Malcolm Webber

The Christian and the Law Malcolm Webber

The law has a central place in the Scriptures. Consider the words of Jesus: 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. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matt. 5:17-18) Jesus did not denigrate the law; He commended it! Paul also praised the law (e.g., Rom. 7:12, 16). Other than matters directly relating to Jesus Christ Himself, few topics receive more extensive treatment by Paul than does the law. Thus, to misunderstand or neglect the law is to misunderstand or neglect a large portion of the Word of God. A systematic study of the law may seem to be dry and academic. In reality, such a study is enormously interesting with profound practical consequences. Paul labored over this subject so that the church could have a clear understanding of the nature both of the law and of the Christian's relationship to the law. Unfortunately, in today's church there is more confusion on the matter than comprehension. Our hope is that this small book will bring light and clarity to the vital issue of the Christian's relationship to the law.