All mankind will receive judgment for their sins, or for their works. Which one depends on where you stand with the Savior. The letter of the law calls for judgment, that is clear. Which position will you be in? I prefer that my works, not my sins, be judged. You might ask, how can I be sure of that?
II. The Salvation
First, we have to understand the purpose in the Old Testament law. Lloyd Jones wrote in his book:
“…if we are not clear on our understanding of the law, we shall never understand the meaning of the cross.”[2]
This somewhat takes us back to our discussion last week, where we listed some of the ceremonial laws that Jesus fulfilled. It is rather hard for us to realize how vast an event this was every year at Passover. Consider that just in entering the Promised Land there were over two million Jews. As time went forward, and even to the time of Jesus, this number would be vastly greater. Every man, woman, boy, or girl above the age of 12 needed to be atoned-for. Hundreds of thousands of animals would be slaughtered each year, and they were supposed to be the cream of the crop. Descriptions of the blood river flowing from the temple are almost unimaginable. Consider this: not all the offerings every year were given in blood by the Israelites. There were concessions in case you are unable to purchase or otherwise provide a proper animal sacrifice. Jesus Christ had to fulfill all of these sacrifices. In addition, as He was set to suffer on a tree, as the Old Testament scripture prophecies tell us, He was also to be cut and bleed. The priest who accepted this blood offering was God Himself – Jesus, as He gave up the Spirit and rent the curtain from top to bottom. Jesus opened the door to the Holy of Holies with His own power and blood as the Son of God. Understanding the magnitude of this event is for us rather esoteric.
In a comparison, the largest meat processing plant in the United States processes over 32,000 pigs a day with all the modern machinery and capabilities of the 21st century. Consider 2,000 years ago, taking in 50,000 head of cattle, slaughtering them, draining their blood, and having to dispose of the entrails. Then they were quartered (some were halved) and their skinned flesh was roasted on a giant grill until it was consumed. This all had to be done in a day. There were bulls, oxen, cows, goats, sheep, birds, and grains sacrificed. The only way this could happen is through God’s acceptance of these sacrifices. As Hebrews clearly states, there is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood. Job even knew this before Moses wrote Genesis. Why? Because Adam and Eve knew it, and Cain learned the hard way. This has always been–from the beginning of time–the law. Jesus fulfilled it completely.
Though we have the Lord Jesus in the New Testament, we are admonished repeatedly that the Old Testament contains precepts we are to follow. We saw last week that attempting to try to get away from the Old Testament was to deny it in our lives. We should seek the wisdom of King David in Psalm 51 where, in the third verse, he cries out that he “acknowledge[d]” his sins. This word indicates a verbal announcement – a confession. In verse 16 we read that a King of Israel would have gladly offered many bulls on the altar, many animals, shed much blood – but that is not the sacrifices God is interested in. We should remember now that Jesus fulfilled all those sacrifices on the Cross. Now reading Psalm 51:17 we find that the real sacrifices to God are a broken spirit and a contrite heart. You cannot separate the two. You need both, and the most important one is where your heart really is because if it is not with Christ in the first place, His sacrifice means naught for you. You can claim His prize of freedom all you want. You can say you testified in His name. You can say you have brought people to repentance for Him…but in the end, if your heart is not bent truly toward Him, you will hear four very dreaded words, “I never knew you” (Matt 7:23). The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite heart. These things He will not despise.
People continually try to throw this away, to escape their responsibility for confession of sin. Folks, how many of you would say man sins every day? How many of you would say you sin every day? How many of you, recognizing a sin, have actually stopped in your tracks, gone to God, being instant in prayer, each time and sought His forgiveness for that sin – and specifically voiced it to Him? That, folks, is a broken and contrite heart that God will not despise. I will confess to you, as soon as I wrote this, I prayed to God to forgive me my latest sins that I could remember. I am no better than you folks are; I fail too. Get right with God being instant in prayer folks. That statement in scripture is not just there to ask for things, it is there to keep your heart right with Him. That is fulfilling the letter of the law, and this fulfillment is what Jesus teaches.
This then is salvation. First, that we recognize our sinfulness and reach out to God in a broken and contrite heart. Second, that we recognize the great pain and suffering, the pattern of great blood let, and the tremendous sacrifice for sinners such as ourselves. I am awestruck every time I consider what a great God of the universe has taken upon Himself to forgive the likes of me. This perfect atonement then fulfilled all the law’s requirements for remission of sin. It also provided mankind a way, through faith and a broken and contrite (repentant) heart for salvation. Only realizing the complete sacrifice that Christ was can provide you the proper perspective in seeking His salvation.
You need to understand:
- You are a sinner and have sinned, and do sin every day.
- God is perfect, His kingdom is perfectly just.
- God requires that your sins be cleansed by the shedding of blood.
- Jesus Christ lived a perfect life unblemished by man and as the Messiah, the anointed one of God.
- He took upon Himself the sins of the world for all time.
- This one perfect sacrifice was given and accepted by God to atone for all your sins.
- You operate only in faith for salvation by believing upon Jesus for this provision of sin.
- In this your judgment will be concerning your works in the name of Christ and through Christ – not of your own.
This fulfills the law and the prophesies of the Old Testament. Never take this sacrifice for granted and flippantly, arrogantly, proudly say in any way, “Jesus died for my sins; I don’t have to ask for forgiveness any more.” Ladies and gentlemen, the fact that you know the perfection that God demands and the provision for that perfection should drive you to your knees, thanking Him and begging His forgiveness with a broken and contrite heart that God will not despise. This is because you know the law, the letter of the law and the tenor of the law.
Whether it is salvation, or judgment; whether it is prophecy, or history; or whether it is personal, or governmental– if it is in scripture it will be completed to the very letter. Every “i” will be dotted, and every “t” will be crossed.
We looked at the law today, and yes, we concentrated on the judgment in the law. I endeavored to do this because scripture says, “(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Rom 5:13). Moreover, in Romans 7:7 – “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Finally, in Romans 8:3 and 4 we find,
“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Therefore, I talked about the Law today and the condemnation of the soul in the law. The purpose of the law is to provide the guidepost that instructs the soul about its iniquity. The soul that knows its conviction can seek a remedy. There are many people who do not want to hear about judgment, about condemnation, about the punishment of the wicked. I hear them say all the time, “Why do you preachers have to brow beat people into submission with your ‘you’re all going to Hell’ talk?” Because the scripture plainly says that everyone has already earned that, you just need to know where you stand with God. That is my job, and people who do not preach the truth of judgment are false teachers, coloring the truth with rose colored glasses.
Once convicted, that soul then can make a decision on remedying their sinful condition or ignoring it. You are sinners, you will be judged. Jesus is the judge and the primary focus of judgment in scripture; He either judges, or relieves us of judgment in our sins. Now – you have one of two choices. You can reject the judgment of God and say, essentially, “I will never be caught.” Alternatively, you can face the fact that no one will elude God, and you need a Savior. Your choice folks – I have already chosen. Just consider this scripture before you make your decision:
“Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.”Jeremiah 6:19
God will bring upon you judgment because you reject Him and His law. If you are not convicted, consider yourself warned.
[1] Kenneth S. Kantzer and Carl F.H. Henry, eds., Evangelical Affirmations (Grand Rapids: Zondervon Pub, 1989), 36.
[2] D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, One-volume edition (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976), 167.
